2012 The Year of the Water Dragon January 13, 2012 17:20

Happy New Year -- again! January 23rd marks the start of the Lunar New Year as well as the Year of the Dragon (specifically the Water Dragon). This has always been one of my favorite holidays of the year as it always brings back fond childhood memories of fresh cut flowers at home, lucky red envelopes filled with cash, big family dinners, and vibrant festivals with lion dancing and firecrackers. My cultural heritage has always been a great source of inspiration for me. The very first card line I launched when I started Wanart featured my Zodiac Zoo designs which was a simpler, more stylized version of the zodiac animals and they are still one of my best-selling today. The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs that include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Sheep (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Apparently, everything is magnified in a Dragon year, there will be spectacular successes as well as crash-and-burn failures. Also, as water does not have a definite shape and it represents flow, movement, and fluidity, this will be a year of changes, adjustments, new directions, and unexpected turn of events. This is the year to try new things but be sure to tread carefully and prepare for the unexpected! According to Chinese tradition, a person’s birth sign has a profound influence on personality and destiny. For those expecting little Dragon babies, those born under this sign are said to be driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. They are very strong-willed and have tempers that can flare fast. Because Dragons prefer leading to being led, they have the potential for accomplishing many great things. For that perfect Year of the Dragon new baby gift - be sure to check out our Dragon onesies and onesie/bib sets. May the Year of the Dragon bring good fortune to you all! Wishing you all the happiest of New Years! xo joyce

Happy New Year and 2011 Recap January 4, 2012 02:04 2 Comments

Wow, 2011 was an AMAZING year! So many things have happened this past year for which I am beyond-words-grateful. The year also ended with a surprising bang as I was presented with a new book contract (more info below)! Some highlights:
♥ New Mobile Apps I was able to combine my two passions — art and technology — with the release of Kiwi and Pear's World Adventure, an interactive storybook app, and Kiwi and Pear's Balloon Adventure game for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. With over 25,000 downloads combined to date - I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to spread love, hugs, and happiness all over the world! ♥ New Licensing Partnerships Collaborating with amazing companies such as Badge Bomb has enabled me to focus a little more on what I love to do most which is illustration and design! Also, I still get a kick out of running into products with my designs on them in stores! Look out for some of these cool new items in 2012:

♥ New Books Published The release of my two latest books You Are My Cupcake and We Belong Together published by Cartwheel / Scholastic.



♥ Book Launch Celebration All my family, friends, and colleagues in one room to celebrate the release of my new books with me — and with tasty cupcakes! What more is there to say?

♥ Last-Minute Hawaiian Getaway This trip reminded me that we all need to take a break from work and do something fun, out-of-the-ordinary, and spontaneous sometimes. As I gazed in awe at a full rainbow that I spotted in the middle of a field while driving around the Hawaiian countryside (after having made my friend pull over on the side of the road so that I could take pictures!), it also reminded me that we should never lose touch with our childlike sense of wonder. ♥ Teaching Continuing Education Courses at The School of Visual Arts, NYC Having taken these very SVA continuing education courses and now, seven years later, teaching them myself has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have found great joy in helping people take their creative pursuits to the next level, and hopefully, providing them with as enriching of an experience as continuing education courses has provided me over the years. For those of you in the New York area, make good on some of those New Year's resolutions and register for my 2012 Spring Semester course on Greeting Card Design or Art Licensing!

♥ 2011 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show One of my new books We Belong Together was 1 of 150 books selected out of 600 entries nationwide to be featured in the Society of Illustrators 2011 Original Art Show, an exhibit which showcases the year’s best children’s books. Not only was it my first time having a piece of my professional work hanging in a gallery but to be featured alongside artists, whose books I loved as a child and still idolize today, was a dream come true. ♥ New Book Contract Just days before the Christmas holiday (when I thought everybody had gone on vacation already — mental or otherwise), I received wonderful news from my rock star literary agent Teresa Kietlinski of Prospect Agency that she had finalized the contract for me to illustrate SLEEPYHEADS, by Sandra Howatt, a cozy bedtime book about all the places baby animals rest their sleepy heads to be published by Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster! What a way to close out a year! Thank you to all of my dear family, friends, and fans for your inspiration and support. I wish you all the very best in 2012 and am very excited to share a brand new year with you. Let me know, what were some of the best things that happened to you in 2011? xoxo-joyce

Original Art Show Opening Reception October 29, 2011 19:12 5 Comments

My book We Belong Together was 1 of 150 books recently selected out of 650 entries nationwide to be featured in the Society of Illustrators 2011 Original Art Show, an exhibit which showcases the year’s best children’s books. Here's a link to more information about the show including the complete list of all the illustrators and titles that are featured. The show had its opening reception on October 27, 2011. I have attended this show twice before in 2009 and 2010. I will never forget when I met Eric Carle last year here where he received his lifetime achievement award from the Society of Illustrators! The reception was a madhouse - two floors, filled wall to wall, with people and art! Part of the fun was trying to locate my piece on the walls and there it is! Scholastic chose the last spread from the book to be featured in the show. It was so exciting and a bit surreal to see it on the wall! My book might have actually also been the only board book in the entire show! Out of the 150 books chosen to be included in the show, three were awarded medals-one Gold and two Silver-for best in show. There was an awards ceremony to recognize these winners. Here is Lane Smith accepting one of the Silver medals for his latest book Grandpa Green. That's Kadir Nelson's head in the foreground (that's how crowded it was LOL)! He received the other Silver medal for his book Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. The Gold medal went to Rosalyn Schanzer for her book Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem. The exciting evening was capped off by a wonderful dinner, hosted by Scholastic, at Park Avenue Autumn with Lori Benton, VP and Publisher; David Saylor, VP and creative director; my editor, Jeff Salane, along with other Scholastic editors and designers and three other artists, Leonid Gore, Stephen Savage, and David Ercolini, who also had books published by Scholastic in the show. When we sat down at the table for dinner each of us were presented with a menu that read: "Scholastic Congratulates the Artists in the Original Art Show 2011". How nice is that? Speaking of interesting food combinations, here is one of Park Avenue Autumn's signature dishes - Broccoli with Cheetos! I actually found a video online of the chef at Park Avenue Autumn giving a demonstration on making this dish! What an amazing and inspiring evening and definitely one of the highlights of my life! If you are in the New York area, or will be, I urge all of you to check out the Original Art Show which runs until December 29, 2011. The show gives you such a rare opportunity to take a close look at some of the beautiful work being produced by some of today's best illustrators. The Society of Illustrators 128 East 63rd Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues) Tel: (212) 838-2560 Gallery Hours: 10 AM– 8 PM Tuesday 10 AM– 5 PM Wednesday - Friday 12 noon– 4 PM Saturday Closed most holidays xo-joyce

Now LIVE on iTunes! October 16, 2011 15:24

We are pleased to announce the release of Kiwi and Pear's Balloon Adventure App for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad - our latest collaboration with the wonderful people at New York-based independent iPhone and Casual Games development studio Zephyr Games. Kiwi and Pear’s Balloon Adventure is a fun and fast paced arcade game that allows you to join Kiwi and Pear as they explore the skies in their balloon. Using the tilt feature on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad, help Kiwi and Pear avoid obstacles such as angry thunder clouds and pickup points, hearts, and speed boosts as they fly up into the stratosphere. Complete game center integration with leaderboards and achievements, and 4 different zones to explore during your adventure into the skies! Become an aerial explorer, flying through the skies and racking up the highest score you can! Available on iTunes now for only $0.99. Download the game, rate the app, and be sure to leave a comment! We need each and every iTunes review and positive comment we can get! Thank you! ^_^ View the trailer below:

 

Give-Away Time! October 12, 2011 14:30 5 Comments

To celebrate the recent release of WE BELONG TOGETHER I'm giving away not one but two books! Leave a comment below this post or on the Wanart facebook page post regarding this give-away telling us your favorite food combination (the odder the better). I'll have to admit my favorite at the moment is Spam with scrambled eggs over white rice. I just got back from Hawaii and that is a local specialty. You could find Spam EVERYWHERE - even at McDonalds! One lucky winner will be picked at random on Wednesday, October 19th at 12pm EST to receive signed copies of both YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE and WE BELONG TOGETHER (along with some surprise goodies)! GOOD LUCK! xoxo ***UPDATE*** CoNgRaTuLaTiOns Carter Higgins for winning the contest via random drawing! I will be contacting you soon for details! Thanks for entering everyone! Stay tuned for more give-aways.....xoxo

BOOK LAUNCH! September 23, 2011 14:47 2 Comments

Here are some pictures from my book launch celebration on September 17, 2011 for YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE and WE BELONG TOGETHER. It was a beautiful event and I was overwhelmed by the turnout. It was held at the Magnolia Bakery on Columbus Avenue in New York City. What an amazing day! A book launch for a book called YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE is not complete without, of course, cupcakes! And for WE BELONG TOGETHER, heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made by yours truly! Decorate me! Fun for kids and the kid in all of us! Download your very own cupcake coloring sheet here! Super star editors! So many cupcakes! This little girl ran right up to my dress and grabbed the fabric! TOO CUTE! I am so grateful for all the support from family and friends! :) To wish them luck, let us make a toast to YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE and WE BELONG TOGETHER. May the books have wondrous success as they make their way into people's homes, schools, and libraries. Strengthening the bond between parent and child and enabling the wee-est of humans, those that can't even read yet, experience the joy of books! CHEERS! xoxo Joyce

Kiwi and Pear's Balloon Adventure App - NOW LIVE on iTunes! September 15, 2011 01:00

I am pleased to announce the release of Kiwi and Pear's Balloon Adventure App for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad - our latest collaboration with the wonderful people at New York-based independent iPhone and Casual Games development studio Zephyr Games.

 

Kiwi and Pear’s Balloon Adventure is a fun and fast paced arcade game that allows you to join Kiwi and Pear as they explore the skies in their balloon. Using the tilt feature on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad, help Kiwi and Pear avoid obstacles such as angry thunder clouds and pickup points, hearts, and speed boosts as they fly up into the stratosphere. Complete game center integration with leaderboards and achievements, and 4 different zones to explore during your adventure into the skies!

 

Become an aerial explorer, flying through the skies and racking up the highest score you can! Available on iTunes now for only $0.99.

 

Download the game, rate the app, and leave a comment! We need each and every iTunes review and positive comment we can get! The more ratings we get in iTunes the higher the game will place! Thank you for your continued support! ^_^

 

View the trailer below:

 

Checkout more screen shots below:

 

 

 

 

xoxo Joyce

 

New York International Gift Fair: August 14–18, 2011 September 5, 2011 21:32 1 Comment

Please bare with me as I'm still catching up from all that's happened in the last several weeks. Barely a week back from the SCBWI LA Conference and I had to jump right into final preparations for the New York International Gift Fair!

 

The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) is a trade show that is produced twice annually by GLM Shows and is open to the trade only (people involved in gift-related businesses including buyers, press, sales reps, wholesalers, importers, exporters, and distributors). Held in January and August in New York City, the Fair hosts 2,800 exhibiting companies showcasing the very best lines across the home, lifestyle and gift spectrum and attracts 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 85 countries.

 

I've been exhibiting at NYIGF for about 5 years now and have met many of my customers and even my first publisher Blue Apple Books at this show. Setting up the booth for a show is a tedious process but it's fun and rewarding to see everything put together when it's all done!

 

It took us a record-breaking 8 hours to set up the booth!

 

Voila!! The Wanart booth at the New York International Gift Show Summer 2011. The fabric on the sides of the booth are custom-made curtains from RoseBrand. The backdrop is a vinyl banner from Echod Graphics. The wood-like foam flooring is from Soft and Safe Floors. The display shelves on the sides which I painted to match my furniture are from Clear Solutions.

 

 

 

What a whirlwind summer! With teaching the two SVA continuing ed classes, the SCBWI Conference, the new book releases, and the New York Gift Fair past me, for the first time in a couple of months I feel like I can breathe. Now it's time to switch back into creative mode and dive back into some new book ideas - can you believe it's September already!? @_@

 

xoxo - joyce

 

SCBWI LA Conference: August 5-8, 2011 September 2, 2011 00:32

A little late on this recap but I just had to share! Right after my first picture book Greetings from Kiwi and Pear came out in 2009 I joined the Society Of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators to absorb as much as I could about the craft of writing/illustrating children's books and about the publishing world.

 

Every year SCBWI hosts a summer conference in Los Angeles. The conference is described as "4 days of agents, editors, publishers, workshops and networking designed to take your writing and illustration to the next level." I attended for the first time last year and left feeling so energized and inspired, I was hooked! This year was special as it was their 40th Anniversary with a star-studded lineup of keynote speakers like Judy Blume, David Small, Bruce Coville, Jerry Pinkney, Laurie Halse Anderson, Libba Bray, Norton Juster, Gary Paulsen and more. I left this conference feeling not just a creative spark but a fire burning in my heart and mind. Some pictures from the conference:

 

The conference was held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California

 

My lovely and talented roomies and authors Kat Yeh and Dianne de Las Casas arriving at the SCBWI Conference. (photo courtesy of Dianne de las Casas)

 

The main ballroom where we would listen to the keynote speakers in between breakout sessions. This year there was a record-breaking 1350 attendees from every state but one (South Dakotans where are you?) and from all over the world!

 

One of the highlights of the conference and maybe of my life. JUDY BLUME! She got a standing ovation just for taking the stage. Some Judy quotes: "It is determination as much as any kind of talent that’s going to get you there." and “I want a tombstone that says, ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Judy.’ ” This lady is SO darn sassy - LOVE HER!

 

Some of the most memorable moments of the conference happened after hours in the hotel lobby where I chatted with new and old friends into the wee hours of the night. One aspect of the conference I cherish the most is all the love, friendship, and support that is exchanged amongst fellow authors and illustrators. author/illustrator Ben Hilts, Kat Yeh, author/illustrator Sean Hilts, Joyce Wan, and Dianne de las Casas

 

Diane de las Casas, artist/illustrator E. B Lewis, Joyce Wan, and author Cheri Williams A late night quote from E.B. Lewis "It's not about what you can do for yourself but can you do for the world." He is such a cool guy!

 

Joyce Wan and author/illustrator Marla Frazee. Let me tell ya, this is one funny lady.

 

Joyce Wan and author/illustrator Dan Santat This guy can draw sketches like NOBODY'S business!

 

Every year there's also a themed dance party. This year's theme: Pajama Party! Oh, what fun we all had. Joyce Wan and Kat Yeh who was rocking her middle-grade-boy-with-headgear-and-WWF-tshirt look. HILARIOUS!

 

Joyce Wan and author Jay Asher. LOVED his Ralphie pj's from A Christmas Story.

 

Overall, what an amazing, unforgettable time. I'm already looking forward to next year. Happy 40th SCBWI! The dessert from the Golden Kite Luncheon

 

It's Out! September 1, 2011 00:30

Because some things are just better together.

 

An ode to all the pairs that go together as perfectly as a parent and their child, this WE BELONG TOGETHER is the perfect companion and follow-up title to YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE.

 

With a bright palette, irresistible art, and spot gloss and embossing on every spread, this is a surprising and imaginative way to show the special bond between parent and child!

 

Selected for the 2011 Society Of Illustrators Original Art Show, an annual exhibit which showcases the year’s best children’s books.

 

 

Society Of Illustrators Original Art Show 2011 August 28, 2011 01:16

We are please to announce that We Belong Together by Wanart Founder Joyce Wan was 1 of 122 books selected out of 650 entries nationwide to be featured in the 2011 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show! The show will include works from such highly esteemed illustrators in the world of children's books as William Joyce, Dan Santat, Kadir Nelson, Peter Brown, Eric Carle, Tomie DePaola, Loren Long, Maurice Sendak, Mo Willems, Lane Smith and more! Here's a link to more info about the show including a link to the complete list of all the illustrators and titles that will be featured!

Wanart at the New York International Gift Fair August 13, 2011 23:53

Visit us at the New York International Gift Fair in Booth #2547 from Sunday, August 14 - Thursday, August 18. Come see what's new!

OMG August 11, 2011 15:17

What an incredible weekend. I just back from the SCBWI conference in LA and I have so much inspiring stuff to share but I am literally in the midst of final preparations for the New York International Gift Show which starts THIS Sunday! I'll have to save the recaps for later but, I have some exciting news that I just can't wait to share with you all!

 

I just found out yesterday that my soon-to-be-released book We Belong Together was 1 of 121 books selected out of 650 entries nationwide to be featured in the 2011 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show! The list is so impressive this year and includes such highly esteemed illustrators in the world of children's books as William Joyce, Dan Santat, Kadir Nelson, Peter Brown, Eric Carle, Tomie DePaola, Loren Long, Maurice Sendak, Mo Willems, Lane Smith and more! I still can't believe I will be featured alongside artists whose books I loved as a child and still totally idolize today! I almost feel like I don't deserve such an honor!

 

Here's a link to more info about the show. The page also contains a link to a complete list of all the illustrators and titles that will be featured!

 

All I can say is OMG...@_@

 

 

Wish me luck at the show! I'll will be in booth #2547 if you'll be there! xoxo

 

It's. Here. August 1, 2011 12:15 4 Comments

The day I have been waiting for, for over a year, has finally arrived.

 

 

The first of two board books YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE published through Scholastic/Cartwheel is OFFICIALLY out! I wish I could just sit back and bask in the glory of my new book release but I am drowning in prep for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference in Los Angeles that I am leaving for in 3 days AND I'll be exhibiting at the New York International Gift Fair for my stationery/gift business Wanart right after I get back. My mind has been swirling with SCBWI/NYIGF madness!

 

It can take about 18 months or more for a book to go from concept sketches to store shelf. Here are pictures I took of the packages I created and sent out to 8 different publishers (this was before I started working with my wonderful agent Teresa Kietlinksi of Prospect Agency) when I was pitching the idea for this book back in November of 2009! The idea for the book was inspired by a line of New Baby cards I designed for Wanart featuring images of foods that are often used as terms of endearment. The packages contained a cover letter, my bio, a Wanart catalog, a book dummy, and a manuscript page.

 

 

 

I once read that not more than perhaps 1-2% of the material submitted to a slush pile (unsolicited) gets published. But like the NY Lottery slogan goes You Gotta Play to Win and sometimes pitching books can feel like you're playing the lotto! LOL It only took about a week to hear back from my publisher and than another 6 agonizing months after that until it was formally acquired! I'm not sure how I got so lucky but not only did the book concepts get picked up but it ended up being by Scholastic/Cartwheel where I got to work with the most AMAZING creative team ever. They took my vision for the books and pushed it even further producing results that are cuter than I could have ever imagined! I want to thank them for helping me create such a beautiful set of books that I am really proud of.

 

Stay tuned for the release of the companion book WE BELONG TOGETHER which will be out in September.

 

 

Thanks to everyone who's been supporting and encouraging me all these years - I couldn't have done with without you. Lots of love!

 

xoxo Joyce

 

Sneak Peek... July 19, 2011 11:56

A sneak peek at "You Are My Cupcake" - the latest book by Wanart founder Joyce Wan, published by Scholastic/Cartwheel. A scrumptious board book, filled with sweet terms of endearment. This bite-sized board book is an ode to all the names we call our children: cutie pie, sweet pea, peanut, pumpkin. With a candy-colored palette and irresistible art, this is the perfect baby shower gift or a nice little treat for your very own sweetheart! Available August 1, 2011 wherever books are sold. You may also find it here on amazon.com.

Sneak peek! July 13, 2011 12:29 2 Comments

Coming soon...

 

 

 

Get yours now!

 

Also coming this Fall:

An inspirational weekend - my NJ-SCBWI conference recap June 13, 2011 15:44

Last weekend I attended an amazing children's book writers and illustrators conference at the Wyndham Princeton Forrestal Hotel and Conference Center in Princeton, New Jersey hosted by the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators.

 

 

It was a fabulous weekend full of workshops, networking functions, inspirational keynote speeches as well as one-to-one manuscript and portfolio critiques from an impressive list of some of the top editors, art directors, and agents in the country. Kathy Temean, Laurie Wallmark and Leeza Hernandez, who are also authors themselves, are an extraordinary team who work tirelessly to put together one of the best conferences of this kind in the country and this year with the help of over 60 volunteers! This conference and the SCBWI organization as a whole has launched the career of a few authors I personally know. I highly recommend this conference to anyone who is looking to explore the field, refine their craft or even just to meet new friends who share the same passions and aspirations.

 

One of the highlights of the conference was being surrounded by so many talented and creative people such as these two very talented ladies Lynne Marie (far left), author of "Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten", and Grace Lin (far right), author of the 2010 Newbury Honor book "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" as well as over a dozen other children's books.

 

 

Grace Lin was also this year's keynote speaker. It was so inspiring and exciting for me to see an Asian-American woman author/illustrator headline a conference. I was so happy I finally got to meet her in person as I have always admired her work from afar. Our paths have crossed indirectly many times over the years as I started Wanart designing Asian-inspired cards and gifts and she has written and illustrated many childrens books also with Asian-inspired themes. She shared with us her experiences of finding her own voice in her work and her feelings of being labeled a multi-cultural author. She reminded us all to create art from our heart and not for praise or approval and that art rooted in universal truth will connect with an audience that transcends age, race, and culture.

 

You GO girl!

 

I had a chance to show off a new piece at an art show for illustrators.

 

 

I even got to sign copies of "Greetings from Kiwi and Pear" during a book signing hour and offered people a sneak peek of my new book "You Are My Cupcake" that is set to be released in less than two months! @_@ I sat next to the talented Kat Yeh, author of "You're Lovable To Me" and the recent "The Magic Paintbrush". Because of our last names, we always get to sit next to each other at these SCBWI book signing events which is always such great fun!

 

 

As I float back down to earth after such a whirlwind weekend - I feel more motivated and inspired than ever. I also realized as the New York Gift Fair draws near, I really need to find a better way to balance developing new book ideas with my duties of running and creating new stuff for Wanart. Did I mention the summer classes I'm teaching on the business of greeting card design and art licensing at the School of Visual Arts also started last week?! Am I crazy? No, just very, very passionate...I LIVE for this stuff!

 

love, hugs, and happiness, joyce

 

Winners & National Stationery Show 2011 May 23, 2011 13:32

A quick announcement in case you missed it on our Wanart Facebook Page, the 3 winners of the Kiwi and Pear button set were: Claire Pan, Reni Sumpter and Sky Rowan! Thanks to all those who entered - you guys are awesome! Don't worry if you didn't win - I am planning to have more contests soon! :D

 

Last week the National Stationary Show was in town! I chose not to exhibit this year (see me at New York Gift Show in August instead!) as I am trying to channel some of my creative energy into books right now but that show in particular has a special place in my heart because it is where I launched my company Wanart back in 2003 and exhibited for 6 years! The National Stationery Show was eye candy central with so many gorgeous designs, products, and booths. The Javits Center was bursting at the seams with creativity!

 

The conference opened with keynote speaker Seth Godin, best-selling author of 13+ books, marketing entrepreneur and 'agent-of-change'. His book Purple Cow was one of the first books I read when I started Wanart and it changed the way I thought about business and everything I do really - I've been hooked ever since. A few "Sethisms" he stressed during his talk: * Art = solving a problem in a new way. * Make something worth talking about. * Ideas that spread, win... I love that guy!

 

To leave you with some eye candy, this year the National Stationery Show, in partnership with retailer Kate's Paperie, presented the exhibit "Paper Runway" a collection of one-of-a-kind paper dresses and accessories (made completely out of paper products—gift wrap, ribbons, and greeting cards) created by some of today's cutting-edge fashion designers such as Lela Rose, Susan Woo, and Yeohlee along with visual merchandising and design students from New York City's LIM College. Here were some of my favorites!

 

 

 

 

GORGEOUS huh??? I WANT those dresses - who cares if they aren't practical in the rain! ;)

 

As always - love, hugs, and happiness!

 

xoxo, Joyce

 

New Kiwi and Pear Button Set and Contest! May 5, 2011 13:54 24 Comments

Just released! Brand new Kiwi and Pear 4-pack pinback button set, produced by the amazing people at Badge Bomb for one of my favorite stores on the web ModCloth! Button set features a cute penguin, panda, ice cream, and cupcake combo!

 

Get them now HERE! You can also try entering our contest - scroll down for details! To celebrate we are giving away a set to not one but THREE lucky winners chosen at by random drawing.

 

Here's what you have to do to enter the contest. Do ONE or BOTH of the following - if you do BOTH I will enter you into the contest TWICE which means a better chance to win!

 

1. Leave a reply on this post naming your favorite animal AND dessert!

 

2. LIKE our Wanart Facebook page. (If you already LIKED our Facebook page previously, let me know who you are when you post your reply below)

 

Enter by 12PM EST on Friday, May 13, 2011 - at that time the drawing will take place and the winners be announced! GOOD LUCK!

 

xoxo - Joyce

 

Wanart Featured on Intuit's Website April 15, 2011 21:26

I was thrilled when the nice folks at Intuit (developers of financial and tax prep software such as Quickbooks, Quicken and TurboTax) contacted me and asked if I’d like to be featured in an article on their website.

 

I have been using their accounting software Quickbooks since I started Wanart years ago and am a big fan of their new GoPayment app that lets me charge credit cards on my iPhone at street fairs and book signings. I have to admit, dealing with financials isn’t the most exciting part of business, or even one of my strengths for that matter, but keeping proper accounting records and financial statements is probably one of the most important things a business owner can do. Thanks Intuit for the nice write-up! xoxo

 

Yay! Kiwi and Pear Fan Art! April 15, 2011 01:02

I LOVE getting art from Kiwi and Pear fans. This one comes from the SUPER talented 6-year-old Kayla in Long Island, New York. She designed an entire Kiwi and Pear toy playset. Now, how freakin' AWESOME is this?!

 

My favorite is the Picnic or Italy set. Notice the cute little slices of pizza? Looks like it would be so much fun! I wanna PLAY!

 

Summer Courses at SVA Taught by Joyce Wan April 7, 2011 13:07 1 Comment

Take your creative pursuits to the next level this summer in courses at the School of Visual Arts in New York City! Wanart founder, author and illustrator Joyce Wan will be teaching two courses this summer at SVA's Continuing Education program. One course is on the business of greeting card design, the other course is on art licensing basics. More information about the courses can be found on her blog.

Rev Up Your Creative/Art Business Mojo! April 7, 2011 12:55

Learn how you can take your creative pursuits to the next level this summer in courses at the School of Visual Arts! I am excited to be teaching two courses this summer at SVA's Continuing Education program. One course is on the business of greeting card design, the other course is on art licensing basics. Here are the links to the classes:

 

Greeting Card Design Tuesdays Jun 7 – Aug 9 This class is called Greeting Card Design but it really is about much more than that – it’s a great class for those of you who want to focus on producing and marketing actual products for sale.

 

Art Licensing Wednesdays Jun 15 – Aug 3 This class is great for those of you who want to develop/fine-tune your art brand and create presentations for licensing/publishing.

 

Having taken Cheryl Phelps’ class seven years ago when I first started my business in addition to a few other SVA courses over the past several years, I believe in the value of continuing education and have experienced first-hand how it can, indeed, enrich one’s life!

 

xoxo Joyce

 

Happy Valentine's Day! February 14, 2011 16:39

Today is the perfect day to send that special someone a kiwi and pear e-card. New designs just added!

Wishing you all a beautiful day full of love and laughs!
xoxo, Joyce