December 8, 2010 In animated video, art, children's books, communication, creativity, design, illustration, inspiration, presentation By Patricia Saxton

A Conspiracy of Mermaids, Art, Music and a Toy

If you recall the “sneak peeks” I posted a while back, your wait is over. Here’s a special something I’ve been conjuring up for the holidays!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ0fB0wJ1U4

For those interested, this video was created with hand-drawings, animated in PowerPoint. I wanted to push the boundaries of what most people think PowerPoint can and can’t do. In that sense alone, I feel a mission was accomplished. But I also wanted to have some fun with it…. which I did!

The vision for the video came to me after it was clear that no one wanted their children to be filmed in a piece that would be shown on YouTube. That was disappointing, since kids really engage with this game and it would have been great to capture their enthusiasm. But, as someone, somewhere, once said, “inside every cloud is a silver lining”. This one came in the form of a happy idea.

And so, this is what happened when an idea + illustrations + PowerPoint + some good music became a video!

Special thanks to composer/musician David Santucci for lending his remarkable talent to this piece. A gifted artist and overall nice guy whose work will soon be available in high-def quality on iTunes; it was a delightful collaboration.

Now I hope you’ll go on over to Amazon and buy the Magnetic Mermaid Dress-Up toy and make some kids very happy this holiday! :  )

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November 10, 2010 In art, children's books, design, illustration, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Sneak Peek of a Secret Project …

My muse is hard at work, sliding with a vengeance into all available slivers of time. (When is a girl to sleep, I ask?)  This time it’s something kind of new for me … and it’s making me smile, despite a crazy schedule, some sleep deprivation and probably too much tea and chocolate. (Wait ~ there can’t be too much tea or chocolate. What was I thinking?)

But I will say no more (because, after all, it’s a secret) and just cut to the sneak peek. Hope it makes you smile too. :  )

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November 6, 2010 In art, business, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

Work That Gives

My parents always told me there was great satisfaction in a job well done. May seem corny, but it’s true. And it’s one of the things I like best about my work …  it’s satisfying to interpret and conceptualize a broad range of messages. I like to call it giving things a “visual voice”.

No two voices are the same; each has something distinctly their own ~ and to hear, discover and express that in its most dynamic way is really kinda neat.

Naturally, it’s also satisfying when the work is appreciated. (Who doesn’t like a kind word?) Clients are happy, you’re happy. It’s good for their business, it’s good for you. A “job well done.”

Sometimes though, the work achieves more measurable, tangible benefits ~ and when that happens, it’s that much more meaningful all around. The small piece of art below is one of those.

Commissioned specifically as a fund-raising effort for my alma mater, Wittenberg University, I was pleased to learn that this hymnal bookplate raised more than double the intended financial goal, attracted a high percentage of new donors and brought valuable support to other campus needs above and beyond the original effort.

This is truly “work that gives”.  And somehow that’s doubly satisfying.


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October 28, 2010 In creativity, design, inspiration, presentation, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Fun, REALLY Fun, Pumpkins

As if ghouls, goblins and wads of candy weren’t enough, Halloween just got a whole lot more fun.

This is the 15th year of an annual pumpkin carving contest held by Duarte Design, and boy are these carvings great!  What a treat. You can even vote for your favorite. (but hurry, voting ends the afternoon of 10/29.)

These are so much fun, I’m thinking I might start my own contest next year. So, you’ve been fairly warned, with plenty of time to think about what you’d like to do ~ and here’s some fantastic inspiration to whet your creative spirits!

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October 11, 2010 In branding, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: It Isn't Just Pink

It’s an honor to be working with one of the country’s foremost physicians making great strides with many of today’s most prominent health issues. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, based in Cleveland, Ohio (be proud, Ohio) is a uniquely strong, positive voice in the medical community ~ and with this month’s spotlight on breast health, it’s both timely and appropriate to acknowledge Dr. Tenpenny’s leadership in breast health treatment.

Utilizing the safest and most effective methods, earlier detection is achieved ~ painlessly and without radiation. I encourage all women in driving distance to make an appointment to visit her clinic in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Phone # 440-239-3438.

My role with Dr. Tenpenny has been all about branding. For her breast health clinics in particular (and in light of the fact that Tenpenny’s testing is fairly revolutionary), a main goal was to eliminate the intimidation associated with breast cancer screening. To that end, enter the IRBI girl. She is *every girl*, she is fun, she is strong. She stands for Infra-Red Breast Imaging, and I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of this smart gal.

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October 4, 2010 In branding, creativity, design, graphic design By Patricia Saxton

What I Do When Not Painting The Sky, Swimming With Mermaids, Spotting Fairies and Dragons, Making Peace Signs or Devouring Hot Fudge Sundaes

In other words, how I keep food on the table and a roof overhead.

You can always see a full portfolio at saxtonstudio.com, but thought I’d share a sampling of some recent design projects. They range from branding & identity to powerpoint presentations, graphic murals to event themes, book covers to websites.



Got a project that needs to shine? Visit saxtonstudio.com and call us or send an email!
All art copyright © Saxton Studio and client trademarked.
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September 1, 2010 In art, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

"52 Weeks of Peace" Full Circle

It’s official now ~ we’ve come full circle from September 1 2009 to September 1 2010. And while all 52 Weeks have been posted, something didn’t quite work out with the math (which could explain why I’m in the arts and not a mathematician?). So here’s the bonus week as promised (and created with joy by my lovely daughter I have to say!). Besides, it’s only fitting to end, as begun, on my birthday.

And here are my wishes this year ~  That thought by thought, action by action, this nutty, misguided, confusing, troubled, hopeful, amazing, strange and beautiful world may become a better place for our dreams to thrive. That we all choose to participate in the unfolding of what brings us our own individual peace. That we take a bite of something good and make a delicious offering of that something to ourselves, our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers….  That we uplift and respect and care and appreciate. That we smile on one another more.  Imagine the peace that would bring! … and if it only brings peace to a few, know that within those few, the circle has already widened.

Sweet peace to all ~


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August 23, 2010 In art, communication, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

Week 52: "52 Weeks of Peace"

As the “52 Weeks of Peace” series comes to its inevitable end, it’s my hope that the spirit of mindful peace will carry on long after the last posting. I hope you’ll find peace in unexpected places ~ and nurture its presence. I hope you’ll seek it, recognize it, allow it, and share it. There’s great power there… beginning with you, me, our families and friends. It doesn’t have to be a movement you join; more importantly, it’s a movement you feel within.

Here’s to planting, growing and tending gardens of peace ~ within ourselves as well as “out there”.

Thanks for sharing this journey together. Cheers all!

PS: Because the series started on September 1st, there will be a “bonus” posting next week.

PSS: Remember, all 52 Weeks are posted here!

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