"Animals In My Hair" Original Painting Draw Winner!

Update January 15, 2015

And the winner is:

DORIS BROCKE!!!

Congratulations! Thank you all for participating and for purchasing "Animals In My Hair." Feel free to let me know what you think of the book on Amazon and Goodreads.

Cheers!

M

----------------------

Hello everyone!

The votes have been cast and the winning painting will be "Pandas". :-)

Now, I will choose a winner:

http://youtu.be/LcRLo9WVULU

If you do not see the embedded video in your browser, just click on the link above.  

AND THE WINNER IS

Ticket #059060!!!

If you have misplaced your ticket, no need to worry.  I do have a list of all the tickets attached to an e-mail account.  I will look up the list and will email the winner.  As soon as I get the winner's permission, I will post the winner's name here and will let everyone know who the winner is via AIMH Mailing List.

For now, congratulations to the ticket holder #059060!

I will send you the prize after the crazy Holiday Rush shipping, so sometime in mid-January.

Thank you all for supporting me and my work.

Happy Holidays!

Mili 

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Mili Fay, a Toronto-based artist, classical animator, illustrator, writer, and singer, is an award winning graduate of Sheridan College and Art Instruction Schools.  In November of 2011 she created Mili Fay Art determined to support the world one artwork at a time.

Her latest published work is Animals In My Hair; a story about a boy who goes for his first haircut only to find endangered animals falling out of his hair.  Presented at INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair (November 14, 2014) out of 700+ submissions, Animals In My Hair, is the world’s first ever Artwork Book; a new type of picture book that seamlessly combines the best features of fine art, picture books, activity books, and educational books.

In accordance with Mili Fay Art’s vision, 30% of all profits from Animals In My Hair book and merchandise will be donated to wildlife conservation.

Join Mili Fay Art Fan Club to stay in touch with Mili Fay and to be the first to find out of her upcoming books and artworks.

Mili Fay Art: “Together we support the world one artwork at a time.”

"Animals In My Hair' ORIGINAL ART FINALISTS

This Sunday is my last event of the year at Wychwood Barns' Holiday Art Market:

This date is important, because it marks the end of the draw submission for the original painting from "Animals In My Hair".  I have requested you choose the final painting, and here are the finalists:

1. "Fox and Fan"

2. "Pandas"

3. "Ferrets"

Which of these do you like the best?  Let me know in the Comments below; 1, 2, or 3.  If I do not hear from you by the time I'm ready to pick the winner, I will make the choice myself.

I should be picking the winner early next week.  I would like to do it over Google Hangouts, if I can figure it out, then I'll post the video here.  

Wishing you all best of luck!

Mili

"ANIMALS IN MY HAIR" KINDLE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING THE LAUNCH GREAT!

For a while, we were #1 in Zoo Books, but also #1 in:

also we were #4 in:

and #237:

ENTIRE KINDLE STORE!!!

Not bad for a first book.  :-)  So, thank you for being so AMAZING!!!

You can check out the comments to see who won the trivia Art Print prizes, but here is a video of me choosing the winner of the hardcover copy of the book:

CONGRATULATIONS GIGI FLOWER!!!

Thank you again! Those of you who have not had a chance to do so, please post a short honest review on Amazon, it would mean the world to me.

If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Love,

Mili Fay

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TODAY IS THE DAY!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE KINDLE BOOK ON AMAZON!

(December 6, 2014, Pacific Time)

Welcome to the Kindle Book Launch Party!!!

I will be available from 8 am to 8 pm (EST) to answer any questions you may have. Just post your questions in the comments below.

If you would like to win a physical prize...

Today, I will be asking you a few questions of my own.  The first person to reply with the right answer WINS a Mili Fay Art Print of their choice (excluding "Horsing Around Limited Edition Print Series").  If you are a winner, feel free to explore the galleries and archive galleries on my Official Website and choose an image of your choice.  Or you can visit my online store and chose from the prints available for sale.

In addition, all the art print winners will be entered into a draw to win a hardcover copy of "Animals In My Hair"! 

Free shipping is included. :-D

(I will post a link to a YouTube video on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 of me choosing the winner.)

HINT: You may wish to download the book and watch the videos below to prepare for the questions. ;-)

Thank you so much for sharing this special day with me.  If you have a minutes, after you have read the book and have explored the free AIMH Membership included in every copy, I would love to hear what you think of my work.  It would mean a world to me if you could also post a short honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

If you wish to stay in touch, feel free to join the Mili Fay Art Fan Club.

NOW, LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!

:-) Mili

Animals In My Hair Presentation: Part 01

Mili Fay takes you through the special features that make "Animals In My Hair" different from most picture books on the market today. 

http://youtu.be/9IRqeEVDE5c

Animals In My Hair Presentation: Part 02

Mili Fay shows you the Kindle Edition of "Animals In My Hair".

http://youtu.be/AYoXhavyiMA

Animals In My Hair Presentation: Part 03

Mili Fay shows you how to access and use the AIMH Membership.

http://youtu.be/Gm47XKb64rc

STORE LINKS:

If you cannot use US or CA store to download you free copy, below are all the available store links from Amazon.

US 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1WRBJK

CA

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

AU

http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

IN

http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

JP

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

FR

http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

DE

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

ES

http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

IT

http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

NL

http://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B00P1WRBJK

BR

https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00P1WRBJK

MX

https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B00P1WRBJK

-----------------------------------------

Mili Fay, a Toronto-based artist, classical animator, illustrator, writer, and singer, is an award winning graduate of Sheridan College and Art Instruction Schools.  In November of 2011 she created Mili Fay Art determined to support the world one artwork at a time.

Her latest published work is Animals In My Hair; a story about a boy who goes for his first haircut only to find endangered animals falling out of his hair.  Presented at INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair (November 14, 2014) out of 700+ submissions, Animals In My Hair, is the world’s first ever Artwork Book; a new type of picture book that seamlessly combines the best features of fine art, picture books, activity books, and educational books.

In accordance with Mili Fay Art’s vision, 30% of all profits from Animals In My Hair book and merchandise will be donated to wildlife conservation.

Join Mili Fay Art Fan Club to stay in touch with Mili Fay and to be the first to find out of her upcoming books and artworks.

Mili Fay Art: “Together we support the world one artwork at a time.”

"ANIMALS IN MY HAIR" KINDLE EDITION BOOK LAUNCH!

COUNTDOWN IS OVER!

Join the celebration HERE!

-----------------------------------------

Mili Fay, a Toronto-based artist, classical animator, illustrator, writer, and singer, is an award winning graduate of Sheridan College and Art Instruction Schools.  In November of 2011 she created Mili Fay Art determined to support the world one artwork at a time.

Her latest published work is Animals In My Hair; a story about a boy who goes for his first haircut only to find endangered animals falling out of his hair.  Recently chosen for the INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair’s Programming (November 13^th – 16^th, 2014) out of 700+ submissions, Animals In My Hair, is the world’s first ever Artwork Book; a new type of picture book that seamlessly combines the best features of fine art, picture books, activity books, and educational books.  In accordance with Mili Fay Art’s vision, 30% of all profits from Animals In My Hair book and merchandise will be donated to wildlife conservation.

To find out more about Animals In My Hair, and/or to purchase the few remaining FIRST EDITION copies of the initial print run, visit: http://bit.ly/AnimalsInMyHair

Mili Fay Art: “Together we support the world one artwork at a time.”

ANIMALS IN MY HAIR ORIGINAL PAINTING DRAW

As promised, everyone who buys "Animals In My Hair" (hardcover, from Mili Fay Art) until December 14th, 2014 will be entered into a draw to win an original, watercolour painting, from Mili Fay Art's first book, "Animals In My Hair".

However, I need help deciding which painting it will be.  Therefore, I have decided to put this decision to a vote.  Which painting would YOU like to win?

Medium: Watercolour and acrylic ink on Borden and Riley's #627 Rag Drawing Paper (BEST ILLUSTRATION PAPER EVER!)

1. "Fox With The Fan" (8.25" x 11")

2. "This is the story..." (11" x 7.5")

3. "All gone, madam?" (8" x 11")

4. "Eastern Cougar" (8.25" x 11")

5. "Single Whooping Crane" (5.5" x 6")

6. "6" (8" x 11")

7. "Two Ferrets Facing Off" (11.25" x 6")

8. "Pandas" (11" x 7")

If you have trouble choosing by letting me know which painting you would like in the comments, I will make the choice for you.  The draw will take place December 15th or 16th.  You will receive the details in your AIMH Membership e-mail.

Thank you for your support and: GOOD LUCK!

Mili

-----------------------------------------

Mili Fay, a Toronto-based artist, classical animator, illustrator, writer, and singer, is an award winning graduate of Sheridan College and Art Instruction Schools.  In November of 2011 she created Mili Fay Art determined to support the world one artwork at a time.

Her latest published work is Animals In My Hair; a story about a boy who goes for his first haircut only to find endangered animals falling out of his hair.  Recently chosen for the INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair’s Programming (November 13^th – 16^th, 2014) out of 700+ submissions, Animals In My Hair, is the world’s first ever Artwork Book; a new type of picture book that seamlessly combines the best features of fine art, picture books, activity books, and educational books.  In accordance with Mili Fay Art’s vision, 30% of all profits from Animals In My Hair book and merchandise will be donated to wildlife conservation.

To find out more about Animals In My Hair, and/or to purchase the few remaining FIRST EDITION copies of the initial print run, visit: http://bit.ly/AnimalsInMyHair

Mili Fay Art: “Together we support the world one artwork at a time.”

Part 05: Mili Fay Takes On A Book Marketing Challenge

Date: May 2, 2014

Reposted From: Mili Fay: An Artist's Struggle To Success

Now that my book is published and looking perfect, my greatest struggle is getting it in front of my audience, a.k.a. MARKETING.

I'm all over the Internet, but though I connect with other authors and artists, I'm not reaching the people who want to buy my book.

How do I know who these people are?

I truly believe that everyone would love my book, but not everyone NEEDS my book. To find your audience you need to know who falls in the second category. By going to markets and fairs I have discovered that people who purchase my book have young children in their lives; they are parents, grandparents, teachers...

So, I should be targeting mommy blogs, baby and children's stores, schools... But how do I reach people without coming across as a self-serving creep?

I have no idea.

Thankfully, I have just discovered something called a Book Marketing Challenge. It begins this Monday, May 5th, so if you want to get the FREE Silver Pass and check it out: http://buildabusinesswithyourbook.com/access/aff/go/mili_fay

I have just signed up for Gold Membership so what you see above is my affiliate link.

I honestly hope it helps me out, because doing everything on my own is a tad overwhelming. ;-)

I'll blog about my experience, so if you have any questions let me know.

Cheers!

M

Part 04: Mili Fay In Trouble!

Date: April, 2013 (?)

Reposted From: Mili Fay: An Artist's Struggle To Success

The worst part about starting your own business and working on your own is that there are many things you don't know that you don't know. I am a meticulous person. I have spent years researching illustration and publishing, before deciding to publish a book on my own. I thought that I had a good grasp about business of it all, but the truth is my views were very naive.

When I first decided to publish my own book, I thought that all I needed to do is write the book, illustrate it, and then find a printer to print and bind it. Publishing in reality is much more complicated.

There are registration papers to be filed, legal licences obtained, cataloging, archiving, getting the ISBN... Many, many things, that I gratefully discovered in the book "Self Publishing in Canada: A complete guide to designing, printing and selling your book" by Suzanne Anderson.

So, after reading the book I thought, "NOW, I know it all."

I was wrong.

As I mentioned before, the trouble comes when you do not know what you do not know. It is easy to figure something that you know you are unfamiliar with; that is what research is all about. However, what do you do when you make mistakes without knowing they are mistakes?

You get in trouble, that's what.

In my case I almost illegally used a font that I had no idea I was using illegally.

The main font in my picture book is Jenkins 2.0. I had that font forever. It was in my programs in school, and I've used it occasionally for years. It is my favourite font that mimics hand-writing. It suits the style of my book perfectly. So I figured, "If I had the program then I can use the font."

Wrong!

That font is copyrighted. I had to purchase a license to use it commercially. 

I was lucky, because I stumbled on the copyright notice of the font in a friend's comic book. She used the font, and loving her comic so much, and being about to publish my own book, I decided to check out her copyright page. It was there: "Jenkins v. 2.0" by Ben Balvanz for fontalicious.com. Jenkins v. 2.0 is copyright (C) 1999 fontalicious.com.

"By Mili Fay" is written with Jenkins v. 2.0 Font

The moment I read those words I broke out in cold sweat, my stomach clenched, and I was about to hyperventilate. I saw myself being hit by lawsuits, forced to pay money I don't have, finding myself in jail, being labeled as a "jail-bird" and not being trusted with anything ever again, my fledgling career in shambles, and years of integrity washed down the messy toilet of life!

A bit dramatic?

Well, what do you expect? I am an artist. :-)

It was after I almost gave myself a heart attack, that I reminded myself that my book has not been sent to the printer. I could change the font if I could not obtain a license. It will mean more work, but I have designed fonts before, I could design a font again.

In the end, obtaining the license proved reasonable and easy enough. For my purposes a twenty dollar fee is all that it took.

However, this little episode makes me wonder what other faux pas are in store for me. How many important things are out there that I do not know and that I should know?

I tell myself, "At least one more." That thought keeps me humble. Nevertheless, I also tell myself to stop fretting about such things and to deal with issues when they arise. 

The next time I was prepared. 

A while back, I discovered that I need to do something to the barcode to have funds and taxes and other money things work the way it should. I'm not sure what I should do, but at least I have a question I can ask.

I also discovered that registering the business name, did not handle all aspects of registering a business. So, I'm going to fill out a HST form registration later today.

Life rarely works out the way you plan it should, you have to be ready for all its nasty surprises, and not fret over the past you cannot change. The one thing I have learned from all this is that life makes no sense, and follows no plan. All you can do is deal with it as it comes.

Until next time...

Mili

Part 03: Mili Fay Gets Her CIP And A Vision

Date: April 16, 2013
Reposted From: Mili Fay: An Artist's Struggle To Success

CIP or Cataloguing In Publication according to my research is a voluntary program that catalogues books nationally and internationally before they are published.  This information is distributed to librarians and bookseller.

You will often find it on the verso page, just before the title page of a book (or possibly right after).  This page is known as the copyright page, because it contains all the copyright and legal information.  The CIP looks like a bunch of mysterious codes, with author's name and birth year, ISBN number, etc.

My copyright page and title page (verso means left).

The CIP information is on the bottom left corner.

I assume librarians and booksellers need this information to figure out how to catalogue the book.  Regardless, Suzanne Anderson in her book "Self Publishing In Canada" urges us to obtain a CIP, and I have obtained a CIP.

I have no idea how it works in other countries, but in Canada you search CIP Canada in Google to reach a government site that gives you all the necessary information to register.  You will need an ISBN and you must know the price of your book before you can fill out the provided forms.  It takes 10 business days for a government CIP official to get back to you.  In my case it took longer, because of the Easter Holidays, but I have used those 10 days to improve my book.

I thought I would have to wait for some fancy paperwork, but in the end I got the information in an e-mail and was told to paste it exactly on the copyright page, without any adjustments to format, font or anything.

I have done so, and my copyright page is now complete.  (I looked through a bunch of children's books I own to figure out how to present this information as professionally as possible.  I am happy with the result. :-) )

If you have read Part 02 of my publishing adventures, you know that I have used those 10 days to create watercolour portraits for my authour's biography page and for my thank you page.

However, I also had time to have more conversations with my printer.  At one point, I misunderstood the layout designer and thought he wanted me to have 60 pages to make it easier for creating signatures (smyth sewn books are made up of "signatures" separately sewn pages (12 or 16) that are put together).  So there were two extra pages I did not initially count on.  

I do not like blank pages in books.  The verso page after a title page must be blank, but for my book, there is no reason to have other pages blank.

Instead of printing out a blank page at the end, I decided to contact wildlife conservation societies and ask them if they wanted to say something on the last page of the book; a sort of free advertising if you will.  I spoke to Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada (check them out if you haven't already--they do great work), but I mentioned that I intended to raise money to help the Toronto Zoo.  Fearing a conflict of interest they declined my offer, but kindly told me to inform them when my book was done and they will promote it on their page.  I spent days trying to contact the Toronto Zoo.

It was a fiasco.  I sent messages, left a phone message that I'm sure the poor woman on the other line needed an interpreter to understand...  Weeks passed, and there was no word.  I worried that I will have to abandon this noble idea of "free advertising" for the zoo.  Finally, they contacted me, and explained the delay was due to the arrival of VIP--Very Important Pandas--from China.  These pandas are going to be the zoo's main attraction for the following five years, and the media was too busy dealing with their arrival to spare me a thought.

However, they loved my idea of using my book to raise funds for the conservation of wildlife.  The Toronto Zoo does amazing work in reintroducing and breeding extirpated species, and they agreed to give me their statement to print at the end of the book.

So, while I was waiting for CIP I created the zoo's page as well.

More than all this, I have re-affirmed my purpose in life.

I have always liked helping others.  I've given to charities, I bought coffee-shop certificates for people begging on the street, I helped in organizing events, fundraisers...

However, I realized that I can do so much more.  With this talent I've been given I hope to help many worthy causes and organizations.

In the past, I created "Horsing Around" to raise funds for local children's hospitals, now this book is supposed to raise funds for wildlife conservation (Toronto Zoo) and I already have projects lined up that will help raise funds for animal shelters, children with disabilities, community dance programs,...

So, while I waited for CIP, I came up with Mili Fay Art's official vision statement: "Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

This is my dream: to create beautiful artwork that people around the world will love, and to give a substantial portion of my profits to help others.  In this way, I can help much more than if I was just to donate a few bucks here and there when I could. 

I know I can do this.  However, I cannot do this alone.  If you like Mili Fay Art's vision, please support Mili Fay Art by Liking me on Facebook (Mili Fay Art Page; Animals In My Hair Page), following me on Twitter @MiliFay, reading this blog, and sharing the information with others.

If you are looking for perfect gifts for children take a look at Horsing Around and Animals In My Hair.

To pre-order Animals In My Hair contact me through Facebook or info@artofmili.ca.  For more information  see What's So Great About "Animals In My Hair"? (previous post).

Thank you for reading.  Thank you for your support.

Mili Fay

P.S. Next time I will write about my unexpected trouble.