Art + Design + I Design Stuff

Society6 Art Quarterly, Winter 2016.

Society 6 Art Quarterly - doorsixteen.com

A little over two years ago, I opened a shop called K is for Black on Society6. It was a pretty scary move for me, but it turned out to be an important one. Even though I’ve been painting and drawing and making stuff since I was old enough to hold a crayon, something happened after I finished art school and started working in the world of commercial art: I stopped designing anything that wasn’t for a client and that didn’t require outside approval in order for it to be finalized. Once you get into that mode, it’s really, really hard to trust your judgment when it comes to your own work. Also, when you’re not working for a client, there’s no way to diffuse criticism. I can internally blame an unattractive book cover on an author (or an agent, or a publisher, or a buyer, etc.), but what do I do when someone calls my non-client work “uninspiring, unimaginative, and unoriginal”? You can’t please everyone (and who would want to!), but criticism is criticism, and even the toughest, most badass, confident artist-type out there has feelings. Sometimes I like to try and spare mine.

Anyway, I went ahead and opened the shop, and to my happy surprise, people started to buy stuff. The profit margin for artists on Society6 is pretty small (especially with stuff like mugs and iPhone cases) since they handle all of the printing and shipping, so it’s never been about turning it into a significant source of income for me, but it’s very cool to see your posters hanging on strangers’ walls and pillows with your designs on their sofas. There are now 22 designs in the K is for Black shop, and whenever I have free time, I add something new.

Society 6 Art Quarterly - doorsixteen.com

(OK, now I’m going to get to the point of this post.)

Society6 announced last month that they’re going to start producing quarterly book collecting the work of select artists who sell on the platform. Considering there are thousands and thousands of Society6 shops, it was a pretty huge honor to have been chosen as one of the 49 artists featured in the premiere issue for Winter 2016. As soon it was released, I ordered four copies—two for me, and one for each of my parents.

Society 6 Art Quarterly - doorsixteen.com

Three of my designs were chosen: Sweetness, Vile, and B-Plus. I love the way they’re presented! The Society6 team did a fantastic job with the whole issue, and I’m having a great time flipping through and discovering new artists (and seeing longtime favorites like Chad Wys). The paper stock is gorgeous, and the whole thing is just beautifully put together. I’ll be buying future editions, for sure!

If you’d like to get a copy of the Winter 2016 Society6 art quarterly, they’re available online now in limited quantities, and will make their way to bookstores in the near future.

(By the way, if you’re interested in buying anything from my shop, you can use THIS LINK to get free worldwide shipping—and save 20% on all pillows and blankets!—now through Sunday night. ♥)

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16 Comments

  • Reply Linda February 5, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    Hi Anna! I love your SWEETNESS I WAS ONLY JOKING iPhone case, and get lots of comments on it. It’s a great conversation starter! Keep up the brilliant work. Hugs to Fritz!

    • Anna @ D16 February 5, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      That’s awesome, Linda! I’m so happy you like it. 🙂

  • Reply katy February 5, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    I have your raindrop leggings and I get SO many compliments on them!

  • Reply Sarah February 5, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    This is awesome, congrats! It’s hard for graphic designers to find time to do their own work when we use so much creative energy designing for clients, but it’s so worthwhile. Your shop is inspiring.

  • Reply jeannette February 5, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    go me! i have and tote your vile bag (and a larger still ill). how chic we are!

  • Reply Stephanie Jones February 5, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    How great- love your work! It is hard to leave the scaffold of client approval & go on your own aesthetic- this post really reasonates with me! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply mommy February 6, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    Congratulations, Anna! I’m so proud of you and look forward to having my very own copy of the catalogue : )

  • Reply CC February 6, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Congratulations Anna! It must be so exciting having your artwork featured INSIDE a book because people find your independent creative work exciting, instead of seeing your work on the outside of a book, because it was your job and heavily influenced by the client. Can’t get any better validation than that! xx

  • Reply Elaine February 7, 2016 at 9:45 am

    Congratulations Anna, I love your sense of style – Last year I decided to put some of my work “out there” and opened an Etsy Shop selling digital Prints – I am interested in the concept of Society6, and must look into it further.

  • Reply Lin February 7, 2016 at 10:01 am

    So curious about copyright and trademark here. Is it legal to sell artwork that prominently features the work (Morrisey lyrics in this case) of another artist? Does it fall under fair use?

    • Anna @ D16 February 7, 2016 at 10:25 am

      Lin, yes, much like book or movie titles that that reference song lyrics or titles, this is considered fair/transformative use. It would be a lot more hairy to use his name or likeness on the work, though. Considering Morrissey uses so many lines from books and movies in his lyrics, I think he’d be the last one to balk at this—I even gave shirts to him and everyone in his band last year. 🙂

    • Allyson February 8, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      This is interesting to me as well. How does “likeness” work in terms of say, a photograph of someone? Or a photograph vs. a portrait?

      You’ve got me thinking of opening a store of my own, now 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 February 8, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Generally speaking (but with some exceptions), no, that wouldn’t be legal, whether it’s a photograph or an illustration. What you want to research here is called “personality rights.” Here’s a brief Wiki explanation:
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_rights#United_States

    • Allyson February 8, 2016 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks for the tip!

  • Reply Uncle Beefy February 8, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS, Anna! Gurl, you’re so wicked talented how COULDN’T they have picked you! xx UB

  • Reply Christa February 27, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Anna, you are talented and brave. I love your work and applaud your courage!

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