MY HARROWING EXPERINCE WITH LG SANCTIONED QUICKFIX APPLIANCES

I am posting this experience in hopes of sparing others weeks of abuse and emotional turmoil by an LG sanctioned service repair company, QuickFix Appliances.

On May 8^th 2016, my family and I woke up to find our LG freezer frozen and our refrigerator not working. We believed we have left the freezer open overnight. Instead of searching for a repair service, I’ve decided to go to the source and contact LG directly. Since it was Sunday, I’ve contacted LG via their website, and chose the appointment for next day.

After not receiving the promised call on Monday, I contacted LG by phone. There followed couple of days of calling back and forth between LG and their sanctioned repair service center with assurances that someone will call us later in the day. We waited by the phone; no one called. Finally, the next day, after hearing how much time I’ve spent on the phone a nice CSR told me they had a free spot and that she would send a technician named Chris to take a look at our fridge on Wednesday afternoon. The CSR told me she could not give me an estimate, because she does not know the issue with our unit. However, she did say that it will cost $180 for the services of the technician plus parts.  Additionally, for the trouble we incurred, she will wave the credit card fee, and would give us $12 off, because it was our first service request.

Chris arrived during specified time and when he asked me what the problem with our fridge was I explained that the freezer was frozen and that the fridge was not working. I also mentioned that we believed that we have accidentally left the freezer open overnight. He said he has just serviced someone with that problem without performing further diagnostics on our unit. The first step was to melt the ice, because the ice that formed in the freezer has prevented the fan from turning, and therefore it could not push cold air up into our refrigerator unit.

He said that luckily there will be no additional parts for us to purchase, but then billed me $268. Apparently, the CSR got the technician’s fee wrong, because he charges $250 per visit.

He serviced the fridge, melting the ice and wiping the water. He then added special oil to the fan. He showed my father and myself that the fan was working really well by touching the spinning rod. He assured me that the fridge was now fixed, and that the only problem we may have in the future will be to replace the fan.

He then told me that his company, QuickFix Appliances, gives $20 to charity if we write them a review. Happy that the fridge was working, and happy with his friendly service, I wrote him a glowing review.

He assured me once again that the fridge was working, and told us to wait an hour and a half before we turned it back on.

We did so.

However, we noticed that the fridge was making more noise than usual. Thinking that maybe because the fridge was not working for several days we just got use to the silence we did not say anything. However, on Thursday, we realized that the fridge was not stopping. It was working continuously, the fan shutting down only when we opened one of the doors.

That Friday, we contacted QuickFix Appliances and tried to reach Chris to inform him that in spite of his multiple insurances that our unit was in perfect order something was not right. The CSRs would not let us contact Chris directly. Because I had several obligations and could not waste more time on the phone, my mother and sister got involved.

Someone convinced my sister that Chris wrote on his report that we may need a new fan, and got her to preorder the part. I remember Chris showing my father and me that the fan was in perfect order and I do not remember him writing the need for a new fan on his statement before I signed it. However, when I looked at the receipt it was there…

My mom’s English is not that great, so she told them that the fridge was not working properly and asked them to send someone to see what was the matter. My dad contacted the CS explaining that the fan was working, because we can hear it working. He asked them to send someone to check the fridge. QuickFix Appliances refused to send anyone until the new fan arrived.

I do not know anything about machines, but even I know that if a machine that was design to have cooling off periods is working continuously it may wear out the parts in the mechanism. My dad, on the other hand, is a mechanical engineer. He knows machines. He knows that the continuous working of the fridge was not good for the mechanism within. My whole family tried to get QuickFix Appliances to send someone to diagnose the true problem with our unit.

It was two weeks later that they sent Chris again. At this time we have not had a working fridge for three weeks!!!

Chris arrived and my father explained to him the frustrating situation we were in. Chris wanted to change the fan, but the fan was working when he left, so my father could not understand why the CS would not send someone to check our fridge again. Chris asked him why he did not call him, but my dad said how he tried and that he did not have his cell phone number. Chris said that we could have found his cell number on our call display, and then gave my dad his cell.

After further discussion and the evidence of the fridge’s continuous working, Chris agreed with my father that the problem was a thermostat. A simple fix. He did not charge my dad for the visit, but left to purchase the part and to return for a future visit.

More days passed, finally my mom called Chris to ask him how much longer we would be without the fridge and how much the future visit will cost. Chris said it would likely cost an additional $400!!! My mom could not believe it. We have already paid $268 plus $105 (for the fan), and now he wants to charge us an additional $400? Chris explained how his visits were like visits to a doctor, every time he comes we must pay $250 at least.

A new fridge costs about $1300. It is at this point that my family decided to cut our losses and buy a new fridge.

Our next step was to get a refund from QuickFix appliances for the $105 that they never installed. Or family thought that would be a simple matter. The company assured us that they will return to us $84 because they take 20% restocking fee. QuickFix appliances tricked my sister into preordering a part our fridge did not need (they never sent a technician to diagnose the problem with our fridge, and when he left Chris said our fan was strong and working fine). I think they should have given us the full refund considering that they did not fix our fridge at all and that they spent three weeks disrespecting my family’s time. However, my sister did agree to the restocking fee (she was tricked after all), so we were willing to let the issue go.

Then for some reason they refused to pay even the $84.

Apparently, Chris said how my father bullied him and how he felt uncomfortable coming into our home. We offered him food and drink, and I even gave him a signed copy of my picture book when he told my dad he had kids on his first visit. If he felt uncomfortable on the second visit, it may be because of the actions of his company, when he realized the harrowing experience my family has been going through dealing with this company.

I was present at all times, and in no way did my father bully the technician. My father talks loudly (he was a professor once) and when the technician did not have a solution he did suggest the logical assumption that something is wrong with the thermostat, not the fan. Chris agreed, as is evident by his second receipt. If he felt my father was abusive why did he give him his personal cell number?

Today, a CSR contacted my father and provoked him by telling him the company has no intention of paying for a refund. My father talked loudly on the phone, and they said he was abusive. Not for a second did my father use any abusive language, in spite of frustrating and disgusting provocation by the CSR.

In conclusion, I am appalled by the behavior of a service repair company sent to our family by LG. My whole family is so disgusted that we made sure the new refrigerator/freezer unit was not made by LG. After the harrowing experience we had, we checked the Google reviews, and have discovered that QuickFix Appliances are the greatest service scam thrown at unsuspecting customers who count on LG’s respectable name. The worst is that after the first visit we gave them a glowing review, until we realized that the problem was never fixed at all.

If you are reading this, please see all the reviews on Google and Yelp, and keep away from this company.  Do not allow yourself to be abused and tricked as we were. 

Illustration Process: How Much Should I Pay/Charge For An Illustration Job?

January 2015 has been a month of illness that never ends.  After two colds, I'm currently struggling with an awful flu.  I thought I was getting better, but today I feel worse than yesterday.

I'm writing this, because it is part of my struggle to success.  I tend to be sick more often than an average person.  This is probably the reason why I became an artist in the first place; while other children were playing outside, I spent a lot of time in bed trying to amuse myself by drawing.

However, the main reason for this post is to let you all know that I will be a columnist for Weeping Cherry International Review, a new online magazine about writing and illustration.  I will be submitting my article shortly, but I figured you may wish to read about if before anyone else.  So here you go:

ILLUSTRATION PROCESS: How Much Should I Pay/Charge For Illustration?

If you would like to share the reason why you became an artist/writer, or what made you choose any other profession, please do so in the comments.

Wishing you only the best!

Mili

Happy Holidays!

I just want to thank you all for standing by me as I journey through the murky world of art and publishing.  I wish you all the happiest of holidays, and even better days for 2015!

Feel free to download and share this image with your loved ones.

Cheers!

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.  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.”

Why am I not posting more?

Hello everyone!

Even though the struggle continues, lately it has been less of an artist's struggle, and more of a publisher's struggle.  I'm considering ending this blog. This blog has been about everything, but I have found it is more convenient for everyone if I have a separate blog for each topic.

Therefore, I have:

Art: Help!--which I have not updated in ages, but which will help artists figure out some concepts and techniques.  I promise to get to this blog when things settle down a bit.

Mili Fay: Adventures In Publishing--which is about my publishing journey.  It may help other authors and illustrators.  It is also a place where you can find out about free promos.  Such as the one I'm having on Saturday. :-)

Mili Fay: Mini-MEs--where I post every single Mini-ME I create.  This is what I do when I need to take a break from other forms of art. :-)

and finally:

Is DIGITAL ART better than TRADITIONAL ART?--where I'm trying to solve the dilemma for myself and others.  So far, I like Digital Art for sketching (on a cintiq of course) and Traditional Art for finished pieces, because I have a beautiful piece of art I can sell.  With digital art, all you get are art prints. :-(

Artists struggle to success has been more of a diary and a hodge-podge of ideas.  Lately I do not know what to post here.

If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on this blog, please let me know.  Otherwise, it may be time to say goodbye.

Love,

M

MILI FAY ART COLOURING BOOK 01/MAY 2014 NEWSLETTER

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MILI FAY ART NEWSLETTER

"Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

I am devastated by the horror stories I keep hearing from my family and friends in Serbia and Bosnia.  The news channels are saying that the destruction caused by rains is worse than the one caused by 1990s war, or NATO bombing.  As far as people know, there has never been such flooding in the Balkans’ region, and the authorities are not prepared to deal with the aftermath.

For this reason, I have decided to donate 1$ from every item purchased at the Wychwood Barns and TIAM Markets this weekend (May 24th/25th).  I have further decided to create a PDF colouring book featuring Mili Fay Art Favourites artwork, and donate any proceeds (minus Gumroad’s fee).  You can purchase the colouring book here for $0+.  I just wish I could do more.

https://gumroad.com/l/FloodSerbia_BosniaFloods

​

I will write my usual Newsletter in June.

Thank you for understanding.

MILI FAY'S ADVENTURES IN PUBLISHING: Marketing Challenge

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

Going To The Market: An Artist's Perspective

Those who know me really well know that I am terrified of the spotlight, I am terrified of speaking in public, and I would rather go to the dentist with a cavity than sell my own work. 

However, I also truly believe that I can use the talents that I have to make this world a better place, and if I have to do all of the above to achieve that goal, I am more than willing to do every one of those things and more.

There are tricks I have learned that have made going to the market less of a terrifying experience, and more one of pleasure.  I will share these tricks with you at the end of this post, but let me share a bit more of my experience first.

Before my first public market, I was a complete mess.  I love my work the way every parent loves their child, and to have it on display and have complete strangers approach me and judge it right before my eyes...  >>shudder<<

I have been very fortunate that there was not a single person since I placed my work on public display that bashed my work.  (There was once a woman terrified of owls who pulled her friend away from my stand, but that's about all the negative feedback I have ever received.)

Most people at markets and online love my work.  Even people who do not have children tell me that they love my work and that they wish they had children to share it with.  As an artist struggling to make a living doing what I love such words are a balm to my soul.  There are some people who do not have children that buy an image I created for the child they once were.  (I always do that at markets J.) 

However, there are people who pass by my work giving it no more than a glance. 

There are also people who pass by my work, take a good look at it, and then run away before I have time to say "Hello."

Going to the market I have realised that no matter how good my work is, it is not a necessity.  Nobody needs art to survive.  People buy art because looking at it makes them happy, not because they need it to be happy.  The only people who buy my work are the ones who: love books and appreciate the time and skill it took to create mine (as well as the top-notch quality); find my book useful for teaching children; are looking to decorate a kid's room; need a baby-shower gift; or find an image that speaks to them personally.

Those people are my customers.  Therefore, to earn a living, I should only go to markets that cater to such customers.  

Sadly, Toronto Indie Arts Market in not the market populated by such attendees.  A few of them stroll by from time to time, but most people who attend are not there looking for children's art and quality children's books.  Toronto Indie Arts Market is in the artsy area of the city frequented by artists, people on-the-go, and historically-minded tourists.  At this market people are looking for artsy prints, out-there works of art, zines, comics, wearable art, home-made soaps, and unusual gifts.

So, what am I doing at TIAM?

I will answer that, but first let me tell you what I have promised to tell you in the title of this post.

It does not matter how many markets I have attended, before every market I am a mess.  I am obsessed with providing quality, and not just the quality of my work, but quality of presentation as well.  I have to have my handmade receipts, stickers, shopping bags, and display sets just right.  I have to have the appropriate clothing and name tags for myself and my voulonteers.  After all if I could find fault with something, why should I expect my future customer to overlook that fault?  On the last day, before I go to sleep, all my boxes and bags are packed strategically in a grown-up Tetris fashion.

On the day of the market, I wake up early.  I have a sizeable breakfast, because experience has taught me that I will not have time to eat (snacking on a pretzel, or some nuts, is all I can manage during the day).  Besides, as an artist and creator I feel I should always be there to answer questions and sign my work.  Taking half an hour for lunch is just not practical.

After breakfast, I get dressed and apply makeup so I do not look as tired as I feel.  I check that I have everything by checking off items on a list, and I stuff all I'm bringing into a car.  Then, because there are always parking issues, I get someone to drop me off (usually my dad).

Arriving at the market, I wonder if I will get a bad spot.  Ever since my horrible position at my first market (The Word On The Street 2013), I have become slightly obsessed with having a good location.  A good location makes a difference between earning a living, or getting into more debt.

This past Saturday, my location was not good.  I was placed at the bar, and my work was too high up to be seen by children.  I was also trapped where I was by my neighbours.  I had about a foot and a half square of space to move in.  But, that is the luck of the draw for a market that does not let you choose your spot.  I just have to make do with what I’ve got.

My sister (who was my volunteer for the day) helped me to set up our display.  The moment we were ready she took my photo so that I could have one to share online.  Full disclosure: I do not like having my picture taken, but I am the face of Mili Fay Art, so I need to have at least one photo for display.

Mili Fay at TIAM

If there is time, I go quickly through the market to meet my fellow artists.  I love meeting new artists and seeing their work.  I always feel bad for not making purchases, but I have made a deal with myself that I will not buy anything on the days go vending; unless I find something I need and not something I want.  So, I take the cards from artists I admire and put them in the wish-list pile at home.

This time, the following artists caught my eye:

The fabulous earrings of "The FEEL Collection": 

https://www.facebook.com/thefeelcollection

Bolo cowboy string tie neckwear of "Around The Collar".  I loved the resin with screws and the refurbished watches:  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AroundTheCollar?ref=si_shop

Homemade pouches and purses of "dewson": https://www.etsy.com/shop/dewson?ref=shop_sugg

The unusual style of Paper Dog Press:

http://thekatelavut.com

Quillad and Geek Collateral Media: 

http://thequilliad.wordpress.com

http://geekcollateral.com

A whole world in a bowl! Charming terrariums by "Field Day Terrariums":

http://itsafieldday.com

Beautiful ink illustrations and book of Dan Holst Soelberg:

http://danholstsoelberg.com

Stunning wearable handmade paper art of "FoldIT Creations":

http://www.etsy.com/shop/folditcreations

Funny and beautiful cards by "Gotamago": 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gotamago

Fantasy art by MJ Alexander:

http://snartha.tumblr.com

Gorgeous jewellery by "Mizdragonfly": 

http://m.mizdragonfly.com

"Sweatshop" home-sewn bags and products by young and talented students: 

http://westendalternativeschool.weebly.com

Before 11 am any market tends to be slow.  Attendance picks up around 11:30 and a steady stream of people keeps coming until 3 pm.  There are no breaks during that time.  If you are planning to take a break at your market, have one outside of that timeframe.  Once, I went for a walk to stretch my legs, because there were no customers for a while, and the moment I was in the other room I got a call from my friend to get my butt back at the table to sign my work.  Lesson learned. 

I always remain standing.  It is something I have learned from my previous markets and from working as a CSR at Blockbuster.  Standing is a sign of respect.  By standing, you also show you are approachable, engaged, and are not just waiting for time to go buy.

So, why do I go to TIAM when I know my customers are not to be found there?

Because I always meet interesting people, I get to see who buys my work (market research), and I love the way it feels when people try to convince me that my work is amazing.  :-D  Having an option to sit at home, or interact with artists and interesting people, I will always choose the latter.  I feel I'm always learning something. Even if I do not make a sale, I usually make some friends and earn useful advice.  Besides TIAM is affordable enough that I will not cry myself to sleep if I do not cover the costs of vending. (Thankfully, that has not happened to this day.)

Cutest Fan--Thank you dad for allowing us to take this picture.

I also love seeing children's reactions to my work.  If kids do not like something, you will know.  I create the work for them and seeing their eyes light up and their faces filled with wonder is the best encouragement to continue doing what I am.  And there are days when I need that encouragement.  On those days I recall their happy faces, and I get by.

Sadly, because I have invested heavily in other future markets, I will no longer attend a mixed-media TIAM, but I will continue to attend all book events, and if they decide to have an all children's event, I will be there for sure.

At last I will tell you the tricks that get me over the terror of THE MARKET: 

Stop thinking of it as THE MARKET; stop thinking of making money to cover the costs (thinking of it does not help), and just enjoy sharing your work with others.  If "disasters" happen, think of them as "funny stories to be" that you can share with your followers.  NO ONE will tell you that your work sucks, but if you feel they are thinking it, ask them about it so you can learn and improve.  You will never please everyone, so do not bother to try.  Do what you love, and share your work with others of the same mind--no matter what you are doing there are people out there who are dying to discover your work, going to the market helps you find them.

Well, this post is long enough.

If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask.

Cheers!

Mili

Did you know there is an Author Marketing App for Facebook?

I had no idea, until I saw it on a page I decided to Like.

It is a nice bright red colour that calls to the eye:

You can see it in the App Menu above

On the actual page you can add your information, your books, and even the book signing events coming up.

Time will tell how useful of a marketing tool it is.

Cheers!

Mili

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

UPDATE: To see this image in full colour, see HERE.

Unfortunately, though not unusually, life has interfered with my plans again, and as a result I was unable to finish "Sense and Sensibility" Mini-ME as I have planned for this special day.  However, I do have an outline, so if you are in the mood for colouring feel free to do so.  Colonel Brandon and Marianne will grace my pages in full colour very soon.  Until then, you can say I love you the "Pride and Prejudice" and "Warriors of Virtue" way.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Please Note: You can copy, share and print artworks below as much as you like, as long as you give credit to Mili Fay or Mili Fay Art, and link back to this page. You CANNOT modify the artwork in any way (other than to colour the colouring page).

Love Valentine

Friendship Valentine
"Warriors of Virtue": Lauraliee and Emerald

"How Do I Develop A Unique Style?"

My "Style"

I know where this question comes from.  In my first year at Sheridan College, I got really upset when my 2D Design teacher told me that my work was good but cliché.  I became obsessed with finding a unique style, only to realize years later that I had a “style” all along.  In my painting class even though we were given the exact same materials and the exact same model, not one of the paintings produced by the entire class looked similar. Not one.

Therefore, I have concluded that each of us is born with a “style”, or the unique way of looking at the world around us. 

My advice to students is stop worrying about “style” and to work on their skills.  Picasso was obsessed with developing a “style” and I feel that after he has reached a certain point his work stopped growing as a result.  On the other hand, Monet painted.  Looking at a lifetime of Monet’s paintings you can see growth in his skills and changes in his “style”.

Give yourself a break and do what you love.

I promise you, you will find someone who will love your work… even if others see it as “cliché”.

MILI FAY ART: First Digital Picture Book

As mentioned in the newsletter, I have decided to create my first ever digital picture book.  I intend to document everything.  From beginning to end.  A real life "Art Of..." book.  If you are interested you can follow my progress on my new blog: "Is DIGITAL ART better than TRADITIONAL ART?"

As always, feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer them ASAP.

Enjoy!

MILI FAY ART: Newsletter January 2014

MILI FAY ART NEWSLETTER

"Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

HAPPY NEW 2014th YEAR!!!

At the beginning of every year I tend to reflect on my past.  

Thinking about where I was and where I am, I would like to express my overwhelming gratitude for your unstinting support.  Whether it was through invaluable guidance, purchasing and sharing my artworks, or being the best friends anyone could ask for, I would not be where I am today if it was not for all off you, so thank you for being a part of my life.

As you know, my dream is to use my talents to amuse, enlighten, and support our world.  It is because of your support that Mili Fay Art has been able to donate $255 to Sick Kids Hospital at the end of 2013.  That We have been able to raise funds for a children's hospital has shown me that my dream is just steps away from becoming reality.  That donation is just the first of many to come, so thank you for choosing Mili Fay Art over so many other amazing products and services.

Thank you also to everyone who has attended the holiday TIAM in that horrible winter storm that has left many stranded on the streets; wishing they were smart enough to invest in winter tires, only to discover from their friends that even winter tires did not help much.

Now that 2013 has bid us adieu, what does 2014 hold for Mili Fay Art?

I have stopped bothering with New Year Resolutions a few years back.  There is nothing more depressing than creating a list of things to accomplish by the end of the year, only to have Life maliciously interfere with your plans, leaving you smiling over holiday toasts while John Lennon's "So, this is Christmas, and what have you done?..." keeps playing over and over in your mind.

Instead of New Year Resolutions, this year I have a digital list on my phone of things I intend to accomplish, without a massive due date waiting at the end.

I intend to continue to promote "Animals In My Hair" Artwork Book, because thanks to you now I KNOW that it is an amazing product that brings joy and hours of amusement to children and their families not just in Canada and USA, but overseas as well.  If I finally figure out marketing, I hope to have my first donation handed to wildlife conservation in the near future.

I have begun to schedule speaking engagements for 2014.  Therefore, if you are a teacher and would like me to attend your class or art class please let me know.

I intend to finally update artofmili.ca to reflect Mili Fay Art's new vision.  I have managed to find the time to finish Animals In My Hair section of the site yesterday.  As a further thank you for your support, for a limited time, the exclusive AIMH Members section is open to everyone.  I invite you to check it out, because I will NEVER open this section to the general public again.  For details, please see here.

I've decided to create Mili Fay Art's first all-digital picture book using Procreate App, Lynktec's stylus, and iAuthor.  This project is an exciting experiment to see if digital artwork is really equal to traditional artwork.  As source material, I intend to illustrate Horsing Around's "Dream, Little Dreamer" lullaby.  You can hear me sing the whole lullaby here.  For those of you interested in my artistic process, I will document the creation of the book.  If you do not wish to miss a post, let me know.  As this is a "Horsing Around" product a portion of the profits will be donated to local children's hospitals.

In 2014 I will continue to write for my popular "Art: Help!" Blog, and I hope to bring back the AIMH Monthly Art Contest.  If you would like me to keep you updated, let me know.

There are other half-baked projects rising in my mind, but I will let you know of them when they are close to being baked. 

For now: HAPPY NEW 2014th YEAR!!!

Wishing you and your families all the best!

Mili Fay

If you do not wish to receive this e-mail in the future just e-mail me at: remove.me@artofmili.ca.  If this e-mail was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive it in the future e-mail me a Username and your e-mail at: keep.in.touch@artofmili.ca.  If you have any questions, you can always reach me at: info@artofmili.ca or mili.fay.art@gmail.com.

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ANIMALS IN MY HAIR WEBSITE LAUNCH

It is finally here! Animals In My Hair section has been published Online, and for a limited time everyone has access to the AIMH Member's only section.*

I will NEVER open this websites section to the general public ever again, so check it out today. It is your one chance to get original full resolution Mili Fay Art AIMH Art Prints and colouring pages for FREE. Plus, there are many other fun features to explore.

So, check it out, share this event with others, and let me know what you think:

http://www.artofmili.ca/AnimalsInMyHair.htm

HAPPY NEW 2014 YEAR!

And thank you all for your support.

:-D

* Except for the "Visual Puzzles". To protect the book's integrity that section is only available to individuals who have purchased the book. If you have purchased the book, you can register for your lifetime membership now: http://www.artofmili.ca/AnimalsInMyHair/Members_Sign_In.htm

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT "ANIMALS IN MY HAIR":

"Hi Mili Fay

My name is Stephanie… [N] gave my son rocky your book Animals in my hair for christmas just though i would let you know how much he and his cousin loved it, they both enjoyed counting all the animals and learning about different animals that are not as common in other stories. We especially love the page that explains why the cougars are pink they though it was funny. Well anyways i just thought you would like to hear how appreciated your book is in our home and i wish you all the best on where ever your art work takes you!!!

Thank you,

Stephanie"

Source: Facebook Mili Fay Art Page

"Hello [N] just gifted one of your books 'animals in my hair' to my twin nephews for Christmas. First, I thought it was the sweetest gift. There's nothing better than a book for Christmas, especially a children's book with a ton of beautiful illustrations. Secondly, the main character looks just like my 17 month old nephews and this may be a story they grow up with. Thank you for creating it! It's absolutely beautiful; the language and the art." 

--Melissa D.

Source: Facebook Mili Fay Art Page

"Great children's book "Animals In My Hair" The illustrations are just fantastic!"

Source: Off To The Market Blog 

"Your book is really beautiful :)"

--Eva J. Senior Web Designer

Source: LinkedIn Discussion

"Mili, I LOVE your book and your illustrations..... "

--Chrisann Z. Artist/Designer

Source: LinkedIn Discussion

"Mili! Your artwork is fantastic..."

--David C. Illustrator

Source: LinkedIn Discussion

"Very lovely story and illustrations! And thank you for the info in your blog, I learnt much from it."

Amber V. Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Game Artist and UI designer

Source: LinkedIn Discussion

"...I'm really amazed with your book.  You are a very talented artist..."

-- Carol L.

Source: Facebook Animals In My Hair Page

"...PRELEPA JE!!! BRAVO!!!"

(Translation: "IT'S GORGEOUS!!! BRAVO!!!")

--Milica A.

Source: Facebook Mili Fay Art Page

"LOVE these books! So happy to have received them today. Thank you!"
("them" is referring to "Animals In My Hair" and "Horsing Around" handbound book)
--Humara K.
Source: Mili Fay Art Twitter Page




RATINGS:

Be the first to add your rating. 

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FREE COLOURING PAGE: HOLIDAY PANDA

Happy Holidays!

Mili Fay

"Should I Self-Publish My Book?"

This upcoming Saturday, December 14th, TIAM's Small Press & Literary Festival will be the last event for Mili Fay Art in 2013. I'm looking forward to being there, not only as a vendor, but as an attendee, since this is where Toronto's small and independent publishers will gather to display their wares.

Publishing is a tough business, but independent publishing is ten times more difficult, because you are a tiny fish trying to swim in a crowded pond with much, much bigger fish.

Not only that, but you have to fight against the prejudiced stigma that because you have self-published your work, it means you are not good enough to be published by a "real" publisher.

Not true.

I have decided to pluck up my courage to self-publish my own work because my vision did not fit the standard 32 pages, because I wanted more artwork, because I wanted a work that would not be limited by an age group, but could be enjoyed by all, a work that could raise funds for something I care about... Then the logistics came into play. There are eight publishers in Canada who might have published my work. However, each of them publishes about two picture-books a year. How many already well established authors are there? How many would be authors?

My work would be a needle in a haystack, and I have no connections that can act as magnets.

Despite all of these reasons, I was still considering fighting to have my work published by a trade publisher, until I was told that I would have to do my own marketing and promoting.

Have you been to Indigo? I think every book in there has been published by a trade publisher, how many did you read?

Logistics.

If I'm going to be responsible for my own marketing and promotion, I might as well get all the profits from the book. And if I'm going to loose money, at least I will remain true to my vision.

Did you know that bookstores ask for 40%-50% off your base price to place a book in their store?

I did not.

This may be THE reason to attempt trade publishing.

Trade publishers can get books printed for pennies on a dollar, and this is how they can keep independent publishers from ever having their work in a stores.

A trade publisher could have printed my book in China for maybe a dollar/book (maybe even less). Being socially conscious I decided to go with a local printing company. The raw cost of my book is $7.10 per book. This price does not include the interest on my loan, the programs I used, my own salary, marketing, promotion,...

I priced my book at $24.95 (my book is of the highest quality and is 60 pages, but I reasoned this would be a fair and comparative price that may not make me much profit, but can keep me publishing this book) hoping to make ~ $5 profit so that I could give away 30% for wildlife conservation.

On 40%-50% consignment (consignment, simply put, means that stores will take your book, but will return it to you if it does not sell), I would be earning $14.97-$12.47 per book. Meaning I would loose money.

So, going into this, I knew unless I could bring the consignment percentage down, my book will never be in a store like Indigo. Unless, I decide to give away few books, for the possibility of promotion.

You could always try to negotiate for a better contract, but would a store like Indigo bother to waste time on a tiny nobody from nowhere even if they like your book? Especially when they have so much income form legitimate trade publishers?

I've learned all this, I knew all this, and in spite of it all, I have self-published my work.

Now, I'm trying to figure out how to be that bright little fish that stands out from a school of much bigger, flasher fish in that tiny pond.

I wrote all this to illustrate the dedication and passion it takes to self-publish your work. Vendors at the TIAM on Saturday are there, because they are not conventional. They are not willing to follow, or be swallowed by a crowd. Because they believe in their voice and believe that they should be heard without censorships or prejudice.

It is up to the public to decide what they want to hear, or in this case read.

So, should you publish your book?

I ask you: "Would you still be happy having published your book if you lost the investment money and made no profit?"

If your answer is: "Yes."

Then my answer is: "You should."

For myself, having a mother tell me that her little girl is walking around with my book tucked under her arm (periodically pointing at and counting the different animals), instead of the beautiful talking Merida doll she got at the same time, is all the reward for years of hard work I will ever need.

"Mili Fay's Adventures In Publishing": Part 04--Trouble

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.

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

FREE ORIGINAL SKETCHES

All you need is 30 Facebook Friends.  No need to make any sort of purchase.

I need help spreading the word about Mili Fay Art.  If you like what I'm doing, and if you would love to have an original sketch, all you need to do is get 30 of your friends to "Like" my page, but they must want to like it.  I do not wish to force anyone to "Like" something they do not.

If your friends like my page, they need to let me know who you are, so I can count the "Likes".

The moment you reach 30 "Likes", I will let you know.  You take a look at the available sketches (new sketches will be added continuously).  Write your Username in the comments under the sketch and the sketch is yours.

Sample Sketch

So, if you are willing to try this:

1. Send me a message on Mili Fay Art's Facebook Page in the following format: "I am (Username), and I would like to support Mili Fay Art with 30 Likes."   Pick a Username that is unique, because

2. When your "Friend" likes my page, he/she needs to send me a message saying: "I Like your page, (Username) recommended you to me."  This way I will know that that "Like" is the result of your efforts.

3. The moment you reach 30 Likes, I will contact you through Facebook (your Facebook account should be able to receive messages, if not, please e-mail your your e-mail address with your Username at info@artofmili.ca).

4. Pick the sketch you like, by writing your Username in the comments (you can only do this if 30 of your "Friends" have already "Liked" my page) and I will mail you the sketch.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Mili Fay
"Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

P.S. I'll be working on the "Available Sketches" Album, but until then you can check out my Facebook Page to see the kind of sketching I do (just scroll through the timeline--if a drawing has no colour it is most likely as sketch), or you can see the available "Animals In My Hair" sketches here.

NEWSLETTER: November 21. 2013.

MILI FAY ART NEWSLETTER

"Together we support the world one artwork at a time."

October and November being the official months of thankfulness, I would like to start this newsletter by thanking all of you for supporting Mili Fay Art.  

Now that the holiday shopping season is upon us, I would like to express this gratitude with free artwork and discounts that you will not see until the following year, if ever. 

So, what is your holiday wish?  

Is there a Mili Fay artwork you admire that you would like to have as a wallpaper or a page you can print at will?  Is there something you would like me to create? Do you have an idea for a greeting card that you wish you could draw?

Let me know and you may just find it posted on my blog.

For now you may share this FREE colouring page.

For a large watermark free image, click on the link above.

November has thus far been a busy month for Mili Fay Art. The official website is still under reconstruction, but Mili Fay Art finally has an e-commerce shop.  This is where the discounts come into play.

Until the end of 2013:

• All* Mili Fay Art "Art Prints" are 50% OFF.  Just use this code: ZQ0ZDB6Y4J19 as you check out.  If you do not see an artwork you love in the shop, you can order the print directly from Mili Fay Art and still receive the discount.  The ONLY place I will be selling Art Prints in Toronto until the end of the year will be at the Emmanuel Howard Park United Church's "Christmas Arts & Crafts Show" this Saturday, November 23rd.  To receive this discount (and avoid shipping costs) you will have to have this letter printed and show it to me (Mili Fay) or a sales associate.  So, I hope to see you there.  I will bring a selection of prints, however if there is a print you particularly wish to have, you must let me know no later than noon this Friday,November 22nd. 
• Receive a FREE Mini-Print with every purchase of "Animals In My Hair" Artwork Book.
• Receive a FREE Mini-Print with every purchase of $25+
• Buy 3 Mini-Prints and get one FREE (cannot be combined with other offers).

If you do not wish to receive this e-mail in the future just e-mail me at: unsubscribe@artofmili.ca.  If this e-mail was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive it in the future e-mail me a Username and your e-mail at: subscribe@artofmili.ca.  If you have any questions, you can always reach me at: info@artofmili.ca or mili.fay.art@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support and happy holiday shopping!

Mili Fay

Follow Mili Fay Art on: Facebook, Blogger, Twitter for extra goodies.

*All except "Horsing Around Limited Edition Prints".  These prints are limited edition and created to raise funds for local children's hospital, therefore they will never have a discount.