Furry Weekend Atlanta was a lot of fun this year. Thanks to everyone who came and visited our booth in the Dealer’s Room. We had tons of great conversations and we have some new ideas for products for everybody to enjoy in the future.

Now that things have settled down from the convention rush we can take the necessary time to get the site functioning again. Over the next week we will have the portfolios and several product pages back up.

At the moment the studio is confirmed in the Dealer’s Room for Sci-fi Summer. We have our application ready to send in to Anime Weekend Atlanta as soon as registration opens, and we’re looking into Seishun Con and Atlanta Anime Day. If there’s a Georgia convention you think we should check out let us know.

As we’ve mentioned on Facebook and Twitter before, we’ve found some things wrong with the site and we’re doing what we can to fix the problems.  Turned out there’s a bug in the coding.  Hopefully the problems will be fixed within a week if not sooner.  We’ll keep everyone updated for when the buy options finally begin to work as they’re meant to.

On another note, we’ve found where we will host our adult content that will also be for sale once things are up and running.  Smugmug is the winner of our research.  For those who don’t already know, our adult material will be password protected, so to view and purchase you will have to sign up as a member of our site.  It will be free, no worries.  I’m sure everyone understands the liability laws we have to comply to.

Now on to Anime Weekend Atlanta.  As you all know we got a table in Artist Alley this year.  It was bloody cold, but we (Dawn Eastpoint and our lovely assistant Mini-Mom) toughed it out.  We turned a nice profit that will go towards paying off some of the studio’s bills and giving all the artists a lovely paycheck. We plan to go back next year unless something drastic happens, like AWA banning fanart since that’s one of the main reasons Dawn goes.  Thanks to everyone who came to see us. It was a lot of fun!  Dawn especially liked doing commissions, the cute sticker ones included.

We still have some Convention-Only stock leftover. If you’re interested in our yaoi coloring book “Color Me Yaoi” just send an inquiry to crescentfawn@yahoo.com with prove of age. Yes, you must be 18+ to order. Title the subject line Yaoi Coloring Book.

For those who follow our Facebook, you’re already familiar with our random postings of Artist’s Got Talent. Today, instead of doing a quick link and comment we’re doing a full post to an artist who deserves it for being full of so much awesome. :3

FleshandColor is run by Dewayne Flowers, a fantastic painter and photographer.  But what makes him different from other artists in the same professions?  Dewayne’s canvas is the human body. In his own words:

What is there to say. I love art, I love photography & I love the human form so I combine the three.

He doesn’t just put pretty little pictures on a person’s body, but turns the person into art.  You have to see it to believe it, so click on his site link! What are you waiting for, an invitation?  We’re giving you one right now!
And if that’s not enough for you, he’s inspiring in more than his artwork.  Flowers has gone from  whopping 900 pounds to 250 pounds!  You can see the before and after pictures in his About section.

Flowers has also painted on Dawn’s sister-in-law, whose pictures you can see on her Facebook!

Now go marvel!  And come back next month for another Artist’s Got Talent.

It was a funny experience.  I had popped in one of my favorite CDs to listen to while I showered, when I realized that the current song playing was a decent parallel of running a small business.  That song was the first theme song of the Pokemon English dub.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was a good comparison.

1. I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was
   Who doesn’t want to be that best at what they love to do?  And if you can be the best “like no one ever was” more power to you!
2. To catch them is my real test
   This is your target audience.  If you can’t get their attention, you’re doing something wrong.  A lot of people fall into the trap that is the mindset “It’s their fault, not mine!”  Unfortunately, you’re either trying to sell yourself to the wrong people, or you’re missing the point of your own service/product.  Go back over your works and dealings to see if maybe you haven’t made yourself clear to your prospective clients. It could be as simple as rewording a few passages.
3. To train them is my cause
   Please, train your employees, if even for a few days.  You may think how things work is obvious, and so may your new hire, but to keep quality up and service smooth it doesn’t hurt to take a little time to make sure everyone is on the same page.
4. I will travel across the land searching far and wide
   Whether travel is literal or virtual, every business has to spread the word about themselves or they won’t get any sells.  Don’t sit on your hands and expect work to come to you, go out and find it!
5. Each Pokemon to understand the power that’s inside
   Critiques are how you learn and grow even after you think you know everything there is to your business and how to run it.  Always listen to your feedback.  Granted not all of it will be good, you’re likely to swallow a few bitter pills during your career, but don’t ignore every ranting customer you get.  Some really are those who can’t be pleased, but if what they are complaining about is a genuine problem, smile and find the solution.  The power is inside you to control the destiny of your business.  Even if you lose a few clients along the way, you can make things right for the ones who follow.
6. It’s you and me
   Business is more than you, and more than the customer.  It takes two to tango and this dance is a delicate one that requires both sides to cooperate.
7. I know it’s my destiny
   Customer service, bedside manner, public speaking; whatever you want to call it, you’re going to need it to make the business tango work.  If not you, then hire someone who can who you can trust to represent you and your business.
8. You’re my best friend in a world we must defend
   “Best friend” may not be the right phrase for it, but someone who is friendly to their employees and clients will build better rapport than a stiff back sourpuss.  The stronger your clients feel to you and your business, the more likely they are to return.  Returning clients are the lifeblood of your business, so defend it with good rapport.
9. Our hearts are true, our courage will pull us through
   “Stay the course.”  Business has its ups and downs, sometimes you’ll want to throw in the towel, but all businesses go through these trials.  Before closing up shop think to yourself: Have I really tried every available option out there?  If I step back and separate myself, will the problems be as bad as I think they are?  Will they even be the same problems?
   Maybe the slowdown is normal for the area you’re in, or perhaps you’re not marketing as well as you thought.  If you have to, get a third party to look good and hard then have them give you an honest opinion.  But don’t give up when the going gets tough.  Stick out your chest and wade through the mud.
10. You teach me and I’ll teach you
    Learning continues even after you’re the head honcho of a large company.  Keep up with the times to make sure you’re bringing your customers the best products and services that you can.  If there’s a trend in your feedback, or if certain products/services are being used decidedly more or less, adjust accordingly.
11. Gotta catch ‘em all
    Whether your ultimate goal is to buy out Disney or to be king of a small niche, keep your focus and make it happen.



For those who haven’t been following us on Twitter or Facebook, Crescent Fawn Studios will be present in the Artist Alley at Anime Weekend Atlanta.  Our table assignment is Green 30, which is right at the entrance.
Dawn Eastpoint is confirmed as definitely attending, and there’s a strong chance of Goldelandus as well.  You’ll also get to meet our special assistant Mini-Mom!
Unfortunately, Silver Foxfire and Limecustard won’t be able to make it this year.

Now for some good news!  At every convention we have convention-exclusive goodies as freebies and as items for sale.

FREEBIES
Artist Trading Cards (pre-made, on the spot, and requests)
Stickers
Random fun stuff like crazy straws and anime posters

EXCLUSIVE GOODIES
Adult yaoi coloring book: Color Me Yaoi – $15

ITEM DEBUTS
Yaoi Cross statuette – 5″ wide x 6″ tall, flesh tone – $15
Yaoi Cross necklace – 1″ wide x 1.5″ tall, various – $4
Yaoi Cross bracelet – 1″ wide x 1.5″ tall, various – $3.50

On that note, Crescent Fawn Studios will be donating items to the Yaoi After Dark panel.
Also be on the look out for our other items: various stickers, prints (fanart and original), Tanuki figurines, and more!

The month of August is officially Independent Film Month in Atlanta, Georgia, so it’s not a surprise that one of us had to make a little time to attend one of the many events.  Dawn Eastpoint went to Atlanta Shortsfest on Saturday, August 7th for the “Lighter Side of Comedy” held at the Plaza Theater on Ponce de Leon.

Dawn’s favorite film was called ‘Undercover’ and starred a female Muslim police officer who was trying to balance her religion and her job.  She began to lose hope for her career when she was passed up for all of the big cases and assigned to an insignificant pig-napping with the dorkiest guy on the force.  Or she thought it was a throwaway case until she began the investigation!  Full of action, comedy, fantastic filming and acting,  and a twist you would never see coming, “Undercover” got a 5 out 5 on the Dawn Independent Film Scale.
Directed by: Iman Zawahry – 18 min.

The next film up is “The Exposition Report” that featured a newscast about the controversial Pick-A-Parent company that allows children to exchange their parents if they don’t want them anymore.  A young woman tells her woeful tale of her experience with the Pick-a-Parent program, and how she wishes she had never gone through with it.  It sounds angsty, but they do it in such a way that you don’t stop laughing.  A well done job all around.  The newscast was so complete that it even displayed a ticker bar of the next program to air.  A 4 out of 5 on the Dawn Independent Film Scale.
Directed by: Jesse Chapman – 9 min.

“Dead Hungry” chronicle’s the path of a zombie as he attempts to get a bite to eat.  That doesn’t sound exciting?  Think about it, have you ever wondered about the zombies that the protagonists always run into in your typical zombie movie?  They’re missing parts and crying out for “braaaaains!”  But what did those zombie go through while we were busy watching the group of 20-somethings we knew were going to die.  This movie answers that, and it’s hilarious.  If you like zombies, you’ll love it.  If you don’t like zombies, you’ll love it.  A 4 out of 5 on the Dawn Independent Film Scale.
Directed by: Jesse Chapman – 9 min.

Last, but not least was “Sci-fi Summer Girl’s Off Day” starring Dawn Eastpoint herself (credited as Heather Davis) as the Sci-fi Summer Girl.  Sci-fi Summer is a small science fiction and fantasy convention held in Georgia every June.  Their mascot is a parody take on the typical female sci-fi crime-fighting heroines of the 50s and 60s.  In the film it’s Sci-fi Summer Girl’s day off from fighting said crime, and she heads to the park with her alien lizard companion Amadeus.  While there the aliens strike and all hell breaks lose!  Funny and action-filled, it gets a 3.5 out of 5 on the Dawn Independent Film Scale.
Directed by: Adrian Havens – 7 min.

There were four other films, but those four stood out the most to Dawn.  The other titles were “Martes po la Manana (Tuesday Morning)” directed by Cheli Sanchez, “Eugene in Paradise” directed by Roberto Meza Mont & Craig Ruddy, “Party Sauce” directed by The Woodcreek Faction, and “Spotters” directed by: Jeremy Stevermer.

After the shorts were finished, everyone went out to the lounge area to speak with the directors and actors who were present.  It was a good night for meeting new people with common interests.

Do you like to draw? Then have fun doodling with this meme!

Huggable, super soft plushies!  Crestpuffs are from the faraway, magical land of Puffolotsa, and they love to play and sing.  Their strong, poseable tails lets them go where you go.