Warming Up to Summer!

I stick my head into the designing mode, and the next thing i know, it's the middle of June and the birds outside are laughing at the old man at the window (that's me.) What happened to Spring? A lot of rain and wind and even some late snow, but it came and went so fast! I know i'll be saying the same kind of thing this Autumn, but i'll worry about that then.

First, there's not a lot of changes here at Bakktalk, which i suppose has its good & bad points. Just more and more designing as usual. Hopefully, they are improving as we attempt to

improve ourselves. We are, though, creating a new website that'll blow your sox off once it's done. And i have no idea when that's going to happen, since i'm not the one working that item.

One thing that i do want to direct your attention to is a little promotional video that i produced and posted on YouTube. It's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAI0Wx7t_8,

more commonly known as "Bakktalk on YouTube". It's short and sweet; just the way i like them. I hope you take a minute to watch it. It's had very few views since we put it up; surprising when you consider that it's only one of about a billion other vids there *sigh* If you have any suggestions or comments, please pass them on. We always appreciate your input.

I personally very much hate the hot and humid weather, but Summer comes either way. I do enjoy that which comes with Summer; baseball, picnics, cool breezes, the song of the tree frogs at night, water battles, etc. I hope that you enjoy the pleasures that Summer brings to you and that you focus your attention on the here and now. And enjoy it as much as you can. Time goes too forward fast (PA Dutch) for one to ignore the present.

Until the next time, here's hoping that you all stay safe!

Bill

Summertime at Bakktalk!

Typical mid-July summer day; temp is at around 89 degrees, humidity is at around 90%. In short, a great day to stay inside. Even the dogs are not out much these days. For you pet people, remember that your animals are just as prone to heat-related problems as us humans. Make sure that they have, at the very least, some shelter from the sun and heat. Plenty of water is important for animals and people alike.

I spend quite some time creating new and diverse designs for Bakktalk Online Gifts daily. And i have a large number of ideas waiting their turn. Just go to my Newest Arrivals section for a look at the most recent graphics. I try to keep them as original as possible.

I have a hard time focusing on any specific subject or seasonal work for very long. Last week, for instance, i did a few Christmas-related designs. Next week, i might find myself doing a series of designs for Mothers Day... who knows?

Work at Bakktalk continues as usual. I am still contemplating a new and separate store to showcase the fabulous photographic efforts of my wife. She continues to compile a great number of images that i need to review, format and organize for offerings as note cards, greeting cards, both framed and unframed prints in various sizes. To take a peek at some of her work currently available at Bakktalk, just go to the Photo-Cards and Prints section. Eventually, her works will be moved to a separate shop.

Meanwhile, i'd like to share one of the most challenging photo retouching requests that i've received to date:














Obviously, the original scan is above, and my refinished version is to the right. The photo itself is over 100 years old. The client did not require that the corners be refinished, and in the interests of cost, i let most of that secondary work go. He was extremely pleased. Actually, i was very happy with the outcome. When i first saw the original scan, i was not too optimistic.

As i had mentioned in an earlier blog, i have become very comfortable with doing this type of work, and am very interested in offering this service to anyone who might wish it done. As before, if you have a photo that you would like to have digitally repaired, feel free to contact me at bladimz@dejazzd.com to discuss. Whether it's just a few creases or tears, or if the contrast is extremely weak, or whatever. I will be happy to review, discuss and supply you with a very reasonable quote. And, who knows? Maybe you'll even want to have the refurbished image placed on some mugs, or a shirt or two... That kind of thing can be a great gift for someone special in the family.

Ok. That's it for me for this time. If you have any special requests, or comments. Send them along. It could very possibly keep a good man from going bad...