What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Pat Diemand

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.

In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people. 

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Pat Diemand.

Pat Diemand
Artist
Orefield, PA 

What do you do?
Eclectic would be an understatement if you ask me to describe what I do. From painting in oils to mixed media drawings to creating PetMats -- feeding place mats for dogs, cats and house rabbits -- to photo note cards  I find an excitement in creating beautiful and useful things. I attribute our many relocations around the country with inspiring an appreciation for diverse settings and colors that I incorporate in all that I do.

How do you do it?
Depending on the subject matter, I paint and draw from photos I've taken or still life arrangements I've constructed. The still life subject matter usually involves fruits and vegetables and the role light and shadows play on the elements. The landscape mixed media drawings are of places visited that have made an impression on me. In my drawings I combine pastels, colored pencil and pen and ink for more realistic and detailed renderings. The oil paintings are bright and colorful with underlying subtle textures. Many times I will use my fingers as well as a brush to achieve a rubbed, blended effect.

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
Bar non, iPrintfromHome is the most professional and quality-based on-line printing service I have ever used. Customer Service is helpful and responsive, turn around time -- speedy fast! (especially if you sell your prints on a website as I do) but most of all the quality and pricing are what I like best. iPrintfromHome allows me to sell high quality prints of my original artwork at a reasonable price. 

Contact Information:

Pat Diemand
www.patdiemand.com 
www.etsy.com/shop/myartfulhome

What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Juana Almaguer

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.


In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people. 


We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:


1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?


Please read on to find out more about Juana Almaguer.

Juana Almaguer
Mixed Media Artist
U.S.A


What do you do?
My art focuses on portraits and figures. Recently, these works are 9” x 12” or smaller. Some of my figure paintings are as small as an ACEO (2.5 inches x 3.5 inches). My figure and portrait drawings can be found at galleryjuana.etsy.com. I also love cats so they are often in my paintings. To keep my perspective fresh, I like to branch off into other subjects, so you’ll see drawings of vintage cameras along with enso and koi paintings in my online shop. I’m slowly moving my non-figure art work over to my second shop at galleryjuanaart.etsy.com. I enjoy traveling, hiking, photography and blogging. Currently, I am working full time on my art in the U.S.A.

How do you do it?
I studied traditional sumi painting while I was living in Japan. Those principles influenced my style. Shortly after leaving Japan, I started to paint figures using sumi ink, watercolor and rice paper. I then expanded to collage and line drawings on paper. My mixed media art works usually start with a line drawing. From there, I’ll add other elements such as watercolor or ephemera. My favorite art materials are pen, pencil, watercolor, acrylics, ephemera, rice paper, and watercolor paper. 




Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
I was living overseas at the time. i needed a giclee printer where I could order online and ship to a u.s. residence where i’d be visiting. my first order was easy to complete and arrived as planned. the ease of ordering online with roes, the wonderful customer service and quality prints keep me coming back to iprintfromhome.



Contact Information:

Juana Almaguer 
juanaalmaguer.com 
www.facebook.com/juana.almaguer.galleryjuana

What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Janna Bissett

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.

In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people.

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Janna Bissett.








Janna Bissett
Fine Art Photographer
Clawson, MI


What do you do?
My day job is shooting stills and virtual tours for real estate, but my passion is for fine art photography. I have my BFA from the University of Michigan and have been shooting for 12 years. My favorite thing to do is to challenge myself by taking something normally seen as uninteresting or discarded and make it intriguing and beautiful. I also love to experiment with photography and try different techniques.



Besides photography I also paint, draw, make jewelry (metalwork as well as using found objects in it), and I make handmade accessories.


I've always been influenced by fashion and the figure and it shows through in my work.




How do you do it?
I did a series where I combined abstract painting/graffiti art with photography. I used a cleaner on glass and spread it around so that it looked like brush strokes, similar to illustration type ones. Then I set up the camera and took a self portrait. I took it even further by manipulating the photo digitally as well.

I love to experiment like that. I do so many different forms of art that it's exciting when I can combine some of them.

I print all of my photographs on metallic paper, which in a way crosses over with the metalwork I do too. I sell my work locally in stores and galleries as well as online in my etsy shops: lilacpopphotography.etsy.com and lilacpop.etsy.com.

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
I love iPrintfromHome and recommend them to anyone who asks who I use to print my metallic photographs. Not only do they give a consistent product done right, they are so personable. If you have a question you can call or email and get an immediate response. I love their blog and the accessability that twitter gives you as well.

Contact Information:
Janna Bissett
lilacpopphotography.etsy.com
lilacpop.etsy.com

What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Lynn Cyr

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.

In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people.

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Lynn Cyr.









Lynn Cyr
Oil & Watercolor Artist
Fort Kent, ME


What do you do?
I'm mostly a self-taught artist, working primarily in Oil and Watercolor. I like to challenge myself by painting different subjects, whether it’s a portrait, still life, or landscape. But no matter the subject or medium, it’s no question that my work follows a consistent theme: color and simplicity.

Although my online store is based in Fort Kent, ME, my working studio and gallery is situated on a peaceful lake in Quebec, on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. In addition to selling my work online, I also participate in art shows on a regular basis, because I love the human interaction between me and my collectors.



How do you do it?
Depending on the painting, I either paint from life or from my own photos and sketches, using various reference images to create my own composition. It could be a combination of colors and shadows I see reflected on a bowl of fruit, or the unique way I compose a design to make my simple subjects tell a story. I generally don’t confine myself to small details, and prefer to let loose and allow my work to have a realistic, yet painterly feel.

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
Why wouldn't I? :) Since opening my shop on Etsy, I thought it would be the perfect venue to sell Giclees of my original paintings. They're easy to ship, a fraction of the cost of my original pieces, and allows for more collectors to own one of my creations.

I had three requirements: A) my Giclees had to be created professionally, not from my home printer; B) the quality had to be top-notch; C) it had to be from a company that was big enough to do the job well, yet small enough that I could just pick up the phone and talk to a real person. IPfH met all the criteria!! :) I couldn't be happier with their prints... they're so incredibly accurate in terms of color and texture, you'd swear they were originals. And the service I get there is just outstanding - really something you don't see often in businesses nowadays! I've highly recommend them numerous times to my artist friends!!

Contact Information:
Lynn Cyr
www.lynnlovesart.com
lynncyrart.etsy.com
lynncyrart.blogspot.com

What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Lauren Alexander

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.

In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people.

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Lauren Alexander.






Lauren Alexander
Watercolor Artist
Overland Park, KS



What do you do?
I am a watercolor artist and I paint fun and colorful things for your home, nursery, or office. I love to use color in new and interesting ways. I am most influenced by nature, animals, music, and kids. I am an art teacher too, so being around people and art every day is a great way to stay inspired.


I love making people happy with my work.

It is the greatest feeling in the world to do something that can make someone smile.





How do you do it?
I generally paint really small 9"x12" or smaller. It makes it easier for me to paint a lot of different things at once. My favorite thing is to paint really small - ACEO size; 2.5"x3.5". I love to do many layers of paint - probably more than a typical watercolor artist, and I think that is how I get my colors so vibrant and bright. I like it when my watercolor paintings don't really look like watercolor anymore!

For a step by step visual of my painting process visit this blog post: Photo Diary of My Painting

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
I use iPrintfromHome.com because I don't print from home! I am frustrated by all that goes into home printing with the ink, paper, etc. I have found that iPrintfromHome.com has an amazing quality print that is extremely professional. When I needed a way to print my small ACEO paintings, I went to iPrintfromHome and decided to have them printed on 3.5"x5" paper - a perfect fit for framing. People really like that size and they are a big part of my online store! Fast and friendly service is also a plus - I am big on customer service and I love working with a company that operates on that high of a level.

Contact Information:
Lauren Alexander
www.laurenalexander.etsy.com
www.laurenalexanderart.blogspot.com

What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Lynn Cyr

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.

In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people.

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Lynn Cyr.









Lynn Cyr
Oil & Watercolor Artist
Fort Kent, ME


What do you do?
I'm mostly a self-taught artist, working primarily in Oil and Watercolor. I like to challenge myself by painting different subjects, whether it’s a portrait, still life, or landscape. But no matter the subject or medium, it’s no question that my work follows a consistent theme: color and simplicity.

Although my online store is based in Fort Kent, ME, my working studio and gallery is situated on a peaceful lake in Quebec, on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. In addition to selling my work online, I also participate in art shows on a regular basis, because I love the human interaction between me and my collectors.



How do you do it?
Depending on the painting, I either paint from life or from my own photos and sketches, using various reference images to create my own composition. It could be a combination of colors and shadows I see reflected on a bowl of fruit, or the unique way I compose a design to make my simple subjects tell a story. I generally don’t confine myself to small details, and prefer to let loose and allow my work to have a realistic, yet painterly feel.

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
Why wouldn't I? :) Since opening my shop on Etsy, I thought it would be the perfect venue to sell Giclees of my original paintings. They're easy to ship, a fraction of the cost of my original pieces, and allows for more collectors to own one of my creations.

I had three requirements: A) my Giclees had to be created professionally, not from my home printer; B) the quality had to be top-notch; C) it had to be from a company that was big enough to do the job well, yet small enough that I could just pick up the phone and talk to a real person. IPfH met all the criteria!! :) I couldn't be happier with their prints... they're so incredibly accurate in terms of color and texture, you'd swear they were originals. And the service I get there is just outstanding - really something you don't see often in businesses nowadays! I've highly recommend them numerous times to my artist friends!!

Contact Information:
Lynn Cyr
www.lynnlovesart.com
lynncyrart.etsy.com
lynncyrart.blogspot.com

Free 20x30 Photographic Print

We're back with a few of our most popular Tweet Treats from this summer!!

Check back with us each Friday in October for a new treat.


This Week's Tweet Treat
(valid October 9th-16th): 1 Free 20x30 Photographic Print with any order totaling $35 or more**



Instructions:
1. Place an order at iPrintfromHome.com that totals $35 or more by midnight on Friday, October 16th. Be sure to add a 20x30 Photographic Print to your order, but remember that the 20x30 does not count towards your $35 minimum order. (NOTE: $35 threshold does not include shipping or the free 20x30 Print)
3. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail (here) with "Tweet Treat – Free 20x30 Photographic Print" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order total so that you are not charged for one 20x30 Photographic Print.
*Offer does not include shipping.
**Limit: One free 20x30 per customer/shipping address.
***Tweet Treat orders are not guaranteed to be completed within our standard turnaround times, but every effort will be made to do so.

Click here to read more about Photographic Prints.

Free 11x14 Photographic Print

We're back with a few of our most popular Tweet Treats from this summer!!

Check back with us each Friday in September for a new treat.


This Week's Tweet Treat (valid September 18th-25th): 1 Free 11x14 Photographic Print with any order totaling $10.00 or more**

Each fall, students around the world are reunited with their teachers, and many are meeting their new mentors for the very first time. Without the guidance of our mentors, most of us would not have found the paths we walk on today.


This fall, take the opportunity to thank someone who made a difference in your life.

Thank them with the gift that only you can give and that they essentially helped you create - give them an 11x14 print of your work.



Then sit back and smile at your image hanging on the wall and listen to the stories about you - the kid who learned how to fly.

Well, maybe you haven't quite learned how to fly...but some people might say you're attempting the impossible - you're pursuing a dream - trying to make a living doing what you love.

One of the simplest things you can do to help yourself reach your goal is to start sending your work out into the world.

Don't bury yourself in your studio, surrounded by an inventory of prints you haven't quite figured out how to sell. Give those prints away. Let people see your work. Once you do, you'll be surprised by how quickly you start hearing from people who want to see more.

**Offer does not include shipping.

Instructions:
1. Place an order at iPrintfromHome.com that totals $10 or more by midnight on Friday, September 25th. Be sure to add an 11x14 Photographic Print to your order, but remember that the 11x14 does not count towards your $10 minimum order. (NOTE: $10 threshold does not include shipping or the free 11x14 Print)
3. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail (here) with "Tweet Treat – Free 11x14 Photographic Print" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order total so that you are not charged for one 11x14 Photographic Print.
*Offer does not include shipping.
**Limit: One free 11x14 per customer/shipping address.
***Tweet Treat orders are not guaranteed to be completed within our standard turnaround times, but every effort will be made to do so.

Click here to read more about Photographic Prints.


About the Photography Above


Photography by Janna Bissett
lilacpopphotography.etsy.com

Tuesday Tweet Treat - June 9th, 2009

iPrintfromHome.com will announce a special Tuesday Tweet Treat each Tuesday that will only be valid until the clock strikes midnight EST that day.

This Week's Tuesday Tweet Treat: 1 Free 11x14 Photographic Print - Kodak Pro Photo Papers: Glossy, Matte, Lustre or Metallic**

Father's Day is just around the corner...

Why don't you show off for Dad a little this year?


Let him see what you can do - give him an 11x14 print of your work.

Then sit back and smile as he brags to all his buddies about you - the kid who learned how to fly.

Well, maybe you haven't quite learned how to fly...but some people might say you're attempting the impossible - you're pursuing a dream - trying to make a living doing what you love. :o)

One of the simplest things you can do to help yourself reach your goal is to start sending your work out into the world.

Don't bury yourself in your studio, surrounded by an inventory of prints you haven't quite figured out how to sell. Give those prints away. Let people see your work. Once you do, you'll be surprised by how quickly you start hearing from people who want to see more.

**Offer does not include shipping.

Instructions:
1. Place an order for an 11x14 Photographic Print at iPrintfromHome.com between 12:00am and 11:59pm EST on June 9th, 2009.
2. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail (here) with "Tuesday Tweet Treat - 1 Free 11x14 Photographic Print" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order so that you not charged for one 11x14 Photographic Print.

Tuesday Tweet Treats will be announced here in this blog and also on twitter. Follow us at http://twitter.com/iPfHSara

Click here to read more about Photographic Prints.


About the Photography Above


Photography by Janna Bissett
lilacpopphotography.etsy.com

Tuesday Tweet Treat - June 2nd, 2009

iPrintfromHome.com will announce a special Tuesday Tweet Treat each Tuesday that will only be valid until the clock strikes midnight EST that day.

This Week's Tuesday Tweet Treat: 1 Free 12x36 Panoramic Photographic Print - Kodak Pro Photo Papers: Metallic or Glossy**

In keeping with last week's theme, we again invite you to view and frame your world from a different perspective. This week, we invite you to explore the world of panoramic printing.


We're all used to seeing 4x6, 8x10 and 16x20 prints. Most people think in terms of these standard print sizes and aspect ratios (ratio of the height to the width) when they shoot photographs, make art and order prints. But given the opportunity to experiment a little, you can, in the words of one of our customers, produce some "drop-dead gorgeous" images.

**Offer does not include shipping.

Instructions:
1. Place an order for a 12x36 Panoramic Photographic Print at iPrintfromHome.com between 12:00am and 11:59pm EST on June 2nd, 2009.
2. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail (here) with "Tuesday Tweet Treat - 1 Free 12x36 Panoramic Photographic Print" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order so that you not charged for one 12x36 Panoramic Photographic Print.

Tuesday Tweet Treats will be announced here in this blog and also on twitter. Follow us at http://twitter.com/iPfHSara

Click here to read more about Panoramic Prints.


About the Photography Above


Photography by Chris Lazzery
http://onefiftyeightphotos.com

Tuesday Tweet Treat - May 26th, 2009

iPrintfromHome.com will announce a special Tuesday Tweet Treat each Tuesday that will only be valid until the clock strikes midnight EST that day.

We're posting this week's Tweet Treat a little early due to the holiday weekend.

This Week's Tuesday Tweet Treat: 75% off Square Photographic Prints: 5x5, 10x10, 12x12 & 20x20**


You asked for it...

We heard you. :o)

Square prints are here!!

iPrintfromHome.com is now pleased to offer 5x5, 10x10, 12x12 & 20x20 Photographic Prints.

If you've never tried square-format printing, we encourage you to use this week's Tweet Treat to try it out.

View and frame your world from a different perspective.

Oftentimes, people are so focused on the image they're capturing or creating, that they forget to pay any attention to the format (horizontal vs. vertical vs. square). This decision, however, is critical to composition.

Working within a format that is a little out of the ordinary can help make your work extraordinary.

Also, in keeping with last week's theme, remember that summer is just around the corner, which means we're getting into the art show/festival season. And, it's time to start getting ready.

We're offering another large discount this week so that you can use the Tweet Treat to start building up your inventory for your shows.

**Offer only applicable to first $75.00 worth of Square Sized Photographic Prints in your order.

Instructions:
1. Place an order for Square Photographic Prints (5x5, 10x10, 12x12, or 20x20) at iPrintfromHome.com between 12:00am and 11:59pm EST on May 26th, 2009.
2. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail (here) with "Tuesday Tweet Treat - 75% Off Square Prints" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order so that you are given a 75% discount on first $75.00 worth of Square-Sized Photographic Prints in your order.

Tuesday Tweet Treats will be announced here in this blog and also on twitter. Follow us at http://twitter.com/iPfHSara

Click here to read about Photographic Prints.

About the Artwork Above

Painting by Jamie Ribisi

http://jamieribisi.etsy.com

What's with the name?

We've been hearing recently that people think the name of our company - iPrintfromHome.com - is a little strange and they're not exactly sure what it means. So today, I'm here to clear up the confusion and answer the burning question:

What's with the name?

The answer is rooted in our company history:


30 years ago almost to the day, my Dad (George Campos) opened Campos Photography Center - a darkroom rental lab for artists and photographers. His customers were artists and professional photographers who wanted to have more control over their printing but didn't want to go to a custom lab, didn't have access to their own darkroom, or maybe didn't have the money to invest in creating their own facilities at home.

The company evolved through the years to become a strong regional custom lab. With the advent of digital photography, the business moved in another direction. In the fall of 2001, my brother (Christian Campos) moved back to Buffalo and he and my dad launched iPrintfromHome.com - an online division of Campos Photography Center, which is now our main focus.

Operating as iPrintfromHome.com, we're still basically doing the same thing that we were doing back when the Campos Photography Center first opened its doors. But now, instead of coming to our location to rent our darkrooms and print your work, you can do it all from the comfort of your home with a little help from a computer and the internet. Hence the name: iPrintfromHome.com

New Customer Promotion

Have you been thinking about trying iPrintfromHome? Or do you have a friend that's been meaning to sign up and order prints of his or her work? Well, now is the time to do it!

Any new accounts created at iPrintfromHome.com by THIS FRIDAY, March 13th are eligible for a $10 account credit.

To receive the $10 credit, enter “TWEET” in the registration box when you create your new account. We will add the $10 to your account and e-mail you when it's ready to go.

If you already have an account, but want to help spread the word about this offer, tell your friends to enter "Tweet-your name". That way we can give you credit for the referral (see "Thank You Dollars" program) and give your friend the $10 new customer credit.

You might be thinking, "What can $10.00 get me?"

Here are some examples of $10 orders (not including shipping):

** (33) 4x6 Photographic Prints ($0.30 each)
** (40) ACEO prints ($2.00 per sheet of 8)
** (5) 8x10 Photographic Prints ($2.00 each)
** (1) 8x10 Giclee Fine Art Print ($10.00 each)

I could keep going...but I think you get the idea. :o) Click here for more information about our products and pricing.

Also, there is no expiration date on the $10 account credit. So you can register now and then use the $10 credit whenever you're ready to place your first order.

Click here to create an account at iPrintfromHome.com.

Social Networking

I am having a blast with social networking. We've recently joined a few different social networking sites and it continues to amaze me that you can become so "connected" with a few simple clicks and keystrokes.

We are currently active on the following sites:









Each site offers different social networking opportunities. But what I am having the most fun with, is seeing how connected these sites are with each other. Once you join a few, you'll start to see the same people that you found on Facebook have a Twitter account or the people you find at C4C might also be listed at Indepublic. And as you start to make connections with people and run into them on the web, you start to feel like a member of a living breathing community.

Another aspect of social networking that I find particularly exciting is how clearly it demonstrates how beneficial it is to help each other. It seems that most of the people I've been meeting on these social networking sites are there because they want to spread the word about their artwork, photography, craft or store. But they don't just promote their own work. Instead, they participate in forums, answer each other's questions, share articles and blog about each other to build their networks.

By helping each other, they help themselves.

Continuing along that vein, we've been trying to think up ways that we can help our customers in addition to helping them make Photographic Prints, Giclee Fine Art Prints and 35mm Slides. It's clear to us that the simplest and most valuable thing we can do is use our presence on the web to help our customers gain more exposure.

So we've done a couple things - we run a monthly Art Show Listing and we are planning on adding an Artist Listing.

But the thing that is so exciting (and the reason I am having such a blast) is that these social networking sites provide the exact tools we're looking for. They allow us to network publicly with our customers, introduce them to each other, and promote their work to people who are active in the art world.

If you sign up as our friend or follower or fellow tweeter, we'll sign up as yours. And, we'll even tweet about you if we think our customers could benefit from learning about what you're doing. :o)

Come join us! Click on the pictures above to visit the social networking sites we've joined.