For years, I’ve been using the same vertical banners at the Calgary Expo, featuring my Smiling Tiger and Rat paintings. While the old banners are still in good shape, they have my old website on them, www.cartoonink.com. And even though I rebranded to LaMontagne Art some time ago, I haven’t worried about the other address, because it will still take you to my site. I also know that most people aren’t looking at my banner and going to my site while standing right in front of me at my booth. In hindsight, it wasn’t necessary to ever include that info on the banner.
The banner stands I’ve used for years are made of heavy steel posts, cross beams and a base. They’ve done the job well, but they take extra time to set up and are awkward to load into an already packed car.
This year, I have replaced them with these retractable banner stands which are more compact and set up in seconds. While I could have gone with new images for both banners, I opted to keep the Smiling Tiger. It’s still one of my bestselling images, but more importantly, it’s part of my Calgary Expo booth and brand identity. People tell me they look for that banner. For the second image, my Rat painting is now retired, and I was happy to use my new Polar Plunge painting in its place. I think it fits this format well.
I had these printed at Vistaprint Canada and I’m pleased with how they turned out.
Shonna has been urging me to get tote bags for a long time, but I’ve never been enthused with the idea. There are many different products on which I could print my art, but that would mean buying, storing and transporting them as well. Having too many products gets expensive and complicated, and I wasn’t sure if tote bags would be the best investment.
At the Banff Christmas Market this year, I made a point of arriving early some days to check out other vendor booths. One vendor I know had her artwork on canvas tote bags and I was very impressed with the printing. She told me they sold well and I asked where she had them done. She generously shared the details for the Montreal company and said they were great to work with.
I created these designs for two of my bestselling paintings, and I am thrilled with how great they look. The print quality is better than I could have hoped, as is the construction and stitching. This vibrant printed bag is 100% polyester textured canvas, machine wash and dry, and will withstand everyday use while looking great. Each measures 16”X 13” X 3”.
I designed each bag as a wrap; the same image on both sides, with no text or advertising. I’ll have these two bestselling painting designs, my Otter and Smiling Tiger, available for this year’s Calgary Expo. I haven’t yet decided on how many I’ll bring, but they’ll retail for around $30.
Cheers,
Patrick
I just love your work. Your calendar is my favorite this year. Thanks for bringing the humor.
Thank you, Karen. Glad you’re enjoying the calendar
Will you be selling your bags online per-chance? I live out in Victoria, BC and for sure will not be going to the Calgary Expo.
Love your work and Love my calendar! I have been purchasing your calendar for the past 4 years..
Hi Genevieve. I will eventually sell the tote bags online, hopefully sooner rather than later. Buying them ahead of time is a big investment, so I’m balancing what I’ll need for the show with what I might expect online. But if I can get more in sooner, I will certainly let you know when I have them available. And thanks for the kind words, glad you’re enjoying the critters.
We all loved the idea of your critters on bags. A bit of cheer is so welcome at this terrible time in history.
We can sure understand the doom and gloom of the need to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world politically. However, we do appreciate your humor!! Could be things have reached a turning point (51st state, aaagh!) and Canadians will find a sound way to respond to leadership that lacks a moral compass (to put it very very mildly).