Steve Santiago – Artist and Desktop Publisher

A friend of mine who is a very talented artist and desktop publisher recently lost his 9 to 5. Please visit his Facebook and give him a “like”. And if you know anyone that needs some sick art or great desktop publishing work please be sure and mention his name. https://www.facebook.com/stevesantiago.artist

And here is his website- http://www.illustrator-steve.com/

Writers and Artists that failed at first

Writers and Artists

We’ve all heard about starving artists and struggling writers, but these stories show that sometimes all that work really does pay off with success in the long run.

1. Vincent Van Gogh:During his lifetime, Van Gogh sold only one painting, and this was to a friend and only for a very small amount of money. While Van Gogh was never a success during his life, he plugged on with painting, sometimes starving to complete his over 800 known works. Today, they bring in hundreds of millions.


2. Emily Dickinson:Recluse and poet Emily Dickinson is a commonly read and loved writer. Yet in her lifetime she was all but ignored, having fewer than a dozen poems published out of her almost 1,800 completed works.


3. Theodor Seuss Giesel:Today nearly every child has read The Cat in the HatorGreen Eggs and Ham, yet 27 different publishers rejected Dr. Seuss’s first book To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.


4. Charles Schultz:Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip has had enduring fame, yet this cartoonist had every cartoon he submitted rejected by his high school yearbook staff. Even after high school, Schultz didn’t have it easy, applying and being rejected for a position working with Walt Disney.


5. Steven Spielberg: While today Spielberg’s name is synonymous with big budget, he was rejected from the University of Southern California School of Theater, Film and Television three times. He eventually attended school at another location, only to drop out to become a director before finishing. Thirty-five years after starting his degree, Spielberg returned to school in 2002 to finally complete his work and earn his BA.


6. Stephen King: The first book by this author, the iconic thriller Carrie,received 30 rejections, finally causing King to give up and throw it in the trash. His wife fished it out and encouraged him to resubmit it, and the rest is history, with King now having hundreds of books published the distinction of being one of the best-selling authors of all time.


7. Zane Grey:Incredibly popular in the early 20th century, this adventure book writer began his career as a dentist, something he quickly began to hate. So, he began to write, only to see rejection after rejection for his works, being told eventually that he had no business being a writer and should given up. It took him years, but at 40, Zane finally got his first work published, leaving him with almost 90 books to his name and selling over 50 million copies worldwide.


8. J. K. Rowling: Rowling may be rolling in a lot of Harry Potter dough today, but before she published the series of novels she was nearly penniless, severely depressed, divorced, trying to raise a child on her own while attending school and writing a novel. Rowling went from depending on welfare to survive to being one of the richest women in the world in a span of only five years through her hard work and determination.


9. Monet:Today Monet’s work sells for millions of dollars and hangs in some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Yet during his own time, it was mocked and rejected by the artistic elite, the Paris Salon. Monet kept at his impressionist style, which caught on and in many ways was a starting point for some major changes to art that ushered in the modern era.


10. Jack London: This well-known American author wasn’t always such a success. While he would go on to publish popular novels like White Fangand The Call of the Wild, his first story received six hundred rejection slips before finally being accepted.


11. Louisa May Alcott: Most people are familiar with Alcott’s most famous work, Little Women. Yet Alcott faced a bit of a battle to get her work out there and was was encouraged to find work as a servant by her family to make ends meet. It was her letters back home during her experience as a nurse in the Civil War that gave her the first big break she needed.

Hollywood Types that failed at first

Hollywood Types

These faces ought to be familiar from the big screen, but these actors, actresses and directors saw their fair share of rejection and failure before they made it big.

1. Jerry Seinfeld: Just about everybody knows who Seinfeld is, but the first time the young comedian walked on stage at a comedy club, he looked out at the audience, froze and was eventually jeered and booed off of the stage. Seinfeld knew he could do it, so he went back the next night, completed his set to laughter and applause, and the rest is history.


2. Fred Astaire: In his first screen test, the testing director of MGM noted that Astaire, “Can’t act. Can’t sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” Astaire went on to become an incredibly successful actor, singer and dancer and kept that note in his Beverly Hills home to remind him of where he came from.


3. Sidney Poitier: After his first audition, Poitier was told by the casting director, “Why don’t you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?” Poitier vowed to show him that he could make it, going on to win an Oscar and become one of the most well-regarded actors in the business.


4. Jeanne Moreau: As a young actress just starting out, this French actress was told by a casting director that she was simply not pretty enough to make it in films. He couldn’t have been more wrong as Moreau when on to star in nearly 100 films and win numerous awards for her performances.


5. Charlie Chaplin: It’s hard to imagine film without the iconic Charlie Chaplin, but his act was initially rejected by Hollywood studio chiefs because they felt it was a little too nonsensical to ever sell.


6. Lucille Ball: During her career, Ball had thirteen Emmy nominations and four wins, also earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors. Before starring in I Love Lucy,Ball was widely regarded as a failed actress and a B movie star. Even her drama instructors didn’t feel she could make it, telling her to try another profession. She, of course, proved them all wrong.


7. Harrison Ford:In his first film, Ford was told by the movie execs that he simply didn’t have what it takes to be a star. Today, with numerous hits under his belt, iconic portrayals of characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and a career that stretches decades, Ford can proudly show that he does, in fact, have what it takes.


8. Marilyn Monroe: While Monroe’s star burned out early, she did have a period of great success in her life. Despite a rough upbringing and being told by modeling agents that she should instead consider being a secretary, Monroe became a pin-up, model and actress that still strikes a chord with people today.


9. Oliver Stone:This Oscar-winning filmmaker began his first novel while at Yale, a project that eventually caused him to fail out of school. This would turn out to be a poor decision as the the text was rejected by publishers and was not published until 1998, at which time it was not well-received. After dropping out of school, Stone moved to Vietnam to teach English, later enlisting in the army and fighting in the war, a battle that earning two Purple Hearts and helped him find the inspiration for his later work that often center around war.

The Mental Health Struggle #Indiegogo- #health #Art #book

The Mental Health Struggle

A collection of inspirational and motivational short stories, and pictures, of real people who have triumphed over adversity. All profits donated to charities.

http://www.indiegogo.com/TheMentalHealthStruggle

A lot of people don’t realize that depression is an illness. I don’t wish it on anyone, but if they would know how it feels, I swear they would think twice before they just shrug it. Jonathan Davis.

How many people do you think face mental health issues every day? That number in your head would probably need doubling before you got anywhere close. Depression, post traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s, bi-polar, anxiety, agoraphobia, eating disorders, ADHD, the list is completely endless.

What do these people do to get by? Take tablets, see counsellors, get told it will “all go away eventually.”

Others do some incredible things; such as become a celebrity, run a business or travel the World in a boat.

It is about time that these people’s stories were told. In order to give inspiration to others, be recognised for their achievements and to help those who are also going through tough times. The Mental Health Struggle – From Agoraphobe to CEO is a book in the making that aims to put together all of these incredible people’s stories. So far, we have over 100 real stories to sort through and thousands of real pictures. Once this is completed, it will become the most inspirational and motivational book of all time, the profits of which will be divided by several mental health charities.

About the book itself

The Mental Health Struggle – From Agoraphobe to CEO will be an A5 size book that has lots of stories, pictures and quotes. It’s the kind of thing you would be able to pick up on the train, bus, toilet (if you fancy) and just read a part of. It’s not going to be some long, boring novel that you have to read in any given order. That’s the great thing about it, it is short bursts of inspiration and motivation! We like those words.

All of the profits from the book will be divided between 5 mental health charities which are:

Mind

Time To Change

The Mental Health Foundation

And two smaller charities which are currently being nominated by their supporters.

The cover and artwork is currently being designed by DesignMatic so we will update the project as soon as we have the final piece.

This is what an A5 looks like. See, like small but big.

The people who are sending in stories have also been sending in poetry, artwork they’ve done and even little gifts. How cool is that? It means that we can jam pack the book with as many exciting bits and bobs as possible. Plus it makes it much more exciting to read.

Rewards for getting involved

Please note: If you are outside the UK then add an extra £10 for postage on the heavier items (hardbacks, etc) and £5 for the paperback and smaller items.

If you just want a t-shirt or picture by Nick Smith then pledge £20 (+ postage if outside the UK) and send us a note. We will ship them out in February.

The most important thing in all this; what do I get?!

Here’s a breakdown of the rewards and what they mean:

Beginner’s Badge:

Exactly what it says on the tin really! Designed by Masato – A top London fashion designer

A lovely letter: Gets you the button badge and a handwritten letter from Rebecca, creator of the project.

Early bird special: A paperback copy of the book! These are limited to 50 so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Super early bird special: Ooooh hardback copy! Even better. There’s only 20 of these though so go go go!

Book launch goodies: A paperback copy of the book and a ticket to come to the book launch in Kent. Plus a goody bag (see more about those further down).

Fashionistas: A hardback copy of the book, a Masato designed t-shirt for the cause and a goody bag.

The ‘Open Mouse’ design, by Masato, featured on a 100% organic & ethical t-shirt

Artistes: A hardback copy of the book, an anime picture (like our team drawings) of yourself from Nick Smith and a goody bag!

Bitta both: Can’t decide? How about a hardback copy of the book, a t-shirt by Masato AND an anime drawing by Nick Smith. Plus the goody bag and a thank you in THE BOOK itself! That’s right, in the book. Your name. Seen by millions. Wow!

VIP: A hardback copy of the book, Masato designed t-shirt AND picture drawn by Nick Smith (like our team pictures) AND a VIP ticket to the book launch in Kent. Plus a goody bag, of course. A VIP ticket means you can hang out with the team, get lots of free drinks and nibbles!

Super fan: A SIGNED LIMITED EDITION hardback copy of the book. There are not very many of these so you’ll be a real super fan! Plus a VIP ticket to the book launch in Kent. Don’t forget your t-shirt AND picture as well! Includes goody bag and a thank you in the book.

Double VIP: 2 x hardback copies of the book, 2 x Masato designed t-shirts AND 2 x pictures drawn by Nick Smith AND 2 x VIP tickets to the book launch. Plus 2 goody bags and a thank you in the book. Like the VIP one but doubled up, basically!

VIP Extra: A limited edition copy of the book,a Masato designed t-shirt AND picture from Nick Smith, a goody bag plus a VIP ticket to the book launch including some lovely grub and a chance to meet Rebecca and the team. We will pay for you to get to the launch (within the UK) . You will get a special mention in the book as well!

Double VIP Extra: Two limited edition copies of the book, 2 x Masato designed t-shirts AND 2 x pictures from Nick Smith, a goody bag for you and one other plus 2 x VIP tickets to the book launch including some lovely grub and a chance to meet Rebecca and the team. We will pay for you to get to the launch (within the UK). You will have a special mention in the book as well! It’s doubly exciting!

Super duper VIP extra LIMITED TO 2: Double VIP Extra: Two limited edition copies of the book, 2 x Masato designed t-shirts AND 2 x pictures from Nick Smith, a goody bag for you and one other plus 2 x VIP tickets to the book launch including some lovely grub and a chance to meet Rebecca and the team. We will pay for you to get to the launch (within the UK) as well as put you both up in a hotel! Also, you will have a special mention in the book as well! It’ll be a nice hotel, don’t worry, none of this Premier Travel Lodge Inn nonsense.

The ULTIMATE: Only one chance to become the ultimate sponsor of this project and have your name featured as a publisher/sponsor of the book. We will write about you and your business in the book as well as on the website. Oh and you’ll get lots of nice goodies to say thanks such as anime drawings of you and one other, Masato designed t-shirts (x2) limited edition copies of the book (x2), VIP tickets to the launch (x2) and some goody bags for you and your loved ones.

Everyone that pledges will be mentioned on the thank you page of the website as well.

About the goody bags:

What are these goody bags you mention? I hear you ask. Well each of the goody bags will be filled with lots of lovely stuff such as buttons and badges, keyrings, mugs, some sweeties and chocolates plus freebies from local businesses. Each one will be slightly different but they will all contain lots of really great stuff worth around £50 or more! The more you pledge, the better the goody bag.

Business sponsorship

We have already had a lot of interest from large corporations and more local businesses. If you wish to get involved as a business then please see this page.

Publicity

Rebecca and her story, as well as the book, have already received quite a bit of publicity. Although there is plenty more on the cards! Press releases have been sent to every international, local and national radio station, newspaper, magazine, website, news site, social media giant and even celebrities.

You can see some of the stuff that has already been published here:

Rebecca’s Huffington Post articles on Mental Health can all be found here

Time To Change (one of the charities receiving profits from the book) has published an article by Rebecca which features the book itself here

An interview with BBC Radio on Monday 14th January about Rebecca’s mental health illness and the project itself can be listened to here from 1 hour and 7 minutes in or on Youtube here

There is also a news story about this radio interview here.

People Per Hour who Rebecca uses for all of her freelance work and income have also posted a story about her and the project on their blog here

Xenios (big founder man from People Per Hour) posted Rebecca’s story on his blog and titled it This IS what gets me up in the morning. Aww, thanks Xenios but I bet it’s your phone going off really.

Young Minds (a UK mental health charity) also wanted a piece of Rebecca’s story about setting up her business. A story that will be featured in this book, in much more detail.

Backing from giant mental health charities such as Mind, Rethink, Young Minds, Black Dog Tribe and Channel 4′s Battlefront.

Mind Retweeting Our Project

A radio interview with KMFM, a local Kent radio station.

Why should I pledge? Or even care?

You don’t have to pledge, or even care. However, there have been many sad stories in the news over the last few years about those whose mental health illnesses get too much.

Remember Amanda Todd? She is just one of the millions of people that face the same things every day. Just because she became an online sensation doesn’t mean that she didn’t think/feel/cry the same way as everyone else.

This book is not focusing on the negative, it’s set to focus on the positive. The inspiration, the motivation and all of the amazing things people around the World do on a daily basis.

Not only that, but every single penny left as profit will be going to the mental health charities that need it most. We are working with The Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Time To Change and several others.

You don’t have to pledge to make a difference to this campaign, we have come up with 10 ways you can get involved without money!

What does the money go on?

£2,750 is going towards publishing the first 500 books including the limited editions and so on.

£1,100 will cover the costs of printing the t-shirts and for the artwork from Nick Smith (in the rewards), as well as goody bags, badges and so on.

£1,150 will cover the fees and costs from IndieGoGo, admin and any legal payments for copyright and so on.

If we go over our target then we would like to be able to print more books, as well as put some money aside for the book launch in May!

ALL PROFITS OF THE BOOK WILL BE DIVIDED BY MIND, TIME TO CHANGE, THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION AND 2 SMALLER MENTAL HEALTH CHARITIES SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED.

About the writers

The people that have been contributing their stories so far are from all around the World, from many different walks of life. All have one thing in common; a mental health illness. Some have got over them with incredible stories, others are still battling but doing some pretty amazing things.

All of these stories are being put together in book format by Rebecca (Bex) Walton who is a freelance writer from the UK. She has spent most of her writing career doing boring things in marketing, but has always wanted to write a book. Rebecca has agoraphobia (afraid of leaving the house) but wasn’t just going to sit back and claim incapacity benefits. This project is going to prove that you can do it, I can do it, she can do it, and his dog can do it too.

Meet the team

Rebecca (Bex) Walton – Creator, writer and loser of sanity

Jake Spiller – Co-creator, Fundraising genius & keeper of sanity

Hannah Crouch – Events co-ordinator and mistress of planning

Nigel Walton – PR, fundraiser and purveyor of toys

The whole team together! As drawn by Nick Smith

http://www.indiegogo.com/TheMentalHealthStruggle

Filming Slavery

In “Lincoln,” director Steven Spielberg delivers all the necessary elements of a film that could fend off “Argo” and “Zero Dark Thirty” and win the Oscar for best picture on Feb. 24. A surprisingly lively portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln and the legislative sausage-making he instigated to pass the 13th Amendment, the movie displays historical gravitas, burnished production values and a galvanizing performance from its lead actor.

What “Lincoln” doesn’t deliver, however, is a depiction of the very institution the 13th Amendment was adopted to eradicate. Enslaved people and the terror they endured in the 19th-century South are never portrayed. Instead, Spielberg confines his epic almost entirely to the close environs of 1865 Washington and its rambunctious halls of power.

For a horrifying and heightened depiction of slavery and its predations, viewers are better served by Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” a best-picture nominee along with “Lincoln” and one that does a better job at marrying medium to message in a direct, startling and meaningful way.

What’s wrong with this picture? Spielberg, arguably America’s premier narrative filmmaker, studiously avoids the central question around which his story revolves, while Tarantino — an artist of diametrically opposed, gleefully down-market sensibilities — takes it on with exploitative excess, through the brazenly anachronistic visual style and promiscuous violence of a B-class spaghetti Western.

Captain America and Nick Fury Kicking some butt!