Let's Chalk and Roll!

Today I created some listings trying out three different price points for advertising on The Chalkmobile. Each with different features. I'm not exactly sure what people are willing to pay for such a service but after doing some research I feel like I'm offering a very fair price. Of course, there isn't anything else out there exactly like what I'm attempting to do so it's all trial and error from here on. I am leaving it open for best offers. Mostly because I'm in a situation where I need to consider all options. However, this surely doesn't mean I can accept anything that is going to end up costing me. The expenses for running The Chalkmobile are pretty significant with the price of fuel and chalk being my main incursions. I'm not exactly driving a hybrid here. At least the math is pretty simple. With any luck I'll get some hits and snag some income.

 Being an artist, an income can be quite illusive. People tend to "love" your work but not enough to pay for it. This is a well known plight for creators. You earn practically nothing until you "make it" then all of the sudden people will kill for your least significant creation. Most will never "make it" at all. But If all I cared about was money I definitely wouldn't have chosen this profession. Honestly I don't even feel like I "chose" it at all. It's simply who I am. It's in my blood... This insatiable urge to create that which I conceive in my mind. It's not just limited to the traditional works like drawings and paintings. It finds it's way into nearly every facet of my life. Hence me converting my only form of transportation into a rolling piece of artwork.

 If someone were to ask me why I am an artist my answer would be something of the sort. Technically speaking I am just a man with a bunch of ideas. I need to vent these ideas otherwise they continue to pile up and literally impede me both mentally and physically. It's as if I can feel their weight bearing down upon me. If I do not release that pressure it shuts me down completely. Art is simply one of the easiest ways that I have been able to accomplish that.

 This is both good and bad. On one hand I have an efficient outlet for ideas. On the other hand creating art can be quite costly with both money and time. So of course the obvious solution would be to sell my creations... Simple enough in concept but as all artists and most non-artists know, it's really not that easy. Trust me I've tried to give it up. Many of my Facebook fans can attest to that. I guess in the end it's just harder for me to give up than to keep trying. So in the mean time I keep on creating in hope that eventually supply will meet demand in a fashion that allows me to adequately support my creativity and my family.

Looking Up

I have reached a point in my life where things are about as bad as they can get. The proverbial "rock bottom" as one might say. My bank account has a negative balance. My wallet only faring slightly better. My living situation uncertain. My cellphone, a valuable tool for business and social interaction now shut off. I no longer own anything to wear that would be considered "presentable". I dream of a day where I can comfortably support my family without having to burden anyone else. I have three young children who depend on me.  My daily driver, a 1996 Chevy Astro Van that is showing signs of giving up the ghost is also the only thing currently bringing me any income. With a generous coat of chalkboard paint I have converted it into "The Chalkmobile". I take it to public locations and events letting people "Chalk it up". I'll also do a live demonstration of my own skills, usually on the hood. This helps me get a few more $ in the tip bucket.

Dale Bros - Summerfest!

Design done for Gooey

Although my situation is extremely dire, I can't say that I've ever had more hope. The people I have been able to meet and connect with via The Chalkmobile have been amazing. There's something magical about it's ability to break social barriers in ways I've never been able to as an artist to date. It allows me to not only express my self artistically and show it off publicly but also let others do the same. They can create art or write a message. Anything goes! Well... Almost anything... Kids love The Chalkmobile.

 My point is that I feel like I'm right on the cusp of something amazing! This old beat up van holds so much potential! Not only for the above reasons but for so much more! Using my ability as an artist I can literally create any design on the vehicle's surface. This includes graphics that can be used for advertising purposes.
Using simple chalk I can create vivid and attention grabbing displays for companies. Complete with their contact details and any other information they want to display. Their design, logo and information can then be seen all over town on this mobile billboard. But what really makes this advantageous for companies is the fact that since it's completely done in chalk it grabs even more attention than traditional methods. Plus the Chalkmobile has an ever increasing web and social media presence. This means that not only do you get the physical advertising but also significant online advertising. A business really can't lose when advertising on such a unique platform.

Also, The Chalkmobile is great for all kinds of events. Imagine letting everyone at a birthday party transform it into one giant birthday card! Or decorating it in celebration at a wedding! Attendees can sign their name or write an encouraging message then take photos that instantly become unique and unforgettable memories. With a little extra TLC the Chalkmobile can actually be used as the car that transports the newly weds off to their honeymoon! Or can be rented out like a limousine as an awesome ride to prom or other celebration! I have so many great ideas for this van present and future. The possibilities seem endless! It's all right there... sitting on four wheels in my driveway. One big box of hope. But can it transport me from the depths of my current circumstances? Only time will tell. In the mean time I pray and just keep on chalkin'!