Idaho Statesman, David Staats reports on Tonidraws.com today!

INSIDE IDAHO BUSINESS- DECEMBER 22, 2008 DAVID STAATS, LOCAL NEWS EDITOR, wrote a nice story about tonidraws.com. I am writing the article with a few corrections. Here's the story:

LOCAL ARTIST WILL IMMORTALIZE FIDO ON YOUR T-SHIRT

Toni McMillan says her career has gone to the dogs, and she loves it!

McMillan is a Boise artist, that runs her own art business, Tonidraws.com, making her living
drawing and painting pictures of pets, sometimes with their owners.

She also draws historical scenes and landscapes. You can now purchase dozens of Idaho souvenir products with her paintings on them through her online Art store, tonidraw.com. You can purchase tote bags, greeting cards, mugs, prints, clocks, pillows, hats, T-shirts, and more.

She has illustrated a book and designed logos for local governments and other organizations.
Her drawings can be printed on calendars, and other promotional items for your business or organization. She can draw contemporary images- like your car-into a historical streetscape.

A native of Texas, McMillan has drawn since she was a child and professionally for over 15 years. She graduated in 1989 with a degree in graphic design with an emphasis in Illustration from Boise State University.

Toni has created a new series, titled, "Boise Love Series." After Toni's only child was raised and married, she decided that is was time for her to start a new family of her own. She decided it would be fun to paint her future spouce and dog into her life and into her paintings.

In one painting she paints herself in a hot air-balloon above Kathryn Albertson's Park, while her future husband is waving to her. It is titled, "Love is in the Air." The series is mostly about the adventures of Toni, the mystery man and mystery dog. It is mostly meant for fun, and a way to express Toni's creative, vivid imagination, sense of humor and love for Boise.

Any romantic prospects: She shakes her head: "If they aren't a gentleman, they get kicked to the curb pretty fast." "I am still hopeful, and will continue to paint this special man and dog into my future, and create interesting and fun art while doing it!

My "Boise Love Series," Historical Idaho, Idaho Landscapes, Promotional Images, and Adorable Pet Portraits, are now available on hundreds of cool items and gifts, most under $25.

You can see samples for yourself at her website, http://www.tonidraws.com/, or call her at:
208-429-9820.

BSU Students Reveal New Tonidraws Marketing Plan

Professor Gary McCain, Jamie Chaffin, Dara Charlton, Hsien-Ming Ng, Toni McMillan, Nicole Eldredge Boise State Marketing Team

December 12, 2008 Presentation Day!

Testimonial:

"Toni McMillan is the first artist ever selected for the Marketing Planning Applications Program in the history of the program, due to her history of working to apply sound Business practices in a world where that is often overlooked. Her artistic scope covers a broad spectrum of the visual artis; drawing, painting, photography and face artistry. She has a particular talent in creating vivid pet drawings with an amazing sense of presence."

Professor Gary McCain, Phd. Boise State University

Toni's Launching her new Online Storefront

Now with the newly revised Tonidraws.com, and new online storefront you can see Toni's life's work on tons of cool products! They are affordable, and easy to order. Shipped right to your door or as a gift across the country! Great for the last minute Christmas shopper on a tight budget!


Unique, affordable, fun and fast! No wrapping paper, no shopping lines, no traffic jams!

Just Click and your special gift is on it's way!

Thanks for shopping at Toni's new storefront!


Happy Holidays!
Toni McMillan

What's New at Tonidraws.com

Hello Fellow Patrons,

I have my first blog! That's what's new! I am growing and learning to much lately. This recession has forced me out of my comfort zone into doing things in such a new and more creative way. You have heard necessity is the mother of invention, well that is my motto!

You have also heard the saying, "When things get tough the tough get going." That is my new mantra as well.

I have so much to tell. The recession began last January and I have really felt it. Instead of giving up I raised up my boot straps, like a typical Texan and got to work. Here are some of the new developments I have accomplished in the past six months:

1. I have been in a lot more shows this year, mostly targeting the Pet Market. ex.

The Idaho Pet Expo

AKC Fair Grounds Show

See Spot Walk

Wag & Walk

NW Pets Eagle

Bown's Crossing, Art Walk for Make a Wish Foundation

Camp Bow Wow Grand Opening Dog Day Care

Gypsy Gallery First Thursday Shows twices

Saturday Market twices

Congressman Mike Simpson's BarBQue

Dawson's Coffee Shop

1. My Biggest News is being selected for a marketing plan by the BSU Marketing Department as a class project. I am told that they have never in the history of the program selected an individual without employees. This is a major compliment and vote of confidence from the students and Professor McCain.

They will have their marketing plan proposal ready this month. I can't wait to see what the students came up with.

2. Next Biggest news is- I have an new online shopping cart! For the first time I will have all my images available on dozens of products, ready for shopping and sent right to my customers doors! The address to the shopping cart is www.cafepress.com/tonidraws

3. My Blog is new to me - I think it will be a nice way to keep patrons up to date as to what I am working on each week. I can include plans, latest artwork, listings of shows I will be at, alot more up to date and professional looking than an email.

4. Updating my website - I am considering redesigning a new website, or updating the old one.

Times have changed, and I'm changing!