Toni's Blog

Toni McMillan teams with Governor Otter and Red Cross to raise funds for Japan Relief

2011-04-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

TONI MCMILLAN TEAMS WITH GOVERNOR OTTER AND RED CROSS FOR JAPAN RELIEF

IDAHO JAPAN AID - BENEFIT CONCERT

The Japanese Disaster, although thousands of miles away hit very close to home for me. My only daughter, Kristin and Airman son-in-law, Kenneth, experienced the 8.9 earthquake first hand, while stationed on the Misawa Air Base, only four months prior to the earthquake.

My daughter recently emailed me that the last earthquake was more terrifying that the first because it hit at night while she was sleeping at the onbase apartments. She stated the apartments were made of concrete, and were not as stable as her office building, where she was during the worst earthquake.

Rather than worry about further earthquakes, tsunamis and radiation, I have chosen to use my art for good to help the Japanese, and to show my love and support for my military family who are still possibly in harms way.

Governor Otter, gave me his full support and signed seven Artist Proofs of the drawing I had made from a drawing of the Governor. 100% of the funds raised from the sell of the prints will go to the Red Cross. I need a mininum of $150 per print to reach my one thousand dollar goal for the Red Cross. Please be generous and consider donating more than the $150.

You will be helping Japan, receive a tax deduction and a valuable limited edition print signed by me and Governor Butch Otter. The print could eventually have more value than your donation and will be a great collector's item. Now is your opportunity to donate to a worthy cause,

receive a tax deduction and receive something back of great value! Please be generous- the Japanese need our help. The same thing could possibly happen to us, here in Idaho.

Sincerely,

Toni McMillan

IDAHO JAPAN AID- Benefit Concert

I have been invited by the Red Cross to appear at the IDAHO JAPAN AID benefit concert

to raise funds selling my prints of the Governor, Sunday, April 17th, 1pm-5pm

at the Nampa Civic Center.

There will be entertainers from all over the world, and 100% of the money goes to Japan.

There will be musicians, dancers, magicians, vocalist, etc, from Japan, China, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam and Idaho.

Reception is free at 1PM-2PM

Entertainment will start at 2PM-5PM, admission is $30-$50.

I will have a booth, during this event to take donation for the limited edition prints.

Even if you are not Republican, this is a way to help Japan and receive a collectable back

that may be worth more than your donation. You can always redonate the print you purchase

to another charity of your own.

KEEPSAKE PORTRAIT FRAMES

2010-03-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

KEEPSAKE FRAME!

Check out these really cute, versatile and reasonably priced Keepsake Frames!

Great for any occasion!

The Keepsake frame includes:

A Custom Original Drawing of Anything!

(dog, cat, person, building, couple, ferrett, etc.)

Black Shadowbox Frame, Wall or Desktop styles

Kit for Footprint, or Pet Pawprint, or poem or

scripture, a medal, or any small item!

Price Includes:

Everything for only $150

GREAT REASONABLY PRICE SENTIMENTAL GIFT!

Bridal Showers, Memorials, Anniversaries, New Business

with first dollar, Favorite Pet for Birthday, Baby Shower Gift,

Any ocassion you can dream up! Take up a collection for the

whole family or group of friends and give something really special!

MARKETING- Future Plans

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Training- I have decided to go in the direction of Internet Marketing for my own business, as well as providing this to other businesses as a service. My goals is to become an expert in marketing on the internet through every means possible. I plan to start with free social net-works, ex. Facebook, Craig's List, Utube, Twitter, Blogs, Linked-In.

If I can find some formal training on these topics, I will persue this training as well.
If you know of any courses in webdesign, search engine optimization and internet marketing, that are local, or online training, and that are reasonably priced, quality training please email me a link or contact number.

Search Engine Optimization- I plan to study books on this subject, learn how to maximize
and drive a targeted market to my website, who will use my services. Once I have mastered this knowledge and techniques successfully I will offer these services to others.

MARKETING TRAINING-BUSINESS AWARDS-Past

2010-03-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

U.S. Local Business Association's- Honor of Achievement- 2008 Washington DC. The USLABA recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Tonidraws.com received the "Best of Local Business Award," for business they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Various sources of information were gathered to analyze and choose the winners in each category. The USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Cambridge Who's Who, Recognized Toni McMillan, of Tonidraws.com as an honored member for outstanding achievement in the field of Art. She was added to the Cambridge Who's Who Registry of Executive's and Professional for the 2007-2008 Edition.

Buying and Selling on EBay- Center for Workforce Training- completed 2.5 hours of instruction on buying and selling on Ebay- 2006

Marketing Award- New Women's Council- For achievement in helping Market the New Women's Council in the media.

"Big Ideas for Promoting A Small Business," Idaho Small Business Development Center
3 credit hours according to the guidelines set forth by the National Task Force on the Continuing
Education Unit. -2005

"Basic Advertising & Media Strategy," 4 credit hours according to the guidelines set forth by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit. 2005

"Do It Yourself Market Research," 4 credit hours according to the guidelines set forth by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit. 2004

"Idaho Premier FastTrac II," for successful completion of the Intensive Business Course, Survival Skills for Small Business Owners, Idaho Small Business Development Center- 1995

"Basic Advertising & Media Strategy," 4 credit hours according to the guidelines set forth
by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit. 1995

"First Place Award," Business Plan Competition, Idaho Premier Fast Trac II- 1995
Honor of Outstanding Achievement. The Premier Fast Trac II course, was an intensive course for entrepreneur's in preparing a business plan. The four month's of training included
many classes, expert speakers and preparing your business plan. The plans were judged by Presidents of local banks, and included dozens of businesses from Boise and Nampa.

My business plan received the highest award, even though I didn't actually have a business at the time. All the other competitors actually had businesses. This award is one of my highest achievement other than my Bachelor of Arts Degree. It illustrated to myself and the business community that I not only had talent but that I had a good business mind, and the number one business plan for success out of dozens of businesses that competed.

PUBLIC SPEAKING - TRAINING

2010-03-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

DALE CARNEGIE COURSE- PUBLIC SPEAKING & HUMAN RELATIONS- Boise, Idaho- 1992

Twelve week course in over-coming fear of public speaking, techniques, how to win friends and influence people.

DALE CARNEGIE AWARDS- I received the first award, "Personal Progress Award," for my first speech. I spoke on the topic of a childhood horseback riding accident.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE RECOGNITION- 100% Attendance for the entire 12 weeks.

PUBLIC SPEAKING EXPERIENCE:

TAKE THE LEAD- Leads Group- Chill's Restaurant- 2010- I was asked to be a guest speaker for this years group after sharing a story about my success in Texas this past holiday season.

I spoke on the topic of my efforts to reinvent myself and my business to survive the recession over the past 2 years. My efforts include:

Designed new Website, and trimmed it down

Added new online art store- where my art can be purchased on dozens of products under $30.

Art Stimulus Package- Offered drawings with pawprints, drawing and shadowbox to customer to offer package deal at only $150 framed.

Museums are now carrying my products in Texas now- retail sales, more public expose, and free publicity and residual income from art.

Teaching Private Art Lessons in Home- to keep costs down, and to bring in steady income

I started receiving requests for private lessons from my old website. I enjoy teaching private lessons and making new friends of all ages and sharing my passion.

PUBLIC SPEAKING - PAST

Boise State University- Spoke at John Killmaster's art Class- inspirational speech on following your dreams as an Artist-

University Christian Church- Boise State University- Spoke at a woman's church luncheon on the topic of, "Portraiture through the Ages." I spoke on when the human image was first used in time on cave walls, how Alexander the Great was the first to use his image on coins, to how photography effected portraiture and current trends in portraiture."

FUTURE PLANS - Public Speaking- High School-Art Departments in Boise Area.

I feel it is important that student's planning their career in the Arts, need the opportunity to hear an experienced artist share their history, in site and encouragement before deciding what direction to go with their talents and continuing their education.

Public Speaking-Leads Groups, Pet Groups, etc. I feel I have many stories that would be interesting for any group or any age. My art is very visually interesting, and many of my successes most people find inspirational.

ILLUSTRATION-Past

2010-03-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Pacific Source Publishing- Magazine Illustration- National Publication- I called the art director of Pacific Source Publishing to see if they would use me as an illustrator for their publication.

I told them I had dreamed to be published in their publication for years. Many of my Boise State University Professors had been published in their magazine regularly. They are located in Nampa, Idaho. I never met them or even showed them my portfolio. I asked them if they would just give me an assignment, and told them I would complete the project and they would not be obligated to publish or pay me for the illustration if they did not like the drawing.

Success!

The article was on the right to prayer in schools. I tried to get into a public school to use a child as a model, and wasn't allowed. I went to a Christian school and was allowed to photograph an 8 year old girl sitting in front of a chalkboard praying with a math problem on the chalkb0ard.

They were happy with the illustration, paid me $300, and I was published in a National Magazine for the first time. I tried to get more assignments but they worked through a design firm and only made this exception for me that one time. I was very excited to be published in their magazine! I haven't tried to work with publisher since this. It is very difficult to get in, and get steady work and to find a publisher that is interested in your style and will work with individual artist's anymore. I would be interested if a publisher approached me and my style is what they were looking for, if they were reputable and paid well.

Still Alive and Kicking 2010 Tonidraws.com Update

2010-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have decided to go back in history and combine it with todays events and goals, and bring this blog up todate. I commit to keeping it up todate from this day forward. Expect to see more of Toni McMillan , the artist, individual and business person on a regular basis.

I will be organizing this blog by category for now so I can go back into the past to demonstrate my training, accomplishment and future goals.

The first category is EDUCATION- Past

Most of you know I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Boise State University, in 1989. I graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.89.

I had planned to go into Graphic Design, and Illustration. I did freelance logo design for a variety of organizations and businesses.

LOGO Design Future Goals- I currently have a new online art store, at http://www.tonidraws.com/

where I can design anything for any purpose, that can be added to up to 50 products priced under $30, that can be used for the following:

Organizations- Events, Team Identity, Prizes, Promotion, Marketing and Awards!

Each member can order their own style of T-shirt and size! You don't have to collect money for the group, no set up fees, and you can order 1 or thousands. They will be shipped anywhere you want within a week or two depending on quantities. ex. of products include: tote bags, mugs, mouse pads, greeting cards, hats, magnets, clocks, pillows, etc. Check to see all the products and how they look with designs on them at: http://www.tonidraws.com/ or call 208-345-4-ART to discuss ideas for your organization. There will be a charge for the designing of the logo or art to be negotiated. If you want to resale these items this will need to be negotiated as well.

LOGO DESIGN- Past Projects

Boise City Police- my logo was used for the off-duty officer's softball hats, for the entire Boise Police Department.

Boise State University- I designed a Bronco horse logo for an Ice Cream cart, that was
taken around to all the sporting events and campus.

Idaho Revolver League- Logo for the organizations T-shirts

Idaho Bird Hunters Association- Logo for organization's T-shirts and organization brand

Wolf Recovery Foundation- Logo for T-shirts and organization's brand

ILLUSTRATION- Recent

Jan- 2010- Timberline High School- Athletic Department- Six Graduating Seniors

Project- Six Line drawing of the six 2010 graduating seniors. I was allowed to present the drawings to the seniors after a win against Boise High at a special event ceremony. Each athlete and their parents were very pleased with the drawings. Here is the testimonial of the parent that contracted me:

February 25, 2010

My name is Lisa Hall, and my first encounter with Toni was the day I called her to see if she could bail me out of a tough position. Graciously, she agreed knowing that if she said no, there was not enough time for the project to be completed by anyone else.

My story is as follows:

I have two sons who play basketball for the Timberline High School Team. We asked the Art Department to create caricatures for each of the six seniors to present to them on Senior Night. Their versions did not turn out how we wanted, so we had to move on and come up with another plan.

At the time it was Tuesday and we needed them by Thursday. From a referral artist who teaches for the Young Rembrant's Art Program, we called Toni to see if she could produce line drawings for each of the boys by Thursday, and she agreed. We provided her with a physical photo of each player, and we didn't give her much time. She worked diligently late nights to create the awesome drawings of each player. The boys love them, and the parents were thrilled with the final product. Success!

Toni is a wonderful artist, and I would definately refer her to anyone I know, and I plan to hire her for some personal projects myself.

Lisa Hall
Boise, Idaho

ILLUSTRATION- Past

Book Illustration: I am a published illustrator. This book was written by two physical therapist in Boise Idaho. It is a parenting book for anyone that is involved in raising children, parents, child care providers, teachings, grandparents, etc. I am proud of the 65 drawings I completed for this book. I did all the photography for the book as well as 65 line drawings. It took 9 months to complete these drawings.

ILLUSTRATION FUTURE GOALS- I would be interested in doing more illustration and perhaps write and illustrate my own childen's book in the future, however I prefer to work with only individuals and publishers that know copywrite laws, and those that have adequate funds to pay for quality illustration.

COPYRIGHT LAWS on book illustration and Ethical Hiring of Artists:

Please do not take advantage of artists or even hobby artist. Pay them for their time and work, even if they are not experienced and even if they don't ask. Art is valuable and so is the artist's time and talents. Do your homework and find out what is fair, just because you wrote a book, do not expect an artist to invest in your project that may never get published. Pay them on time and fairly!

Pay the artist 50% upfront: We need this to pay the costs of art supplies, and living expenses while creating and to insure the client is committed and won't back out of the project while you work on it.

Future Plans in Illustration:

I am only interested in working with experienced and professional publishers in the future. It is insufficient to only offer an artist their name in a book, or royalties based on possible future sales as payment. These are standard perks and do not offer much value in gaining more work for an artist. The artist delivers images now, and should be paid a reasonable rate for each illustration as it is completed and accepted. There is a lot of time involved with creating art, pay for their time fairly. Pay them an extra rush fee if you need things in less than 2 weeks. Be Realistic: When you see a sketch artist at the fair doing a drawing in 15 minutes, that doesn't mean every drawing will only take 15 minutes and you should only pay $10 for an illustration. There are many steps to creating an illustration, and each drawing requires different skills and different hours to create. Some artist are more experienced and better than others. Expect to pay more for these skills and experience. Some Illustrations can take 5 hours some up to 50 hours. Most illustrations can start at least $50 to $500 per drawing. Try to be realistic as to how much time your project would take. Think about how much you would want to be paid if you were doing it. If you worked for 4 hours doing anything , would you want to be paid $10? That's $2.50 an hour. Do you think because you enjoy your work, you should be paid less? If you got your name on a book cover, would'nt you still need a paycheck to pay your costs of living and supplies? Recognition is not enough, and the artist has bills and cost of living too, and needs to be paid fully and also given recognition for their hard work. Referrals are always nice too. The artist keeps the original drawings when they are used for publication. The publisher is only paying for the use of the drawings not ownership. The artist retains full ownership to the images even if they are contracted and paid to do the drawings for a specific book.

The artist should be paid for each use of the drawings. For the cover, interior, and each time it is reprinted according to their agreed terms of their contract. To print or alter an artist's work without payment or permission is Copyright infringement and you can be sued. The artist is paid each time and image is reproduced, because this is how they make their living. This is true in music, writing, and any other performancing art.

"Kids Learn from the Inside Out," Shirley L. Randolph, MA, PT and Margot C. Heiniger, MA, OTR, Illustrator - Toni McMillan 65 line drawings of children, illustrating the developmental stages of children from birth to age 7 years.

Tonidraws.com Receives 2008 Boise Award

2009-01-06T00:18:00.000-08:00

U.S. Local Business Association Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., -- TONIDRAWS.COM has been selected for the 2008 Boise Award in the Artists category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community.
Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

BSU Marketing Team Testimonials for Tonidraws.com

2009-01-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

The BSU Marketing Department chose Tonidraws.com for a class project this past fall. Four students prepared a new marketing plan for Tonidraws.com. Below is the Lead Senior of the BSU Marketing Team's testimonial:

"I have been working with Toni McMillan for several months, and she has left an amazing impression. It's rare to find anyone in the business world that is willing to go the extra mile for their customer like Toni does. Her drawings are incredible! I was impressed with Toni's drawings the first time I saw them. With closer inspection I discovered they had been hand drawn with amazing attention given to detail. Toni captures more than just a replication of your pet, she captures your pet's personality. Her talent is apparent in every aspect of her art, not just her pet portraits. Her dedication to her business and to her customers cannot easily be surpassed. Toni is constantly working to better herself to better offer her customers a valuable art piece.

Toni's current art series is her "Boise Love Series." Each painting is a scene set at a local Boise Landmark. This series shows Toni's true appreciation and love for Boise and her future.

Working with Toni as a client has been a great experience and I really think our marketing plan will help her on her way to become even more successful."

Recently Toni has begun an new online Art Store where you can purchase her work on a variety of products. This service is invaluable in current economic conditions. She can now offer very affordable products for every spectrum of consumer. Her diligence in putting this service together is impressive." http://www.tonidraws.com

Jamie Chaffin, Senior Leader Marketing Team

Boise State University

Professor Gary McCain the Marketing Professor in charge of the Marketing Applications Program includes his following testimonial.

"Toni is an accomplished artist who has made a conscious effort to build her art career in a businesslike manner. What makes her a sound prospect for a Senior Level Marketing Planning Applications course is her history of working to apply sound business practices in a world where that is often over looked.

Toni's artistic scope covers a broad spectrum of the visual arts:

Drawing

Painting

Photography

Face Artistry

"She has a particular talent in creating vivid pet drawings with an amazing sense of presence."

Our planning team consists of four senior Marketing Majors who were interested in expanding their experience beyond the typical consumer product anyone can buy in a big box store. Art has all the marketing needs of any goods or service plus the unique characteristics of custom customer relationship building of elite products. The team was able to research and propose ideas on how to build relationships, develop a personal market position, and apply internet marketing technologies to expand Toni's opportunities and enhance her business success."

Gary McCain, Ph.D.

Professor of Marketing

Boise State University

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

2008-12-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

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!