Thank you for attending the Decorative Artists Workbook and Paint With Donna Dewberry Seminar with Amanda Metcalf, Managing Editor for Decorative Artists Workbook, F+W Publications, Inc.

Amanda_Metcalf :

OK, I've prepared a brief history of the magazines along with the featured topic.
So I'll go through the first part pretty quickly ...
Von, please let me know if I need to speed it up a bit!

F+W Publications purchased the magazine now known as Decorative Artist's Workbook from Martin/F. Weber. With Phillip C. Myer as editor, F+W published Volume 14, Issue 7 of Artist's Workbook in 1987. The theme of the issue was "Nature!" Capture the Colors of Spring.

The magazine became Decorative Artist's Workbook (DAW) in June of 1987, when it also switched from four issues a year to six. In March of 1992, Sandy Carpenter, who had been working on DAW since 1988, became Editor (Sandy is now Editorial Director of F+W's Fine Art Group, which includes The Artist's Magazine, Watercolor Magic, Artist's Sketchbook, and The Pastel Journal.

Anne Hevener joined DAW as Managing Editor in 1995. She became Editor in 1996 and has been guiding DAW and its related ventures since. She celebrates her 10th anniversary with the magazine this year.

For more information about Anne and the rest of the DAW staff, check out page 4 of the October issue, on sale on newsstands August 10. We have received such wonderful feedback from painters like you, and to give you more of what you like, we made another big change to the magazine, increasing the page count to 92 pages. (E-mail us at DAWedit@fwpubs.com to let us know what you think!)

In addition to DAW, F+W began publishing specialized magazines for painters to be sold on newsstands, again to give you more of what you want. 2004's special-interest issues included Let's Paint Furniture, Let's Paint Flowers, Let's Paint Glass & Tile, and Let's Paint Landscapes. We currently are working on the tentatively titled Complete Guide to Decorative Painting, which will be available on newsstands November 9.

The discussion of special interest magazines brings us to a crowd favorite, Donna Dewberry. In May 2002, DAW released a special issue on the newsstands called One Day Decorating, featuring "Furniture Facelifts in a Flash."
In August 2003, F+W published the first issue of One Day Decorating as an individual, subscription title. The issue featured "12 Creative Projects for Your Home & Garden."

Both DAW and One Day Decorating shared the goal of providing readers with clear, complete, step-by-step instruction to guide painters through a project. As stated in the mission statement for One Day Decorating, "We're more than a decorating 'idea book.' We want to show you HOW."

One Day Decorating, however, emphasizes using paint in your home decor and instruction in Donna Dewberry's One Stroke technique. To make that point clear and to get the magazine into the hands of people who can really use it, the magazine was retitled Paint with Donna Dewberry in 2004.

That's how we came to be where we are today. Decorative Artist's Workbook serves about 85,000 total readers, and Paint with Donna Dewberry has about 28,000 (and it's on the rise).

So how do you become a part of it all? I'll start with specific needs and move on to general pointers about how to make yourself and your artwork appealing to decorative painting magazines.

DAW offers readers and painters a chance to share their work and stories with the rest of the DAW community through our Brush Talk column. We'll be trying to make this column more reader-interactive with games, activities, stories, and pictures of reader artwork. To submit material, send it to DAWedit@fwpubs.com or: Amanda Metcalf, Decorative Artist's Workbook, 4700 E. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236

Or you can submit painting questions for our Painting Doctor and other decorative painting "masters" at the same address.
Paint with Donna Dewberry (PDD) allows the same informal participation in its Reader Scrapbook and Decorator Hotline columns.

To participate in Reader Scrapbook, send a project photo and brief description of your inspiration for the project to PDD-edit@fwpubs.com or to Lisa Wurster at the above address. To ask decorating questions and to get decorating help, send questions and/or photos to the same e-mail address or address letters to Bethe Ferguson.

Other opportunities on PDD include the Creative Crafting column and the Simply Stamped/Simply Stenciled alternating columns. Creative Crafting features nonpainting projects, such as FabriCraft, Etch-All, One Stroke Decals, etc--basically, crafting projects that relate to home decor. The Simply Stamped and Simply Stenciled columns are self-explanatory. Submit material for these columns to Bethe Ferguson at the above address.

Now for the features. The process is simple. Take a few quality photographs of your project that is focused, centered and evenly lit. We need to be able to see not just that you painted a chicken, but the colors, the color scheme, the detail, etc. Prepare a brief summary explaining the medium you used; the surface, if applicable; and any special techniques or products. If desired, include a photo of yourself, a brief biography or resume, and even clips of other published work.

Send these materials to Anne Hevener at the above address along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope so we can return the materials to you. We also accept e-mails of digital photos (but I'll tell you a secret: Anne prefers a photo she can hold in her hand). Send digital submissions to DAWedit@fwpubs.com for DAW and PDD-edit@fwpubs.com for PDD.

More detailed information is available in the "take-home" handouts to which you'll be linked at the end of this seminar. There you'll find information on how to query and Writer's and Artist's Guidelines to follow once your project is accepted. These materials will give you a solid idea of the presentation we're looking for.

The more difficult concept to manage and work with is how to create artwork that will make it into the magazines. Following are some scattered tips to help you understand where we're coming from.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE REJECTIONS

The first tip is an encouraging one. Don't be discouraged if a submission isn't accepted. "This doesn't fit our needs at the moment" is an honest comment. We walk a fine line between planning a strong lineup for the upcoming year and leaving room for new and unique material as it comes to us.

We may plan to run, say, a lot of folk art or a lot of hydrangeas or a lot of picnic baskets in upcoming issues. If you've just sent us a similar project, while it may be quality painting, we may need to take a different course for awhile to provide some variety for our readers.

SHOW US VARIETY (WHICH, IN TURN, SHOWS US SOLID PAINTING ABILITY)

If your submission is rejected, continue to send in projects. This way we'll get a more well-rounded view of your abilities and your style. We might decide that you'd be a perfect fill-in for a project that fell through. Or we may remember you and decide you'd be perfect for a future issue that we hadn't been planning when you first contacted us. However, you're better off sending us one or two projects at a time. Don't use everything up at once.

Another way to make yourself memorable and to show us a variety of work, is to appear at the big shows. The more work of yours we see, the more convinced we will be that you don't just have one or two cute ideas, you really can churn out quality, appealing artwork.

WORKING THE EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Many painters who want to be published want to work our publishing schedule, as in what issues we have planned for when. As a general guideline, we work about nine months in advance. However, we'll often do a year's worth of planning at once -- so the end of the year hits planning stages more than nine months away, and earlier issues are more down to the wire.

The best way to work through this is to understand when we're working on certain issues compared to when they are published. For instance, right now, in mid-July, we are wrapping up our October issue and beginning to edit the content for our December issue. However, projects and manuscripts for the December issue were due from our artists at the beginning of May.

That means that we assigned a December project at least a few months before May. So, when you're submitting something with a seasonal quality, think about nine months up to a year in advance.

If this is a frustrating task for us, we realize it's more so for you, but being ahead of the trend is an important part of this business. We need to assign projects now so the magazine will sell well when it comes out a year from now.

So how do you foresee a trend and then submit a project to us so far in advance?

The best way to manage this conundrum is to at least avoid submitting something that follows a current trend. If sunflowers are the huge thing right now, they'll either have lost a little popularity by the time we could get your project painted, edited and published, or they'll have been covered extensively by that time anyway.

In addition to ever popular subject matter such as flowers and holiday scenes, we're always on the lookout for more unique subject matter. When wildlife and landscapes, for instance, are done well and look like they could be taught to beginners, they're a good way for us to provide more variety for our readers.

Still, the biggest opportunity for a rookie painter to get published is a new surface trend. A current example is glass painting. Established painters, especially published ones, have their niche, their thing, what they're known for. They're less likely to jump into a new area (for hobby maybe, but for professional purposes, it's less likely). This is where new painters can fill the gaps for us and make names for themselves.

SURFACE IS KEY

Give us something unique that we haven't seen before. Decorative painting is decorative painting, but show us something clever or creative on a new surface and you've opened entirely new opportunities to us and thus to our readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINES--WE DO!

To get a feel for DAW and PDD and what we look for, subscribe to the magazines. Every issue will make you more familiar with how we do things and the qualities we look for. Even the staff members receive the magazine at home. It helps us see it in a new light and absorb qualities and faults from a subscriber's point of view.

Also take classes. Every painter can continue to learn from exposure to other painters and from seeing what beginners like and what they have trouble with.

GIVE US GOOD ART

Mostly, though, it's about the art. Organization and clear submissions will make us return to you as a reliable and quality artist to work with. But if we see a good design, we'll want to use it. Creativity, uniqueness, knowledge of our needs all are helpful. But concentrate on your artwork. Keep working at it. Find your niche. When you do, we'll be waiting to share your artwork with our readers.

I'm going to review some of the contact information I wrote earlier, so you have it all in one place ...

Reach us at Decorative Artist's Workbook or Paint with Donna Dewberry, 4700 East Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236, DAWedit@fwpubs.com or PDD-edit@fwpubs.com

To submit column material or ideas to DAW, address the message or mail to Amanda Metcalf. To submit Reader Scrapbook material to PDD, address it to Lisa Wurster. For other PDD columns, address it to Bethe Ferguson.

To submit feature projects for publication, address them to Anne Hevener.

To subscribe to either magazine, go to www.decorativeartist.com or call 800/258-0920. Outside the U.S., call 715/445-2214.
The above Web site also previews upcoming magazines and special newsstand issues, and it provides access to our free e-mail newsletter.

To join the Decorative Artists Book Club, visit www.decorativeartistsbookclub.com.

I think that's it! I'll just give a shout out and say, "Hi Mom," (had to fit that in there. I'm sure I've just created more questions than I answered, but here goes! I'll take questions now.

bsrickman :  *
bsrickman :  Does the staff keep a folder on every artist that submits in order to be able to research their past submissions, style, skill, etc?
bsrickman :  oops so sorry
Lena :  *
ViaVon :  Brenda, would you like to repeat your inquiry please :-)
Joanie-NS :  *applause*
bsrickman :  Does the staff keep a folder on every artist that submits in ordr to be able to research their past submissions, style, skill, etc?
Amanda_Metcalf : To tell you the truth, we haven't had very many repeat submissions, although it is something that the editor, Anne Hevener recommends.
Amanda_Metcalf :  We usually remember repeat artists.
bsrickman : thank you, I just couldn't see the mountains of paperwork being stored.
bsrickman :  *
Amanda_Metcalf :  And we do keep interesting submissions in mind. If keeping them separated becomes necessary, we certainly will because we don't want to miss any opportunities either
ViaVon : Forgive my manners -- I was so excited with Amanda's presentation that I'm sitting here with my mouth open and the brain not engaged. LOL AMANDA -- THANK YOU *applause*
Amanda_Metcalf :  Thank you!
Joanie-NS :  *applause* Wonderful Presentation
ViaVon :  Lena -- your inquiry is next now :-)
Lena :  Great info! When you're first trying to get published, are you better off submitting something similar to a pattern packet - pictures, line work, directions, etc?
Amanda_Metcalf :  What we really need to see is the artwork. Once your project is submitted, it's as easy for us to work with you to get those "extras" to our specifications.
Lena :  Great thanks!
Amanda_Metcalf : However, it can show your teaching abilities
Amanda_Metcalf :  Don't kill yourself over the rest of the work, but feel free.
Joanie-NS :  *
Dave :  Joanie, it's your turn to ask your question.
Joanie-NS :  Where do you find most of your artists
Joanie-NS :  I mean submissions, shows, books
Lena :  *
KathyP-IN :  *
Amanda_Metcalf :  Anne plans much of her editorial calendar around thr artists and projects she talks to at shows like the Society of Decorative Painters and Heart of Ohio Tole
Amanda_Metcalf :  Submissions mailed to our office are next. In other words, the shows are where we contact the big names we're familiar with
Amanda_Metcalf :  Then we fill in with interesting submissions.
Joanie-NS :  Thankyou Amanda
BevN-TN :  *
Dave :  Brenda, I'm sorry. Do you have another question?
bsrickman :  Do you suggest we use a professional photographer for producing the pictures for submission?
AlanM-PA :  *
Amanda_Metcalf :  That isn't necessary as long as the pictures are clear enough. Once the project is accepted, you'll send the project to us so we can have a professional photographer prop and photograph it for us.
Amanda_Metcalf :  We just need to get a good clear look at the project in your submission.
bsrickman :  Thank you Amanda, great class!
Dave : Lena, it's your turn to ask your question.
Lena :  If you submitted something and it ware rejected, should you NOT resubmit it? Maybe there was no fit for that particular time of year.
Amanda_Metcalf : We will keep the project in mind, even if we send a rejection letter stating that it doesn't fit our current needs. However, if there is a project that has been previously rejected, make sure the photography was clear.
Amanda_Metcalf :  If we weren't sure about the project and couldn't see it well, we might have been likely to say no.
Lena :  HOw would we know it was it was the quality of our photos?
Amanda_Metcalf :  So, no, I wouldn't resubmit it, but you could try to adapt the design a bit or paint on a different surface.
Amanda_Metcalf :  If you're not sure yourself, it's probably not.
Lena :  Thanks
bsrickman :  *
Amanda_Metcalf :  not the photos I mean, sorry.
Dave :  Kathy, it's your turn to ask your question.
KathyP-IN :  Do you have to be previously published in another magazine to get published in yours?
MaryEllen-TEXAS :  Great presentation, Amanda!!! Thanks!!
Amanda_Metcalf :  Not at all. Previous publishing experience doesn't necessarily make you a better painter.
KathyP-IN :  Thanks Amanda, wonderful presentation.
Dave : Bev, it's your turn to ask your question.
Amanda_Metcalf :  It simply makes you familiar with the process, and because all magazines have different processes, styles and editing techniques, that wouldn't necessarily be an advanage
BevN-TN :  thanks! How confidential is the submission? As in, if a submission is made and rejected, can the "idea" be given to another artist who may paint it differently...?
Amanda_Metcalf :  If you submit a project to us and we reject it, you can send the exact project to another magazine
BevN-TN :  A fear I have heard voice about submissions in general
Amanda_Metcalf :  We do ask as a courtesy that you let us know if you've also submitted to another magazine at the same time, so we don't both publish it, though.
BevN-TN :  ok, tahnks
Dave :  Alan, it's your turn to ask your question.
AlanM-PA :  How many people review submitted work? Just one person or a team?
Amanda_Metcalf :  If Anne likes a project off the bat, she'll assign it right away. Or she might even show it to the rest of us because she likes it so much.
Lena :  *
AlanM-PA :  Thank you Amanda. This was great. Good job.
Dave : Brenda, it's your turn to ask your question.
bsrickman :  Does DAW deal mostly with projects geared to the beginner skill level?
Amanda_Metcalf :  If she's unsure about how the writing and painted worksheet come out, she'll run it by me because I'm the one who has to work with the artist.
ViaVon : *
Amanda_Metcalf :  More so than similar magazines, we like to have a variety ...
Amanda_Metcalf :  We want to serve the loyal subscribers who have been with us for years, but we want to make the painting appealing to others and open new people up to it.
bsrickman :  Is it possible that DAW would consider a more involved project if it dealt with a new media or is acrylics the standard?
Amanda_Metcalf :  We definitely need variety of mediums.
bsrickman :  ahhh very good, thank you!
Amanda_Metcalf :  Unfortunately for those who don't paint in acrylics, it is the most common.
Dave :  Lena, it's your turn to ask your question.
Amanda_Metcalf :  So we won't have as many projects with other mediums, but we will have some...
Lena :  How long does it take to hear back from you with either an acceptance or rejection?
Amanda_Metcalf :  In fact new and interesting mediums can be hyped up as a get started-type feature.
Amanda_Metcalf :  We try to answer within a month, but if, after an "appearance" such as this, we get a lot more, it might take a bit longer.
Lena :  Thanks
Dave :  ViaVon, it's your turn to ask your question.
ViaVon :  Well Brenda already asked it! LOL I was wondering about the mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolour, etc. :-)
ViaVon :  And Amanda responded so I'm good!
Amanda_Metcalf : watercolor is a big "beginner" medium for us ...
Amanda_Metcalf :  Because it's the odd one of the three.
ViaVon :  Amanda -- more so than say Genesis?
ViaVon :  I should think Watercolour would outrank the Genesis
Amanda_Metcalf :  Again we like a variety, but the technique has to be easy and the subject matter has to be extra appealing for the more "unusual" mediums
Amanda_Metcalf :  For Genesis ...
Amanda_Metcalf :  DAW just ran a Get Started column for Heat-Set Oils in ...
Amanda_Metcalf :  June or August, June I think.
Dave :  Does anyone have a question to ask Amanda?
bsrickman :  *
ViaVon :  One more question for you Amanda -- are past issues still available?
Amanda_Metcalf :  Certainly, go to www.decorativeartist.com ...
ViaVon :  thanks!
Dave :  Brenda, please ask your question.
bsrickman : Can I get back issues of DAW? My subscription ran out and I forgot to renew.
bsrickman :  oop....two minds and all that. :)
ViaVon :  gmta thingies strike again!
ViaVon :  rotfl
Amanda_Metcalf :  Click on Browse Free Issue on the left. There you can search by keyword or year
bsrickman :  Thank you so much Amanada!
ViaVon :  Does anyone else have any questions for Amanda?
Amanda_Metcalf :  If the issue is not listed there, we don't have back issues available. If you seem to be having problems searching by any chance, please let me know by e-mailing dawedit@fwpubs.com
Joanie-NS :  *
ViaVon :  Joanie -- go ahead!
KathyP-IN :  *
Joanie-NS : If I had a new idea for something I'd like to paint, and I can't draw - could I send the idea to you to be forwarded to an artist ?
Amanda_Metcalf :  We'd have to leave that one up to you. We'd work with the painter as we're a painting magazine and not a drawing one. You have two options here...
Amanda_Metcalf :  You can search for another painter to execute your idea, then we'd work with that painter.
ViaVon :  *
Dave :  Kathy, Please ask your question.
KathyP-IN :  Do you get many submissions for Pen and Ink projects?
Amanda_Metcalf :  Or you could look for someone whose drawing you like, have them create a pattern, and then you can paint it. Then the two of you would work up an official partnership.
katiek-IA :  *
Joanie-NS :  Thank You Amanda
Amanda_Metcalf :  No, actually. We always seem to go to Claudia Nice and others for such projects...
KathyP-IN :  Thanks Amanda
Amanda_Metcalf :  But we do look for that medium as an alternative as well...
Dave :  ViaVon, Please ask your question.
Amanda_Metcalf : You might want to think of a get started or introduction to for pen and inks because it is an intimidating subject for many, especially those who would like drawing practice.
ViaVon :  Amanda, when you accept submission for a project, does the contributing artist get paid then or when it's published? And who holds copyright on that design?
KathyP-IN :  Ok, thank you Amanda this has been very helpful
Amanda_Metcalf :  The artist always holds the copyright. But we do ask as a courtesy that the artist not publish the design for about six months after the PUBLICATION date...
Amanda_Metcalf :  The artist gets paid after the project is accepted, sent in, edited and reviewed by the artist. He or she then signs an agreement and we submit a payment request to our accounting department.
ViaVon :  Thanks !!
Dave :  Katiek, Please ask your question.
katiek-IA :  Typically what is an artist that has had an item accepted for publication paid for their design?
Amanda_Metcalf :  We pay between $250 and $325.
katiek-IA :  This has been very informative. Thanks
Dave :  Are there anymore questions?
Dave :  I want to thank everyone for a wonderful seminar and especially Amanda. Thank you, all.
bsrickman :  *applause* Wonderful Amanda....thank you Von and Dave!
ViaVon :  woohoo
Joanie-NS :  *applause*
ViaVon :  Excellent Seminar, Amanda -- Thank you!
valt-BC :  Thanks .... wonderful information :-)
Amanda_Metcalf :  Thanks everyone. Wonderful questions and a good learning experience for me to know what's on your minds!
BevN-TN :  this has been FANTASTIC!!! Thanks everyone!
Joanie-NS :  This has been very interesting
KathyP-IN :  Thank you, this has been great
LisaC-TX :  Thank you Amanda, Von and Dave!
MaryAnnMi :  ty
katiek-IA :  Yahoo this was great
Amanda_Metcalf :  Good luck everyone!
lesley-MB :  Wonderful information ... thank you very much!
KathyP-IN :  Thank you Von and Dave for making this possible
candys :  Thank you for the great information
AlanM-PA :  Fun and informative
Joanie-NS :  These seminars are a great way to get to know about your magazine, Thanks again Amanda
ViaVon :  I'm amazed at the information packed into this short hour! WOW
valt-BC :  Thanks Von and Dave ...... Bye :-)
ViaVon :  bye bye ((((Val))))
bsrickman :  Me too Von.....ya done good!
Amanda_Metcalf :  Please e-mail dawedit@fwpubs.com with PRAISE and criticism. We want to know what you're thinking!
Joanie-NS :  For Sure, and getting published is a secret dream of many of us.
Dave :  Take care, Valt
Joanie-NS :  this takes some of the scary out of it
KathyP-IN :  Good night everyone see you at the next seminar, off to your site ViaVon and Dave
ViaVon :  Amanda -- there will be a lot of follow-up after the transcript is posted. the OS people are Bee and CE right now so lots of missing people
Dave :  nite nite Kathy
ViaVon :  Good night Kathy!
ViaVon :  Thank you all for coming!
AllisonDSC :  Thank you for hosting the seminar Von
ViaVon :  You're welcome Allison! It's our pleasure
ViaVon :  Alan and Jack -- are you two related? :-)
Amanda_Metcalf :  That's my family ...
KathleenL_Canada : it has been a pleasure and very informative
ViaVon :  AHA! Welcome Amanda's family. :-)
AlanM-PA :  yup - father & son and Amanda's my little sister
Joanie-NS :  she did great Alan
ViaVon :  Thank you for coming. Amanda, your presentation is one of the best and most well prepared. I am going to take methods of your presentation for suggest format in future presentations for others if you don't mind?
AlanM-PA :  Amanda's sister-in-law says she did a great job too
Joanie-NS :  woohoo she surely did
ViaVon :  lol
Amanda_Metcalf :  Please sharae whatever information you wish. IF future seminars can be even more successful, I'm glad to help.
ViaVon :  I especially like the way Amanda used a dotted line when she had more to say ...
ViaVon :  like that! lol
BevN-TN :  thanks everyone for your hard work! Bye
KathleenL_Canada :  thanks all and a goodnite- keep those brushes wet lol
Amanda_Metcalf : I figured that out a bit late
Joanie-NS :  I would love to see you come back again Amanda
Joanie-NS :  Nite Kathleen sweetie
Dave :  That was so helpful to me, Amanda. It really gave me a heads up
ViaVon :  Amanda -- lets try to do this again in say 9 months to 1 year with a refresher for those who couldn't be here :-)
Amanda_Metcalf :  Sure.
Amanda_Metcalf :  I mean "!"
ViaVon :  Well I cannot thank you enough for your time for this. I know how busy you are and this is very helpful to those present and those to the future archive!
bsrickman :  Got to say Night Night gals....sure enjoyed the presentation....very well done and well presented!!
ViaVon : (((Brenda))) thank you for coming sweetie
Dave :  Take care, Brenda
bsrickman :  my pleasure, glad I could make it! now back to the bookwork! sigh
ViaVon :  Amanda, it will be interesting to know if you get good feedback too. :-)
Joanie-NS :  and .... I'm sitting here all comfy in my pjs ... gotta love this way to learn lol
Dave :  Amanda, I should have your seminar on the archive tomorrow if you would like to see it.
Amanda_Metcalf :  I will definitely keep you informed. Thanks so much for having me, Von. It was great to hear such enthusiasm from everyone out there.
ViaVon :  The industry is slow to comprehend the importance of this format for reaching consumers. I'm working on that! *giggle*
ViaVon :  Thanks Amanda!
ViaVon :  Brenda -- use the log-out button to be whisked to the archive for the literature
Amanda_Metcalf :  Dave, do I need to log on or anything to access it?
Dave :  no, it will be available for everyone
Amanda_Metcalf :  OK. Thank you both!
Dave :  Wow, that was impressive
ViaVon : My goodness that gal can pack the information into an impressive format1
ViaVon :  lol David! gmta strikes again

THIS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES A WONDERFUL SEMINAR!

THANK YOU AMANDA METCALF !!!