I've recently discovered this site and this week submitted my first design. I've been an artist forever, with varied success. At best, I've won competitions at galleries, had artwork published in national arts magazines, and sold my work around the world through the magic of computers. At worst, (which is much, much more frequent than the "best"), I've sat around for months on end trying to find some kind of recognition and a little bit of cash without any luck. Such is the life of an artist. I may complain, or should I say I DO complain, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's somewhat of a modern-day gypsy life and I love it. I sleep til noon and work at night. It's not laziness, I work as much as anyone else, I just choose different hours. Research and sketching begins around 10pm, painting usually by midnight, diners and 7-11 for coffee at 3 in the morning, home by 6am to go to bed. Then again, there is no "usual". Sometimes I sleep 12 hours a day, sometimes 3. The downside is I'm usually broke. I wouldn't trade a pile of money, however, to have to do the same thing at the same time everyday. I can't live like that.

I'm old enough to remember life without the internet, but young enough to have used it extensively for most endeavors during my adult life. When I was a kid, we had to go to the library if we needed information about something. Seems so far removed from how we live and work now. If there was no internet, I would definately still be an artist. I couldn't, however, work like I do now. I have at my fingertips an endless supply of inspiration, marketing opportunities, technical advice, references, and information. This site may be my favorite so far. I can imagine telling my son in fifteen years horror stories about life before the internet.

Threadless is pure synergy at its best. Artists submit designs. The best-rated, by the customers, are printed. Threadless knows they are printing a product that will sell because it was chosen by the buyers. The artists who submit designs bring in their family and friends to vote. All the artists, then, gain more exposure and criticism, and Threadless gains more potential customers. It's an awesome outlet for artists and designers and a great way for Threadless to market its product. It's brilliant. Everyone wins.

My first design is currently being rated, and I know I am up against many, many designs. There are some extremely talented designers on this site, so I know it's a really, really long shot. I'm not planning on winning, but I've gotten lots of comments, and most of them were positive. That's a big win in itself, to have people look at my work, consider it, and tell me what they think.

I have two more designs in the works. Keep your eyes open. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. I wish I could give the Threadless gang a big hug.