The new issue (32) regarding my work in it

[CharlieDearing]

I realize it's been a few issues since I contributed, but I have two in this one. The reason I am writing is because I am very anxious to do another book and was told that feedback on this particular issue (of what I submitted) will determine whether or not it is considered. I'm not asking anyone to lie or inflate their impression. All I ask is that if you like what you see from me in this issue PLEASE let it be known. You don't have to say it to me. I emailed my desire for the potential new book due to the theme and how often I am asked to produce this theme. I was told that "At this point, I am not seeking a scrolling book on Native American patterns....." Now, regarding whether or not they will reconsider, I was told "If they appear to be popular, we may reconsider adding a scrolling-specific Native American book in the future."
Again, I only write this because whether or not another book is considered is almost soley dependant on feedback from my submissions from this issue.
If I appear desperate or panicked in this topic, then my apologies, that is not the case.

[Haggard3230]

Charlie, if you produce a book in Native American patterns I would like to have one. I think they would sell well around here in southeast Kansas. I did three of your buffalo patterns awhile back and they all went. I really like the 2 you have in this issue.
Merle

[Rolf]

I have always been impressed by your work, and I will probably do the two that are in this issue. I don't normally do portraits as that type of work doesn't appeal to me.
But the expression that you have captured in this issue do reach out to me enough that I will do them.
I wonder how well portrait books in general sell?

[minowevie]

Gosh Charlie. I can't imadgen that any one wouldn't like native amircan arts or crafts. and more books on it would be great. I love your patterns. they really tell a story for sure. you capture the realness of them . I would buy your books. and thank you for all your resurch ,and exspertize in the making of the woodwork patterns. who ever is listening, I think you would do your self good buy keeping Charlies patterns in the circale of woodworking, and book sales. He is a Artist for sure. He might have not made the indions, but He made the Indions real to us. and useable for sure.He does a great job on making these wonderfull heros availabale to us all in his patterns. why not a book, or more books. I will buy them for sure. your friend Evie

[Jim8Mad]

The town I live in has a large Native American influence. We have a reservation in town, a couple more nearby, and an amphitheater owned by a local tribe. The stores in this area that sell Native American art seem to do very well also. I know if a book were available in that theme several people in my area would be interested, including myself.

Jim

[lucky788scroller]

Hi Charlie. First, I do like your work, and the Indians in the issue look great.I will admit I am not much of a fan of portrait style cuttings, so most likely I wont cut these.I do know of someone always looking for Indian things, so I may do one of them for a Christmas gift, we will see.Either way though, they do look nice.Job well done!

I also can totally understand the message you recieved from the acquisitions dept at Fox. Its my thoughts that with so many places online to acquire free portrait style patterns, whether its animals,landscapes, or people, that books of this nature probably do not sell as well as they'd like. Additionally,with so many programs out there, and tutorials teaching the art of photo manipulation to create your own patterns from a photo, that would also hinder sales of such a book. And even though you have the permission to use the images to create the patterns, it may be just one more pile of paperwork to go through for them to be sure their own butts are covered. I could be wrong on that, it is only based on my own personal thoughts, but I do think they have some merit.

[CharlieDearing]

Thanks for the feedback so far I also want to make it clear that nobody at Fox Chapel has been tacky or rude about holding off on a Native American book. I fully realize that they have to look at the big picture. Different themes bring different results. It was best explained to me as someone touched on that portrait style pattern books don't do as well as more broad scrolling books. As an example, Joh Nelson does various designs as well as various uses for those designs. They are usable. It makes sense that the theme(s) would sell well. Unfortunately we cannot create a demand for portrait style pattern books. I'm sure we all know that they have to look at what they think will work. I fully admit that alot of my drive in doing a Native American themed book is because I, personally, love to do Native American work...as well as animals and western/cowboy/cowgirl themes.
As always even if privately to me, I always welcome and take notice to feedback. I'll do any theme they think will work. Sadly, all I really know how to design is portrait style.
I DO appreciate you Fox Chapel

[scrolling_grandma]

I for one loved the portraits and would buy a book of patterns with this theme. I will be making both portraits and placing them in the frame that Steve designed and published in the same book. These will be gifts for Christmas for my daughter whose entire living room is decorated in Native American art. Thanks for some great patterns!