Blog

20
Jan
2012

Run For The Cure

for a cure
In the middle of my contract with Steele Ford Lincoln I was asked if I could help design their retail showroom for their part of the Run for the Cure campaign. They raised money for the run and sold tickets on a brand new Mustang convertible for extra funds for the cure.

I worked with a representative from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to mimic their branding, then petitioned the staff for names of those they personally wanted to identify, painting the names and ribbons throughout the space with window text promoting the event.

I had always wanted to participate in this event so they were kind enough to let me raise money and run with their team. Although I was the only one racing (can’t help myself) I did the 5k in under 20 minutes and many of my clients pitched in some cash for the cause. And I got a cool t-shirt!

27
Jul
2011

Choices

I have recently begun volunteering with Choices, a initiative run by the IWK for teens with addictions. I’ve started an art program that makes up a part of the recreation department.

Having worked with various special needs youth groups before I knew I’d enjoy this work, but I had no idea how much! Though it’s great to make connections & be a positive influence, having the opportunity to share my enthusiasm & passion for art at the same time is among my most rewarding experiences to date. We’ve had three great sessions so far, and I’ve left every one euphoric & rejuvenated. The kids & staff seem to love it as well, a win-win situation.

Following with my values of bringing art & the community more closely together, I was wanting the business to take on some area of art therapy & I feel Choices is a great first step. I’m currently organizing modular sessions into a more cohesive program that can grow and/or be shared, as well as new ideas about art education I get to try out in a fun and supportive environment.

Art always been a passion of mine. It has got me through the most challenging times in my life, and I know it can do the same for others. Art is now how I make my living & makes up part of what I am contributing to society, so this is a logical direction for my business to go and I am grateful for the opportunity.

27
Jul
2011

Canada Games Halifax 2011

What an amazing experience!

Halifax Canada Games commissioned me to paint a window mural using their branding strategy with my style to bring more attention to their clothing boutique.

The turnaround had to be really quick, and the clothing had to match items they had in stock. I’ve never sketched clothing in a retail store before.

It went as smoothly as a contract could ever be imagined to go. The folks on the games committee with whom were a dream to work really inspired a sense of excitement.

It was also really nice to have someone seek me out for a change! I can’t wait for this to become a trend…

The timing of this contract was also incredible; more and more I’ve been experiencing a sense of community here, and I’m so happy to participate in such a huge local event. I’m feeling the stirrings of civic pride, and I got to participate in the reception gala at the AGNS and got out to cheer on our athletes!

Go Maritimes!!

See the gallery here:

14
Dec
2010

Free Holiday E-Cards/Cards for Charity

Imagicon Illustration Holiday Card
I’ve managed to put together some holiday cards this year!

This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I have always loved the idea of greeting cards, it’s a wonderful way to exchange images, and gives some of my images something to do.

I also wanted to get involved in giving something back, and feel that charity for literacy is a perfect fit for my illustration business. Laubach is a charity with which I became familiar when working at United Bookstores, as they have a mandate to support literacy and have been giving money to them for years.

In the interest of this planet which we all must share I have printed the cards on a stock made from 80% recycled materials, and the cards are available for sale at United Book Stores, Certainly Cinnamon, The Jade W books, and will soon be at other locations and you can always contact me to order some. Half of all the proceeds goes to Laubach. In the future I hope to find a printer interested in printing the cards as a donation so I can donate all the proceeds!

As a further effort to promote myself and this charity and further help the environment I am offering free E-cards. Simply right click (apple click for macs) on the image and copy it as an image to send to whomever you like. You can still donate to Laubach by contacting them at this site;

http://www.nald.ca/litweb/province/nb/llnb/index.htm

If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas, you have the option of turning any of these cards into a gift certificate! Contact me through this website & we can set up pre-purchase of Imagicon hours to put towards commissioned art, portraiture, art instruction, tattoo design or whatever your art desires.

It’s been a great year and I’m looking forward to the next. A big season’s greetings to everyone out there from all of us here full of warm winter wishes!

3
Dec
2010

CEO Portraits

web-50
Every year Atlantic Business Magazine selects the top fifty CEO’s in the Atlantic provinces to receive a presentation at an awards gala.

This was one of my first big contracts. I was commissioned through Zed Events to produce pencil portraits of each of the fifty winners as part of their award.

Though time was a little tight I completed all fifty and am proud of them all.
Phew!!!!!

This year’s gala was held at the World Trade and Convention Centre. I was invited to the event and got decked out in my best suit. I finally got to meet the clients from ABM in person and had a great time.

It was really neat rubbing elbows with some of the “big” boys & girls, in particular the award winners. While this was their first time meeting me, I had been staring at every aspect of their faces for hours and hours.

In the end every one was delighted with the portraits. Zed Events is a great company to work with, the CEO’s loved their awards, and I enjoyed dealing with a client like Atlantic Business Magazine, who felt the idea was a big hit.

If you have ideas how portrait artworks could work for you, contact me anytime.

23
Jul
2009

The jazz window extravaganza

So, a bit about this jazz window thing and why it was such a fantastic experience.

One of my clients was approached by volunteers from the jazz festival to participate in a window decorating contest. I agreed to the idea, then saw the potential for a larger project.

There are five stores connected to said client, (Scott from Certainly Cinnamon) including my own. That was two. I thought, if only I could convince these other businesses, (some of whom had never used my services) then we’d have a huge mural!

Well, after some talking, another client (Dave from United Book Stores) joined up. Dave is a jazz aficionado, and was excited for the project with a lot of great ideas. Mamoya Sushi and Little Mysteries agreed and we were on.

Like any project dealing with so many people/variables, there were many hiccups. The rules for the contest dictated implementing designs that weren’t immediately available, Everybody was taking vacation at different times, and me still getting my brand new business off the ground. Time was running out.

The research involved was pretty heavy too. I had never done portraiture as a window mural before, which must be layered according to colors in reverse and applied backwards. I love Jazz, but didn’t know a lot about the history or key players. The whole thing was a tad daunting, but I had been looking for a challenge…

With a lot of work and little sleep, I managed to work out the designs and get them all up by the first. It turned out the deadline was a type-o on the handout, so I had the work done WAY before due. This was a good thing, though. I was done and had time to try and muster publicity, and I think it might have inspired more participation from neighboring businesses.

On judgement day I was told CBC’s Costas Halavrezos (the judge) would be by between 2:30 and four, so I camped out & stalked him outside Certainly Cinnamon. At about 4:30 I was putting my stuff away and about to wander off when he arrived. I’m afraid I gushed a bit…

Waiting out the judge’s decision that evening, I decided I had already won. A bunch of businesses banded together to bring visibility to ourselves, the way any community should work. I had met a huge challenge with flying colors, boosting my confidence. I got to learn a lot about Jazz & project management and enjoy the festival. What more could I want?

Well, about 10 minutes after this epiphany and 10 minutes before I had to leave for the Shuffle Demons, I got the call to say that we had won!

The Idlers & the Shuffle Demons were amazing. I had managed to get in touch with Richard from the demons, and he autographed my sketch of them. The next day I showed up in my kilt to receive the award on stage at the festival. Wow, I hadn’t had stage fright in so long! The prize turned out to be a trip for ten to go sea kayaking, a prize that splits up between five businesses quite nicely.

With so much going on in Halifax on the same weekend, (Kiss, Tall ships, Pride 2009, and more!) it’s been kind of rough getting publicity, but hopefully we’ll get something more on the go.

Well, this is probably longer than a blog entry should be, but it’s only #2. Besides, this has been a hell of a ride!

Thanks for reading,

Iain Keith Murray BFA

14
Mar
2009

Virgin Blog

Well, here it is, my very first post for my very first blog!

Iain Keith Murray here, owner of my brand new business, imagicon illustration. Taking on my passion full time has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve set events in motion that I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. Every day is filled with myriad missions and adventures punctuated by incredible ups and downs. Crisis becomes inconvenience and obstacles become exciting challenges. Instead of toning myself down to fit where I don’t belong, I thrive as myself and discover latent strengths. Woo Hoo!!!

You can’t let stuff get to you, though. For example, I agonized over my business name for ages before crafting the “perfect” handle. As I finally look forward to officially launching, the name has since been used by a software product and a sci-fi convention in Alabama, both of whom seem to take precedence on google. There’s nothing to do! This is hardly the hardiest hurdle to date, but it’s an example of how sometimes you have to do the best with what you’ve got. If you’re resourceful, passionate and positive your best will always seize the day.