Old Speckled Hen: Cheers!

[Marvin Mattelson]

Hi Renee. Unfortunately the deadlines have been very tight and I'm literally running out the door with brush in hand chasing down the courier as he takes the painting to his truck. The agency is supposed to send me proofs and digital files one of these days. I'll post as soon as I get them.

Alex, it's a very tasty beer but be aware, the alcohol content is above average, so watch your step. You may need to arrange for a designated painter to work on your canvas the following day.

Thanks SB, here's to you too!

[Linda Brandon]

Wow, Marvin, I love it! This is terrific exposure. I am so happy for you!

Though... if you are writing love notes to old speckled hens... I guess this makes you a fowl old rooster.... ?
(Sorry, that was pretty bad, I'll try to come up with something better.)

Seriously, I think the way they have chosen to put you in your studio with your work behind you is wonderful. I love the word balloons.

(Say, is that drugstore in Port Washington? I think I recognize it.)

[Patricia Joyce]

I love it! What a fun campaign and it is virtually unheard of for a manufacturer to spotlight the artist like this. Such a great opportunity for you.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Linda, the only thing fowl was your pun. You should be tarred and feathered. You are correct the drugstore was indeed in Port, as was my "local". I guess Great Neck was just too upscale.

The two days of shooting was a real hoot. I got the full star treatment. "Great shot! You look fabulous!" Brilliant!" The people from the agency were great and I loved meeting the art director, since all our previous contact was over the telly (see I'm getting the hang of British twang!) However, I did a lot of sitting around and waiting for them to set things up and now can really appreciate how boring it could be on the other side of the lens. All and all, it was fun.

Patty, we'll see how it all turns out. I have my doubts whether blokes surfing the web in search of beer are my target audience. But then again, no such thing as bad publicity. And I'll have another interesting story for the grandkids (when and if my sons comply!) Time will tell.

[Mary Jane Ansell]

Dear Marvin

I just wanted to say what a great job you've done on the Old Speckled Hen campaign - I spotted one of them in a magazine last week and was so pleased to see how it had turned out especially as (funnily enough) they had contacted me about it too way back when... their timescales seemed too scary to me so pleased to hear you mentioned they had given you plenty of time - double kudos to you for pulling it all off so impressively!

All the best
Mary Jane

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thanks for your kind words. It's always encouraging to hear positive responses. Most importantly the client is happy. ;-)

Once they decided I was 'the one' they did their best to accommodate my needs, within reason. Unfortunately, I have not, as of yet, seen any proofs or reprints. I understand some of the ads are blown up to 9 feet high in the Underground. That would be a trip!

[Mary Jane Ansell]

That's excellent - If I spot them in the Underground with my camera handy Marvin I'll post them up!

Talking of posters in the Tube - I was very excited recently to see Maryam Foroozanfar's exquisite BP entry splashed all over the underground too the other day... wonderful stuff.