Go-Green Recycle your Designs Contest - 2/11/2010

Because we can only choose so many designs each round, we've had to pass on a lot of awesome designs. So we came up with this snazzy contest where you can re-submit those old designs for a second chance at winning. Resubmit any shirt design that was originally submitted before Nov 15th, 2009 Resubmissions allowed through February 28th We encourage you to improve your previous designs based on the feedback you received. Tell your friends or bug your enemies about this contest: Facebook  |  Twitter WINNERS...??? Don't fret guys and gals, we are planning on annoucing winners next week! Good ol'Purple Guy has been slacking, but looks like he has gotten his act together (he says it was a "vacation" but we know better). Anyways, keep an eye on those inboxes next week for some winners!

Latest winners! - 1/8/2010

Latest Winners (from 2009) (for submissions between 10/1/09 and 11/30/09) "Grace" by Zach See the Design Here "Lord You Are" by Rory See the Design Here "Take Refuge" by Zack See the Design Here "True Love" by Christi See the Design Here "Nothing Works" by Emilio See the Design Here "God's Image" by Rex See the Design Here "One Nation" by Knoll See the Design Here

FINALLY... Winners! - 12/5/2009

Sorry for the delay (we blame PURPLE GUY), but here are your... Winning Designs (for submissions between 8/14/09 and 9/30/09) "In Control" by Rex See the Design Here "The Inside Counts" by Christina See the Design Here "Abide" by Brian See the Design Here "Speak Words" by Emilio See the Design Here "From Dust We Are" by Zack See the Design Here "God Is Love" by Rex See the Design Here "Not Seen" by Megan See the Design Here "Never Know..." by Rex See the Design Here "Zero Impossible" by Jeremiah See the Design Here AND FINALLY... WFSFAY Contest Winners

Inside The Artists Studio w/ Rene - 12/5/2009

An Interview with RENE This is a rough translation done by PURPLE GUY. Read the un-translated version HERE What inspires you to create art? The love of God. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? Refuge. Why? I designed it with the roots from a tree and Jesus crucified with His face down because in times of anguish or when I really need to be with God, my refuge is a tree that is planted in soil filled with love. And when I embrace this tree and feel Jesus, I feel as if I was embracing the cross and that He would reach down and touch my head. That is where I find my consolation. See the design here What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? My favorite design is Peace in Jesus by Zack J Krzyzanski. The day that I found our that I was going to be a father for the first time, I receive the news by phone. With that emotion in me as I had my computer in front of me, I came upon my brother Zack's design that said: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I had these words on my heart that day: Give me faith, oh Lord, during periods of desolation and despair. Inspire me to trust in your promises. Give me courage, oh Lord, when my faith loses steam. Help me to obey your Word despite the challenges and my desolation being large. Thank you for giving me a bright future in Jesus. Please, help me live more consciously of the value of this great gift. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. See the design here What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? Tips. Hmmm... Allow God to be the designer, and that your hands, heart and mind be willing to serve Him. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I enjoy Classic and Hard Rock. For example, the song "ZOE" by a group of brothers from Costa Rica named "Sin Paredes" touches my life daily. One of my favorite songs in English is "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew. And from the oldies, "Calling You" by Stryper. I feel honored and happy to be part of the group (Guerreros del Desierto) in Chihuahua, Mexico. It is where I can participate monthly in the spiritual experiences that are carried out. My hobby: speak with God daily and to express it in a t-shirt on Canvas. How did you become a follower of Christ? I am 38 years old, and was born in Mexico. For the past 15 years, I have been working in the administration of one of the malls in Chihuahua, Mexico. My greatest gift in this life is a son who is only days old. I received a Christian education throughout my childhood thanks to my grandmother, whom I also received my Biblical studies. Since then I have been a follower of Christ. Nevertheless, it was only a few years ago that I received a new heart in my chest one Sunday morning, and was converted into a warrior of God with a second opportunity at life. Rene's original version: What inspires you to create art? El amor a Dios. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? Refugio. Porque? el diseño lo hice en base de ramas de arbol y Jesus cruxificado con su cabeza volteando hacia abajo, porque en momentos de angustia o de necesidad de estar con Dios, mi refugio es un arbol que esta plantado en una tierra hermosa llena de amor, del que yo me abrazo y siento a Jesus, lo siento como si estuviera yo abrazando a esa antigua cruz y Él estuviera tocando mi cabeza desde arriba, ahi es donde encuentro mi consuelo. See the design here What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? Peace in Jesus de Zack J Krzyzanski. El día que supe que yo iba a ser por primera vez Papá, recibi esa noticia por telefono y con esa emocion frente a mi tenia mi computadora y abri la sin pensar el diseño de mi hermano Zack que dice: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ese dia en mi corazon estaban estas palabras: Dame fe, Oh Señor, durante los períodos de desolación y desesperanza. Inspírame a confiar en tus promesas. Dame coraje, oh Señor, cuando mi fe flaquea. Ayúdame a obedecer tu palabra aunque los desafíos sean grandes y mi desolación también. Gracias por darme un futuro brillante en Jesús. Por favor ayúdame a vivir más concientemente con el valor de este gran regalo. En el nombre de Jesús oro. Amén. See the design here What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? tips, mmm permitan que el diseñador sea Dios, y que sus manos, corazón y mente siempre esten dispuestos a servirle. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? Me encanta el Rock clasico y fuerte, y para muestra de un grandioso grupo de hermanos de Costa Rica "SIN PAREDES" conoci su musica y la cancion "ZOE" ha marcado parte de mi vida diaria. una de mis favoritas en ingles es de todd agnew "my jesus". y de las viejitas, Calling you de Stryper. Me siento honrado y feliz de pertencer a la agrupación Guerreros del Desierto aqui en Chihuahua Mx. donde puedo participar mensualmente en las experiencias espirituales que se llevan a cabo. Mi hobbie: compartir mi conversación diaria con Dios y plasmarlo en una playera de canvas. How did you become a follower of Christ? Tengo 38 años de edad, mexicano de nacimiento, desde hace 15 años, trabajo en la administración de uno de los principales malls de Chihuahua Mexico, - Mi regalo mas grande en esta vida es un hijo varon de pocos dias de nacido. Recibi una educacion cristiana desde niño por parte de mi abuela, de quien recibi mis estudios de biblia, y desde entonces he sido un seguidor de Cristo, sin embargo fue hasta hace un par de años que recibi mi nuevo corazón de carne en mi pecho una mañana de Domingo y me converti en un Guerrero de Dios con una segunda oportunidad de vida.

Inside The Artists Studio w/ MKDESIGN - 11/12/2009

An Interview with MKDESIGN What inspires you to create art? Anything and everything! When I read my Bible or listen to a sermon, my brain tends to process it in the form of T-shirt designs. It drives my boyfriend crazy- in the middle of reading I'll have to stop to sketch something down, or exclaim out loud "wouldn't that look cool on a shirt like this_____!" Haha. Sometimes it can be an image, a cool quote, a word...but a big influence is the work of others. I spend tons of hours online, checking out the work of some of the t-shirt greats! What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? Probably my design "Hope" that was in the running. I've designed it and re-designed it to get it just right for a long time. I've been waiting to submit it, but I'm just really happy with the charcoal sketch, the color palette, and the message. International Hope in Christ! With my schedule I don't have the ability to travel doing missions work, but I'd love to support those who do in any way that I can! See the design here What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? There are a few- Zack Krzyzanski's "Eternal Life" just blew my mind. It's something new and fresh, with all the geometric technical elements. And the type integration is just sick! That kid has so much talent, it's crazy! Also "Choose Life" by Le Loup was just so powerful! Also "Violently Romantic" by Royalfire Studios was something breathtakingly detailed, edgy, and just INSANE. It's too bad the Christian community tends to shy away from edgy designs like this. Everything about it was perfect. See the design here See the design here What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? First and foremost, let the Lord lead your career. Secondly, practice your fine art skills. Any kid today can play with Photoshop Elements on a computer- what are you going to bring to the table that is different? The ability to draw can take you a long way! Also, learn as much as you can from other artists- ask them questions, read tutorials, follow the portfolios of others. Most of us don't bite if you ask for help. ;) In fact, I welcome anyone to contact me and I'll help to the best of my ability. (http://www.marenkellydesign.com) Finally, buy a Pantone book and a Wacom tablet- don't know where I'd be without the two! Haha. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I have about the most eclectic taste in music ever! I love 80's glam and classic rock, some pop and hip hop, praise music, you name it! I grew up going to punk shows, and a few of my all-time favorite Christian bands include MXPX, Emery, Anberlin, Slick Shoes, DC Talk, Saosin, Paul Wright, The Wedding, Jimmy Needham, and Jonny Lang. But I also love Journey, Def Leppard, U2, Estelle, Kanye, The Script, Taking Back Sunday, and many more!! I really love to snowboard and try to go as often as possible in the winter! I also like to paint, draw, and do crafty stuff. I also love bowling! (I'm a total dork) And I absolutely LOVE traveling the globe, especially Europe. I'm also having a lot of fun Art Directing a new clothing line, called Self Destruct. (http://www.teamselfdestruct.com) How did you become a follower of Christ? At 26 years old, I can say that I grew up in a great Christian home and had Christ as a part of my life for about as long as I can remember. However, for a while I decided to walk away from Him, around the end of high school and in college, thinking I could do it on my own. I fell into the party scene and just made some really bad choices. When I decided to let God take control, he did it in a big way! While still working for another company, I was invited to interview at C28, for what I thought was a position as a freelance artist. Imagine my surprise when the interview ended with "when can you start?"! I decided that there was no way I could go into the Christian industry halfway, and let Him begin to lead me. Though my time in-house at C28 was short, my experiences there allowed me to trust God when I felt Him moving me to start my own freelance firm. Though it can be really scary not knowing where your next paycheck will come from, he has continuously blessed me! I always continued to tithe, blessing Him with what He gave me. I have now been in business for myself for about two and a half years, and God has doubled my client list in this down economy! Today, though I have been through some really hard times, I don't worry because I know that He has me taken care of. I'm right where I need to be!

SABT Contest Winners video - 10/27/2009

Happy Birthday Canvas! (coupon + contest inside) - 10/16/2009

Inside The Artists Studio w/ Rexamillion - 9/24/2009

An Interview with Rexamillion What inspires you to create art? Well, first and foremost, God, who has given me my talent and inspiration. Other than that...so many things inspire me to create art. I might be sitting with my son watching the Disney channel and I will see something that one of the kids are wearing, and just open my laptop and start a design inspired by that. Or I might be riding in the car and see a street sign... lol... it can be so random. But I would have to say that my best inspiration comes from my pastor, Michael Collins. His sermons are so powerful! The way he delivers his message, it's so easy to understand, and he uses the perfect scriptures... it's like they just belong on a tshirt as a witnessing tool. Also, when I discovered C28 through browsing the web, I was literally blown away! I have never seen any Christian clothing that even comes close to what they create. Their stuff rivals secular clothing lines, and comes out on top. Thank you C28 for inspiring me to start my own clothing line. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? To be honest... I don't think I have a favorite design. I usually look at all my designs as a collection and a ministering tool. I just look forward to the day when I open my own Christian clothing stores like C28 and will be able to witness to the lost and provide top notch apparel for Christians to fill their closets. What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? Wow...this is a hard one! There are so many amazing designs in the Canvas community. Again, I am going to have to say that I look at all of our work as one incredible collection. I picture the whole entire C28 Canvas community opening up a big online store to sell our product... I know that sounds crazy or over the top, but God has given us all such incredible artistic talent and the fact that we are using it to glorify him, anything is possible! What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? Well... just keep designing. I didn't come to the point where I am at over night, I took years of experiment and mistakes and I still feel like I have a long way to go artistically. It's funny because the main program that I use for designing is one that hardly anyone has heard of. It's called Microsoft PhotoDraw. It's not Industry standard and has since been discontinued. I use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for things that I can't do in PhotoDraw. (I need to stop being so intimidated by Illustrator and Photoshop and just learn them fluently) But I guess this goes to show that no matter what program or medium you use, you can still come out with a professional product. And of course continue to keep serving God through your artwork because he will bless you in return. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? Well... I used to Dj back in high school, then after that I got into music production. Some friends and I started a production group where we produced tracks, engineered and emceed. As I slowly faded away from doing music to put more focus on my art, I felt convicted about what I let my ears hear. Since then I have been searching the internet for professional Christian Hip Hop artist who's sound can rival that of secular artists. I have found so many hot Christian artists over the past year that I actually made a few Christian Mixtapes and gave them away to friends at my church. I would also like to find more hot Christian Rock... C28 turned me on to Seventh Day Slumber and "Finally Awake" is one of my favorite albums. How did you become a follower of Christ? Well... I was pretty much born and raised in a Christian household. When I was young, I was very innocent...being a true follower of Christ. As I got older, into my teens, my relationship with Christ weakened; causing me to make some really bad decisions... but God wasn't finished with me. I am a man now. Without God, my wife Emily, Pastor Michael Collins, and of course my incredible mother who never gave up on me, I wouldn't be where I am now. Thank you so much Mom, and I love you more than you know.

Looky Here! New winners. =] - 9/11/2009

LOOKY HERE! New Winners. =] (for submissions between 6/05/09 and 7/04/09) "Blameless" by Kristian See the Design Here "Savior" by Zach See the Design Here "Life For Nations" by Michael See the Design Here "Strongly Rooted" by Brad See the Design Here "Love Will Keep Us" by Rene See the Design Here "50 Million" by Jared See the Design Here "Hope Has Come" by Emilio See the Design Here "Carry Your Cross" by Rex See the Design Here

WOO! Can you believe it?! NEW WINNERS & CONTEST - 8/31/2009

WOO! Can you believe it?! NEW WINNERS (for submissions between 5/04/09 and 6/04/09) by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here by See the Design Here NEW TOPIC CHALLENGE "For it is by grace you have been saved..." - Ephesians 2:8 Grace is a gift from God. Simple right, but what does that really mean to you? In this Topic Challenge, show your thankfulness for God's grace by expressing your gratitude for His gift! Remember, the Canvas Topic Challenge is on... "Grace" How has God's gift of grace touched your life? Submit between August 24th thru September 24th for this Topic Challenge. Canvas Favorites Canvas Favorites Canvas Favorites Love by Zach "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another..." Buy Now Because by Melissa "Love. Because Jesus said..." Buy Now Jesus Fresh by Zack "I am the vine; you are the branches..." Buy Now

and the Seventh Day Slumber contest Winners are… - 8/31/2009

Inside The Artists Studio w/ Zach - 7/19/2009

An Interview with Zach What inspires you to create art? Obviously God is the main inspiration for my art but I also grab some inspiration from the music I listen to. I just try to put on a shirt some creative ways to depict some powerful messages such as Tree of Life, Don't Reject, Sweet Music, Bought, Be Separate, Love Came Down, and Lion of Judah. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? This is a tough one but I think my favorite would have to be Don't Reject. This shirt gives a more clear way of what so many people are doing on a day to day basis. They neglect to surrender their lives to God and by doing that they are rejecting the love that God has shown us and bled for us on the cross. Buy Now What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? This is another tough one because there are soooo many good designs that people have submitted. The one I really like is called "He First Loved Us" by Chris Omlor. The reason for this one is because it just shows the intensity of what Jesus did for us and it also with the blood drips depicts the message of being rooted in love looking like roots dripping down. Buy Now What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? My tips are to keep at it....when I first started designing I wasn't making the types of designs that I'm making now. It takes practice and determination to become better. Don't give up because the first shirt you submit doesn't win. This ones not a tip for designing but another good tip for all of us is to seek Him first. Make God number one in our lives. Be rooted and grounded in Him. Don't let art get in the way of your relationship with the Lord. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I'm mainly into the screamo music but I have an interest in almost all types of music. I surf alot, play music (drums, guitar, piano), love to do some photography... How did you become a follower of Christ? I grew up in the church all my life but never took the Lord serious and kind of just looked like a Christian on the outside until 6 years ago when I kind of just had a reality check and knew that I had to get my life straight with the Lord. 2003 I rededicated my life to the Lord and it's been awesome just following the Lord and seeing where He brings me. He's blessed me with a beautiful wife (Abby) and 1 amazing son (Malachi) with another on the way (Judah). Living for the Lord is not always a walk in the park but God has given me way more than this world could ever and that's eternal life.

WHAT?! Win $1000 @ Canvas?! - 7/14/2009

*1 grand prize winner will be chosen from each of the "funny" & "type" categories. (the $1000 grand prize is a promotion limited to designs submitted between 7-13 & 8-13. Designs submitted after 8-13 will be eligible for the regular prize.) ** more winners will be chosen from all categories and will receive the standard prize of $400

Inside The Artists Studio w/ Michael - 6/19/2009

An Interview with Michael What inspires you to create art? I am one of the few artists I have ever met who is bored to death by museums and art shows, so the reality is life and lessons learned along the broken road I have traveled are more than likely the strongest influence for where I pull my creativity. Now I absolutely love the opportunity to create for the Creator and just about anything I encounter can provide inspiration. I never know where the next idea may spring from. Always keep your eyes open. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? I honestly hate talking about my own designs, but if I had to pick favorites they would be my last two entries. Rev 4 for the guys, because it fits my own personal style best and I hope to wear it someday, and Fear No Evil for the girls, as it evoked a powerful response from all my friends and family who saw it, which is really my ultimate goal. What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? When it comes to an overall list of designs that are awesome, I am inspired by Zack Krzyzanski. His stuff could be a line of shirts all by itself, but I am sure almost everyone on Canvas has recognized that fact. My wife and I now each own one of his designs (and we only have a couple of Christian tees so far). The specific shirt that has moved me the most is No Worries by Victoria. I know personally from chatting with her that it isn’t her favorite, but something about it has so much power in it’s simplicity that I just can’t ignore the beauty it brings. The reality is that there is a list of designers on Canvas that I always can’t wait to see more work from and I wish I could mention something from each of them as they all bring something that really adds to the community. What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? I know it is very difficult and it has taken me years to get used to it, but listen to all criticism and critiques with an open and willing heart and mind. Even the seemingly rude comments can hold some truth and value to help shape our future designs. If I had been submitting shirt designs ten years ago they would be nothing like what you see now and that is thanks to all those around me who have added to that creative spark. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I listen to a variety of music including rock, pop, hip-hop, rap, and whatever else may grab my attention at the time whether it be Christian or secular. My favorites include a new found love for Seventh Day Slumber, Kutless, tobyMac, Jeremey Camp, Group 1 Crew, NeedToBreathe, and many many more singles that I have purchased and put onto mix CDs. My wife and I both picked my daughter’s name Zoë before we met, but I got her full name Zoë Jane from a song that really touched my heart by a band called Staind. As for hobbies and other interests I like movies, but design and my family are my true interests of the heart. How did you become a follower of Christ? I am not what the world would expect from a Christian. I grew up believing in God, sitting around the dinner table each night as my father gave a short prayer of thanks to the Lord and receiving tidbits of scriptural wisdom from him time and again; but never stepping foot in a church or really applying faith in God as a part of my life. My parents raised me well, kept me in line, and got me out on the right foot, even if our house did not revolve around the Lord as much as it could have. My entire extended family is a great one that I can always rely on and a greater blessing than most ever get, but at the same time it was craving a reawakened fire for God, but just did not quite yet know it at the time. Other than doing well in school and getting a good job I did a lot to not be on the right foot once I left home. At first I struggled with being unhappy about being single and alone and my lack of self confidence allowed that to quickly spiral into a depression that lead me into drinking, doing some drugs and then doing more drugs with the hope of the fleeting moments of happiness they brought taking away the pain. The problem was each time the fun was over the hurting was still there and I again turned back to the world for comfort. It took my grandfathers death to finally spark a newfound love for God and awaken my heart and those of all my family. My grandfather had a strong and firm belief that once he accepted Christ he had to let go of all sin and live a perfect life. Despite believing in God and Jesus, he felt that people who professed they were saved were presumptuous fools. My grandmother and unbelieving uncle was present when my grandfather passed on. A moment later he sat straight up in bed and uttered, "I'm Saved" three times and then lay back down and was gone. My family, including parents and sister, uncles and aunts, cousins and friends began meeting for bible studies and got baptized in several large groups. My grandfather brought an amazing strength to the family in his life and an even greater blessing in his death. It is amazing the works God can do with the hardest times in our lives. As it turns out, I was finally blessed with the woman I hoped for in my life, once I allowed God in first. Now I have a wonderful wife and beautiful daughter that make me want to strive to be the example I need to be through God and Jesus Christ.

New WFSFAY Winners! - 6/12/2009

Inside The Artists Studio w/ Victoria - 6/12/2009

An Interview with Victoria What inspires you to create art? Most of my design ideas have come from reading and meditating on the Word. I also listen to instrumental and worship music while I work. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? Probably "Holy, Holy, Holy". It's based on letters I drew in ink, it has my two favorite colors in it --teal and red-- and the message of holiness is one I'm passionate about. What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? Definitely "All Creation Groans" by Design Bakery (David). I couldn't believe it when I first saw it, the details in the hand-drawn art are incredible, and I'm always going back to that page just to look at it. It still blows me away every time. Also, the message is so true, and the art really gets it across well. What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? When I I first joined Canvas I spent hours studying design methods and finding resources. I had already been designing for several years, but most of it was web design and photo editing. Study up on vectors and invest in a cheap version of Photoshop Elements (probably 30 or 40 dollars on Amazon). It will go a long way. What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I mostly listen to a lot of fingerstyle guitar--a great Christian artist in that genre is Trace Bundy. I also like worship, electronica, some alternative, and every now and then a little bit of Christian hip hop. My favorite band is Delirious. I always search for true creativity and originality. Music is my life--I love to play fingerstyle guitar and piano. In art I enjoy drawing pencil portraits, painting watercolor and drawing in ink. Tell us a little about yourself, and how you became a follower of Christ. My brother led me to the Lord when I was 4. I absolutely love the Lord more that anything in the world! He really has been stirring me this year more than ever to pursue Him and learn how to truly walk with Him. Looking back to where I was last year, it's amazing to see what He has done in my life. I started out slow, exponentially trying to get my hands on teachings, getting in the Word, and just seeking the Lord. As much as I thought I knew before, now I feel like a total newbie beginner, there's so much to learn! Ask the Lord to make you hungry--He will gladly answer that request. It probably won't happen overnight, but keep asking, He'll do it! And this is Inside The Artists Studio signing out! Thank you Victoria for the great interview and helpful info shared. Stay tuned guys & gals for more from Inside The Artists Studio!

Winners Galore - 6/12/2009

Wow! What a tough round, but here are your winners! (for submissions between 3/03/09 and 4/03/09) We REALLLLY had to work this submission round. (not like we don't... *cough cough*) The quality was WAYYY UP, so had some tough decisions to make. In the end (and after several pots of coffee), here are your winners! Stand Firm by mkdesign Consuming Flame by Zack J Krzyzanski One Way by Eleazar Wrapped In Love by JenJen Rockin The Heavens by RORY God Will Provide by Michael 50 Million by Depraved Wretch Pure In Heart by *Christi* Glory Song by Victoria Fear Not by Brian Whole Nation by andrew

Inside The Artists Studio - 5/29/2009

An Interview with Zack Krzyzanski What inspires you to create art? My inspiration comes from pretty much any/everything around me on a daily basis. What I see and what I hear sort of creates a blob in my mind, and I have to put it on paper. It's kind of weird I know, haha, but that's the best way to explain it. What's your favorite design you've submitted, and why? My favorite design that I submitted would is definitely "Peace and Hope" with the hummingbirds. I created it for a struggling friend, who isn't sure what she believes and is looking for peace and hope in something/anything. She was crying when she was telling me about her life and where its led her, and it broke my heart. So I made the shirt hoping it would be printed so I could unexpectedly send it to her and shine some light through the word. She does not attend church, but she has the verse Jeremiah 29:11 held very closely to her heart, and looks to it in time of need. What's your favorite design submitted by an artist other than yourself, and why? This is a hard one. hmmm... I would have to say "No Worries" By Victoria is my favorite. The colors are perfect and the message is so soft and powerful. "Made2Love" by Michael is also a favorite, for basically the same reasons. When I first seen that one I immediately wondered what I was going to have to pay for my girlfriend and her friends to wear it. haha... God Bless all the Canvas artists, I love all of your creativity. What tips would you give to other up and coming artists in the Canvas community? Let the Lord guide your hand. Don't worry about what someone else might think, do your best and he will do the rest! Maybe the purpose of your submission is to win someone to Christ rather than a small fortune =]. God Bless c28.com and everything they do. This program is just to much to describe and I am thankful for everything! What type of music do you listen to? What about hobbies / other interests? I listen to all kinds of music, except rap. It's just not my thing I guess, although I have started listening to Manafest lately. My favorite bands include: Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Red, Decyfer Down, etc... I love Air 1 and the mixture of music they provide.. Some of my other hobbies include: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Rafting and just about everything outside, exploring Gods creations. Tell us a little about yourself, and how you became a follower of Christ. The story of how I became a follower of Christ is hard to tell in a short manner, but I will do my best. I was born into a Christian family, church on Sunday, and prayer before meals. After many years of attendance, our pews became an empty space later filled by other believers. For whatever reason we just stopped going to church, and it was at that point that my life changed and as a young child I observed a number of years without Christ in the household. My Father, the head of the household became addicted to gambling and could not stop. He spent every dime in the savings accounts and basically everything we ever had. Mom and dad were constantly fighting over the ordeal, and trying to solve the problems themselves. I remember hearing the words "If we could only" or "We can just do this or that." Things got so bad that my mom had to start garnishing my dads paychecks so he couldn't touch the money, but he found ways around it, and to this day we are still reminded by letters in the mail. He started opening up credit card accounts and maxing them out, one after another and racking up the debt. I, being naive and not understanding what was even going on, just sat on the sideline and waited for things to get better while still watching what was going on. After a while the level of stress under our roof was too much, and my dad disappeared and we didn't hear from him for several days. At the end of the fifth day or so, while my brother and I were swimming in the pool I seen a sheriff pull up the driveway, and I knew what news he had brought. I silently walked up the stairs leading to the back room and cracked open the door and heard my mom weeping heavily. My brother was following me up the stairs and he also heard my moms tears. I had to explain to him that our dad was gone. We were 14 and 12. The struggle to find the strength to sever his addiction became to much and he took his own life in another state. I know my dad loved us, and it was because of that that he did it. He figured that HE couldn't give up his addiction and did not want to hurt us any longer. I remember our last Christmas together, we didn't have any money because of his addiction, and he couldn't surprise us with all kinds of odds and ends, he was so creative and thoughtful that no present was plain ol', but rather interesting and sometimes confusing. On that Christmas eve I woke up late one night and heard my dad, the leader and the man of the house Crying and bleeding inside of his heart, I have NEVER felt us much pain as i did that night, because i knew my dad was sorry and needed help. The next phase was were i met God. As i sat back and watched how everything unfolded I seen one man, and his wife try and try to fix something themselves, and time after time they failed. The put all of their trust in their own wisdom and tried fixing their lives by themselves. Its been 7 years now, and that was the Biggest influence I've had to the power of God. LUKE 18:27 says "What is impossible with men |is possible with God.' You cant fix your life if Christ isn't the center of it. Even though i fail all the time and don't do what i should, I've learned that God is number 1 no matter what. Above my problems and mistakes, God is number 1. If we put 100% faith in Christ we cannot fail, we cannot fall short, and we will not suffer forever.

WFSFAY Contest? - 5/12/2009