Skyscrapers and subways! Chloe Pink's big adventure to the Atlanta Gift Show at America's Mart in downtown Atlanta

A friend is like a lollipop. XO, Chloe Pink

 

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Girls can be whoever they want to be!

Okay. So it was a Halloween/book signing/Chloe Pink event with Troop #3080!  But even though these girls were dressed as someone else in their costumes, they each were totally unique one-of-a-kind girls of their own! Song writers. Animal lovers. Artists....What I love about these "CP meet-ups" is the chance to hear from girls what's in their hearts, what they love about life at the age of eight, what hopes they have for their futures...and how they plan to follow those dreams. It's also fantastic to see a group of young ladies supporting each other like Pete supports Chloe Pink. It's true. They really do!

And speaking of Pete, I have to thank Rebecca Pinckard. Not only did she invite me and Chloe Pink to take part -- she also recently began fostering a real Pete! Yes, there was a gray Schnauzer who bore an amazing resemblance to Chloe Pink's Pete. He was working that room of scouts and their parents with nothing but kisses, hugs and support. If that's not a sign that girls should follow their dreams, what is?

Chloe Pink + City of Decatur = Cause Marketing Dream Come True

Many moons ago - 6-8 years? - I was lucky to meet Cause Marketing Guru, Joe Waters of selfishgiving.com - (Uh. you'll want to follow him on Twitter. 6,302 other people do.) 

Joe taught me how Cause Marketing helps 'for profits' and nonprofits work together for mutual benefit. Well, finally after several years of trying to do a viable CPCM (Chloe Pink Cause Marketing) campaign, I have one for my cartoon girl. 

This summer, I'm working w/ City of Decatur Tourism on my 3rd book for kids - The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream in the City Book. (Yes, that would make "me" the 'for profit.' But here's what I'm really excited about and what Cause Marketing is all about. $1 from every sale will go to "Indie-Catur," a group of independent shop owners, restauranteurs. What could be a better cause than supporting local merchants who work so hard every day to serve their local community, offer up great products, services and food, employ talented/creative folks and make Decatur, GA one of the most charming places to live, work and play in the U.S.? (Is it any surprise it's one of Chloe Pink's favorite places to follow her dreams?) 

So, look for the book coming to Amazon.com and the Decatur Book Festival late August.Thanks to Joe who planted the seed of a great idea called cause marketing awhile ago - it's a dream come true! 

From the desk of Chloe Pink

For immediate release:

DECATUR, GA (June 25, 2013) -- Chloe Pink, a children's book character is partnering with her favorite place, the City of Decatur. She's coming back for the 2nd time to the Decatur Book Festival with "The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream In The City Book."

The book will be available at the Decatur Visitor's Center, on Amazon and at www.chloepink.com. The author will also donate $1 from each book sale to Indie-Catur to help promote Decatur's independent merchants and business community . "Doodle & Dream In The City" is Chloe Pink's 3rd book. The first "Doodle & Dream" was launched at the 2010 Decatur Book Festival.

"While I've always loved Decatur, I didn't live here then," says author/illustrator, Sharna Fulton. A metro Atlanta resident since the early 90's, Fulton and her husband moved to Decatur from Loganville a few years ago. "It truly feels like home," says Fulton.

In fact, it was a few months ago, the artist was on her daily walk back to her home studio in Decatur from her favorite coffeehouse on the square when her next project idea came to her.

Why not do another "Doodle & Dream," but set it in a city. And why not set it in her favorite city of all, Decatur! So, she stopped into the Decatur Tourism Office and pitched the idea to Decatur's Visitor Center's Manager, Sherry Charles Jackman. "Thankfully, The City of Decatur gave it the green light!" said Fulton.

Chloe Pink is an independent, adventurous seven year old girl with a BFF friend, Jack - the Scottish Terrier Mutt. Their message to girls and boys is to believe in yourself, be curious about everything, get support and most importantly, follow your dreams!

"Doodle & Dream In the City" will include pages of City of Decatur stuff with prompts for kids to fill in and complete the picture. Whether it's drawing their favorite toppings on a slice of pizza, doodling a folk art painting or trying to find the hidden veggies in a garden word search puzzle, Decaturites are sure to recognize many of the shops and places from their favorite city.

"I can think of no better place to follow your dreams, like Chloe Pink, then in Decatur," said Fulton. From it's incredible walkability, historic square filled with shops and yummy restaurants to it's beautiful tree-lined streets, charming neighborhoods, its commitment to the arts, wonderful school system, a working railroad that goes through town and of course, Oakhurst Garden (the Wylde Center) -- Decatur has it all. It's a magical place to explore and be happy. And that's what life is all about."

In addition to the book launch at the Decatur Book Festival, there will be a pre-launch book signing at Oakhurst Garden Wednesday, August 28 from 4-6 pm.

For more information, please contact sharna.fulton@att.net

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

  Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Click on the illustration to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Make today a work of heART, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta! XO, Chloe PInk

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

There's a real art to helping girls achieve their potential. Just ask Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta, because they know how to do it. Click on the cartoon to make it bigger and don't forget to visit Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Thanks Girls Inc. for helping girls imagine their possibilities of being strong, smart and bold! Click on the cartoon to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Introducing Amber Byrd. Chloe Pink's New Artist Representative

Please join me and Kelly Wright Liddell in welcoming Amber Byrd to the Chloe Pink team. I met Amber through my  friend, Carol Guthrie. (Thank you, Carol!) Not only knowledgeable about the gallery world, Amber is spunky, sparkly, energetic and passionate about art. She's an ideas person who loves to solve "artist problems" - hey I've go those! -- and beat the streets in her chic little shoes and funky hats. A mother to five year old Reagan, she's a true Chloe Pink girl who walks the walk and talks the talk, being curious about everything and following her creative dreams -- just like Chloe Pink. Check out Amber's bio and  see what I mean! Sharn'

Amber Byrd BIO: Southern raised, my early teen years were filled writing poetry, going on “photo hunts” with my camera, listening to music and going to real estate open houses so I could see how people were decorating and arranging their homes. These years shaped my creative journey through life. My family has always supported my passion for creating with the cornerstone of my life being molded when my parent's gave me my first camera when I was 13. It's now a "vintage - classic". With a passion for words and art I studied Journalism and Studio Art in college. Today, I work as the media gal at dk Gallery in Marietta, Georgia writing press releases and promoting gallery events to the media. I also represent artists to galleries nationwide with my company, Artist Rep Team. With my experience working at an art gallery I have learned the best ways and the not so good ways for an artist to approach a gallery. My brain seems to never stop with ideas, sometimes I need a break from my own self! It is pure joy to brainstorm creative ways to promote an artists work. From original works on canvas, to silk scarves and books, working hand in hand with an artist to help launch their talents to success is what I love to do. It's inspiring to meet such talented people and see what they have made with their own hands and their own creativity. I am blessed to work for such amazing people and it never ceases to amaze me how incredible artists are. My job is to let their talents be known and shown!

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Click on the cartoon to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Support Big Dreams. Shop Small! XO, Chloe Pink

 

There are lots and lots of female entrepreneurs who make and sell amazing products like Maria! Whether she make cupcakes or tee-shirts or bath salts or... it most definitely contributes to society! Yum....Cupcakes! According to Forbes, women have been starting businesses at a higher rate than men for the last 20 years and tend to create home-based micro (less than 5 employees) and small businesses. Women will create over half of the 9.72 million new small business jobs expected to be created by 2018 and more and more are doing this from home offices across the country. It's never too early for girls to learn about entrepreneurship either. By coming up with a creative idea and then putting it to work to benefit others, girls gain economic and spiritual independence. Female entrepreneurs also fuel our economy by providing jobs to others and supporting their families and those who work for them. And that's good news for everybody!

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Chloe Pink's Big, Big, Big Meeting!

Last week, I had the opportunity to pitch Chloe Pink to the leadership team of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta.

It truly was that pivotal moment, the culmination of a six year dream to put the cartoon of Chloe Pink to work on behalf of a girls organization. You may ask why did it take six years. And believe me. So have I.

But now I see I had work to do. I had art skills to develop and a voice to find. I had to learn how to draw hands (sort of...) and find a Chloe Pink face shape I could live with - a roundish square. Then I had to learn how to draw it about the same way every time. I had other characters to create like Brooklyn - an African American math whiz and fashionista, JenBall - an athlete who coaches sportsmanship and the benefits of teamwork and physical fitness and finally, Maria - the Latina cupcake entrepreneur. I had a mission I needed to understand. I had to get to the core of what I was trying to do and who Chloe Pink truly is before I could find the partner that is right for both of us. Like kissing frogs, I had to search for an organization that would be worth the blood, sweat and tears to pour my heart and energies into. Because, let's face it. Chloe Pink is above all else, a labor of love. And there's no sense in putting Micron 08 permanent ink marker to paper -- or now, stylus to iPad tablet- without a real cause, a read need, or a real appreciation for my dear, dear cartoon character, Chloe Pink (and friends) who simply want to support and empower girls.

But then one day it happened. The aha moment! I discovered the Girls Inc Bill of Rights. It says, Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes, to express themselves with originality, to prepare for interesting work and economic independence and...click here to read it. It's really great stuff! If you know about Chloe Pink, you know she doesn't like being "boxed in." She is her own girl and wants every girl to be the same way. Thus, her mantra--"Follow YOUR Dreams, Girl!"

In other words, Girls Inc. Bill of Rights is all the things that Chloe Pink stands for and, quite simply, nobody says it better than Girls Inc. as they go about their business of helping 3,000 girls in Atlanta each year all the while. 3,000!

So, in closing, while Chloe Pink is a work in progress, nothing has been finalized and the promise of a partnership that helps girls even more is out there on the horizon....I'm hopeful that soon Chloe Pink will be helping Girls Inc. "Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold." After all, is there any doubt about it? Isn't that the way it should be.










Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Have a pink scarf day, why don't cha? XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Dyed, Decorated and Ready To Hide! Happy Easter Egg Hunting. XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Birthday, Abby! XO, Chloe Pink

Today we celebrate a special day when my friend Abby, came into the world. March 12. Y.S. (Yippy Skippy.)

I met Abby at least two years ago when she was in Sharn's art class in Snellville. She had tons of spunk, drew and painted lots of cool pictures of me, Hammie the Hamster and a monkey in a purple dress. That girl has more clever ideas than a robin has chirps!

Abby is part philosopher, part adventurer, part reporter and part world traveler. I hear she's been to Oklahoma City and Savannah just to name a few places. One's in the west and one's in the east...and also the south! That's a lot of directions.

Abby has an older brother, Jackson, a mom and dad, a dog named Willy, some cousins, grandparents, and I think a fish and a hamster, perhaps. She is getting ready to dance in Sleeping Beauty this weekend, plus she has a birthday party coming up soon. Not to mention, school. She is very, very busy!

You see...Just like me, Chloe Pink, Abby is curious about everything, is kind to others and has the support of friends and family.

That's why Pete and I say, Happy Birthday, Abby. Follow your dreams, girl!

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

It's not the destination that matters.....

Follow your dreams, girl and don't forget! It helps to have a real friend to support you along the way. I know, because I have Pete! He believes in me no matter what. He goes with me no matter where I want to go. He likes me for who I am. Everybody needs at least someone like him in their corner....or in this case, my bicycle basket! Thanks Pete! Hang on. Here we go! XO, Chloe Pink





Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Chloe Pink™ brings colorful self confidence to girls on Cyber Monday.

Hey Mom. Hey Dad. What's the best gift you can give your daughter? A Barbie doll in a bikini? A deluxe make-up kit? A leopard print mini-skirt in bright pink?

As you cyber space out today, why not consider some gifts for your daughter that encourage her athleticism, her moxie, her artistic talent, her creative flair, her ear for music...You know. Her individuality -- Not her sexuality. Like say for instance, a tennis racquet? Ballet lessons? An easel from the local craft store? A flute or violin? Or even The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream Coloring Book that helps her apply color to her own drawings and not her face. And sends her the message that she is valued as a PERSON -- you know, a human BEING --not as a primped up girly girl who's worth is primarily measured by her falsified looks. As my dad, John Fulton, reminded me the other day, Chloe Pink™ is a natural teacher of girls. And where she aims to lead your daughter is to the undeniable fact that: SHE is valuable. SHE is loved. And SHE has all the tools and unique abilities and character traits to make a rich, meaningful life for herself. And it's okay to put her own goals and dreams first. It's never too early and never too late. The five star (highest rating on Amazon.com) Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream Coloring Book is all about letting a girl express her own individuality through page after page of doodle spaces, pictures to color and fill in the blank pages. As Emily Yewell Volin, Teaching Artist and Choreographer, who empowers people through dance suggests in her review, don't just buy one, buy 3 or 8...as dreams evolve and dreams change! The book is available on Amazon.com or you can email sharna.fulton@att.net for your signed copy. And help your daughter follow HER dreams. At just 7.95 plus shipping, you might even be able to stuff in some crayons and ballet shoes and a can of tennis balls in her stocking, too.

"Let's Create A Character! Workshop" Comes To Atlanta Schools

As you know, Chloe Pink is all about following her dreams!" And she knows, as a kid, one of the best ways to do that is through creativity!

So today, we're rolling out "Let's Create A Character!" A story writing workshop designed for 2nd-5th grade students in metro Atlanta. HINT. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TWICE TO MAKE IT BIG AND EASY TO READ!

My goal of this workshop is to encourage a lifetime love of words and pictures, imagination and storytelling. The workshop meets Georgia's English Language Arts (ELA) and Visual Arts standards.

For more info, please contact yours truly (me) @ sharnafulton@gmail.com And if you happen to know a Georgia K-5 teacher, please send them a link to this blog post.

Thanks and here's to the creative process in helping you follow your own dreams!

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Sharna Fulton, Cartoonist Video

In this video, Sharna tells you why she chose cartooning as her art form. She also shows you the tools needed to be a cartoonist.