Squid Graphics

Becoming addicted to Squidoo, and creating lenses is certainly not uncommon around here and can lead to tangents. Mine came about in graphical form when I started doing some Squidoodles for one of my lenses, Squidoo for fun and nonprofit. The rest, as they say, is history. This little Squidoo Revue, will tell a bit of the story behind it all.

So, without further ado...on with the show!

When I first ventured into Squiddom, I was fortunate to have help from some of the old tentacles at this. One of them, Comfortdoc (aka Kirsti Dyer, MD), had created, amongst her vast array of excellent lenses, quite a few wonderful adaptations of the Squidoo Mascot and logo she called "Squidoodles". After realizing that such graphical freedom was allowed, I decided to try some on my own for a new lens I wanted to do on the task of "Squidooin" for non-profit and took a cue from one of the original Squidoodlers herself!.

It only took a few of these little "squidoodles" to get me hooked! Who knew that dressing up a one-eyed orange squid could be so much fun? Since it became as addicting as Squidoo itself, I decided to build a collection of them and along with Comfortdoc and others, allow the use of them by other lensmasters for their own works. Before I knew it, I was filling up the first lens of Squidoodles that I aptly named SquidArt.

Soon I started receiving wonderful comments from those that saw my creations as well as requests and suggestions for new ones. The creative juices kept flowing and coupled with the fun that ensued, I charged onward. I initially stated it was a work in progress, or under "Squidstruction" and that I would add to it as I went. In no time, I realized that the SquidArt Lens was growing in length, so I decided to do what every faithful Squidoo'er would do....add another lens! A few clicks later, and Part 2, a sequel was born and lovingly named SquidArtToo..."The Sea Quell". Since their inception, both lenses have had additions over time and continue to grow on a regular basis!

Although I've always enjoyed writing, I by no means consider myself an author. Some of my lenses were purely of a personal nature and meant far more to me than most others, but still, I felt compelled to write them. I suppose the same applies to my graphical ability as an artist, of which I also do not consider an appros title. At least not in the classical sense, as given pencil and paper would likely produce totally unrecognizable scribbles. Canvas and paint would only be worse!. I am however in a graphics related industry, so I certainly have had the opportunity to dabble in digital graphics, and of course clip-art and such definitely fall into that category.

Take all of that and couple it with a half-working knowledge of graphics programs, a penchant for fun and bad puns along with a strange sense of humor and you wind up with SquidArt. Squidoo just happened to provide me the inspiration, as well as the perfect canvas with which to display my derivative works of the logo and mascot. As with writing, most of the satisfaction comes from within and it has great thereputic value, hence the nickname "Squiderapy". Anyone who takes the plunge into lenses should above all else, have fun, and I certainly do!

It has always been heartwarming to get the kind comments and encouragement from the Squidoo Community as they visited, and a real pleasure to be able to offer something back in exchange for the good I've received. It's nice to see that many have found a home on one or more of their lenses where the Squidoodles have fit right in! Of course I also love seeing other creative adaptations, and decided to showcase them together in one lens that's called Squidart, Squidoodles and Squidgraphics. If you've created your own Squidoodles, by all means submit your lens. If you haven't created your own, there's no better time to start!

All of this said, it's back to the drawing board for more Squidoodles and SquidArt. I've enjoyed the suggestions and requests that have come along and welcome more from the other Squidoo'ers. Who knows?...I may even sneak in a little writing along the way too! Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy my art, such as it is, and can find one to suit one of your lenses! If you do, please be sure to read the dreaded Fine Print below, and they're good to go.

Coming soon to a monitor near you!

Be sure to stay tuned to your favorite SquidArt channel as all of them are truly are a work in progress. I'll continue to update and add new Squidoodles as I go. One never knows what may appear next!

I have been lucky to have so many enjoy my Squidoodles and I've managed to fulfill requests from quite a few lensmasters that have utilized my creations on their site. While I have always been pleased with the warm and wonderful comments, I never expected anyone to do a tribute lens on little old me!

Lo and behold though, one of the prominent Giant Squids and Squid Angels Norma, fell in love with some of my art and decided to do just that. Before I knew it, Norma asked if she could do a lens as a tribute to me! I am deeply honored, and though feeling undeserving, I have to say she did an excellent job of presenting my works to the Squidoo community.

For those that may want to hear a bit more of my story, or list your lenses featuring my squidoodles, please visit her story about me, Who is Steve Thompson? I thank everyone for their kind comments and support...and to Norma, a special and heartfelt thanks!

I'm pleased and extremely honored that Squidoo awarded this lens a Purple Star on October 18th, 2010. I'm thrilled to be considered and appreciate the nomination for receiving such an honor! Thanks to all concerned.

...with great appreciation to the Squid Angels that have sprinkled their blessings on this lens as well as the other two SquidArt lenses, I thank you!

Squid Graphics by Steve Thompson / tagsforkids is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License Squidoo logo is a trademark of Squidoo LLC. Graphics, Squidart and Squidoodles © 2009 by tagsforkids (Steve Thompson) . Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License. You may use these Squidoodle images for lenses, but not for commercial use (i.e. you can not sell them or use for advertising products), as long as you include credit and a link back to the SquidGraphics lens. Please note that I am not affiliated with, nor endorsed by Squidoo LLC. Thank you.