Extra Innings
Ever since I was a little leaguer, I’ve had entrepreneurial ambitions. That spirit and mindset solidified as I grew up and my family took chances together entering into various business opportunities. Marketing my own designs is risky and rewarding, but I’d rather try to put the ball in play than strikeout with the bat still on my shoulder. Here’s some different concepts I’ve developed in my creative career.
A teammate of The Designated Designer is Otto E. That’s the name I use when cartooning. Many seasons ago I created Christmas Critters, a fun group of greeting cards that were printed in black and then all hand-colored, which added a personal touch. However, this was laborious and before the dot.com era and personal printers became prevalent. The greeting cards proved to be popular, being sold by way of word-of-mouth and in various retail gift shops in the Columbus, Ohio area. Some cards may now have dated gaglines (inside card verse is shown in the green ellipse), but most are timeless and all feature a good look and message. I think it’s time they make a comeback, along with some new designs added to the line, but printed in color in the future! Greetsboro is the stadium hospitality clubhouse that handles custom greeting cards or invitations for personal occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events.
Logo on back of cards.
Bogey Bay
Bogey Bay is a cartoon southern golf resort. The head pro there is Juan Underpar, a true golf guru. He’s married to Birdie the ultimate golf widow and their family includes a baby boy, Gimme, a preteen son, Wedgie, plus their dog, Waggles, who likes to caddy at the course. Bogey Bay sponsors three touring pros. They are Farrah Way, Evan Par and Bo Geezer. Billionaire Chip Ping owns the resort and his daughter, Pippi Ping, is a rising star on the junior golf circuit. Sir Eddie Kitt is the serious starter, Reed Wacker is the goofy greenskeeper and Molly Gans runs Shanks, the resort lounge. Amateur golfers include hopeless hacker, Al Tabounds, and the local reverend, Hal Looyah, who loves golf as much as the gospel. He has twins, nicknamed Lil’ Dimples and Kid Grooves. Along the way, you’ll also cross cartpaths with other fun characters such as the Wormburners and Divot the frog. Try to keep it in the fairway because anything can happen at Bogey Bay! Below are various embroidered hats that were sold at numerous central Ohio public golf courses. Let me know if you need one for yourself or your foursome.
