Monday, April 11, 2011

UPDATE: David 18 - Goliath 0


Thanks to the steady rumblings generated from a simple blog and then tumblr post, which then reverberated all the way up on to the Wall Street Journal, and everywhere in between, I have sold every single Metro Card used subway card painting I had put up for sale at my Etsy shop.

All 18 of 'em.

The little charmers sat, barely noticed, and certainly unsold, for 3 months. Until the MTA ordered me to stop "selling them." Or, better said, ordered me to stop not selling them. Do I have to tell you how delicious it was to see them snapped up, the entire collection, in less than 24 hours?

Yeah, it was pretty tasty. 


I had to turn people away, with the promise of a speedy email as soon as I create some more Metro Card used subway card paintings

I've accepted commissions from determined New Yorkers who know what they want and accept nothing less.


And I got nice email from Mark Heavey, Chief of Marketing and Advertising for the MTA, asking that I, 


"simply change the listing on Etsy to read something like “Original hand-painted art on a NY transit fare card,” and refrain from using an image of an original, unpainted MetroCard in the listing, you may continue to do what you are doing."

Done, Mark. Actually, I did that last week and the Intern still indicated that I should make arrangements for a licensing agreement. 

But let's not bicker.

I have to say that I really liked having the "before" image included. But, come to think of it, who  really doesn't know what it looks like before I paint one? 


I pointed out to Mr. Heavey that I had turned the somewhat sour lemon of his unpaid intern's  "cease and desist" letter into a rather sweet, refreshing citrus beverage.


He wrote:

"I wish you continued success with your “fare card art” project....the media does love a good David vs. Goliath story. . . . Continue to make lemonade!"

Ok, so you all can lay off Mr. Heavey.

At least until the next time.


Now, off to the post office and to find your new homes, little troublemakers :



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Could you use a link to the MTA site that showed a picture of the card ?

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/


Regards,
Michael Penn

VH McKenzie said...

Thanks, Michael!

But also check out the link at the end of my line which reads:

I have to say that I really liked having the "before" image included. But, come to think of it, who really doesn't know what it looks like before I paint one?

Click on "one" heh.

Ms. Vandal said...

Wonderful! You built your house of bricks and the big bad wold is just pissed off he couldn't huff and puff and blow your house down lmao! Keep up the amazing creative art and way to go green!

c.o. moed said...

WOW! HOW FANTASTIC!!!

Sarah said...

Hurrah for you from accross the sea!

Seveen said...

i'm looking forward to receiving my tiny treasure and i love the "controversy" - lol

Lauren Snyder said...

Way to go lady! Happy to hear of your success...

:)

raine studios said...

So happy V! Hope you get some more up and listed soon!

VH McKenzie said...

RAINE! A huge thank you for the advice, both legal and strategic. I"m still stunned that it played out the way it did - thanks for all your help!

Roger_Paw said...

Ha! A fantastic end to the story. Yes, I too can't wait to see your new paintings when they're in the store. I'll check in from time to time. :)