It was a particular busy Thursday afternoon in Santa Barbara as I rushed to my meeting downtown, lamenting the traffic and hoping that maybe, just maybe, my interviewee would be just like the majority of other artists who seem to have watches that tick a few minutes slower than standard time. When I finally arrived at the coffee shop, my wishes were unfulfilled. Tucked away under the stairs at a table in the back, notepad, earbuds and all, was Laura Inks, who made good use of the extra time that my tardiness had given her by answering the phone calls and voice mails that continued to pour in intermittently throughout our chat. From the get-go, I had a feeling that this was one busy lady. As I would come to find out, even that was an understatement. But just who is Laura Inks?

Photo is taken from award winning episode of an interview with underwater filmmaker Mark DeGruy

Watch David interview Mark DeGruy

Watch David interview T.C. Boyle

So what does Santa Barbara have that makes this place so special? Sure, it’s true that we have the picture perfect landscapes of sweeping coastlines and beautiful architecture, the serene weather, the finest restaurants, and Oprah. The expensive price tag for all this glory is, well…worth it. And why is that? Because this jewel of the American Riviera has another hidden gem: a veritable treasure trove of creativity in the form of writers, poets, dancers, actors, sculptors, filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists of national and local renown. To really grasp the depth and expanse of artists in this relatively small city, one would have to individually dissect and catalog them. And lo and behold, there is a man doing just that. Meet David Starkey, the host of the Creative Community, which is a local television series that is broadcasted from the Santa Barbara Channels. Starkey is the elected poet laureate of Santa Barbara and is also the director of the creative writing program at Santa Barbara City College. He has published many collections of poems and also has over 400 of his poems published by prestigious literary journals.

Missy The Cat:

Why You Should Never Ask For Favors From Graphic Designers

As a graphic designer, I know that what comes easy to me may not necessarily be easy for others. I am often asked for favors by those who need logo designs, birthday invitations, posters, business cards, etc. Usually if I have a solid foundation with the person who needs help, I will do it for free. Sometimes I'll have complete strangers ask me for complimentary assistance. At some point though, even when it's a familiar face that needs some help, it becomes a burden. I design for a living, and I like to leave work at work, and not take it home with me. Especially when I'm not getting compensated for my time. Those who are unfamiliar with the process of graphic designing don't understand the amount of skill and tediousness that is involved. It's almost as if they believe I can just wiggle my nose, snap my fingers, maybe even click my heels together and POOF!, I have a beautifully designed work of art in my hands. If you are a designer, you know that's definitely NOT the case. And you just might appreciate this article I found....

Story goes :

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence...
Read from top to bottom….

Pretentious Artists:

Is it Inherent or Perceptual?

Art culture can sometimes be a curious beast to those looking in from the outside. You know what I'm talking about. The French berets, miles of scarves tossed over shoulders, the swirling wine glasses , fancy cheese munching, cigarette smoking, the thick eye liner, the skinny pants, dark sunglasses, and layered shawls. These bohemians dripping in fringe flock to your favorite cafe, capitalize on all of the best tables, and contemplate life while sipping espresso and strumming guitars. They cluster in front of enigmatic and convoluted paintings, tilting heads and stroking chins, pondering aloud about the meaning and intent expressed by the artist in question. There is an endearing term used by those outside of the circle to describe these people: "Pretentious art f***s." But is that really accurate? Does being an art lover automatically make one pretentious, or is it a misconception forged by those who have no interest in the art world?