OK, I’m exaggerating a bit. Not critical at all. Kind of funny actually, but I would appreciate some serious input from my faithful readers nevertheless.
Here’s my dilemma:
I received an e-mail from a client who basically said that potential buyers might not believe that my paintings are breast-created due to the lack of photos proving that I am well endowed in the chestal region. He suggested that I consider changing my auction photo to one that is less of a head-shot and shows more torso to prove that my “brushes” are legit (fully clothed of course.) Now, I have no problem with this, but I don’t know if it’s possible to present myself in a tasteful way while displaying the goods. I don’t mind showing some cleavage but I don’t want to come across as tacky or unprofessional.
That’s where you come in.
Please choose one of the following to generalize your opinion:
1. Keep my current auction photo, which is a rather old head-shot.
2. Use a photo that reveals “the girls” a bit (see 3 options below.)
3. Use a different photo but wear something different/get roots done first/cover tattoos/lose weight, etc.
4. It doesn’t matter.
Here are 3 photos that I took of myself today. If you think that any of them are decent/appropriate for my auction listings, then place your vote for any one of them in the comments section. If you think that I need to modify something, let me know in the comments section. Want me to keep the old head-shot? Let me know in the comments section. Seriously guys, I love your comments. Let’s discuss my boobs.
Here are the 3 photos I took earlier. Keep in mind it was HOT today so I was wearing what I normally wear when it’s a billion degrees. Too much cleavage? Too trashy? Slutty? Do I look fat? Let me know!
I look forward to your honest and numerous responses. Come on lurkers…just this once, let me know how you feel about this situation. My breasts would leave a comment for you!
I'm an Internet-based (anxiety-ridden) abstract artist residing in Connecticut. I'm best known for my breast paintings, which I've been offering sporadically since 2001. You may also be familiar with my work with Koopa, the world's 1st professional painting turtle (now enjoying early retirement.) I'm currently spending lots of time creating photographs, beaded jewelry and poetry too! Check out some of the links on the top and sidebar, read some back posts, wander over to www.turtlekiss.com, and be sure to leave a comment if you have anything to add. Thanks for visiting!
14 Comments
06/11/2008 at 8:51 AM
Hi Kira,
I like the pose of #2 the best because you have that coy smile. The only thing I would change is the color of the strappy T – maybe something more colorful would really make your hair pop… And NO – you don’t look fat. You look great! Good luck.
Jen & Daisy the Box Turtle
06/11/2008 at 4:27 PM
Jen (and Daisy, who I’m sure put a lot of thought into this) – Thanks for your input. So far I’ve also received 2 e-mail votes in favor of photo #2. I’m going to give everyone (LURKERS) a chance to voice their opinion before I make an official decision. In any case, much appreciation for your thoughts as always.
-Kira
06/11/2008 at 5:31 PM
I like the facial expression in 1 and the body position for the girls in 3. I think a combination of the 2 would be a winner.
I would go with blue or turquoise top with hair back a bit more- a little less severe and would focus the attention on the girls more rather than your hair. Blue eyeshadow to finish the look.
Good luck.
06/11/2008 at 7:14 PM
Hi Kira and Koopa,
I would choose your 2nd photo, and leave the girls in your shirt. Hey, its so damn obivious that your breast art is created by your breast, so don’t feel you have to expose the girls to prove it! You are not fat either, but keep working out so you don’t lose it or else it will take forever to get your waist back again. What type of paint do you have Koopa paint in? How do you clean him off? My Swanky is a red-earred slider, definetly an aquatic turtle, and I paint in watercolors so I was very much inspired when I saw the work your Koopa produces. Only thing was I was thinking of having Swanky do some artwork in watermedia, such as watercolor. I worry about the paint being toxic though. I belong to an art league and in Oct. of this year we are having an event called Art for Animals, and it will be held in conjunction with a “no-kill” animal shelter that exists on charitable contributions. Someone showed me a “Womans World” magazine which featured “animal” made art and thats how I got your website.
I look forward to hearing your response and advise in inspiring a reptile to paint!!!
thanks, Judy & Senior Swanky
06/11/2008 at 8:58 PM
Damn Kira, you definitely got me beat in the boob department! I guess in my opinion, I’d say screw them. If they don’t believe ya that’s their fault. You started these, and their great! But if you want to change it, go with number 2.
06/11/2008 at 10:03 PM
I would use #2 0r #3. But maybe a top that covers a tad bit more, just so people take you seriously. Maybe use more of your artwork in the background. The girls look too pointy on #1….(giggles, can’t believe this convo! lol) Good luck hun! ~hugs~
06/11/2008 at 10:29 PM
Hi Kira
Of the three pictures shown, both myself and my husband chose picture #2. You are SO not fat! And #2 shows how nice your shape is. Having a collection of tattoos myself, I don’t believe in covering them up. They are a part of you. I agree with Pleasance in showing more of your art behind you. I think you look great! Thanks for making your blog interactive – this was fun!
06/12/2008 at 12:54 AM
Damn! My boobs are jealous. I agree with Tammy, you are a professional with a business to run. I do like #2 but I think you should do what makes YOU happy. If your not comfortable “showing off the goods” to promote your work, don’t do it. Either way, your a talented chick!
06/12/2008 at 12:03 PM
Kurt – I don’t own a turquoise top, and I don’t think I have any blue eyeshadow left over from 1986. That could be applied in Photoshop if needed. I don’t know how possible it is to get the perfect pose/facial expression considering that I’m using a self-timer to take these photos.
Judy & Senior Swanky – Thank you for your vote. I’ll e-mail you about the turtle-related questions.
Tammy – I didn’t know it was a competition, but if it is, then you’re probably winning in the back pain competition. Mine hurts all the time! It’s also difficult to do any kind of high-impact exercise.
Pleasance – I agree with you about the pointiness in #1. And yes, I don’t believe I’m discussing this so freely with complete strangers either.
Beth – I wanted to show more art but I the only place I could find to take a self photos at head-to-waist level was in that room, with a paper towel roll balancing on top of an aquarium cover. I don’t have a wall that’s completely covered in paintings….there’s bookshelves everywhere, so the paintings are hanging sporadically wherever there happens to be wall space.
Emily (and Rex) – DO NOT be jealous. The boobs are not as great as you think. The only selling point that I can think of is that they balance out my hips so I don’t appear as pear-shaped. Otherwise, they’re useless except for their painting gig. I often wish I had less so I could exercise more vigerously, and without pain. It’s also hard to find shirts that accomodate them without looking weird on the bottom.
06/14/2008 at 7:23 PM
HI KIRA..AND KOOPA,
GIRL, YOU ARE SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!! ANY SHOT IS GREAT, BUT I’M LEANING TOWARDS #2…LOVE IT!!!!!
HUGS TO YA AND MY LITTLE BUD TOO…
ROBIN
06/16/2008 at 1:25 AM
Robin – Thanks for your vote! I’ve been avoiding the blog so I don’t have to see the photos. I guess #2 has the most votes but I might have to take a few more after my hair gets done tomorrow. That might make a huge difference int he way I feel about the whole photo thing.
06/16/2008 at 4:44 PM
hehehe- I didn’t realize how bossy my original post was in here LOL
But you should always have blue eyeshadow! hahaha- that goes way way back
Anyways- you do what you feel is best- I think even going without the pictures should be fine. If people want proof- send them one of the pics privately like you do with Koopa pics..
Hope all is well!
06/18/2008 at 10:05 PM
Hey Kira
I am blond challenged and have dyed my hair since my teens (37 Now) I know I always feel better with fresh roots! I hear you on the back pain issue having gone from a B to a D overnight it seemed. I like number 2 as well. I agree with the suggestion of a brighter color top. It would match the personality in your paintings!
Laura
06/18/2008 at 10:56 PM
Kurt – I think there should be a photo in my auctions…it helps put a face to a name, which can only be positive (unless it’s a horrible photo.) I’m going to have to decline the blue eyeshadow, although I do appreciate the suggestion. I’m not much of a makeup-wearing kind of girl.
Laura – Welcome! I wish they could put that just-got-my-roots-done feeling into a pill. Actually, it probably already exists and is definitely illegal or available by prescription only. I’ll take a new batch of photos within the next couple of days (before roots come back) and maybe I’ll come up with a photo that we can all agree on.
The more I look at #2, the more I dislike it. It can be improved upon. Hope you’ll stick around to vote!