ASIAN Princess by JNESS

Something new, any thoughts?
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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Christmas Babies Wrap Up...

Merry Christmas!

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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Christmas Babies by JNESS

One more piece in the Christmas Babies Collection...
let me know what you think...

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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Christmas Babies Collection..,

Another piece from the Christmas Babies Collection...
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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BBW Office Temp by JNESS

BBW Office Temp

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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Belle-Noir Holiday Cover...

Belle-Noir Holiday Cover...
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Christmas Babies Collection by JNESS

Christmas Babies, stay tuned...
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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BBW ARMY: FACEBOOK'S FINEST

As the Thanksgiving day feast goes down the trail and blends with Holiday memories past, I think ahead about the year ending soon. This was a really great year for JNESS Graphics. I met an army of movers and shakers. People who have inspired me to delve deeper into my sketchbooks in search of greatness. Aja, Andrea, Constanza, ...Estela, Karen Marie, Karina,  Kenya, Latisha, Marcy,  Tamona, Thais, just to name a few of the creative/inspiration giants in my life these days!

In the past found myself in the position of creating on a deserted island, rolling up finished artwork stuffing them into bottles and chucking them into the Internet sea. In hopes of someone finding them, "liking" them, and someday rescuing me from the solitude. I feel like that time has come. This was the year of feedback and validation. Plus size art is a small niche market, that is practiced by very few. Some do it in a not-so positive light, and some of us "go in" being mindful that the art doesn't just represent our abilities. The art represents a special list of V.I.P.'s. Each one unique, each one gifted. Yes my art represents, and I am grateful for the represented, watching and giving me a thumbs up when I hit the mark. A new year is coming and there is lots of work to be done...

THE QUALITY of DESIGN SERVICE

Attached you will find the finished logo artwork...

One would think that these words are the conclusion to a wonderful client and creative interaction. However, that doesn't seem to always be the case. Recently I met a client who is a young trendsetting entrepreneur in her own right. It's always a thrill to work for someone who has a great vision as well as a notable passionate love for what they do. In great length she articulated what she had in mind for what would become her company's logo.

Often I find clients who have seen my work, and trust me to come up with a cross between, what I am able to produce and what I think they need in a logo.In this case she is a client who knows exactly what she wants, and is relying on my abilities to bring it to fruition.Then came the surprise...among the great references she provided (saving me tons of time in the art of researching) was the current rendition of her logo. She went on further to say that she hated this version of her logo. This peaked my interest, because I usually like to get a feel for not only what a client loves, but a good understanding of what a client hates.

It puzzled me how a client of this caliber had interactions with a designer, including the drafting process, project reviews, revisions, and countless discussions yet the end result was a logo that she paid for in full and that she ultimately..."hated".

Upon further discussion, it became apparent that none of this good business practices took place with her previous designer. This is unfortunate because, it is a reflection on our industry as a whole. There should be standards understood by all that urge the designer to want to know exactly what a client is after. The designer should understand that even though it is the client's logo, the end result represents the designers ability to create as well as effectively meet the need of the customer by offering a wonderful design solution that completes the task and makes the client happy.

I understand that self promotion is an effective tool for creating a client base, but let's not forget that client testimony can make or break your design business. Designers and Creatives of all denominations please don't let clients leave your shop dissatisfied. I know there are some (not so rare) cases when some clients are just never satisfied but as a general rule "Aim to please"

COMMISSIONED ART: BLOG HEADER/LOGO

A new illustrated blog header for a wonderful client. Let know what
you think of this one.

EGYPTIAN QUEEN Re-realease...

This series is continuing, I noticed someone cropped the drawing for to use as their profile pic displaying some girl power! So I am re-releasing the queen alone as well...

Thank you for looking...

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Bigger Art Is Better!™
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NEW BOOK COVER by JNESS

Client approved the final art tonight! Took a little longer than I wanted because of schedule crashes, but here it is. I included the drafts too.

Let me know what you think.
Thank you for looking...

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Beautiful A Plus (Plus Size Clothing Store) Logo by JNESS

Let me know what you think of the logo's design.

Thank you for looking.

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Theme Portrait (Part of a Series)

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Portrait

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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CREATIVE SUPPORT...

As a Christian I am a believer in the practice of tithing, which is giving 10 percent of your income back to God. The concept of giving back is near and dear to my heart. Recently, I purchased some art from one of the well
known artists who does plus size illustrations. Most would say but, he's the competition. I say before I am an artist I am an appreciator of art, why not support? I also purchased books from some authors/clients that I have
illustrated book covers for.

I think giving back is an important practice, it helps build a community of creatives in the spirit of effective networking. Most of my clients are entrepreneurs seeking quality graphics and illustrated pieces to help build
the image that their businesses represents. I send potential clients their way when possible. And if I have need of their services, they are my first choice. I certainly need supporters of what I do, investing in others will bring investors to me.

Give it a try, we are all working hard to chase our dream, and to keep those
groceries coming, but don't lose sight, customers keep this boat sailing,
support others especially the ones who supported you.

Thank you for looking.
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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS <http://www.bbwartbyjness.com>
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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DESIGN WORKOUT...

Just thought I would share something this week that I have done for years. Not sure whether or not it is the best practice, but I can say it is challenging and fun.

Start by choosing a magazine that you feel is loaded with design stimulation, and visual impact. I like Source Magazine, Essence, Vogue, XXL Magazine. It's up to you. For the next five graphic design related assignments force yourself to use that magazine as your reference guide. No Google images, just this magazine. It's tough because you have to make the assignment work for your clients, but all influence, and inspiration must come from this one source, be it a logo, postcard, presentation you name it.

Try it. It is quite a design workout, but it helps you apply some new disciplines while pushing your creative parameters into unexplored avenues.

For some reason, the results are always outside of my design comfort zones. Mind you, I am not talking about copying design, I mean channeling visual influence. It's still your work and will still bare the integrity of your designing style, just within the lines of a foreign source.

If anyone tries this, let me know how it turns out.

Thank you for looking.

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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Art:: Book Cover by JNESS

A  Wonderful new book of poetic artistry on sale soon by Karen Guardiola Lopez. I will be posting links the moment the book is available. An absolute must read!

Jannette Asked: Why Do you Draw Plus Size Superheroes?

The answer is a simple one, Superheroes are American icons, they have been a part of our culture as far back as men have had imaginations. I am fortunate because my art doesn't just respond to my inner creative voice, but it serves a community that needs a positive voice outside of all the negative misrepresentations of Plus Size.  So my natural love of the superhero genre makes it a perfect platform for including people of size into the pop culture mosaic.

It's not because I have a problem with the original versions of the superheroes or the demographic that they represent. It's just an artistic reinvention designed to speak to how we think and see people of all walks, shapes and sizes. Not as targets of jokes, disrespect, and discrimination, but as a part of our society and culture.

Thanks Jannette for posing the question.
And thanks to you all for looking.

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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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HOW TO MAINTAIN CLIENT RELATIONS...

Last week, I missed making the blog entry. Reason… You guessed it, "Life got in the way". Fortunately the smoke eventually cleared and I got back on track with my client related work and eventually my blog post. It's a case of the dreaded workflow domino effect.

This is a classic example of how a designer ends up being late delivering to a client or several clients. Which brings me to the point of this week's entry. It is important that as creatives providing a service to our customers, that we are always forthcoming and sincere about events that effect the timeline on a project.

When the unexpected rears it's ugly head, keep your client in the loop. They don't need to know the personal details of the situation at hand, but they need to know that the timeline is effected. I have found that clients appreciate getting the heads up versus having to track you down to find out what's going on. It's a professional way of working and it maintains the standards of the industry as a whole.

People appreciate the fact that you consider their deadlines and value their time, in return they value your time and will continue to patronize your service.

Thank you for looking
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Art - Mix CD Cover - Created For J'Ann entitled "Free World"art by JNESS

Fabulous project. J'Ann 's music is fitting perfectly into the hip hop mosaic. I was very excited when she spoke to me about this job and the idea she had for the cover. She's an easy going client, who has faith in my ability to bring the style and feel she was after to fruition. This is the result of our work. Hope you like. Let me know what you think...

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Commission Art - Revisited / Created for DJ JAY THREEOH SlowFlow vol. V

Smooth It Out Mixtape Cover for DJ JAY THREEOH SlowFlow vol. V illustration by JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
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A Creative Exercise Challenge

I cue up "Change the World" by Eric Clapton and Babyface on iTunes, and fire up a fresh TextEdit page because it's my favorite part of the week Sunday night... Blog time. What a week, my region of the world has experienced an earthquake and a hurricane. Frantic, trips to the supermarket on a quest for food and water, going to my 9 to 5, and doing my freelance client work. This weekend everywhere we went was out of water except for The Water Shoppe (thank goodness) but that's another story.

Ok enough of the update, now let's move to my recent imaginings, and thoughts. As my client base continues to grow, I am faced with the desire to create more work at a faster pace without compromising the quality of my services.

I think back to a time when I lived in Canarsie, Brooklyn. My long running partner-in-art Dwayne - RT, and I challenged each other to do one drawing a night, over the course of time our nightly drawing sessions grew to a 7 drawings per night standard. We worked diligently to have fresh ideas, execute them and have a strong sense of maintaining quality while meeting the quota. It was an incredible exercise. It eventually became natural, it was a place where the heartbeat and workflow sync up. Eventually, we moved too far from each other to continue the drawing sessions, but I never forgot the standard we had accomplished.

Now I try to channel that energy when addressing my latest design/illustration challenges. I want to work faster, more effectively, and at a high standard. I desire to be Bionic! (sorry, I grew up in the 70's watching "The Six Million Dollar Man") Lol!

The dilemma, I often face...
I have client work to schedule, and make happen in a timely manner, and keeping my clients happy. I have a promotion I am running on facebook, where two wonderful contestants get a chance to win a free portrait, it involves me doing 16 portraits in all (great project - but it requires time to complete). And last but not least, I need to continue creating relevant inspired art that will be made available in my online store (the really fun stuff).

The issue at hand is accomplishing all these things harmoniously. It's important as creatives that we take the time out necessary to do the personal projects that reflect the untamed inspirations when they come. That fiery Mexican muse, that has to be captured in an explosive illustration. That make-up artist from Chile who lives in Vegas that you must draw to survive. Those creative ideas that have to be explored, the list goes on. Its unhealthy for an artist to ignore creative passions. All work and no play... well you know the rest.

My new challenge to myself is to get one piece created from the heart per week. This project will be called INSPIRATA. It's not a collection, it's more of an incentive. The quality of my other works benefit from the existence of an exercise like this. I challenge other artists and designers to do this for themselves as well, you won't regret it. Create something weekly that stems from somewhere deep inside.

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JNESS GRAPHICS
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Design Research is Key

I am finding more and more each day that thick skin, flexibility and a grain of salt are all necessary elements in the backpack arsenal of a graphic designer and illustrator. It's less complicated to work systematically, and do things in the same formula each time. But every client has different needs. What works for one may not work for the other.

The defining line between one project and the next is research. Research is key. Not just sitting down with the client to find out what they want, but researching the topic, competitors, and overall vibe. I know there are usually limitations mandated by time constraints, but the more energy placed on research the richer the resulting content will be. It's like trying to grasp the taste of pizza from the smell and look alone. The extra research is actually taking a bite. The people your project is communicating to can feel the difference, between a generic take on a topic, versus a thoughtful, well researched, first hand take on the design statement being made.

Quite often the time I spend in my sketchbook, is valuable research time. I pull from different elements, hashing them out, with lead / ink to paper. it helps me get my head around the topic at hand. The topic can be as calm as a kitten or as elusive as a squirrel. Either way I have to claim it and tame it into my realm of understanding. there is always the inevitable Google search. The short cut saving you a trip to the local library and that stash of aging magazines designers swear they will need someday. I refer to my Google image searches as going shopping. I download images on my computer, on my phone, take pictures as the unction hits me. What ever it takes to get the relevant visual data, that will enable me to meet the need of my client. Go the extra mile when you can. Do your research.

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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To Blog or Not To Blog?

So the mad dash begins again. Hi Aja (this blog is the result of many conversations with my good friend) I used to blog feverishly in hopes of adding my experience to the table for designers, interested parties, and anyone who would listen. Then there was a brief hiatus...

Finally I returned posting as much artwork as I could muster (weekly). The only problem was, my voice was missing, I was just posting art. Ultimately it's six of one, half a dozen of another. But, I have decided to add my voice to the mix again. I have to mention my friend Chef Jeff Rogers who also shared in to...  "To Blog or Not To Blog" dialog. He is a caterer, restaurantor, and he is destined to become a monster at blogging!

Things have been really good, after the economy seemed to make art take the back seat to life for a minute, business has picked up again thanks to the contest I am running from my fanpage. It's good to be in the hustle and bustle of client related work again, along with its ups and downs. In regard to the question... To Blog Or Not To Blog? I havechosen to Blog!! And I plan to hit the ground running!

Thank you for looking
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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Series...

This is part of a commissioned series. I am having a great time researching for them and making these creations happen. It's a welcomed change when a client ushers you into an area your work doesn't travel to often. The theme for these are African Queen, King and Prince. There are more in the works.

Enjoy. I am looking forward to reading your comments. Thank you for looking...

Commission: TAMONASTIPS.COM

Let me know what you think...

=== Also Visit her site =====


Tamona's Tips.Com

Work at home and frugal finance tips are given with a bit humor. Tamona teaches you to coupon and save wisely along with a few funny tidbits from The Diary of a Fat Black Woman!

http://tamonastips.com/

11 of 16 - Natasha Mahelona aka The Strawberry Girl

#10 of 16 - Jennifer Barreto-Leyva - Venezuela's First Plus Size Model

GANA UN RETRATO DE ILUSTRACIÓN GRATIS!
WIN A FREE PORTRAIT ILLUSTRATION!!!

JNESS THE ARTIST has challenged himself to illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Honorees - Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 

14 Honorees have already been chosen!
2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available.

Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE to WIN*
Jness Plus Size Art

Press the 'Like' button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

#9 of 16 - Renee Jennings - CEO and Founder of R. Media Group

THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER!

With this promotion proving to be a success, I have had an increase in client related work. This has delayed the movement of the challenge, we are up to #9 just a few more to go then the winners will be chosen and receive their illustrations. Thank you to all the contestants, for your support and patients.

14 Honorees Have already been chosen!
2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available.

Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE to WIN*
Jness Plus Size Art

Press the 'Like' button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILEDWIN A FREE PORTRAIT
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

Commissioned Portrait

Shea & Kimmie
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Previously Released Portrait

KL and Tiffany Braxton Belvin

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Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Commissioned Portraits

#8 of 16 Karina Guardiola-Lopez - Author and Poet

WIN YOUR FREE BBW PORTRAIT

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS of 16 Celebrated, Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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#7 of 16 J. Josephine Lee (JoSoFabulous) Co-Founder of Curvesity Entertainment

WIN YOUR OWN FREE BBW PORTRAIT
JNESS has challenged himself to do 16 BBW Portraits while the world watches!

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button and post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

#6 of 16 Michele L. Perry - CEO & Mother to young women of standard...

WIN YOUR FREE BBW PORTRAIT
JNESS is having a 16 BBW Portrait Challenge

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

#5 of 16 - Whitney Turner - Plus Size Model

The original photo was taken by BGiPhotography

WIN YOUR FREE BBW PORTRAIT
JNESS is having a 16 BBW Portrait Challenge!

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

#4 of 16 - Lynx Garcia - Plus Size Model/ Spoken Word/ Social Activist

WIN YOUR FREE BBW PORTRAIT

JNESS is having a 16 BBW Portrait Challenge

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art
Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

 

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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#3 of 16 - Oni King - Plus Size Model

WIN A FREE BBW PORTRAIT
JNESS is having a 16 BBW Portrait Challenge!

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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#2 - Jessica Kane - Publisher of Skorch Magazine

WIN A FREE BBW PORTRAIT
JNESS is having a 16 BBW Portrait Challenge

JNESS is illustrating 16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 14 Have already been chosen!

2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available. Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE for a chance to WIN*

Jness Plus Size Art

Press the "Like" button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857

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All the best,
JNESS
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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Let's Start with My Beautiful Wife of 19 Wonderful Years…

WIN A FREE BBW PORTRAIT
 JNESS is having a 16 Portrait Challenge

 JNESS will be illustrating
16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 

14 Have already been chosen!
2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available.

Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE to WIN*
Jness Plus Size Art

Press the 'Like' button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILED
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jness-PLUS-SIZE-ART/137591969646857
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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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16 FREE PORTRAIT CHALLENGE!!

 JNESS is having a16 Portrait Challenge

 It's that time again! For the Month of May, JNESS will be illustrating
16 FREE PORTRAITS for 16 Independent and Empowered Full Figured Women! 

14 Have already been chosen!
2 FREE PORTRAITS are still available.

Just visit my Facebook FAN PAGE to WIN* 
Jness Plus Size Art

Press the 'Like' button & post your photo. Winners will be announced near the end of the challenge.

FOLLOW ALONG AS EACH PORTRAIT IS UNVEILEDWIN A FREE PORTRAIT
*Final Portraits will be provided in digital format to the winners.

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JNESS GRAPHICS
Bigger Art Is Better!™
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