RAGAMONSTER

Inspiration

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:56:00 -0500

This post is going to be a lot different then the other’s I’ve posted before. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, so please read all the way through!

The past few posts I’ve made were me trying to keep up with Raga. I had felt a little burnt out and didn’t know where I wanted to take it. All of my immediate goals had been met in a short time… make plaques, make stickers, sell some shirts, and paint anything I could get my hands on. After I had met those goals, I kept asking myself what I wanted to do with Ragamonster and how else I wanted to push it.

Not knowing what I wanted to do and running into many technical errors, I was beginning to feel a little burnt out artistically. Everyone has those times where they’ve been pushing along and they come to a point where they don’t know where to go and are unsure if they have the strength to get there.

This is exactly what happened to me. I had trouble after trouble and with the commotion of life, I didn’t have the patience to fix it. This is where Ragamonster has been dwindling for the past little while.

Sometimes, because I’m an artist and because I’m a human, I look at what Ragamonster is, especially the visual side of it, and believe that maybe it’s not good enough to be a professional project. I think of myself as just some 17 year old kid who has yet much to learn about the world and/of art in order to make anything significant someone hasn’t already done before.

I felt like something needed to change with Ragamonster… That I needed to strip it down to the bare essentials and pull out the important stuff, then get rid of everything else that was unnecessary. Such is the graphic design rule of ‘form follows function’, meaning everything I do has to serve a purpose and not just be done ‘because I can’. I felt that on top of this stripped-down version of Ragamonster, I perhaps needed to add a new twist, freshen things…

Revive things.

Revival. Something that was once great that lost its way. Watched the sky grow dark and took a wrong turn in an unfamiliar place. Then, the glorious light of day pours over above and brings things back to life. Revival.

This is where I’m at with Ragamonster right now. I want to revive it and I want it to be better than it was or could have been before. I’m not necessarily going for originality just yet, but making my own clothing and art is so inspiring to me. I see things like this:

and immediately I want to create something that will have that same affect on people. I don’t know if this picture is as powerful to you, but the clever thinking that went into planning where the shadow would be is just another way to push the envelope that I’ve never really seen before.

Slowly in the background, I’ve been working on new designs. Revamping Raga and his idiosyncrasy.

Bottom line is, I feel like I’m getting over my creative block that seems to have lasted an eternity and I feel like there are good things in store for Raga in the future.

Please be patient, remember I am only one person with a lot of school, work, and other commitments that don’t always make me so available. But do know that I’m working when you don’t always hear about it, and I’m creating art again. Not for someone else, not because I’m being told to, but because of the reason I believe all artists create.

Art is made because there is something so amazing, so wonderful, so powerful, that it builds and builds inside of an artist and has finally built so much that it becomes uncontainable and comes out in the form of whatever the artist is.

For me, sometimes that’s music, sometimes its a poem, sometimes its a photograph. But I feel like it’s Ragamonster again.

Something feels different this time. Something feels so right. And I know that it’s not going to be like the other times around. This is going to be me going for it and not overthinking it. Taking those risks and not always knowing if they’re going to turn out like they did in my head.

This time, its about being brave; having hope; revival.

News news news

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:42:28 -0400

Hey Everyone

I’m writing just to fill you in on a few things that have happened in the past few weeks!

Shirts - The Ragamonster Tattoo Co. Shirt has been abandoned, sorry to everyone I might have promised one to (excluding the winner of the contest), but the shirt will more than likely not be created. I’ve had a lot of issues with the emlusion and exposure process of my screen making (technical jargon, I know) and it is more than likely not going to happen. However, with that being said, I have been working on some new stuff periodically that will (hopefully) out-do the Tattoo Co shirt and will excite you even more! Please do stay posted as i am very serious about this

Plaques - Running in theme with the Tattoo Co. shirt, plaques have been a bit of an issue too. I created about 5 new plaques that I was ready to hang when I realized that the silicone I was using to secure them wasn’t drying in time and thus not allowing the plaques to stick. However, recently I think I have solved this problem and am hoping to get some more out there for your finding soon!

Spreading the word - I am hopefully (funny how I keep saying that, considering Ragamonster is all about hope eh?) going to be setting up some sort of advertisement within WDSS (for all of you that go to my school) in order to revive things. I won’t explain just yet what i am hoping to do but if it works, it should be pretty eye catching :)

Light painting - How many of you have heard of this beautiful art? I have been lucky enough to do some of it before and lately I have been more inclined to do it, however this time with Hope and Ragamonster playing key roles in all of the photos. Sound cool? Check out Flickr for some cool (unphotoshopped) light painting pictures if you’ve never heard of it!

The big twist? - Even MORE so than all of this, I have slowly been imagining how I could expand Ragamonster. I know I’ve got some ground still to cover, but why should we contain our thoughts? Anyways, I REALLY don’t wanna give anything away on this one, but I will just warn you there could be something REALLY cool in the future. We’ll see how it all plans out…

Anyways, thank you all for keeping in touch and I just want to say thank you. Your support means nothing less than the world to me as it encourages me to continue.

On a closing note, I just want to say that over the past few weeks I’ve been told stories about how Ragamonster and HOPE have impacted people even when I haven’t been actively keeping up. I’ve heard how simple conversations and the relay of Raga has gave people a reason to smile and also hopefully a reminder that revival is real. I know I’m not doing a good job of portraying how profound of an impact it had on me, but it really did, and hearing those stories REALLY make me want to keep doing what I’m doing, so for anyone who knowingly or unknowingly inspired me with their stories, thank you.

An Update about RAGA

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:04:00 -0400

Hello Everyyyyone!

I just wanted to post a quick update cause I know there has been a huge lack of such lately!

The Ragamonster Tattoo Co. Shirt has been been put on hold for a few days. I’ve had a lot of problems the last two weeks with the screen which completely haults any further process on any clothing making. However I just wanted to let you know soon they will be ready for order and you will all be bombarded with it on facebook! mwahahaha!

Anyways, as well I will be hopefully adding a few more art pieces to the store shortly and also hanging some more plaques! Be on the look out soon enough for these little bad boys ;)

SO! Stay tuned and check back within a week. I’ll be sure to have some more info here at that time.

Also, I’ve been working on some new shirt designs for the one that will follow and I think you guys wil enjoy them ;)

Take care! Spread some hope today!
Thanks for all of your support.
-Raga

Congratulations to Taylor Russell, the winner of the RAGAMONSTER...

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:52:02 -0400

Congratulations to Taylor Russell, the winner of the RAGAMONSTER TATTOO CO. shirt give away! You shirt will be in the mail shortly :)

NEW CONTEST!

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:27:00 -0400

YOU COULD WIN A NEW RAGAMONSTER TATTOO CO. T SHIRT FOR FREE!

Here are the contest details and rules:

There are currently TEN (10) brand new “Hello My Name Is” stickers hiding somewhere in the streets of Walkerton.

In order to win this contest, you MUST:

1. Wander the streets of Walkerton to find a sticker.
2. Take your camera and photograph yourself with the sticker you have discovered.
3. Email me the picture of you with the brand new sticker to ragastore@yahoo.com

BUT WAIT! YOU MUST HAVE TWO (2) STICKERS/PICTURES!!!!! If you only send ONE picture, you will not be elligable to compete in this contest!

The first person to find 2 Ragamonster stickers and e mail them to me will recieve a brand new Ragamonster Tattoo Co. Shirt!!!!

The winner will be announced ASAP and seen as you are reading this you still have a chance to win!!!

What are you waiting for?!?!?!

HINT:
If you find a sticker, there is likely another sticker close by. Therefore when you DO find a sticker, keep your eyes peeled in nearby areas!

TUESDAY! NEW SHIRT! NEW CONTEST!

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:16:59 -0400

NEW SHIRT! NEW CONTEST!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:25:00 -0400

NEW SHIRT DESIGN BEING RELEASED 4TH! NEW CONTEST!

Hellllllllo everyone!

I apologize for the lack of updates recently, I’ve been somewhat busy and haven’t had a lot of time to get on here and update you all!

As I hope you are all aware, the last day to buy your HELLO MY NAME IS RAGAMONSTER! shirt is Wednesday, July 28th.

A week after that time, I will be officially releasing the new Ragamonster Tattoo Co. shirt for you all to buy! The price of the shirts MAY rise because I’m trying to find better quality shirts for printing. This isn’t set in stone but I figured I would give you all a heads-up.

ALSO, this coming Wednesday, I will be giving out info on a new contest that will help to kick-start the release of the new shirt! I will give you all information on that in time so be patient and stay tuned!

I just wanted to give a big shout-out to everyone who bought a shirt in the past week and half. I appreciate it a lot and assure you that the quality of the print will rise from now on as I have had a lot of experience thus far!

Thank you all for supporting Ragamonster. It means the world to me. and YOU guys give ME hope!

-Aidan

Some shirt colours that will be available tomorrow!Because there...

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:43:27 -0400

Some shirt colours that will be available tomorrow!
Because there is a limited number, the shirts are being sold on a first come first served basis!

CLOTHING GOES ON SALE IN 5 DAYS!!!!!!

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:35:51 -0400

CLOTHING GOES ON SALE IN 5 DAYS!!!!!!

IN ONE WEEK, SHIRTS FOR SALE!!Hello everyone!I am SO excited to...

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:54:28 -0400

IN ONE WEEK, SHIRTS FOR SALE!!

Hello everyone!

I am SO excited to announce that in ONE WEEK, Ragamonster will be selling T shirts! These shirts will be available in the Ragamonster store and will only be $15.

The edition of shirt that is coming to the Ragastore on Wednesday, July 14th will be the Hello My Name Is Ragamonster! shirt.

This shirt will only be available for TWO WEEKS. Yes you read that correctly, this is a limited edition shirt that will only be available until July 28th. Then the shirt screen will be DESTROYED! So if this is a shirt you would like to own, you should pick it up before its too late!

I am so excited to say that Ragamonster will also (someday in the future) be selling clothing other than just T shirts with a Raga print on them. Also, incase you were wondering, there will be other shirts and clothing released with designs that are constantly being produced so that each edition of clothing is original and limited! That way, if you dont want a generic Tee with Raga stamped plainly on the front, there will be many other ideas containing the message of HOPE as well!

Like I just said, I’m so pumped that you guys will be able to wear Ragamonster and spread hope to more people. I hope you guys are as pumped as I am and pick up a shirt when they come to the store in a week!

So! I hope to see you ALL in a weeks time ordering a shirt from the store and then displaying it proudly for all to see! More information on these shirts will be given in the time proceeding the sale.

Take care everyone and I’ll see you soon!

-Raga

So much new stuff

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:39:20 -0400

Hey everyone
I’ve got a lot of new stuff for you guys. Just click on the links to be redirected!

1. New plaques are up! Check em out on Flickr!

2. New T-shirt design. This one is tattoo inspired. I hope you all like it!

3. New digital art—Ragamonster style.

I`ve been working pretty hard on some new art for everyone and I`m extremely pumped to be making clothing. Make sure you come back (and bring a friend or two too!) and buy some shirts when they come out. I know that its gonna be sooooooo sick

Enjoy your Canada day by the way. I love you Canada.

-Raga

NEW SHIRT DESIGN!

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:18:00 -0400

Yes! Another one!

Check it out on our Flickr! page. I think you guys are really going to like this one…

This one (obviously) is heavily influenced by the art of tattooing. I hope you guys are as stoked for this one as I am and pick up your own when they are printed!

Incase you can’t tell, the shirt reads:
RAGAMONSTER
TATTOO CO
Keerthana Beach
Old York, Ontario

Also, if you are messing around on the Flickr! page, you will see that there is also some new digital art with the tattoo design. These can be used as desktop backgrounds or any other way you please!

Thank you guys for supporting Ragamonster!!!

Raga clothing preview and more!

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:16:38 -0400

Hey everyone!

I’ve been hard at work on some new possible designs for the RAGAclothing that is set to release some time in mid July! If you would like to see some of these ideas, check out our Flickr! Page.

ALSO, new plaques will be up soon. However there is a hold on the new canvas stuff.

By the way, if you are interested in a piece of art but don’t have a lot of cash, the RAGAplaques have been selling quite nicely and make a unique piece of art! They are still only $15 and you can get a custom one too if you would like.

Anyways, keep your eyes peeled for new plaques around town and also for new clothing!

Take care and thank you all for supporting RAGAMONSTER!

-Raga

Enjoy the sneak peak! Stay tuned! New art (both canvas + street)...

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:13:00 -0400

Enjoy the sneak peak! Stay tuned! New art (both canvas + street) in the next few days!

Yeye! Went wheat pasting today and made this video :] enjoy!

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:12:38 -0400

Yeye! Went wheat pasting today and made this video :] enjoy!

RAGAstore !!

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:20:24 -0400

RAGAstore !!

RAGAstore OPENING TUES, JUNE 15th!

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:38:00 -0400

hey everyone!

Some exciting news that I know I’ve bene dying to share.

As of Tuesday, June 15th 2010, the RAGAstore will be OPENED! Yes your read that correctly! Tuesday, June 15th!

There is going to be a few pieces of art for sale and then in mid-July T-shirts will be up there too! So basically there is going to be a lot going on with Ragamonster very soon!

Thanks for checking this out and hopefully being excited as I am. I can’t wait to really watch this thing take off.

Take care everyone!

-Raga

Enjoy another sneak peak into the world of Ragamonster!

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:58:18 -0400

New piece almost entirely of duct tape!

Look at the size of that canvas!

Progress on a new piece!

Enjoy another sneak peak into the world of Ragamonster!

RAGA + RTB !

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:15:27 -0400

Hellllo everyone

I’ve got some exciting news!

On July 17th, RAGAMONSTER will be displaying some art at the Sunset Vollyball Festival ROCKS THE BEACH at Sauble Beach, ON.

All proceeds are going towards Cancer Research so don’t be afraid to give generously!

I’ve got some cool ideas floating around my head for some more art pieces (mostly on canvas) that I think a lot of you guys are really going to like. Please come back in a few days as I’m sure it’ll only be getting better!

Take care!!!!!

-Raga

Hint at what’s to come in the RAGAstore! It’ll be up...

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:16:30 -0400

Hint at what’s to come in the RAGAstore! It’ll be up soon. Come back in a few days! ;)