Fix the Pig: Third Day
Jun92009
We’re getting close to the end now. I need to go over (and over and over) the black Sharpie and decide if I want to add the lettering or not. I tried to keep this close to the drawing (which, by the way, was one inch to one square) and got off in several places which meant that I like the drawing better–she seems happier in the drawing–but overall, I’m good with this. I’ll be doing things to it from now until I hand it over in DC in July, but this is an Almost Done Pig:


I’m pretty sure Krissie will be able to find it on the baggage carousel now.
Filed in Pictures
81 Comments to 'Fix the Pig: Third Day'
On June 9, 2009 at 5:31 pm patndixie said...
Sooo cute! Can’t wait to see how Lani’s froggy bag turns out. Shades of Kermit or the Frog Prince?
On June 9, 2009 at 6:11 pm Sheena said...
She’s adorable! And the wings are perfect.
On June 9, 2009 at 6:32 pm Lori J. said...
That’s adorable. Jenny, you’re going to put a lot of smiles on grumpy people’s faces when they see The Pig at the next airport luggage carousel.
On June 9, 2009 at 6:40 pm Annie said...
That is amazing.. that’s one perfect pig… I love her!
On June 9, 2009 at 6:44 pm Gina Black said...
She is brilliant. Love the daisies.
On June 9, 2009 at 6:53 pm Kelly said...
SO CUTE!! I didn’t realize you’d do the back too. The tail is adorable!
On June 9, 2009 at 7:32 pm McB said...
Wonderful! Really and truly wonderful!
On June 9, 2009 at 7:52 pm Rox said...
Well, Krissie will certainly be able to identify the thief who tries to steal the most adorable piece of luggage ever.
What could you do with a basic black suitcase? Hypothetically.
On June 9, 2009 at 7:57 pm CrankyOtter said...
OMG! That’s amazing!
On June 9, 2009 at 8:16 pm Moth said...
OMG! So cute!
On June 9, 2009 at 8:21 pm Jenny said...
Thank you, thank you, and the Pig thanks you, too.
Basic black, Rox? I’m thinking Hello, Zebra, but that’s just me. Anyone else want to brainstorm a basic black suitcase?
Oooh, oooh, Hello Raccoon. Raccoons are gorgeous. Not that zebras aren’t.
On June 11, 2009 at 10:34 pm Libby said...
Skunk, anyone? Pepe Le Pew?
On June 9, 2009 at 8:46 pm JulieB said...
I want to kiss her!
Basic black? A penguin or koala???
On June 9, 2009 at 8:46 pm JulieB said...
I really want to kiss her!
On June 9, 2009 at 9:31 pm romsfuulynn said...
Well, it will be easy to find. I can’t help wondering if it will be more or less likely to be checked by security…
On June 9, 2009 at 9:36 pm Eileen said...
I am in complete awe. If you ever give up this writing biz you have a career in luggage design. I’d pay to have you do mine.
On June 9, 2009 at 10:06 pm Amy said...
Black screams Panda to me.
On June 9, 2009 at 10:42 pm Merry the CB said...
A flying pig! Yes!
To me, black suggests Death, but I’m not sure everyone would understand the white horse named Binky.
On June 9, 2009 at 10:49 pm robena grant said...
Lovely. What a great looking pig.
On June 9, 2009 at 10:59 pm marta said...
That’s one chic little porker. I’m predicting Aigner will be getting some strange phone calls . . .
Basic black, now, in a boxy shape. The Count springs to mind, with little counting bats on the back. My real fave, though, would be a border collie. You’d look like the bag was herding you along.
On June 9, 2009 at 11:05 pm Micki said...
Wonderfully cute and smile-provoking!
Black, hmmm? Black cat looking at a silver moon? (I love black kitties) Or a siamese? Black could also riff off those wonderfully tacky “velvet” paintings. You could put Elvis on one. Or for ages, my mom had a black velvet painting of Panama City by moonlight. What would be very cool for a world traveller is to put one “night scene” (about postcard size) for every destination . . . of course, it would take ages to get done, but what a record of where one has been. What a conversation piece!
A text piece might also be fun on black luggage. Just simply start listing where you’ve been and a quickie review of the place with a silver sharpie, and you’ll be able to find that bag after 10 or 12 trips, easily.
Checkerboards go great with black, and would be useful if you need to entertain kids in the airport lounge. Hey . . . I think I might just do that!! Or any kind of board game, really. Parcheesi?
Black is very versatile; and my goodness, it’s the hardest kind of luggage to find on the carousel, so it simply screams to be decorated.
On June 9, 2009 at 11:24 pm Slave Driver said...
There is a breed of pig called the Poland-China which is black and white… I see syndication…
On June 9, 2009 at 11:29 pm Allie said...
EEEEEEEE HELLO PIGGY
On June 9, 2009 at 11:53 pm Jenny said...
Micki should design luggage, I love all of those ideas. I’m already planning on moving to Japan if my writing career tanks, thanks to her. But black and white pigs are good, too. Bats. And Binky would work because the pale horse is pretty well known but talk about freaking people out at the airport. “Why yes, my suitcase does have a picture of Death’s horse on it. Is that a problem?”
Checkerboards. I love checkerboards. And type. And bats. And . . .
Hmmmm. Pandas. Panda would be easy.
On June 10, 2009 at 4:35 am DownUnderGal said...
Oh. My. God.!!! Get out of here.
That is simply amazing. Like a professional did it.
Truly…
On June 10, 2009 at 7:35 am Norma said...
Well, now I couldn’t use the suitcase. I’d be afraid the luggage handlers would mess it up. Could you turn a square black suitcase into a round Oreo cookie? That was the first thing I thought of…may explain my physique. Or maybe a Holstein?
On June 10, 2009 at 8:32 am Lori J. said...
You may have a new career, Jenny. When Krissie picks up her new artsy luggage at the airport I bet she’s going to be asked by everyone there who painted it and where could they go to get their boring Samsonite’s turned into one of a kind pieces of folk art. She could take orders for you.
On June 10, 2009 at 8:39 am Susan D said...
So it’s true? Pigs may indeed fly.
Just adorable. I see it now…. Jenny Crusie’s Designer Luggage line.
On June 10, 2009 at 8:43 am Marcia in OK said...
When pigs fly . . . I love it!
What did you finally use to fill in the white sections?
On June 10, 2009 at 9:01 am Carolyn Jewel said...
Golly, that’s just really cute!
On June 10, 2009 at 9:29 am Jenny said...
Marcia, the white is just plain old Valspar primer from Lowe’s.
And again, thank you all. Makes me feel good all over. Plus the pig is blushing.
On June 10, 2009 at 10:00 am inkgrrl said...
Hello Piggy!!! That is simply awesome.
On June 10, 2009 at 11:53 am me said...
Too Cute! That really is excellent artwork. Too bad I have weird colors for suitcases. I can’t think of any animals that come in either eggplant purple or robin’s egg blue.
On June 10, 2009 at 12:11 pm Deanna Nelle said...
love love LOVE!!!!!!!!!!
On June 10, 2009 at 12:18 pm Sure thing said...
Well now, ain’t that the cutest thing.
Basic black ? A race winning flag – I was going to say “chequered” but then I realised that in the US it might be “checkered”. Tomayto, Tomahto.
Or I’d like a constellation on it. One that looked as you’d see it at a certain point in the year.
On June 10, 2009 at 12:50 pm Louis said...
Pigs a comin’
Pigs agoin’
Delightful!
On June 10, 2009 at 1:14 pm Kathleen said...
Oh WOW. That’s gorgeous! I hope you don’t add the letters, I think it would be too busy. It’s perfect the way it is. Damn, now I’m eyeing my own boring suitcase …
On June 10, 2009 at 1:42 pm Brandy said...
Absolutely adorable! I love it! As for basic black, what about a black and white paisley? Although, the penguin sounds cute!
On June 10, 2009 at 1:46 pm Diane (TT) said...
Too fun! The wings make a charming touch on the back.
I like raccoons – or, at least, pictures of them. I do NOT like them rummaging in my stuff when I’m outside.
As for eggplant, I used to knit little caps (for babies) that were like the tops of fruit, which were very charming. Perhaps adding a green leafy top and stem to one corner would dress up an eggplant suitcase.
On June 10, 2009 at 2:11 pm Brooke said...
OMG CUTE!
Re black: How about a schnauzer? Or a dalmation, although schnauzers lend themselves to cariacture better.
My God, that pig is perfect. I’d leave off the lettering, but it really is a cute idea. Hello Piggy! Darling. And she’s got a backside, too! Jenny, you really are a peach.
On June 10, 2009 at 2:13 pm Brooke said...
Or a WESTIE. Those dogs are the absolute cutest. My next-door neighbor has a puppy who was actually on the cover of a magazine. I could get a photo and send it to you. That white primer is the bomb – I had no idea it would come out so white. You could do a Westie, no problem. Or a Jack Russel terrier!
OR: Oh perfect! Rachel’s SPARKY. Now that is a dog that deserves to be emblazoned on a suitcase.
On June 10, 2009 at 2:17 pm Brooke said...
This may be the Percocet talking, but you could also do a head shot of a harlequin Great Dane. Great bone structure, and such funny, quirky dogs.
OK. I am suspending my own Internet privileges now.
On June 10, 2009 at 3:22 pm Lou said...
Fabulous, Jenny, just fabulous. Although I’m with the person who said she wouldn’t use it for fear it would get messed up…
Great job!!!
On June 10, 2009 at 3:46 pm Rosely said...
Jenny– You are so creative. I love it!
On June 10, 2009 at 4:02 pm Concord cherry said...
Jenny, you’re the bomb! The pig flies! Great job and thanks for sharing.
On June 10, 2009 at 4:08 pm Bridget said...
That’s some swell pig.
The only question I have is – what happens if it rains? Is the pig waterproof?
Bridget
(who lives outside DC and thinks about rain a lot these days. Especially since we’re on day 20 of the 40 day flood)
On June 10, 2009 at 4:25 pm Mary Stella said...
That pig is absolutely porcine perfection! I love it!
For a basic black suitcase, an adorable panda would be so unique, but cows are great, too. Many breeds of dogs would also be cute. If I had a black suitcase, I would want a Cocker Spaniel on it because I have two and they are both black and white. I’m biased.
On June 10, 2009 at 5:54 pm AgTigress said...
That is brilliant; an absolute delight. It’s a work of art, and I echo those who say they wouldn’t want to use it in case it got hurt…
On June 10, 2009 at 6:29 pm Patrice said...
It’s a wonderful thing.
Truly.
On June 10, 2009 at 8:42 pm marta said...
That pig is so cute it should be in a book. A Crusie book.
On June 10, 2009 at 9:09 pm Sheri said...
Well, I finally got back over here to see the finished product. I cannot tell you how much I adore her! And wings–the wings are the coup d’ grace! I am in awe–you are absolutely amazing! The Pig is now Perfect–I wouldn’t change a thing!
On June 10, 2009 at 9:20 pm Melissa Blue said...
You know, if you ever get truly tired of writing, you can design luggage. The rich will flock for their own personal luggage.
On June 10, 2009 at 11:16 pm Heather said...
Not only are you an incredibly talented writer, but you’re super crafty too! I didn’t think it was possible to adore you more! Is there anything you can’t do?
On June 10, 2009 at 11:36 pm Jenny said...
Okay, now it’s going to my head. I’m thinking, “Painting pigs on luggage. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Forget this writing thing . . .”
And yes, it’s waterproof. Permanent Sharpie and acrylic primer. And so far, I can’t scratch any of the primer off. Of course, I am not a baggage handler . . .
BTW, the Pig will be making her debut at RWA National in DC. Well, I’ll wheel her through the lobby as I check in and Krissie will wheel her through as she checks out.
And the Pig and I thank you for your support.
On June 10, 2009 at 11:51 pm Micki said...
(-: I’ve got ideas galore, but my problem is that I’m afraid to draw.
However, the thing is, for the most part I’ve got cheapie luggage — the five pieces for $50 on sale sort of luggage. If I mess it up, who cares? They only last two or three trips, anyway. And even if I do a great job, who cares if the luggage handlers ruin it in a trip or two? Epherema. Transitory art. I’ll take a pic, and that’ll last forever. And as long as the luggage makes me smile for a few hours (during the very trying and stressful experience called travelling), it’s worth it!
I am slightly more concerned about it being stolen, mostly because it’d be a pain in the butt to replace my clothes at my destination. But . . . has anyone here had their luggage actually stolen? I don’t think it happens that often, and I’d expect that a good quality plain bag would be stolen more quickly than a one-of-a-kind, very identifiable bag would.
About Japan — I doubt your career will tank. But, if you should happen to have writer’s block, and want to get away from it all, and see what Japanese kids do in art classes, I’m your girl. (-:
On June 10, 2009 at 11:59 pm Micki said...
Double post; sorry. But wouldn’t it be great if we could create an International Fun Luggage movement? I shared this with my local teachers’ Yahoo group, and one lady offered to design my bag for me! If we could get even 5 percent of the world’s bags personalized, it would certainly make waiting at the luggage carousel a lot more fun.
On June 11, 2009 at 8:46 am Marta said...
Micki, I love IFLM!!!! And, by the way, Amazon will ship Plasti Dip to Japan. Who knew???
On June 11, 2009 at 11:09 pm Micki said...
Yay! Plasti-Dip, here I come!
(-: And there are so many great ideas here, I’m sure IFLM would work!
On June 11, 2009 at 2:17 am Ericka said...
that turned out great! congratulations! i like the idea of the penguin on the black.
On June 11, 2009 at 9:18 am Jenny said...
You know, I think people would be less likely to steal luggage that stands out like that. What are you going to say if you get caught? “It looked just like my luggage and I made a mistake?”
Micki, you can cover up almost any mistake with paint and marker. I say go for it.
On June 11, 2009 at 10:04 am Lori J. said...
I wouldn’t be surprised if Krissie had complete strangers coming up to her and offering to buy the Pig. That happens to my mom when she carries one of her zany purses she collects.
On June 11, 2009 at 11:25 am Marcia in OK said...
me- I recommend a purple dragon for you eggplant suitcase. And, who say sit has to be an animal? There’s lots of potential for that blue one!
I wonder, how many black sharpie markers does it take to do one Pig Suitcase? Just curious how well they hold up.
On June 11, 2009 at 2:06 pm Sure thing said...
Micki – I second Jenny – GO FOR IT. Draw!!
How many people have great ideas for books but never write them for fear of not being good enough? We all moan about the once-a-year Crusies but hey, at least we get something. Imagine if Jenny had never read Ralph Keyes and not put pen to paper?
Let us pause to shudder at that thought……….
- I’d not have met Min (Bet Me) who is my snappy humour fix when things are going badly.
Bet Me is one of the first books (that wasn’t a text book) that I covered in plastic to protect it due to constant use. I think I did Welcome to Temptation but I lost my copy so I can’t remember.
So, in short TRY. And yes, I am taking my own advice, I am working towards trying the thing I’ve been putting off.
On June 11, 2009 at 3:24 pm Kira said...
Oh, Jenny, could you please, please, take a picture of Krissie’s face when she sees this?
On June 11, 2009 at 3:30 pm Diane L. said...
Basic black, rectangular shaped bag?
A black and tan dachshund of course!
On June 11, 2009 at 3:36 pm Ellen Dye said...
I love, love, LOVE her!!!! My son is now dying to do something with his suitcase:)
On June 11, 2009 at 3:48 pm Jenny said...
When Lani and the girls get here, we’ll be doing three more suitcases, so there’ll be more this summer. No idea what they’ll be, but there’ll be more.
Krissie’s already seen the suitcase, so the thrill is gone, Kira. Marcia, I kept scavenging for old ones in drawers, so I went through a lot of them, probably half a dozen, but I have no idea how much juice they had in them when I picked them up.
On June 11, 2009 at 4:44 pm Pat G. said...
Basic black suitcase — am I the only one that says nun to? Added bonus, people would give up their seats for you.
FABULOUS PIG! Crusie, you’re a very funny genius.
On June 11, 2009 at 5:20 pm Jenny said...
Thank you, Gaff. Do not tell Krissie about the nun idea. She’ll buy a black suitcase just so I can paint a nun on it.
On June 11, 2009 at 11:15 pm Micki said...
(-: Guess what? I’m afraid to write, too! But I’ll try to work on that. And I won’t wait for the Plasti-dip, either. (Lord knows, I’ve got about 12 or 13 suitcases in storage; plenty of practice material.) Thanks for the encouragement.
I don’t think the luggage design/writing books thing has to be either/or. Aren’t there down spots, where a book idea isn’t working out, but a nun on the suitcase might? And vice-versa? (IDK . . . maybe one or the other project just sucks all the creativity out of one, and there simply isn’t space or time or raw creativity to do both.)
My Ralph Keyes book is supposed to be coming this way even as we speak, and if it applies to fear of luggage as well as fear of writing, I may have a very productive summer!!
(love this site. always inspirational!)
On June 12, 2009 at 10:32 am JanLo said...
Great suitcase, and a wealth of creative ideas everyone. What a hoot! Can’t wait to see the next ones.
On June 12, 2009 at 10:39 am Jan (hope101) said...
This is way, way too awesome to keep as a one-time event. I think you should make one with your Agnes avitar and use it for a promo.
On June 12, 2009 at 3:13 pm Melissa Blue said...
Not sure if someone has already suggested this…The next time Bob shows up take his luggage and give him an alligator wearing a beret. That would be priceless.
On June 12, 2009 at 3:39 pm Jenny said...
Bob feels only slightly less protective of his luggage than he does his Jeep. The day I put a paint brush anywhere near it is the day he really does kill me with his little finger.
I’m up to my eyebrows in copy edits and painting drywall–guests arrive in two weeks, many walls still left go–but I’ll put up a new post soon. Probably something about @#$%^&* copy edits.
On June 12, 2009 at 4:55 pm Melissa Blue said...
The day I put a paint brush anywhere near it is the day he really does kill me with his little finger.
Due to the new evidence you have presented, I will respectfully retract my suggestion. If you die because of this The Argh People would come after me. Yes, my reasons are selfish. Sue me.
On June 12, 2009 at 5:13 pm Chelle said...
Wow, that’s Some Pig!!
On June 12, 2009 at 6:02 pm Reagan said...
SO AWESOME! I want one! I would totally pay you to transform a suitcase for me!
On June 13, 2009 at 1:47 pm Jill said...
When do you get into which airport ? I want to see the pig flying down the baggage claim ramp.
Awesome pig !
On June 15, 2009 at 4:42 pm Yvonne Lindsay said...
It would be worth the price of the fare from NZ to DC just to see that pig come through the hotel lobby. Absolutely AWESOME job, Jenny. And I’m loving these clever ideas coming through from everyone else. Now, if only I could persuade hubby (with whom I share a plain black suitcase–it’s easy to see we don’t travel often) to allow me to get a little creative… heh!
On June 16, 2009 at 4:18 am Jenyfer Matthews said...
OMG – best suitcase ever. And I too would be reluctant to carry it for fear of messing it up.
On October 22, 2009 at 2:05 am ChelSierra said...
Saw this suitcase & thought I’d share:
melody gardot tweets:
http://twitpic.com/mfs9o – NEW SUITCASES!!! (WELL KIND OF) got cre8tive with spraycans.
http://twitter.com/mgardot/status/5061734766
Yeah, June blog post, but it fit here.