If I have extra time when I am traveling for speaking engagements, one of my favorite things to do is visit art galleries. I love discovering new artists who inspire me. What I don’t usually love is the vibe of the galleries themselves, and the so-called “art world” as a whole. Quiet as a museum and serious as a heart atttack, they often ooze pretension and feature prices that only an elite few could afford. Sometimes artists themselves contribute to this snobby, holier-than-thou aura.

I believe that art is for everyone, whether it comes to making it or owning it. Art can address serious issues and be the catalyst for important change in the world, but there is plenty of room for art that’s fun and makes people happy.

My goal is to inspire, encourage and entertain as many people as possible with my art. I’m not against offering different levels of exclusivity in the form of originals and limited editions, but I want it to be accessible to everyone. I certainly don’t care about pleasing art critics or galleries.

Although I enjoy the act of making art for art’s sake, my goal is to create things that connect with people. I love it when people connect with my art so much that they want to own it. I don’t care if it’s in the form of an original painting worth thousands of dollars, or a greeting card, t-shirt, or phone case.

That’s why I consider anyone who owns any piece of my art a collector!

Collecting is fun. I just don’t think it needs to be expensive. I collected baseball cards as a kid. Back then, a pack cost just 50 cents. I loved flipping through my binders, reviewing my collection and figuring out what I needed to complete the set.

Right now, I am collecting pictures of my collectors! If you send me a photo of yourself with some of my art — it can be a print, a t-shirt, a calendar, a sticker, a phone case, anything, really — you could win a $100 gift certificate to our online store, where you can pick of something add to your collection. The deadline for entry is May 31st, after which my kids will help me randomly select one winner.