VerlinStudios "Winters Warmth" 15 oz ceramic mug with chocolates, $30 "The decision to "put" our photography on mugs, coasters, cell phone cases--everyday items we use wasn't easy". --John D. Verlin, owner, VerlinStudios "Mr. Da Vinci--would you mind if we painted that image of Mona Lisa on the side of our wagon? We think it will be a great draw to our wagon business." The idea of commercializing art didn't start with Andy Warhol--but it sure popularized it.  Most photographers, artists, musicians, etc cringe at the idea of their "art" being used for commercial gains. The marriage of art, advertising, marketing and merchandising isn't new--but the likes of Walt Disney and others understood it's power and "sales ability". Just ask Pixor and the Toy Story folks.  Of course, I remember in my grade school days getting lunch boxes with The Beatles (very rare--still in demand ...

Walmart Photo Mug, 15 oz. $16 with s/tax. Ok, I have nothing against Walmart--I shop there all the time and I know they provide good value, jobs, etc. But, having recently opened an online Etsy shop--specializing in photographic-related gifts--I decided to shop the competition and answer to people's comments about why VerlinStudios charged more for similar products. I've recently began working with online photo provider, Shutterfly to produce gift items for family, friends and business. I learned a very valuable lesson years ago when I worked with Danny O'Neill of The Roasterie in Kansas City. Danny would tell stories of searching all ends of the earth to find the perfect coffee bean. His slogan was "life's too short to have a boring cup of coffee". The Roasterie produces some of the best coffee, coffee beans in the country and it's not cheap--but it's worth it. If you're a coffee lover--the additional cost compared to another "bo...