Who in the World is Sleepy Kramer?
In my quest for interviewing passionate darters worldwide, I came across Anne Kramer's dart website, AKA Sleepy Kramer. Her website oozes enthusiasm and passion for darts and indeed, she has a story to tell. Growing up in a household of brothers, she was introduced to darts at a young age and found she had some natural talent - much more than her brothers! From there she began playing competitive steel-tip darts as a teenager, and without any youth leagues in existence, she went right to the adult competitive arena, where she did really well. Anne traveled to compete, mostly to the Southern California area, where she eventually moved, so she could compete in the SoCal ADO region. Here is her story and her interview...at the end of this interview are links to Anne's website where she shares her passion for the sport in everything that she writes online. Her site has tons of dart related information and some amazing links that are not found anywhere else. Take a moment to surf on by her website, certainly you will find something of interest to all passionate darters. Back to Anne's story:
Since my story may be new to some viewers visiting, I will try to start at the beginning and be as brief as I can. I started playing darts with my family at home in 1981. I have 6 brothers and one of them joined a league and needed to practice at home. Being a competitive family, it was not long before the rest of us were hooked and playing every single night. For some odd reason, which I think must have been my destiny, I excelled more than the rest to the point of becoming one of the top female players in Arizona by the age of 16. Youth events were not in existence back then and I competed with the adults all the time. During this time, Arizona and Southern California were part of the same ADO region, so I spent many times a year traveling to SoCal to play regional events against the likes of Sandy Reitan, Katy Casillas, Diane Gleason, Kim Kelly and the whole cast and crew of Moonspinners and lady darters in the SoCal area. My initiation went straight to the top level of the game. Jump to 1984, and the entrance of JK into my life. What a whirlwind and after I regained my composure, by January 1985, I was an official SoCal resident!! It was an awesome experience to be a part of JK's quest to be the number one ranked player in the USA in 1985, as well as winning a gold and silver medal in the 1985 World Cup and to hear the stories and eventually see the video of the American team doing the extraordinary and beating the British team 9-0 to go on and win the gold medal for the team event. Can you imagine seeing the likes of Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Cliff Lazarenko, and Dave Lee go down one by one to the infamous US team of Rick Ney, Tony Payne, John Kramer and the late Danny Valletto? The world would never have thunk it, and these US boys lived it.
But I digress!....after I became an official SoCal resident, I was invited to take part in many events. One being an all ladies tournament in Northern California. John dropped me off for the trip, said goodbye and I was on my way. Now it was 23 years ago, and my memory cells are hard pressed to recall all the passengers, but I do remember being packed into a custom van with Gerry McCarthy, Katy Casillas, Jackie Ross, Philomena Fitzgerald, and I know there were a few more ladies, but for the life of me I cannot remember. And our mission was to drive to NorCal and our destination was Martinez, California and the home of none other than the famous darting prose god, Houston Hartwell Reed, the third....AKA in those days to many a Bull's Eye News subscriber as Mr. Wonderful.
Note: J.K., is Anne's husband, professional darter John Kramer.
1. How old are you and where are you from?
I just turned 43 this past Christmas Eve and I live in Laguna Niguel, California. Laguna Niguel is pretty much exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego (the west coast of the United States).
2. How old were you when you started playing darts?
I was 14 at the time.
3. Do you believe you have some natural talent? How have you developed this?
I have always been somewhat skeptical of my abilities, however, my other half tries to pound it into my brain that I am very talented and I am wasting it.
4. Did you ever consider yourself a professional darter? Did you pursue this? How do you define a professional darter? Did you work to be a professional darter or has darts always been a passionate hobby?
Me? No. I have never pursued it prior due to home life and raising our kid. But more importantly, I am familiar with the concept of a professional darter since I am married to a former one. I define the term as being someone who earns his sole income through pursuing their career in the game. For me, darts has always been something I can satisfy my urge to compete. I grew up with 6 older brothers and we always competed at everything.
5. Do you have a day job and if so, what kind of work do you do?
I currently work for MetLife in their newest line of dental HMO insurance products. They recently just bought out our California based company. My role in the company is manager of the grievance (complaint) department for the dental HMO products.
6. Do you think it is tougher for a woman to be a professional darter because most take a break to raise a family?
Absolutely! To be a professional, it is all about sacrifices. I cannot speak for most women, but I will say that for myself, I could not forget to take care of all of life's details to concentrate solely on being the best in the US or the World. A woman either has to have the perfect partner to juggle this….or she has to be selfish in some respects to not taking the time to raise kids, clean house, run errands, etc. I know this expression of thought may anger some, but having lived with JK knowing the life and seeing what it took for him to be US #1 when he decided that was what he wanted to do, I totally understand the needs required and myself have not been ready to do that same yet.
7. What are some of your greatest accomplishments with regard to darts?
First and foremost would have to be after JK and I were split up and about 6 months into the year, the mid-year Double Eagle came out and on the ADO points list, I was listed at #9 in the country. It is not really all the significant a thing, but I had never made it that high in the rankings prior and to get a phone call from JK himself asking what on earth I did to get there was positively priceless for me.
Second on the list is a tie….first being winning my first ladies singles tournament event at 18 and having had the privilege to play mixed doubles events with the likes of the late Nicky Virachkul.
8. You recently won a singles event at a major tournament...what are your goals with regards to darts in the next few years? What would you like to accomplish that you have not yet accomplished?
Well, I am pretty mellow when it comes to accomplishments. I take what I can get and enjoy it, but because I do not dedicate myself to practicing as much as I should, I do not set high aspirations for myself. That helps me maintain my joy for the game.
9. Do you practice daily and if so, for how long, and what are your practice routines?
I do not practice daily, much to my husband's dismay. When I do, I try to go for at least half an hour. I do not have any set routines for the most part, but the practice games at SEWA-darts.com are really a challenge and add some fun to practice to keep me interested.
10. What motivates you during your practice?
Knowing I have an event coming up and if I do not practice, I will lose first round each time!
11. What goes through your mind when you step up to the line for a competitive match?
Nothing, really. At that time, it is me and the board and I zone out.
12. Do you get nervous before important matches and how do you calm your nerves?
I do not really get nervous anymore. It is all about having confidence that you know what you are doing up there. We all know. That is why we are there. I have beaten some of the best. I know I can do it. Whether I have practiced enough to do so is a mute point by then and if I lose, I know I have lost because I did not practice.
13. Are there any players in the world that you haven't met at the line that you would like the opportunity to compete with?
Yeah, Phil Taylor. The man is just unbelievable and if they called me tomorrow to come play a match, I'd be there with bells on regardless of how bad I would get beat.
14. Who are the darters, both men and women that you admire most in this world?
Oh dear, this question always gets me in trouble. So of course, I have to say John Kramer. Not because he is my husband, but because he has achieved so much in this game and is an American legend. I just cannot go without respecting that. But more importantly, without all the lessons he has given me in the last 24 years, I would never have achieved the things I have.
Second, by far, would have to be Phil Taylor. For all he has done, for all that he will do, and for all the times, even when he was down and everyone bagged on him….he was still ever so gracious in his interviews after the losses. People can say what they want, but you never heard Phil say a bad word about anyone.
For the women? Right now, no doubt would have to be Anastasia Dobromyslova for making the jump to play with the big boys. More power to her. If I had her youth, looks and talent, I would do the same.
For my past, by far had to be Sandy Reitan. Best player in the country for years, but one of the sweetest ladies that I have ever had the pleasure to call friend.
15. How many tournaments a year do you compete in and where are some of the places that you have traveled to compete?
The total for the year varies on whether either one of us makes it through our regional events. This past year, we have made it as far east as Houston and Austin, but for the most part we stay west of New Mexico…although we did make it to Charlotte last year.
16. Have you competed in the International Windy City Open every September in Chicago?
I have never! And it saddens me to say so! But I do know that JK has been to more than a few.
17. Have you traveled to other countries to compete? If so, which countries? What were those experiences like?
No…..much to my dismay. And I even got left home a lot for his trips, LOL.
18. If you could give any advice to darters just starting out competitively what would this be?
Have fun and remember that you will never be a millionaire, so quit stressing about the win. Once players can do that, they can relax and play the darts that they are capable of playing and achieve so much more. This, in turn, will build confidence and lead to more fun enjoying the game.
19. How do you handle defeat when you have really wanted to win and tried your absolute best?
Ha ha ha…..cry. After all the focus and the adrenaline are done, it is such a letdown. And that is when the emotions just burst.
20. Do you get involved or are you aware of the politics in darts and the different organizations? What organizations are you a part of? Have you played in PDC ranked events? Do you plan to? What, if anything, would you like to see changed, for darters to compete in the US and to be ranked worldwide?
I have been quite aware of a lot in the darting scene for many years. I am currently the ADO regional director for Southern California.
I have played in a PDC event. We drove over to Las Vegas to compete in the WSOD qualifier. Not sure of we are planning to play in any other PDC event any time soon. Perhaps Vegas, but nothing really decided for this year yet.
Loaded question that last one is. So much needs to be done. Our biggest problems for starters are, IMHO, too many events at tournaments, too many short formats, and too many tournaments not coordinating to keep from being on the same weekend…and finally, the ADO point system allows too many variables for being able to determine a seeding process….and I could go on and on...
21. Do you believe that darts are a game or a sport? Should darts be in the Olympics?
Right now, I believe it is a game. It is a game of skill and it is not something that requires exertion to be considered a sport.
I do not see why it could not be considered for the Olympics, as they already have such events at skill such as archery, shooting, etc.
22. In your opinion what is it going to take to grow darts in the US? What will it take to have regularly televised darts?
In a nutshell so it does not take too much space…..it would take a governing body such as the PDC to be developed to overtake all other aspects of governing bodies in this country.
23. Are you a Bull's Eye News Subscriber and if so, what do you like best about the magazine and what would you like to see more of in an International dart magazine?
I am a subscriber! Not sure what I like best these days, but contrary to popular thought, I understand their change and am willing to grow with it. I know many have expressed negative opinions to the change. But I also understand the marketing world and how the almighty dollar rules. Not only must we evolve as players to adapt to be marketable, but so must the products.
During our time away from darts, we spent many years in the newly growing sport of paint ball. In that, we saw the strength in the marketing and how the manufacturers stood behind the industry and catapulted the game to even higher levels in the US than darts could ever achieve. We learned that you had to market faces with a product and the more marketable that face, the more the product sells. Darts does not have that face right now. In reference to paint ball, these were all kids being marketed. They were images for the youth of today to aspire to.
Darts does not have that either. So while most may not understand the step BEN has taken, consideration should be given for the initiative taken rather than offering ridicule for it. So many of us forget the sacrifices the players make to achieve what they do, but we also must remember the sacrifices that businesses in this game make to achieve what they do. Where would the game in the US be if all the ones that have taken the initiative to grow the game were to just pack up and tell us all… "so no one likes me here and how I play, so I am taking my toys elsewhere to play with others that will appreciate my efforts." While as a nation, we may not agree with the methods, I think, as a whole to achieve the same ultimate goal of success, we must all collectively get put our heads together to appreciate the individual efforts to get there.
What would I like to see more of? The old interviews to get to know the players on a more personal level. The player images on the cover for more recognition of the US players.
24. Is your family supportive of you as a serious competitive darter?
When I first started at 14, my immediate family was very supportive since they all played too. Now? JK would probably faint dead on me if I told him I wanted to compete on a more serious level.
25. What are you doing in your free time when you are not playing darts?
For the most part, working on my website and the online store.
But mostly, just trying to enjoy life!
SFO - TEAM SEWA
I decided to showcase some of my dart tournament shirt designs on my website, and here in this interview.
For years, I have completed designs for the shirts of many different tournaments. It all started with my first designs for local league teams back in the 80's and has progressed so much more. My first tournament design was for the 1984 Old Pueblo Dart Classic in Tucson, Arizona. 2000 brought the contest for the ADO 25th anniversary logo. Well, I did not win the contest, but took second and my design was featured on the 25th Anniversary souvenir program. 2005 brought the 30th Anniversary and yes, the design was mine.
2001 brought Tom Fleetwood to my attention, and he expressed a desire to get away from the old and boring simple graphic designs of his shirt vendors. He wanted something new and original. This was such a great time for me that I was able to contribute designs for the Las Vegas Open from 2001-2007. So, if you see someone with one of those shirts, now ya know! It was me!
Some of them even still have my little autograph "Anne" on them.
2002 brought on the inaugural America's Cup event. I cannot take full credit for the design, even though they gave me full credit for it. I supplied the original idea and a graphic designer made it the creation it became. It was still very cool to be a part of!
Somewhere along the way, the Queen Mary Classic was born out here in Southern California. I think it is on the 5th or 6th year now, maybe more! But I have done the designs each year and it has been great fun.
For now, here are some of my designs. My next project is to scan and publish online my other dart-work designs. If you are interested in contacting me for a personal, team, league or tournament artwork design, please contact me at: Sleepy_Kramer.
Anne Kramer may be contacted for general comments or questions about commissioning her dart artwork, directly through Email at: SleepyKramer, or through the form listed on her website.
Editor's Note: My humble and special thanks to Anne Kramer for taking the time and energy to answer my questions and to learn more about her dart experiences & views on the dart world. Shoot well Anne and good luck to you in the future! With anticipation we will be checking the results pages of Bull's Eye News Magazine, for your name. As a side note Anne, hopefully you will make plans to attend the (annual) International Windy City Tournament in Chicago, Illinois, held every September, with darters from all over the world. This never fails to offer great competition, good people and new friends to meet, greet and share your passion for darts. I look forward to seeing you there and meeting you in person!
Till next time, shoot well and I'll see you at the line.
In the Beginning, Anne's Story in Her Own Words
Since my story may be new to some viewers visiting, I will try to start at the beginning and be as brief as I can. I started playing darts with my family at home in 1981. I have 6 brothers and one of them joined a league and needed to practice at home. Being a competitive family, it was not long before the rest of us were hooked and playing every single night. For some odd reason, which I think must have been my destiny, I excelled more than the rest to the point of becoming one of the top female players in Arizona by the age of 16. Youth events were not in existence back then and I competed with the adults all the time. During this time, Arizona and Southern California were part of the same ADO region, so I spent many times a year traveling to SoCal to play regional events against the likes of Sandy Reitan, Katy Casillas, Diane Gleason, Kim Kelly and the whole cast and crew of Moonspinners and lady darters in the SoCal area. My initiation went straight to the top level of the game. Jump to 1984, and the entrance of JK into my life. What a whirlwind and after I regained my composure, by January 1985, I was an official SoCal resident!! It was an awesome experience to be a part of JK's quest to be the number one ranked player in the USA in 1985, as well as winning a gold and silver medal in the 1985 World Cup and to hear the stories and eventually see the video of the American team doing the extraordinary and beating the British team 9-0 to go on and win the gold medal for the team event. Can you imagine seeing the likes of Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Cliff Lazarenko, and Dave Lee go down one by one to the infamous US team of Rick Ney, Tony Payne, John Kramer and the late Danny Valletto? The world would never have thunk it, and these US boys lived it.
But I digress!....after I became an official SoCal resident, I was invited to take part in many events. One being an all ladies tournament in Northern California. John dropped me off for the trip, said goodbye and I was on my way. Now it was 23 years ago, and my memory cells are hard pressed to recall all the passengers, but I do remember being packed into a custom van with Gerry McCarthy, Katy Casillas, Jackie Ross, Philomena Fitzgerald, and I know there were a few more ladies, but for the life of me I cannot remember. And our mission was to drive to NorCal and our destination was Martinez, California and the home of none other than the famous darting prose god, Houston Hartwell Reed, the third....AKA in those days to many a Bull's Eye News subscriber as Mr. Wonderful.
Note: J.K., is Anne's husband, professional darter John Kramer.
The Interview
1. How old are you and where are you from?
I just turned 43 this past Christmas Eve and I live in Laguna Niguel, California. Laguna Niguel is pretty much exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego (the west coast of the United States).
2. How old were you when you started playing darts?
I was 14 at the time.
3. Do you believe you have some natural talent? How have you developed this?
I have always been somewhat skeptical of my abilities, however, my other half tries to pound it into my brain that I am very talented and I am wasting it.
4. Did you ever consider yourself a professional darter? Did you pursue this? How do you define a professional darter? Did you work to be a professional darter or has darts always been a passionate hobby?
Me? No. I have never pursued it prior due to home life and raising our kid. But more importantly, I am familiar with the concept of a professional darter since I am married to a former one. I define the term as being someone who earns his sole income through pursuing their career in the game. For me, darts has always been something I can satisfy my urge to compete. I grew up with 6 older brothers and we always competed at everything.
5. Do you have a day job and if so, what kind of work do you do?
I currently work for MetLife in their newest line of dental HMO insurance products. They recently just bought out our California based company. My role in the company is manager of the grievance (complaint) department for the dental HMO products.
6. Do you think it is tougher for a woman to be a professional darter because most take a break to raise a family?
Absolutely! To be a professional, it is all about sacrifices. I cannot speak for most women, but I will say that for myself, I could not forget to take care of all of life's details to concentrate solely on being the best in the US or the World. A woman either has to have the perfect partner to juggle this….or she has to be selfish in some respects to not taking the time to raise kids, clean house, run errands, etc. I know this expression of thought may anger some, but having lived with JK knowing the life and seeing what it took for him to be US #1 when he decided that was what he wanted to do, I totally understand the needs required and myself have not been ready to do that same yet.
7. What are some of your greatest accomplishments with regard to darts?
First and foremost would have to be after JK and I were split up and about 6 months into the year, the mid-year Double Eagle came out and on the ADO points list, I was listed at #9 in the country. It is not really all the significant a thing, but I had never made it that high in the rankings prior and to get a phone call from JK himself asking what on earth I did to get there was positively priceless for me.
Second on the list is a tie….first being winning my first ladies singles tournament event at 18 and having had the privilege to play mixed doubles events with the likes of the late Nicky Virachkul.
8. You recently won a singles event at a major tournament...what are your goals with regards to darts in the next few years? What would you like to accomplish that you have not yet accomplished?
Well, I am pretty mellow when it comes to accomplishments. I take what I can get and enjoy it, but because I do not dedicate myself to practicing as much as I should, I do not set high aspirations for myself. That helps me maintain my joy for the game.
9. Do you practice daily and if so, for how long, and what are your practice routines?
I do not practice daily, much to my husband's dismay. When I do, I try to go for at least half an hour. I do not have any set routines for the most part, but the practice games at SEWA-darts.com are really a challenge and add some fun to practice to keep me interested.
10. What motivates you during your practice?
Knowing I have an event coming up and if I do not practice, I will lose first round each time!11. What goes through your mind when you step up to the line for a competitive match?
Nothing, really. At that time, it is me and the board and I zone out.
12. Do you get nervous before important matches and how do you calm your nerves?
I do not really get nervous anymore. It is all about having confidence that you know what you are doing up there. We all know. That is why we are there. I have beaten some of the best. I know I can do it. Whether I have practiced enough to do so is a mute point by then and if I lose, I know I have lost because I did not practice.
13. Are there any players in the world that you haven't met at the line that you would like the opportunity to compete with?
Yeah, Phil Taylor. The man is just unbelievable and if they called me tomorrow to come play a match, I'd be there with bells on regardless of how bad I would get beat.
14. Who are the darters, both men and women that you admire most in this world?
Oh dear, this question always gets me in trouble. So of course, I have to say John Kramer. Not because he is my husband, but because he has achieved so much in this game and is an American legend. I just cannot go without respecting that. But more importantly, without all the lessons he has given me in the last 24 years, I would never have achieved the things I have.
Second, by far, would have to be Phil Taylor. For all he has done, for all that he will do, and for all the times, even when he was down and everyone bagged on him….he was still ever so gracious in his interviews after the losses. People can say what they want, but you never heard Phil say a bad word about anyone.
For the women? Right now, no doubt would have to be Anastasia Dobromyslova for making the jump to play with the big boys. More power to her. If I had her youth, looks and talent, I would do the same.
For my past, by far had to be Sandy Reitan. Best player in the country for years, but one of the sweetest ladies that I have ever had the pleasure to call friend.
15. How many tournaments a year do you compete in and where are some of the places that you have traveled to compete?
The total for the year varies on whether either one of us makes it through our regional events. This past year, we have made it as far east as Houston and Austin, but for the most part we stay west of New Mexico…although we did make it to Charlotte last year.
16. Have you competed in the International Windy City Open every September in Chicago?I have never! And it saddens me to say so! But I do know that JK has been to more than a few.
17. Have you traveled to other countries to compete? If so, which countries? What were those experiences like?
No…..much to my dismay. And I even got left home a lot for his trips, LOL.
18. If you could give any advice to darters just starting out competitively what would this be?
Have fun and remember that you will never be a millionaire, so quit stressing about the win. Once players can do that, they can relax and play the darts that they are capable of playing and achieve so much more. This, in turn, will build confidence and lead to more fun enjoying the game.
19. How do you handle defeat when you have really wanted to win and tried your absolute best?
Ha ha ha…..cry. After all the focus and the adrenaline are done, it is such a letdown. And that is when the emotions just burst.
20. Do you get involved or are you aware of the politics in darts and the different organizations? What organizations are you a part of? Have you played in PDC ranked events? Do you plan to? What, if anything, would you like to see changed, for darters to compete in the US and to be ranked worldwide?
I have been quite aware of a lot in the darting scene for many years. I am currently the ADO regional director for Southern California.
I have played in a PDC event. We drove over to Las Vegas to compete in the WSOD qualifier. Not sure of we are planning to play in any other PDC event any time soon. Perhaps Vegas, but nothing really decided for this year yet.
Loaded question that last one is. So much needs to be done. Our biggest problems for starters are, IMHO, too many events at tournaments, too many short formats, and too many tournaments not coordinating to keep from being on the same weekend…and finally, the ADO point system allows too many variables for being able to determine a seeding process….and I could go on and on...21. Do you believe that darts are a game or a sport? Should darts be in the Olympics?
Right now, I believe it is a game. It is a game of skill and it is not something that requires exertion to be considered a sport.
I do not see why it could not be considered for the Olympics, as they already have such events at skill such as archery, shooting, etc.
22. In your opinion what is it going to take to grow darts in the US? What will it take to have regularly televised darts?
In a nutshell so it does not take too much space…..it would take a governing body such as the PDC to be developed to overtake all other aspects of governing bodies in this country.
23. Are you a Bull's Eye News Subscriber and if so, what do you like best about the magazine and what would you like to see more of in an International dart magazine?
I am a subscriber! Not sure what I like best these days, but contrary to popular thought, I understand their change and am willing to grow with it. I know many have expressed negative opinions to the change. But I also understand the marketing world and how the almighty dollar rules. Not only must we evolve as players to adapt to be marketable, but so must the products.
During our time away from darts, we spent many years in the newly growing sport of paint ball. In that, we saw the strength in the marketing and how the manufacturers stood behind the industry and catapulted the game to even higher levels in the US than darts could ever achieve. We learned that you had to market faces with a product and the more marketable that face, the more the product sells. Darts does not have that face right now. In reference to paint ball, these were all kids being marketed. They were images for the youth of today to aspire to.
Darts does not have that either. So while most may not understand the step BEN has taken, consideration should be given for the initiative taken rather than offering ridicule for it. So many of us forget the sacrifices the players make to achieve what they do, but we also must remember the sacrifices that businesses in this game make to achieve what they do. Where would the game in the US be if all the ones that have taken the initiative to grow the game were to just pack up and tell us all… "so no one likes me here and how I play, so I am taking my toys elsewhere to play with others that will appreciate my efforts." While as a nation, we may not agree with the methods, I think, as a whole to achieve the same ultimate goal of success, we must all collectively get put our heads together to appreciate the individual efforts to get there.
What would I like to see more of? The old interviews to get to know the players on a more personal level. The player images on the cover for more recognition of the US players.
24. Is your family supportive of you as a serious competitive darter?
When I first started at 14, my immediate family was very supportive since they all played too. Now? JK would probably faint dead on me if I told him I wanted to compete on a more serious level.
25. What are you doing in your free time when you are not playing darts?
For the most part, working on my website and the online store.
But mostly, just trying to enjoy life!
Anne's Dart Artwork
I decided to showcase some of my dart tournament shirt designs on my website, and here in this interview.For years, I have completed designs for the shirts of many different tournaments. It all started with my first designs for local league teams back in the 80's and has progressed so much more. My first tournament design was for the 1984 Old Pueblo Dart Classic in Tucson, Arizona. 2000 brought the contest for the ADO 25th anniversary logo. Well, I did not win the contest, but took second and my design was featured on the 25th Anniversary souvenir program. 2005 brought the 30th Anniversary and yes, the design was mine.
2001 brought Tom Fleetwood to my attention, and he expressed a desire to get away from the old and boring simple graphic designs of his shirt vendors. He wanted something new and original. This was such a great time for me that I was able to contribute designs for the Las Vegas Open from 2001-2007. So, if you see someone with one of those shirts, now ya know! It was me!
Some of them even still have my little autograph "Anne" on them.
2002 brought on the inaugural America's Cup event. I cannot take full credit for the design, even though they gave me full credit for it. I supplied the original idea and a graphic designer made it the creation it became. It was still very cool to be a part of!
Somewhere along the way, the Queen Mary Classic was born out here in Southern California. I think it is on the 5th or 6th year now, maybe more! But I have done the designs each year and it has been great fun.
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For now, here are some of my designs. My next project is to scan and publish online my other dart-work designs. If you are interested in contacting me for a personal, team, league or tournament artwork design, please contact me at: Sleepy_Kramer.
Anne's Preferred Links...
- www.SleepyKramer.com Visit Anne Kramer's website and tell her The Passionate Darter sent you.
- www.CafePress.com/SleepyKramer Anne Kramer's retail website selling her favorite kind of T-shirts.
- Sleepy_Kramer Email address for Anne Kramer...
- John Kramer Learn more about Professional Darter John Kramer, at the Wikipedia page on John.
- SEWA Access the practice routines on the SEWA website that Anne refers to in this interview.
More of Anne's Dart Artwork...
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To Contact Anne Kramer
Anne Kramer may be contacted for general comments or questions about commissioning her dart artwork, directly through Email at: SleepyKramer, or through the form listed on her website.
Editor's Note: My humble and special thanks to Anne Kramer for taking the time and energy to answer my questions and to learn more about her dart experiences & views on the dart world. Shoot well Anne and good luck to you in the future! With anticipation we will be checking the results pages of Bull's Eye News Magazine, for your name. As a side note Anne, hopefully you will make plans to attend the (annual) International Windy City Tournament in Chicago, Illinois, held every September, with darters from all over the world. This never fails to offer great competition, good people and new friends to meet, greet and share your passion for darts. I look forward to seeing you there and meeting you in person!
Till next time, shoot well and I'll see you at the line.