Fulfilling Some I O U's

I Owe You Some Personal Observations

When I decided what my function and content would be for this blog, I chose showcasing my work and others along with highlighting the rewards, challenges, and lessons of pursuing my passion. Also included were inspiration and personal observations in this process. This is an opportune time to address the last two areas. First, because I need something to write about as I am behind in my "once a week" entry goal. Secondly, I recently experienced what is, and should have been, an exciting and rewarding recognition of my work and fulfillment of a goal . Instead it has left me feeling a little less so.

To provide a brief history, I began 2009 technically challenged when it came to marketing on the internet. One of the areas was blogging. I am proud to say I have since learned, grown to enjoy it and have received many accolades thus far. I visit and read many artist blogs for style, content and inspiration.

One of my absolute absolute favorites is Created by Hand. This blog, which also goes by the name onlyhandmade, features talented artists of diverse mediums, styles, backgrounds and countries! A different and terrific blog to introduce and expose your art to others. Three examples of the chosen artist's work are shown and links to the artist's website and blog are provided. The brilliant woman behind this blog finds and personally selects the artists herself. She does not take solicitation and writes about them using information from the artist's website, blog and supplemental information (translation: personal) provided by the artist. New artists are introduced every three days.

I mention this because I was featured on Created by Hand May 2!! bringing in the month of May. I said in an earlier entry I was ready to blossom. Only 4 months out of the blogging gate, I got my wish. I also just said I should have been enthusiastically ecstatic and that I wasn't quite feeling it. I will now share why.

I was notified Saturday morning via email that I was "UP." I immediately went to the blog. I read it. My personal life, (another translation: singledom) took dominance rather than the art, my influences, my creative process. At least to me. As soon as I read it , I felt uh oh. I did not think like an artist with the personal information I provided. I had a single moment instead. AND I KNEW IT! So did the creator of the blog, inside truth be told :)

Can you get a second chance to make a first impression? I hope so. I know so. Technically speaking, let this be a lesson to me as I continue to navigate, learn and respect the wonderful world of blogging and online ART marketing. Personally speaking, of course.


To Nancy, the grand creator behind the Created by Hand and Every Photo tells a Story, Thank You!!

The No Artist Left Behind Act

Technically Speaking......

I started 2009 with a goal and a Blast Off. Actually, many goals but one that really needs to be met...SOON! TECHNICALLY SPEAKING @#*!?#, I am not good. And because of that, my lack of skill and knowledge is impeding the growth of my online presence. It was no truer that a few minutes ago. I accidentally deleted my first blog entry going through and deleting the drafts. Scream.

The title, To be a Functional Artist ...and the decision whether to continue was about my coming off the 2008 One of a Kind Show Chicago. This was my second year doing a show of this magnitude and quality. I had been an Emerging Artist in 2007. I was wiped out from the show on every level but what better time to write when the emotions are raw. I was really questioning and doubting whether I wanted to, or could, continue creating functional art and do everything it takes to make it grow. How bad do I really want this? With the looming recession and not making my all my expenses this time, I was disappointed and somewhat discouraged. Breathe.

The artist lifestyle is HARD work, long hours, lots of sacrifice, not much money- at least in the beginning. But it can be fun, rewarding and very fulfilling. I spoke of the beautiful, passionate, and talented artists I had met (my new heroes); the overwhelming respect, awe and inspiration I felt being surrounded by them and by the incredible art they produced. I listened and spoke to artists who could not pay their bills, had their utilities turned off, had not sold anything the entire show. They offered words of encouragement, and insight with regard to booth layout and design, respecting the process, that it takes time to really grow. Anyway, it was really good and it ended with an astounding YES!! I will continue to paint, create, grow, learn and market my art. The riches I took away were not in my checking account this year, but instead with the people, the experience and artists I met.

Now that you are caught up and I'm not crying anymore, I will begin No Artist Left Behind... technically speaking. Because technically speaking, no artist or any business can afford to not understand, be up to date, literate, skillful, and technically adept in this day and age. It is necessary and I do not want to be left behind. That is one of my goals for 2009- to have greater vision, motivation, organization, and promotion, remove blocks and have confidence to grow my art. Grow from part time to full time.

So how am going to do this? Well, first, I signed up for Alyson Stanfield's Blast Off online class at artbizcoach.com. Technically speaking, I would create a direct link to her site but don't want to take any chances...The course assignments are all online, provides you with online insight and marketing tools and venues, you post comments and are accountable. Technically speaking, how perfect is that? I am in Day 6 of the course and so far so great.

I am a little embarrassed about what happened. But just think, pretty soon, in the not too distant future, you will see beautiful and fun pictures of my work and others, links to other people's websites (ARTISTS! and retailers) and maybe a few technically speaking #@@?!$. O.K. I am going to post this. Who's laughing know?
Please let it be me.
Thanks for reading!