monday motivation - get started

During my open studio tour, one question that was repeatedly posed was,

"How do you get started with creating your art?"

Many visitors shared desires to create an artful life and wondered "How do I start?"

Job security has caused many to look at what sort of career they want rather than being subject to paranoia of today's economic environment and job insecurity.  Perhaps you need to work part time at getting started to build your artwork and take a job to provide income in order to pay your monthly bills.  It is doable, but one needs a vision and a plan of action in order to get started.

I will be adding this to my services if anyone needs coaching to get their artistry started.

I am happy to provide motivation by e-mail or phone.

Start by reading, researching and networking about your career as an artist.

Do you have a muse, a mentor or a plan of action to start your career as an artist?

 Starting Your Career as an Artist is a comprehensive manual full of sound advice for artists seeking to advance their professional careers. Veteran art career professionals Angie Wojak and Stacy Miller show aspiring artists how to evaluate their goals, create a plan of action, and use their talents to build a productive life in the art world. Chapters cover topics essential to the emerging artist, such as building community through networking, collaborating, and finding mentors; setting up a studio; health and safety for artists; artist’s resumes and CVs; developing marketing plans; finding alternative exhibition venues; and refining career aspirations. In addition, the book includes inspiring and insightful interviews with professional artists and well-known players in the art scene.

 What sort of tools or skills do you need to create your art career?  How can you find a niche or an audience that will want your art?  Is it a hobby?  Is it something you can see becoming a full time career?  If you need assistance to get started, contact me and I would be delighted to meet with you and objectively work with you to create a plan to get started.  Contact me on my website here.  We can meet, e-mail or chat by phone.  I've been right where you are and in order to get started, sometimes all it takes is a little hand holding and positive support.

a small shop - inspiration

pve design illustration of jmclaughlin shop in brooklyn, ny

 Ever since I was a child, I have the fondest memories of riding my bike to the local village to buy something from a small shop.  My mother would give me 25 cents and I felt so empowered.  Off I would go to buy something.  Usually it was a pay-day bar or some chocolate.  I loved hearing the shop keeper say "the usual young lady?"

pve design illustration for maisonette shop in hastings-on-hudson

 Things have not changed for me because I still love supporting small businesses.  Getting to know the shop keeper is part of what makes the entire experience so joyfully unique.   If you have not shopped at maisonette shoppe in Hastings-on-Hudson, please do.  Shop keepers Maria and Kevin are delightfully inspiring.

pve design illustration for ardsley hardware

Our very own local Ardsley Hardware is always a treat to pop in for a lightbulb, a bit of paint or perhaps just a welcome greeting "hello, may I help you?"

Joe and his handsome staff are always so helpful.

Vesuvio Bakery in NY

  I love small businesses and just the act of buying a freshly baked baguette adds such a personal experience to my day....the smell of fresh bread is incredibly inspiring.  It is such a treat.  We have our very own bakery but I wish it looked like this famous shop.

Ben Pentreath Ltd. in England

 I simply adore black and white and love this shop on the other side of the pond.  This shop is on my list to go visit.

I am on the look out for a really good cheese shop nearby. 

If you were to open up a shop, what would you sell?

I'd love to sketch your shop for you.

Even if it is only pretend.

What is your favorite small shop?

Number 11, Winner of the tea-lights is Tone on Tone 

love to create (books-giveaway)

Update- February 17th -Stephanie is the winner of Creative, Inc.

Congrats to Stephanie~

Are you on a path to higher creativity, many love "The Artist's Way" as course in opening up to discovering the creative you.
Perhaps you have contemplated crafting a business from a "love to create" and need a guide to running a successful freelance business, then this is the book for you.

Many trust true tales of inspiration to help find their "True North" in order to lead a creative life.

When I began this blog, I never imagined how many of us love to design, create and inspire others to find a way to incorporate the need and love to live artfully.

One of the above books shall be given to one randomly selected winner!

All you have to do is leave a comment, select a book and follow me and tell me what you love to create.

little acorn hats

"Great oaks from little acorns grow"

It is that time of year, the little acorns seem good and plenty here which means that we are in for a cold winter. Outside my window, there are many squirrels gathering little acorns. Inside, I liken myself to squirrels, gathering too. I illustrate, I knit, I needlepoint, I cook, I clean, I paint and all of it makes me supremely happy. New pens, paints, yarns are the little acorns that can grow into great things. I knit these little hats and big ones too. Most often quip, "When do you find the time?"

Well, my hands are never idle. I am that squirrel you see, always running, doing and making the best use of my time. What sort of little acorns are you gathering?

hello little-byrd

Meet Rebekah, she has a delightful blog and shares what she wears and what she collects and creates. I enjoy reading her blog and the way she can breathe new life into found objects and give them an update. Enjoy this interview with little-byRD!

How did you come to blog?
I never thought I would have a blog! I had just started reading other people and remember thinking, "I could never do this". But then I opened up my Etsy shop and read one way t0 gain exposure was to have a blog. So I originally did it for business. It quickly became a mix of both personal and business, which I really enjoy.

How did you decide on a name for your blog?
My business name is Little Byrd. The Byrd is for By RD ( RD are my initials). I wanted a little business, something small to call my own and one day after months of trying to think of a name it dawned on me that my initials could be a play on words. So from there I named the blog Little Byrd, and then Little Byrd Vintage once I started the vintage side of it.

When did your love for thrifting, scouting, antiquing begin?
You know, I don't really remember. I would say shortly after high school. I had a close friend and she and her mom were always junking and decorating so marvellously with their friends and that really inspired me. Once I started going to the shops the thrill of the hunt hooked me. I've been treasure hunting for at least 15 years and it never gets old!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What will you be doing? I don't know. Thinking about this question has lead me to realize I never had a grand plan for life. I've worked in many different industries from travel to event planning to HR and most I've just fallen into by chance. Some days I think I will be doing exactly what I am right now, only perhaps bigger and better, maybe I will change my business name to Big Byrd - lol! Other days I think I might be doing something completely different. I love that it is a mystery!

What is your favorite thing to sew and what kind of methods do you have?
My favorite thing to sew right now is my woolen ear flap flapper inspired caps made from recycled woolen sweaters. I make handmade flowers to attach to each hat and choose an antique button to adorn it as well. Each one is one of it's kind. One of my favorite materials is wool and then combine that with the hunt for the perfect woolen sweater...I love it!

Who taught you to sew?
About 12 years ago a very kind and patient friend agreed to show me how. I couldn't even sew a button onto a shirt at this point. She was a fabulous teacher and taught me all the basics I needed to get started. The rest has been a self teaching experience. I still can't read a pattern though! My machine is Pfaff Hobby. Nothing fancy, very easy to use and always reliable.

Does your little boy enjoying scouting too?
What is his favorite thing to do? I think he is learning to love it! He is very observant by nature so he enjoys looking around wherever we are finding something interesting to talk about. He has recently picked up the habit of collecting bits of nature on our walks which I love! Leaves and rocks and sticks. I would say his favorite thing to do right now is roll play...ranging anywhere from scooby doo to firemen. He has a great imagination.

From reading your blog, I know you allow yourself time to wander-tell us why wandering is good for our soul?
Yes! One of my favorite things in this world is a walk all alone with my thoughts. It really keeps me in touch with all the thoughts and ideas swirling around my head and keeps it all in perspective. Wandering renews ones soul...When I am feeling burned out or overwhelmed a good wander is the quickest way to getting back in the swing of things.

Please take a moment to fly over to meet little-byrd and leave a comment. While you are there take a look at her Etsy shop! She has lots of sweet items.

doing what you "otter"

David Lloyd painting of an "otter"

I am back home from my weekend romp in Chicago, capturing my prey, filling my eyes with details and moments and getting it all down on paper.  Have you ever found yourself in a situation and said to yourself, "Now this is what I call a "doing what you otter" moment?  For me, I know that sketching fast and trying to take it all in is a bit like a kid in a candy store metaphor. 

After my bags are unpacked and I come down from my "high" - I plan on posting some of the wedding sketches and sharing some graceful tips on how you can find your inner otter!  Indeed, it is akin to falling in love, and only you will know what "otter" suits you best.  Think about what you really want to pursue that will add a creative outlet to your life.  Are you on a mission to design or create a more artful life?  What is holding you back from playing like you "otter?"

recipe for...fab friday

Recipe cards rank up high on my list of domestic bliss.  My vintage lucite recipe box (from my teens) will be the perfect home for these swell cards. 

A recipe for pursuing your passion is what it is all about, every artist can relate to this.  

Here is my recipe in order to create;

C  -  R  -  E  -  A  -  T  -  E

C- Create a space to work

R- Routine, set up the best time for you to work!

E- Establish good habits, expect error & excellence.

A- Always begin with gratitude.

T- Time - take time, start small.

E- Enjoy what you do.

As artists, we never start with the perfect space, nor the best materials, but we work towards the dream space, and allow time to know that we need to honor our passion and juggle life.

One can pursue a career in the midst of mother-hood or even add it to our day job by carving out a window of time each day.  Try 2 to 3 hours a day and commit to working on your passion.

© Rick Miller/Milton Courier photos - Photo of Kristin with her 1882 Pearl old Style Press

Time and again, certain obsessions or passions have a way of returning to me.  One of them is my love for really nice paper and the art of letterpress.  

The other is for the artist who dreams of having that piece of equipment (Antique 1882 Pearl Old Style Press) or studio space to whilst away the hours or burn the mid-night oil.

Meet Kristin,  She spotted this beauty ( or rather her fiance did ) for a song on Craig's list and knew it was fate.  How great to seize an opportunity and a machine.  I have always wanted to learn how to make my own letterpress.

 

She recently acquired some vintage typeface letters amongst other goodies she plans to use as part of her collection - 622 press.

How pretty are these bevy of beautiful letterpress cards to send a proper thank-you, sure to tickle the thoughtful giver!  Take a look at Kristin's site and her etsy shop and tell me what you really really want, leave me a comment.  

Winner of this fab give-away announced first thing on Monday morning.

 

As my Mom loves to say, "Keep a fuzzy brow, a stiff upper lip and press on" - Have a fab friday all you fab people!  Press on Kristin and thanks for sharing your work.