Island Bound

My favorite time of the year has finally come:  Summer, birthday month, and our annual week on Sanibel Island!  My soul NEEDS this like my lungs need air...salty, ocean air!  I have been visiting the island with my family since I was about 15, except for a few foolish years where I thought it was a better idea to stay behind with friends or boyfriends.  Foolishness.

Even with all of this experience...even though I know I won't really need anything beside bathing suits, T-shirts, and shorts, and flip-flops, and maybe a sundress...I have to really try to curb my packing. I usually end up bringing way more than I use...just in case. 

Above is a snapshot of what I'm taking in the art bag.  Whittled way down.  A sketchbook, colored pencils, sharpener, black ink pens, scissors, glue, watercolors, and cameras.  That's it.  And that is for Leila and I (although I think she has her personal stash of coloring books/crayons).  

I won't even show you the book bag!

If I can get wi-fi, I'll post. If not, I'll see ya in a week!

Aloha, Friends!

101010-FINAL DAY and it's ME!!!

Aloha Friends!  It's the final day of this round of 101010 (888) and what fun it has been! Thank you, Robin Norgren, for putting it all together.  Today, all the participants will be answering their own questions. And anyone who knows me, knows how perfect my question is for me.  I am a huge animal lover and have been using animal medicine cards for years to guide me along.  Read below to find out my answer to:  What animal would represent your first year of business?

Also, as we wrap up this project, I'd like to remind you that if you like my blog, please feel free to follow me over on the sidebar.  The same goes for any of the participants that you happen to discover.  This has been a great way to meet some new artsy businesswomen.  I'm always curious to see how someone else does it!

Shari Sherman

Name of Business:  Hula Dog Designs by Shari Sherman

Social Media Links:
Blog:  http://dashboardhula.blogspot.com/
Facebook Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/HulaDogDesigns
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/HulaDogDesigns
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/sharisherman/
ETSY:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/HulaDogDesigns

Years in Business:  Hula Dog Designs by Shari Sherman, was started in 2010.  Prior to that, I created art as Island Girl Studio, LLC since 2004. 

Brief Bio: 
I make Happy Art for Happy People!  I love that thrill of getting an idea and making it come to life.  I love bright colors (especially turquoise!), strong simple lines, and adding words of inspiration to my art.  I like mixed-media because it is limitless, but painting will always be my first love.  My subject matter frequently includes dogs, books, and anything related to the ocean/beach, because that is what I LOVE.  People often smile when they see my art, and I feel like I am doing my part in making the world a happier place!

QUESTION 3:   What animal would represent your first year of business? 

Even though my business began with dog paintings, I think I was more of a monkey!  Like a crazy monkey...I was just so happy and excited to be out there, being an artist, that I tried to do everything I could get into. Anything I hadn't tried before, I wanted to do it, just to do it. I was all over the place, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the experiences were invaluable.  But from a business standpoint, that is not necessarily the most efficient, successful way.  Now I try to operate more like a turtle...slow and steady, deliberately taking steps, instead of jumping from here to there to waaay over there, like a crazy monkey!


Shari is currently working on a book project called, The Inklings.  For more information on this and other fun stuff, like her page,  Hula Dog Designs on Facebook or check out her blog, Dashboard Hula.

If you'd like to check out the other participants' questions and answers, click HERE.

101010-TODAY is PHYLLIS DOBBS on my BLOG!

Good Morning Everyone!  We are under a tornado watch here in Florida so I'm going to post and then get off the computer!! Yikes!! Today's 101010 participant is the awesome, Phyllis Dobbs.   I am definitely going to be bookmarking her blog, as her expertise is in licensing her art, an area where I would like to learn a lot more.  Read on below to see how Phyllis answers my question.

Phyllis Dobbs

Business Name - Phyllis Dobbs Art & Design
Started business as - Lucky Duck Designs

Blog - http://www.phyllisdobbs.info/
Website - http://www.phyllisdobbs.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phyllis-Dobbs-Art-Design/171513056197540
Zazzle - http://www.zazzle.com/phyllisdobbs?rt=238522936928369533
Zazzle for Businesses - http://www.zazzle.com/businesswithflair?rt=238522936928369533
Years in business - I started my business 28 years ago.
Brief Bio -
As an artist, I create art for licensing on products in the textile, gift and home goods industry. In textiles, I have designed fabric collections for 7 years. I also focus on designing quilt and sewing patterns and have written a new quilt book “Asymmetrical Quilts”.


What animal would represent your first year of business?
I had to chuckle at this question. I started my business as Lucky Duck Designs and illustrated a lot of ducks for counted cross stitch. So my answer is a duck. I was also given a lot of nicknames such as “Ducky” and “Ms. Duck”.


I am in a huge network of people with the same type of business as mine. So I would go in a different direction. Tony Ford is the one I would love to sit and talk with. I have attended several of Tony’s seminars and came away with so much information. In today’s world, social media is so important for business so I would discuss the rapidly changing world of social media and technology and how to use it effectively with my business. (Tony Ford is the COO of ArtFire.com and the Technology Expert for the Craft and Hobby Association, CHA)


Current Projects:
Phyllis is currently working on new art for licensing including a new fabric line as well as adding more art to products for her Zazzle store. She also just entered into a collaboration with another quilt designer for a quilt related project.

If you'd like to read the other 101010 participants' questions and answers, click HERE

101010-VALERIE WELLER featured TODAY

Aloha Friends!  Another fabulous installment in the 101010 (888) project!  Check out Valerie Weller's answer to my question:
What animal would represent your first year in business?

BUSINESS INFO:

http://www.twig2neststudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.twig2neststudio.etsy.com/
www.valerieweller.com (launching soon)
http://pinterest.com/valerie_weller/pins/
https://www.facebook.com/valerie.weller

30 years in the business of art and graphic design

BIO:


Valerie Weller considers herself an art creator, a lover of color, and a seeker…. She has spent most of her life as a graphic designer with a fine art background, yet in the past few years, has been transitioning into developing & creating her own body of work. Her dream is to create, paint, and share her process full time.

Passionate about color, Valerie works in watercolor, acrylic, oil and mixed media. She holds a BA degree in art with a minor in education. After a solid thirty years of running a successful freelance graphic design business, she is now transitioning to create "part two" of her artistic life, in the world of painting. Currently she is developing various works of art in the mixed media category. From small to large paintings in an organic, intuitive style, to art journaling in watercolor, & mixed media, her work continues to express her passion for color and expressive, organic forms.
Valerie shows her work at boutiques, art shows as well as online through her etsy shop, website, and blog. She is working on an e-course/video series in watercolor, based on the wonderful response to her art journaling pages. Valerie loves to connect with people and works to inspire other's to believe in their own gifts. Her hope is to connect through her art, to cultivate and nurture the development of each person's individual "art spirit".
QUESTION:

What animal would represent your first year in business?

Why a bird of course! I laugh, as I say this, because I tend to paint birds into my art frequently, and I am drawn to them in nature. We have many birdhouses in our yard, plants to attract them, and feeders to provide for them. I see them as spiritual little beings, organic in nature, with wings that they trust, to take them along paths, that only they know.
A brief little story- we had a small birdhouse, on a post in our yard for many years. The house was decorative with a very small hole- too small for any bird to nest in, so I thought. The summer before my daughter left for college, a little bird took up residence. I watched from my kitchen window as the poppa bird brought twigs, grasses and clippings to weave a place for momma to have the kiddo's. I watched in amazement. This incredible process came at a most meaningful time of transition in my life. Could it be that this nest was intentionally put there for me to experience?

Three little eggs hatched at the end of summer. I watched three little birds fly off literally, a couple of days before my oldest daughter went away to college. I hold this sweet experience close to my heart, serving as a symbol of the "transitions" we all go through in life- my art process and business, being the current one. Those little birds embodied being brave, knowing when to fly, and trusting the spirit to guide them along the path put forth. Little birds… such meaningful little connectors in my art life.

CURRENT PROJECTS:

www.valerieweller.com (projected launch- July)

an online watercolor e-course (in-process-stay tuned to blog posts for launch date)

SHOWS:

June 23 http://www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org/
June 24 http://www.topangavintagemarket.com/

{w e l l e r :: d e s i g n s}

818.348.0080

If you'd like to see the other participants answers and questions, click HERE

101010 Project TODAY-the FABULOUS STEPHANIE GUIMOND

Aloha Friends, I hope you all are enjoying this project as much as I am. I love the interesting questions and everyone's answers so far.  Today's post features Stephanie Guimond, who I am so happy to call a new friend!  I have been working with Stephanie recently as part of her Get Clear, Get Moving program and I am so, so grateful for her help in getting my ball rolling with my upcoming book, The Inklings.  If you have a stalled project or are feeling at a crossroads, I recommend bookmarking her page to check out Get Clear, Get Moving when it launches soon!  Until then, read on to see how she answers my question:
Question: What animal would represent your first year of business?

Name of business: Stephanie Guimond - Artist, visionary, avid left-brainer

Social media links:
blog: http://www.creativelivingexperiment.com/
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/strawbalestudio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieGuimond.Artist.Visionary.LeftBrainer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/s_guimond
Artist profile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTUIcky8uOU

Years in business: less than 1

Bio:

I'm Stephanie Guimond, artist, visionary and avid left-brainer. I paint, I dream big and I love spreadsheets.

In 2008 I picked up a paint brush for the first time since kindergarten and haven't put it down since. My art, like myself, varies in style and personality from the vintage girly to the unexplainable abstract. The most common theme is visibly the feminine, but I'm always exploring...

Working with materials like acrylics, paper, pastels and ink, I'm drawn to an intuitive and fluid approach to painting where images appear organically before being polished into a finished product. Because of this intuitive nature, pieces are heavily influenced by what I'm living the week, the day or the moment they are created. They reflect a personal story that in an odd way infuses them with a universal quality.

I share my home with hubby and Cassie, our Golden Retriever. I left my 9-5 job last fall to try something different, and spend most of my days working in my guest bedroom turned office/studio creating art and other paid work that supports the life I want to create overall.

I am grateful for the opportunity.
~~~
Question: What animal would represent your first year of business?

Answer: Turtle. Definitely the turtle because even though at some times the journey seems full & chaotic, overall I feel like it's been slow & steady - one action at a time. Sometimes I wish I worked faster, I'm experimenting with pace to see what works best. In the meantime I practice trust that even at my turtle pace I will reach a finish line someday soon so I can move to the next leg of the race.

Current projects: a new Website, growing my business with a new left-brain offering called Get Clear, Get Moving (coming soon!), learning to balance it all in my own way

To read all of the participants questions and answers for today, click HERE

101010-ROBIN NORGREN (AKA OUR FEARLESS LEADER)

We have another installment of the 101010 project, and answering my question, What animal would represent your first year of business?,
today is Robin Norgren, the amazing mastermind behind this project.  A special thanks to Robin for creating, organizing, and bringing this project to life again in Round 2! 

Robin Norgren

Name of business: Robin Norgren Studios



Social media links:

Website: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/robinlnorgren

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellofcreations.myetsyshop


Years in business: 4 years

Brief Bio:

I strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what. I have grown into myself through my love for Jesus and HIS LOVE FOR ME. Art, motherhood, business, creativity and yoga are the cherished vehicles for this deepening. Life can be FULL, JUICY, MEANINGFUL, PURPOSE FILLED, LOVELY. I want to help you come to your fullest life. I create workbooks, ecourses and workshops that chronicle my change and growth and offer you ways to find out what YOUR FULLEST life will be.
What animal would represent your first year of business?



I am smiling as I write this because I was going back and forth between a turtle and a finicky cat that hides under the bed and is easily spooked! I think I will go with the kitty cat. I did not tell anyone about when I started my business on etsy. I was still contending with a serious identity crisis when I first started up in 2009. I was nursing some wounds on some dreams that had died about my life as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy.



I worked toward that goal for almost three years and after two rejections, I just felt aimless. Then low and behold when my husband was deployed with the military leaving me home alone with my two year old daughter… well aimless and lost definitely described me.


So funny how now I look back and realize that allowing that dream to just be what it was – unrealized and tragic – and move into the what is next.. well I can tell you this girl is NO LONGER the skittish kitty cat! More than anything it taught me that it is OK AND NOT ONLY OK BUT POSSIBLE to get a new dream…



Robin Norgren is currently completing her life coaching certification and would LOVE to offer you a FREE 15 minute mini session – sign up for her mailing list here: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com/p/life-coaching.html

101010 Project-THE AMAZING DANI KEITH TODAY

Let's see how Dani will answer my question:

What animal would represent your first year of business?

artist name: dani keith
business name: {dani keith designs}
years in business: 2

blog: http://danikeithdesigns.com/blog
shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/danikeith
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danikeithdesign
twitter: danikeithartist

brief bio:
maker of pretty things. grower of dreams. catalyst for creativity.

dani keith has been creating for a lifetime. in the spring of 2010 she was set up on a blind date with metalsmithing, and she says it was instant, true and deep love at first fusing! {dk} is constantly evolving, and dani is genuinely excited to see where each turn takes her.

artist statement: "I find the beauty in the simple geometry of shape and transform metal into a story that the wearer wants to be apart of"

What animal would represent your first year of business?

an ant…those poor little buggers never stop, and neither did I!

I gave new meaning to chief, cook and bottle washer and I can say that the most identifying feeling I had was exhaustion. After my first year of business I took a really hard look at my practice and my return on investment…what I discovered is that I most definitely worked a lot harder than smarter and that needed to change. The good news is there are a lot of basics that need to be done that first year, but once they are done, they are DONE. I have been able to refine my production and fabrication times, and most importantly I have learned how to say ‘no’ I don’t take every project that I am offered, I set time and space boundaries and most importantly in year two I remembered how to breathe…because breathing is GOOD!

If you'd like to read the answers from all the participants, click HERE

101010-PAULA JOERLING TODAY!

Aloha Everyone!  Today's post belongs to Paula Joerling!  See how she answers the question: 

What animal would represent your first year of business?

Paula Joerling

Name of Business: Paula Joerling Studio

Blog: www.paulajoerling.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Joerling-Studio/218183375864

Etsy Hand Made: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaJoerlingStudio

Etsy Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaJoerlingVintage

Years in Business: I have been a freelance artist in one form or another for 30 years. I have been a freelance illustrator for about 8 years.

A little info: I am a freelance illustrator living in Atlanta Georgia. My designs are primarily used for the gift and tabletop industry. Typically, I work in watercolor and collage and enjoy incorporating fabric, stitched paper and found objects in my art.

Question 3

What animal would represent your first year of business?

It’s hard to remember back that far. It would have to be something that wants to go in a million different directions at once.

Current Projects

“Currently I am working on a series of collage pieces that will make their way to my etsy handmade shop.”

If you'd like to read the other participants answers for today, please click on the names below. Happy Blogging Everyone!

10/10/10 Participants
Laura Otero
1.Is it necessary for your business to line up with your soul purpose? What value is there to having that aligned?
Stephanie Guimond
2. Do you have a business mentor? What values does that offer to your experiences as a business owner?
Shari Sherman
3.What animal would represent your first year of business?
Robin Norgren
4. What business/businesses have you chosen to model your business after?
Dani Keith
5. At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
Paula Joerling
6. What part of your business have you delegated or put on hold in order to focus your energy more efficiently?
Valerie Weller
7. How did you finally decide on the look of your brand? What did the evolution look like?
Phyllis Dobbs
8. Who is that one person you would like to sit and talk with about your business? What would you talk about?

10-10-10 (8-8-8) LAURA CATHERINE

Here's our first 10-10-10 (8-8-8) participant!  Check out Laura's answer to my question below!

Laura is a marketing professional, graphic designer, writer and lover of all things creative living her best life in Charleston, SC. On most days, you will find Laura sharing her artful adventures at LauraCatherine.co, as well as helpful online tutorials, app reviews and design bits of goodness on her MarketingWithLaura.com blog.


Blogging about online marketing has provided Laura an outlet to share much of what she has learned through her years in the online tourism and television markets. Her online marketing journey began in 2005, when she was internet marketing director for her local tourism bureau - when social media was emerging. She also worked in internet sales/marketing for a top NBC station in South Carolina, whose website drew more than 500,000 visitors a month.

In 2010, Laura signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts “Flying Lessons” e-course. She immersed herself into artistic pursuits away from the computer and shares her progress with her readers at LauraCatherine.co.

Laura enjoys art journaling, painting, tweeting, making jewelry, traveling and (of course) blogging. She has been known to hold a craft tweet-up and loves handmade items.
Question 3

3.What animal would represent your first year of business? Shari

This is a tough one! I officially created my LLC in April of 2011 but have been doing freelance design/web work since as early as 2007. During my first few years in business, so much self-growth happened. I guess you could say I was an “eager beaver” at first.

I sometimes (unknowingly) undervalued my work and did not charge others fully for the time spent on various projects. I would accept projects big and small, leaving little time for family and self-care. I had some wonderful clients but also had a challenging experience where I learned the value of creating a business contract before beginning work.

Today, I’m more selective about who I do business with, more careful about the contract side of the work, and more protective of my time. If this sounds a little cautious, it’s because I am more cautious. But on the flipside, I also truly enjoy who I work with and have more balance in my life. I’m hoping my business will continue to grow and flourish, more closely resembling a butterfly or maybe even a dolphin.

Expressive, flowing, with beauty and balance in the everyday happenings of my work.

I have always loved Kelly Rae Robert’s art girlies, and especially love when they have butterfly wings (like this one). I’m drawn to the water and love living in Charleston, which is where dolphins come in. One of my recent paintings was a mermaid (seen on my Twitter background here or here for those reading via mobile) - another way I express my love of the water and the peace and clarity that it brings.

10-10-10 STARTS FRIDAY!

There has been a slight adjustment though...it's actually going to be 8-8-8 this time around.

Which if I'm not mistaken is SUPER LUCKY GOOD in Chinese numerology.

(Whoo-whoo, I'll have an eggroll to that!)

I'm happy to be a part of this project wherein 8 creative women will answer 8 business questions on 8 different blogs.  Each of us has an assigned question as follows and each day we will post a different person's response to our question with our personal answers being on the final day. Get it?  It's okay if you don't, just tune in here for the next 8 business days and check out these amazing women as they answer some interesting creative business questions!

10/10/10 Participants

Laura Otero

1.Is it necessary for your business to line up with your soul purpose? What value is there to having that aligned?

Stephanie Guimond

2. Do you have a business mentor? What values does that offer to your experiences as a business owner?

Shari Sherman

3.What animal would represent your first year of business?

Robin Norgren

4. What business/businesses have you chosen to model your business after?

Dani Keith

5. At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?

Paula Joerling

6. What part of your business have you delegated or put on hold in order to focus your energy more efficiently?

Valerie Weller

7. How did you finally decide on the look of your brand? What did the evolution look like?

Phyllis Dobbs

8. Who is that one person you would like to sit and talk with about your business? What would you talk about?



Flowers from the Universe

We have been getting just the right amount of soaking rain combined with bursts of powerful Florida sunshine to produce these big beautiful blooms from our rosebush. This is the second batch and more are on the way.  The gardenias are blooming too! MMmmmm, I just love the smell of gardenias.

I'm having a great week after starting the Artist's Way session for the summer.  I don't know why I ever stop doing the morning pages because they really do help cut through the muck...probably for the same reason that I stop running.  Nevertheless, I restarted both this past week and I feel energized and on track.

Plus I had a really great coaching/planning session with the wonderful Stephanie Guimond as part of her Get Clear, Get Moving project.  For years, I have been telling the story that I am not good at time management, but after talking with Stephanie, I not only feel like I can easily get my project completed, but that I am also on my way to being a Master of  Time Management!  I'll write more about my project and how this coaching session helped me in a later post.

One new habit that I am incorporating is the use of a timer to track how long I stay on the computer...this simple little trick helps increase my awareness of how much time is spent on the computer.   I set mine for 30-minute intervals.  If I am still working on something, of course, I can finish, but I reset the timer for another 30-minute segment.  If I find at the end of the 30 minutes, I am just surfing about, then I simply log off and re-evaluate what I need to be doing.
If you have time issues, go ahead and give it a try and let me know what you think.

Hope you are having a great week too!

How Do You Fill Up?

I Am...
Super-Powered

Just like a car, you can have the finest engine made, but if you put bad gas in, you will not be running at your optimum performance. (For instance, you never want to get gas from a station where the tanker truck is filling the tanks.  All the sediment in those underground tanks is being stirred up and you have to allow time for that junk to settle before you pump any into your tank.)

I am Super-Powered, and I am grateful to have such a wonderful, group of creative friends who fill my tank with inspiration, encouragement, gratitude, wisdom and
 LOVE.

What are you putting into your tank?