Creative Income

 In an effort to return to reality so to speak - where I interact with live people out in the world - and take my cottage industry creations to brick and mortar locations, I am delighted to report the efforts are paying off.

In early summer I had a conversation with a local shop owner who was interested in offering local artists work.  It was kismet of course because I had been looking for a location.

We excitedly exchanged ideas and within a week I was bringing her inventory for a new line of of jewelry and a selection of my images on cards and prints.

July was a terrific month for creativity and sales for me.  I was definitely in the right place at the right time.

As far as the creative process went, I had to create a completely new and different look than I had ever done before.  My client asked for natural looking jewelry that was very different from what she already carried.

From my adequate supply of gemstones and natural cording, I created the first pieces.  Pictured below are two of the necklaces.

I decided to keep it super simple, two necklace designs and one bracelet design, using gemstones, accent beads, and natural cord.
The bracelets are made with memory wire.

 I also decided on a cute name for the line; Earthy Girl, and made my own labels.

The shopkeeper and I worked together on the pricing as I had been out of the loop for quite a while on this subject.

When the July sales reflected the interest in these pieces I took the hour and a half drive to the huge bead warehouse, Shipwreck Beads.  I focused only on what I was currently creating, to keep the expense realistic.

Since our connection, the shopkeeper has recruited a few more local artists and has created a lovely new area of the store for us.  (More photos of that coming soon!).

On Saturday, September 22nd I will be the Featured Artist there.  I will be in the shop all day talking about my art and showcasing my newest work.

This is only one of many terrific avenues for the new pioneer.  Supplemental income has become essential to many who are wanting to live more freely from the hectic 9 to 5 lifestyles.

Anything you know how to do can be turned into income;  house cleaning, organizing, cooking, to selling extra produce from your garden.  You name it, you can turn it into income.

I'll post again to announce the show and share some images of the store displays.

The Return of Cottage Industry

(imported from my former photo blog)
We've become a world of virtual shoppers, virtual communicators and virtual identities.  As an optimist I'd like to think there are still "real" people out there, with real integrity and honest motives.

I loved the movie Jerry MaGuire, where he has had a quantum moment and writes a mission statement about getting back to the real meaning of doing business;  less clients, more quality service.

I've been thinking a lot about my art business and how it has become virtually too virtual.  Most everything I've done in the last couple of years has been online - cyber galleries, websites and facebook promoted.  Sales have been dismal.

Instead of making assumptions like people just aren't buying art because of the current economy, or God forbid, my art just isn't good enough, I've decided it's time to reformat.

 I want to return to a more grass roots, cottage industry operation.  More personal relationships, meaningful service.

In both of my previous brick and mortar galleries, I sold more real art to real people.  They could see the art on the wall, or as greeting cards, tangible, real.

We would talk about their tastes, preferences, collections.  Art isn't just decor, it accents the furniture and surroundings of a home or office.

From the business angle, this idea gives me more control of my business, however it also increases my responsibility to market myself.

In this day and age everyone is a photographer, so we've got to find our niche that speaks for each of us.  Mine has become limited edition prints that are hand signed and numbered, as well as greeting cards, so it just makes sense to return to some of my former strategies for sales and marketing - in the real world.

So as I convert most of my online viewing to private galleries by password use only, I will also be creating a home studio space and a mobile studio that will come right to your door if you live within 60 miles of me.

I also hope to organize a few small local shows and at least one annual open art studio tour for Hood Canal artists.

I have a feeling that I am not alone in this endeavor.  I think other artists are also becoming disenchanted with the virtual world.  

Let's take a step back, regroup, reassess and get more personal.