Well, I just have to post this on my blog because it is a message of encouragement to anyone that is trying to start their own business in this economy.......if you don't get anything out of this message today, I hope you will remember these 2 simple things: #1. Don't give up!!!...#2. The support of good friends that believe in you are vital to keep you positive.
There will be times (more than once I might add) that you will question yourself, 2nd guess yourself, and wonder why in the world that you chose to start your own business. I am sure that is true for whatever business it is that you are starting. I just happen be following my passion for Art. Now, it is best not to lie to yourself and think you will be become a millionaire within a year, a wonderful dream mind you, but you must be realistic.
In the self-taught Artist Realm as myself, you must really battle the negativity thought patterns and messages that you give yourself like ...."oh, I'm not that good"....."man, my work looks so elementary compared to....", and so on. You have got to train your brain to try something new, maybe a new technique, a new medium, a new subject form, or maybe even a new material to paint on. But, don't make yourself crazy trying so hard to better than someone else, that is the wrong approach altogether. Why was it that you painted in the first place?....oh, because it was fun, and enjoyable? and you liked the result of your finished work. Keeping your focus simple lets your creativity flow almost effortlessly. Dare to imagine what you could put on that blank canvas, or that slab of rock, or whatever surface you are wanting to express your creativity on. What matters is express your creativity, and let the chips fall where they may.
I like different types of art...contemporary, realistic, graphic, whatever....I love to see the creativity others as well. I try to create art that is practical and useful somewhat, like trivets, Wooden Shabbat Candle Holders and accessories, special hand-painted gift boxes, or whatever someone might come up with that they would like to have hand-painted. But, I don't limit myself to just that....I like painting on rocks, and canvas' that are not so practical but brings beauty to someones home, office and life. I have also spent 7 years being an Arts and Crafts Director for our synagogue's Children's Camp in which I painted a Special Theme Painting according to the Teaching Theme of that particular camp time. I usually painted the full painting at home but, it became a "progressive piece of work" as I taught the message with the crafts of the day, but each individual camper added something to the painting before camp was over for that year.
Well, all that said....first of all I must mention that a relationship with G-D has added an awesome dimension to my art in creativity, and subject matter. So, get out there find ways to be creative, and use those ways to learn about yourself your strengths, weaknesses, what you like or don't like and why you like or dislike something in art, find ways to build up your knowledge and experience..and your weaknesses will not be as prominent.
When, you get out there connect with other Artists, no matter whether you both do that same type of art or painting, you have Art as your common ground and connection, so learn from each other!! Connections are a huge part of having a business...you may connect with people that are not Artists, but love art and want to help you get your work out there to bee seen by those who do want to buy your artwork. This particular blog post is to give you a first hand, real live account of how connections are very important.
This has just recently happened to me, so who know how G-D will open a door for you as well. On a side note, I have friend that is also a business owner that makes faux pastries. She has been my encourager, and critic, and has went the extra mile for me, by featuring a "Boutique Artwork Project" that I completed on her website. I haven't even made it to the point of having a website as of yet, but, she was willing to give me space on her website so that I could have professional exposure for my work.
Now, down to the focus of this post. I have also made a connection with other friends from synagogue, a couple that is so sweet. I became friends with Meg an Occupational Therapist for Special Needs Children, through sharing info. on teaching Shabbat School. I teach the higher grades, and she teaches the lower grades. As we talked, and she become aware that I am an Artist, she wanted me to paint a couple of slab rocks that she had in home. After I completed the work, she and her husband Ken, was so amazed and loved my work. One of those rocks was to be a gift to Meg's sister. Meg's sister received her gift and loved it. I since then, have done a trivet for Meg advertizing her business. But, that is not all!!! Ken, is an Attorney and has a Business with Store Front Windows. Ken told me that he would love for me to put my work in his Store Front Windows and he would make sells for me!!! After a few months has past, I told the couple that I would like to take him up on his offer....they were overjoyed!!
After getting the measurements I set to work in designing how I would like to display me product. Ken and I set a date for me to come and set the window up. With the help of my youngest son Josh, we set to work, cleaning the windows, and filling them with my Hand-Painted Artwork products.
Here are some pics that I took afterwards:
In talking with Kenneth Johnson the business owner of the store front, his business by the way is just about 2 doors down from a really good Mexican Food Restaurant, which means there is a lot of foot traffic of people passing by these windows everyday. Not mention the fact that Ken knows a lot of the business owners in and around his business that he will be putting the words out to them about my work as well. Oh, here is 2 things that are like icing on the cake....#1. Ken had 2 friends that had came to visit him while I was setting up the windows, after finishing everyone went out front to take a look to see what it looked like from the street all finished....each of those friends bought a piece of my work!!! (So, the gold matchbox was sold, and the "On Eagles Wings" Rock was sold....I can do another gold matchbox, but the that rock was original). #2. Ken, has in mind to talk to his friend the Tea Room owner to see about placing some of my "Boutique Style" pieces in their Tea Room to boost sales!!!
WOW!!!...now that is what "Friends That Believe In You" can do in your humble beginnings to help get you started. So, be encouraged, don't give up!! Make connections!!! You will be glad that you did!!!
Note:
If you by chance happen to see something that caught your eye, and are wanting to purchase it...just contact me.
"Judaic Expressions and More"
phone: 972-896-2499
e-mail: judaicexpressionsandmore@ymail.com
or "Like" "Judaic Expressions and More" on Face Book, and send a message.
Looking forward to doing business with you!!
Shalom and Blessings!!
Deborah (Kattner) Ballard
