My New Booth Design

This month has been flying by, I can't believe November will be here this weekend.

I have been in jewelry making mode for the last month or so, building up my inventory for all my holiday shows.

Last weekend I got my show season off to a great start. I had a booth at a fashion show fund raising event, and it was a huge success. It was my perfect target market and everyone was there to shop.

I tried out some new display pieces, and they worked out great. I've needed a new idea for a long time and I am so glad this idea worked.

In my old booth it was very challenging to take jewelry down and put it back up when we had a crowd of people at the table, now it is much easier for me and the customers.

old display

As much as I loved my old display it was really challenging.

New Display

My new display includes the new flat boards, pipe display pieces, and it really emphasizes the industrial hardware theme.

My craft show display has been a work in progress for the last 10 years. Every time I add to it or create a new piece I like it more and more. I think I have finally found the solution to making it easier to show off the items even when it's crowed. 

I have another big 2 day show coming up this weekend and I am looking forward to being able to help customers easier, and hopefully sell lots of pieces.

How has your display evolved over the years?

Create

Cultivate Your Creative Voice

When learning our craft we research ideas, admire other artists work, and get inspired by what we discover.

It is so easy to take an ideas of another artist and recreate it to make it your own, but if you take the time to cultivate your own voice you can create designs that are all your own.

Try these simple ideas to get your ideas flowing:

Take the time to learn about what you enjoy creating. New ideas come out all the time, stay on top of all the new trends and ideas of your medium.

Explore your inner voice. A few minutes of mediation will help you connect with your inner voice. 

Listen to your intuition. Trust those ideas that come to you out of the blue, regardless of how challenging you think it will be to create.

Write / Draw out your thoughts and ideas. Keep a record of all your ideas good and bad, to help inspire future ideas.

Develop the ideas that make you happy. Learn what you need to learn, and take your art in a new direction.

Cultivating your own voice takes a little practice, but once you make it part of your everyday creative process you will discover that the piece you create will come from your heart and not just your head.

How have you cultivated your creative voice lately?

You Never Know Unless You Try

I recently submitted a few sketches to a gallery to be included in an up coming show. I worked on the sketches for a few days, and I kept telling myself I was wasting my time, but when they were complete I hit the submit button and off they went.

After I sent it I did not give it a second thought. I already had it in my head I was not going to get in so I just put it out of my mind.

Well last week I found out that the piece I sketched out was accepted and they want a couple more pieces.

After I read the email I just sat there shocked. I realized the piece I sketched now had to be made in real life and I needed to come up with more ideas.

I am very excited and thrilled to be part of this event. It will take me a couple of months to complete the three piece, they are nothing like the pieces I design for my Etsy shop, but large pieces that will be in a fashion show and displayed in a gallery for 3 months.

The gallery is a beautiful space

Here is a brief video of last years event


2013 ŏn-sŏm' bəl Review from Jim Kirkhoff on Vimeo.


How often do you not participate in creative opportunities because you don't think you have a chance?

Maybe now is the time to put yourself out there and try something you have never done before.  There are a variety of opportunities online and off, you just have to submit your best work and see what happens.

Have you ever just applied to participate in a show, gallery event, or be featured on a blog? How did it work out?

Is It Time for an Update?

It's a new year, and the perfect time to update your marketing materials.

Last year I changed the look of my business, by using new fonts and colors. After a careful study of my target market I knew my branding needed an update.

This was my first logo

This was what it was updated to in 2009

This is my current logo

This change in my logo and all other marketing materials, really gave my business a fresh new look and now is definitely geared more toward the customers that are buying my designs.

There are so many easy changes you can make to update the look of your business. Start with your fonts and colors these are the two easiest ways to make quick updates.

Here are some resources to get you started on planning out your new look.

Click here for more info on this years choices of Pantones 2014 Spring collection

interesting color combination ideas

Font pairing inspiration

Click here for more info

Click here

Click here 

Pull out all your marketing materials (business cards, tags, notes, brochures, catalogs, sales sheets, etc...) and see what simple changes you can make to update your look. Don't forget to make those changes online (shop, social media banners, blog, etc...) you want your brand to look consistent with fonts and colors across the board.

This is the perfect project for the beginning of the year. Once you have completed your new look, start telling people about it via social media. This is a great way to generate some buzz around your business and encourage new people to check out your brand.

When was the last time you updated your brand?

Switch Gears

When you have been working on something for a long time or you're trying to come up with some new ideas and you get stuck, why not try switching gears.

Stop trying to come up with ideas and start with the technical side of your project. Switching to a new task is a great way to get your creative juices flowing, and thinking about the technical side of things will give you a little insight into your working process and help you see new options.

All you need to do is create a list of all the steps involved in what you are working on, down to the littlest details. Then create a flowchart from where you start your project, your action steps, the decisions you have to make, and where you need to stop.

When you are done with your flowchart you should feel the creative juices flowing back, not to mention you now have a tutorial for your project that you could use in the future.

If you really want to challenge yourself create your list of steps starting from the end and working your way back to the beginning.

Working on the technical side of your project is a great way to get inspired.

Have you ever listed all the steps involved in creating your art?

Commitment To Learning

Business and art are always evolving, requiring us to learn new things to stay on top of what is important for our business and our medium.

In jewelry making their are always new techniques for me to learn, and when you are running an online business their is a never ending amount of things coming out often. 

Every week I set aside time to learn something new. I check out new websites, blogs, and books. I believe you can never stop learning, and that it will make me a better artist and blogger.

Question:

What are you committed to learning that will accelerate your personal growth?

Answering this question should give you some insight as to where you want to go with your art and your business. Once you have identified what you want to learn, make a commitment to yourself to make it happen. 

When you have completed that goal, ask yourself the question again and again. It's a question you can ask yourself throughout your career, so you keep learning and reaching your goals. 

Remember Everything

Here is a little tip to help you remember information, learn a new technique, and in the process make your brain a little stronger.

The 3 x 10 technique.

Dr. Douglas Fields a neurologist at the National Institute of Heath who researches memory and learning, discovered that your brain makes a stronger connection to remembering what you are reading, practicing, or mastering something new, to do it 3 times rest for 10 minutes and then do it again.

Do this process as many times as needed until you have mastered what you need to remember.

I use this technique all the time when I need to practice a speech or class notes, and when I try a new technique. I have found if I try something 3 times, take a break and come back to it 3 more times, I figure out the steps I need to take and remember them for next time.

Next time you need to remember something give this technique a try, and in the process make your brain a little stronger!

Would this technique be helpful with anything you need to remember?

Give Yourself Permission

The past couple of weeks have been unproductive for me.  I have not been very motivated to get into work mode, so my days are starting later then usual and I have not been getting everything done that I plan for my day. I might be a little fried after my busiest holiday season ever. I made over 100 pieces of jewelry in a couple of weeks, so maybe I am just being a little hard on myself.

As business owners we always want to be productive and working so we can achieve our goals, but sometimes we just need a break or time off.

What if we gave ourselves permission to start our day late, take a day off, or just surf the web. We might get more done in the end because were not beating ourselves up for the time we are not working.

By giving yourself permission, 

you take away the anxiety and 

frustration you feel about 

not working.

Next time you are beating yourself up for not getting the things done you want to finish try these three things:

• Start your project acknowledging you will need some time to away to regroup.

• Reach out for help in your creative community. Maybe someone you know can give you a hand or advice that will inspire you to stay on track.

• Don't compare yourself to others. Do things on your own schedule. If you are trying to do to much at one time it may be time to step back and reevaluate where your are in the process.

Most importantly give yourself permission to take a break and to take the time you need to do your best work.

Do you give yourself permission to take a break?

Weaving Inspiration

“We all have our own life to pursue, Our own kind of dream to be weaving... And we all have the power To make wishes come true, As long as we keep believing.”
-Louisa May Alcott

Rejection, Failure, and Criticism

During our creative journey we will encounter rejection, failure, and even criticism, and as much as we hate it they are an important part of the creative process.

From each of these encounters there is something we can learn, ideas we can embrace, and ways to grow as an artist.

I remember being rejected for the first time after applying to a juried show. I remember being really mad, but it made me realize that I need to work on photographs which is an important part of the jury process. It took a couple of years but my photos got better and I finally got into that show.

Recently I had a show that did not go well. I made very little money, sweated my butt off in 90 degree temps all day, and even thou there were a lot of people not many stopped to check out my stuff.

I realized that day that my display was lacking in that spark that made people want to stop and look. I have since designed an entire new display with color, and now my display is light and bright. I can't wait to set it up in a couple of weeks at my next show.

When you get a rejections or have a failed project, be upset for a few minutes and then figure out what you can do to make it work. In the end it will make you a better artist!

                         Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest

How do you get past the negatives on your creative journey?

Nothing Is Original

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you a list of the books I was reading over the summer. One of those books is called Steal Like An Artist by Austn Kleon.

One of the chapters in the book is called Nothing Is Original, it got me thinking about design and the design process. In the book he says "What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original."

For me this is a true statement. I am inspired by everyday things I see around me, light fixtures, buildings, unusual objects. When I see these things I break them down in my mind and take the shape of the parts and come up with some of my designs.

I would like to think my ideas are original, but I understand that I am not the first person to create jewelry with hardware and I won't be the last.

The book says that if we are free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and embrace the influence.

What do you think? Is nothing original?

Random Supplies

When I go shopping for new hardware I am like a kid in the candy store. I dig through the boxes and my creative mind goes into overdrive.

my recycle center

Buying hardware by the pound means that everything I see and love goes in the bag. I realized the other day while I was cleaning up my studio in preparation for the busy holiday season, I have lots of things that I loved when I saw it but once I got it home could not figure out how to make it work.

some hardware on standby waiting for a creative spark

I'm sure that as time goes on, one day I will find a use for all the random hardware I have purchased. Sometimes I just need to see it 2, 3, or maybe 4 times before the ideas start clicking.

Have you ever purchased things you have never used?

Let Nature be Your Guide

Nature is so inspiring. The beauty of flowers, mountains, water, trees, and plants, can calm the mind and inspire new ideas.

When you are walking through nature you want to take in all the details. You look at things close-up, pick things up, use all your senses to absorb in your surroundings and see new things.

Nature is full of colors, textures, shapes, and an endless source of inspiration. 

Why not look at everything like you look at nature and expand your inspiration well.

Your favorite restaurant, the store, old cars, or even the side of a building can offer the same source of inspiration as you find in nature. You just have to treat everywhere you go as if you were walking through the park.

Just like when you happen upon a beautiful flower that your want to smell, touch, and see all the details, you can do the same at your favorite restaurant. Check out the flooring, fixtures, fabrics, even the way they present your meal. All of these thing can be a great source of inspiration.

Taking your time on your daily travels can inspire new ideas, as you take in all the details around you.

Inspiration is everywhere, let nature be your guide to new ideas.

What is your favorite source of inspiration?

Constraints

Over time creating  becomes easy, and we are able to create our items quickly and efficiently. 

When you are ready to take your artwork to the next level it may be time to create some constraints for yourself. It sounds contradictory, but when it comes to creative work, limitations mean freedom.

Did you know that when Dr. Seuss wrote Cat in The Hat he used only 236 words, and as a challenge his editor bet him he could not write a book with only 50 words. Well Dr. Seuss won that bet writing Green Eggs and Ham which is one of the best selling children's book of all time.


When I started creating jewelry I used every convenience I could to make the process of creating my pieces easy. As I perfected my skills, I needed more challenges and I stopped using certain items and creating them myself.

When I was creating my sterling silver art jewelry, I was only working with wire and sheet metal. I created my own ear wires, chains, clasps, and other findings. It challenged me creatively and those challenges made me create some of my best work.

When I started creating with the hardware, I had even more constraints. The hardware is a set shape, a shape I usually cannot change, and trying to come up with interesting wearable ideas is always my challenge. I love this about hardware and this has been the most inspiring material I have worked with yet.

Constraints can be inspiring. 

What kind of constraints can you create to be inspired and grow as an artist?

DIY Friday

I love to make cards during the holidays and for gifts. When you make cards yourself you can personalize them and make them look exactly as you want. Here are a few tutorials for creating your own cards and envelopes. These idea are perfect for personalized Mothers Day cards.

gift cards and envelopes

Pop up Cards

Watercolor card ideas

This link has lots of great ideas

What is your favorite type of card to make?

Fill Your Jar

When you get stuck trying to come up with an idea, or need a little inspiration, don't you wish you had ideas written down and ready to go?

You can!

Use those times when you are full of ideas and inspiration, to sit down and write down all your ideas. Write down everything, ideas you want to try, inspiring quotes, project you want to start, color combination, creative ideas, other mediums you want to work with, and whatever inspiration comes your way.

You should write down your inspired ideas every time you get them and start keeping them in you Jar of inspiration.

Find a pretty jar, box, or container, or decorate one, and start filling it with your ideas. Make sure your jar is big enough for all you ideas.

Here are some decorating ideas to get you started.

Decoupage

Paint

fabric covered

Every time you are stuck or need some inspiration pull out a slip of paper from you Jar of Inspiration, and let the idea inspire you. Sometimes all you need is a word, a color, or a completely new idea to rejuvenate your creative process.

What do you do when you need a boost of inspiration?

Spring Trends Inspirations

I try to come out with a new collection two or three times a year. It's fun for me to come up with new styles that will work for the season, and all the new pieces are a nice addition to my shop.

This season their are so many fun trends for Spring and Summer 2012, perfect inspiration for designing a collection.

Color Blocking

Bold Prints

The color  tangerine

Metallic's

This is a short list of this seasons trends, but everything is bold, bright and lots of fun.

I added two new collection to my Etsy shop this season. The Hardware in Bloom collection and Hardware Colors, both inspired by this seasons trends.

What is you favorite trend this Spring & Summer? 
Do you design collections around the trends of the season?

Join me for Inspired Success Week - April 16 - 20

Do You Have All the Tools You Need?

Sometimes we don't have all the tools or skills we need to get the job done. If you ask around maybe a friend could lend a helping hand or suggest an idea, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to have everything you need when you need it.

Learning a new skill or to use a new tool is a great way to get inspired, since you will gain a new perspective on your materials and process. Plus learning from other creative people opens you up to new ideas and creative opportunities.

To get started on determining what you need to learn or experience, create a list.

Start with a list of all the skills you know a little about but wish you knew more, and all things you would like to learn that would help you create amazing art.

Next review your list. Next to each items on your list add names of friends, other artists, classes, or organization that could help you learn the skills you need. Be as detailed as possible the more information you have the easier it will be to get started.

Then number your list in order of importance. Starting with the most important thing on your list that will benefit you and your creative process.

Now get to work! Contact who you need to contact to get started on learning the necessary skill that is number one on your list.

What is stopping you? The more you know, the more creative you can be. Don't let the fear of not knowing a skill or how to use a tool stop you from creating new and inspiring art.

What new skill or tool do you want to learn?

Pretty Packages

I love to get packages in the mail.

The experience of opening the package is just as exciting as what's inside. 

Why not make your packing materials and promotional pieces an important part of your brand and a memorable experience for your customers.

Here are some easy tips for creating that experience:

Your branding should be represented throughout all your package. Have your packaging materials, business cards, and thank you cards all have the same look.

Wrap your item. There is nothing more exciting then unwrapping a package, so wrap your item(s) so they feel like a gift.

Add a personal touch. A thank you note, a special quote, smile faces, something that the customer will remember, making them a happy repeat customer.

Go the extra mile. If you have to raise your prices or shipping cost a little to create a memorable experience it's worth it. 

Be Unique. Brainstorm a few ideas, find your unique voice and let it come through in every package you send.

It took me a while to find my way with my packaging, but I am really happy with the results. It requires a little prep work, and I try to do a whole bunch of cutting at one time so everything is ready to go when I need it (especially during the holidays).

  

Supplies for packing a box

Inside the package

Package ready to be shipped

It's worth the extra work, have had a few customers who have shared how much they enjoy opening up their jewelry. 

However your choose to package up your items, it does not have to be expensive or time-consuming, just offering thoughtful ideas with a little fun is all you need to create a memorable experience.

Have you received any memorable packages lately?