Art Bragging Question #7

Sooo much has happened this last week! I was featured on EBSQ not once, but twice! The first time was for my art blogging on Tuesday and yesterday my Gumdrop Bowl was featured as Art of the Day on the front page! And as if that wasn't enough to tickle me pink for the rest of the month, Lori from Sanderwood Fine Arts Gallery sent me an email asking if I would like to sell my pottery with them!

With all the excitement, I have neglected my art bragging project. So here is question number seven:

7. What new art or business skills have you learned in the last year?

This year I took the Flying Lessons e-course with Kelly Rae Roberts. It was such an amazing experience. I already had a jump start since I have been in business with KoiStudios for the past five years, but there were so many new techniques and ideas that made me approach certain things differently. It also made me realize that I'm not alone in this exciting, overwhelming passion of mine. Many many creative souls share the very same fears and ambition, but just aren't quite sure how to direct these emotions. Kelly guided us flyers in the right direction, UP! She shared tips and secrets that not just any successful artist is willing to hand over. So to answer this question a little more directly I would have to say this:

BLOG

• I learned to post more regularly on my blog. That I should be a little more insightful to my personal life, as well as my art. I also learned that the more you read other blogs and comment, the more you find you have in common with other people. The world is a big place, but the more we connect, the smaller it seems to get.

• I learned how to make a button for my blog! (Thanks Natasha and Kelly!) Now I can redirect more people to my work by sharing my button on myspace, my website, and blog.

NETWORKING.

• This is a very important skill to have and you can do this anywhere. Introduce yourself. Ask people about themselves. Get to know others and you'll be surprised how much they'd like to know you too!

Even though this isn't a business skill, I feel it is important to be recognized.
I learned that I don't have to declare just one medium to be an artist. It's okay for me to be undecided. I am still trying to find my unique style. I believe I have one in painting and sculpture, but I'm still working on it in my photography and pottery. Life is about growing and change and my art will evolve, just like everything else.