An interesting connection happened recently. A gentleman in Michigan found my Flickr Photostream online and enquired about how he could go about purchasing some of my work. We’ve been emailing back and forth and it turns out that many of the pieces in which he is interested are no longer available. I directed him towards my Etsy Shop and he did choose the piece in the photograph above along with a custom order request. Yesterday he emailed me a photograph of my piece which is now in his possession. It’s interesting, because once the item leaves my home, I never see it again. I often wonder what people do with my work, how is it used, etc. Accompanying this photograph were several photographs of his beautiful garden. I can rest assured that gorgeous flowers will find a home in my vase. I’m honored that people think my work is a perfect compliment to their lives. It makes me very happy!
Meanwhile, I’ve been experiencing a bit of uncertainty in regards to my art career and if you read my last post, know that I applied for a job last week. Fast forward to a podcast that I listened to on Monday morning while I was out for my run and I had an ah-ha moment. Suzanne Falter-Barnes has a podcast on her blog with Andy Wibbels interviewing Seth Godin about his new book The Dip. It must have been a serendipitous moment, because it was exactly what I needed to hear right at that moment. Basically, in a nut shell, when faced with difficulty in your career (though the concept could be applied to about anything), do you know when to quit, or when to lean into “the dip”? Most successful companies know how to emerge from the dips stronger by being creative and basically just working harder. If it were easy, wouldn’t everyone be a millionaire? While the podcast is really geared towards businesses, as an independent artist, I connected to the discussion.
Seth also talks about being the best in your field - but don’t let that get you down. Best in the field is a matter of knowing your market and product - and there’s room for a lot of different businesses to exceed. For example he talks about the iPod. As a consumer, you either own an iPod or one of the other brands. iPod is a name brand like Kleenex or even Word, yet Microsoft’s MP3 player didn’t achieve stellar star status like the iPod - though it might have if it weren’t trying to play catch up with Apple. Anyway if you’re interested in hearing more, the podcast is free if you visit Suzanne’s blog.
Yesterday evening, I was invited, along with a handful of other artist’s, to Alyson Stanfield’s house to brainstorm book design for her soon to be published new book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No Excuse Guide to Self Promotion. I think Alyson’s newest book will be easy to read and a valuable reference for creative people trying to craft a successful art career. Lisa Call stopped by on the way over to Alyson’s house and we drove up to Golden together. I really enjoyed the drive with her. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk with another artist about the day to day challenges of being an artist in today’s world.
My in-laws left town this morning and I’m planning on spending some time in my studio this morning. For some reason, the humble pinch pot keeps popping into my head right now.
Until Later,
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I agree. It’s cool to see what people do with your artwork… The woman who purchased The Divas from me, sent me a photo of how she displays it in her home. I thought that was great!
Well, you know what I do with your art.. I wear it:)
Also, I liked the art quote on your page today so much that I had to add it that to my secret blog.
Lata…
It’s soo inspiring and helpful to see others works.
That’s why blogs are sooo wonderful. If ya take a look at them, then you’ll see loads of inspiring art. 
I know that sometimes it’s hard to figure out what you want to do when experimenting with lots of wonderful things. I say, go for your dream girl. You will make it! Great post!
*HUGS*
I followed the link to your flickr photostream. Wow, what a talent you are! I love many of the ceramic pieces in your set. I hope someday they’ll be available on etsy so I can buy one (or two). Have a great day in the studio!
Seth Godin’s a great guy to listen to. His blog is a great resource of ideas and clear thinking. Although his main audience is business marketing, I have found that his ideas very often apply to an artist’s career.
Nothing like the proper amount of boot applied to the seat area when you are in a panic, fear induced haze, or numb from feeling too much, is there? I like the way the man said it, but I’ve always thought that the reason to keep on keeping on, is because it’s what you do. Now, I can look at financial gain too. It is nice to share other perspectives with artists and Lisa probably had a lot of good insight for you, too. Good for you Cynthia!
That must have been really cool, Diana! I’m glad you like your earrings too… : ) I tried clicking on your secret blog the other day and it wouldn’t load. I’ll try again.
Thank you Angela for your enthusiasm and kind words!
Thanks Peppa, I really am trying to figure out my style.
Dan, in some ways, I like to read business marketing better than “art marketing”. I’ll check out his main blog.
You’re absolutely right Mary - it all comes down to hard work and not waiting for miracles!
Thanks for helping out with the book, Cynthia. I can’t begin to tell you how valuable that evening was for me!
There really must be something in the air LOL! I so needed to read your blog today.
I don’t mind the hard work, but I don’t think 12 years of a hard slog should result in not much. Obviously I have to change my approach, because whatever I am doing now isn’t working. I will check out your link cynthia and thanks for sharing this with us all.
OH BOY! I went to the link and this is what the dip author said “Winners quit doing the wrong things at the right time.”.
I am definitely going to explore this author more.
I agree with jafabrit…after years of hard work…and thinking “here it is, I’m going to make it!” the race just got extended another 24 miles…and my legs are about to give out. It’s damn hard to keep on keeping on sometimes…but I really can’t think of anything I would rather do with myself…I am an artist…it’s what I do and what I am. Great post!
Can’t wait to see the finished book, Alyson!
I guess sometimes quitting isn’t a bad word. I’m not sure it could even be called quitting, maybe shifting gears. Maybe that should be the title of my new book - How to drive your art career without crashing - LOL!
I agree Heather - I can’t think of anything I’d rather do, so I just have to put my well worn sneaks back on and slog along somemore. Or maybe, I should buy a brand new pair which might enable me to sprint instead… ;D
Re. when to give up and when to keep going: read The War of Art. Seriously. And it’s funny how that old chestnut “it’s darkest before dawn” often applies. So far I’m making enough of an income this year to keep going, even if it’s not as good as last year was. Meantime, it buys me some time to try and figure out a new direction so I can keep going economically. Keep going, Cynthia: your work is good. At the end of the day, it’s the work itself that makes it all worth it, isn’t it?