Be sure to put "Smile Breaks" in your day…
Today I was working and emailed Craig something I had finished. (Craig is my boyfriend / significant other – whatever you are supposed to call that all-important person who you aren’t married to in your 40′s…) Anyway, I digress…
He replied that he of course liked what I had done (why be with someone who doesn’t like your art?) and sent me the following message:
“I think you need a break. Take 6 minutes and at least check this out. I think it will amuse you.”
Well it did and I wanted to share it with you as well. Taking breaks during your day to just sit back and smile, laugh or zone out is important! I hope this makes you smile as well!
I think the only 2 I haven’t danced to were the jig at 4 minutes 50 seconds and the “Shoulder to Shoulder” at the end… perhaps my age is showing!
Here’s to your creative success and miles of smiles along the way!
– Tara
Are you working with luke-warm water or steam?
I just got back from my Teleseminar Secrets Reunion for the class I just took with Alex Mandossian in San Francisco — it was amazing! 2 days in a room filled with 185 people moving forward, doing new projects, optimistic and successful. I didn’t sleep well last night — all the notes, doodles and things I want to implement and work on swimming around in my head.
We saw a video that I absolutely loved and found inspiring. It’s call 212 degrees. Taking water from cold to hot to steam can make such a huge difference in what the water can achieve. That last degree that takes it from boiling to steam is the key! Are you there? Are you working with steam? Or are you playing around in tepid water in the kiddie pool?
I think in some seriously hot water (in a good way!) but not sure I’m ‘steaming’… today I’ll be looking at that and figuring out how to get there and stay there.
Here’s the video — I hope it inspires your day, your week, your business!
~ Tara
What kind of Glue can keep you from going Crazy?
I have a new friend, Mary Foley, and I find her delightful! We haven’t met physically but I consider her a friend none the less. I met her through the teleseminar class I’ve been taking and we ended up in a Mastermind Group together. (Do you know what that is? It’s like a business networking / brainstorming group)
Mary used to be a big-wig at AOL in their growth days and now inspires women to be Bodacious! through live talks, books, a blog, a talk radio show and a very cool membership program “Live Like Your Nail Color Club”. I’m on her email list and always giggle at what she has to say while reminding myself that YES! I’m pretty darn bodacious and better not forget it! Her website is www.GoBodacious.com and her blog site is www.MaryFoley.com
Well, on February 11th she do a blog post that really spoke to me. The title is, “Rather than a Boyfriend or Husband…” Like me, Mary is in her 40′s, divorced, and thinks that calling her “special someone” a “boyfriend” feels a little weird. So she came up with a new label: CRAZY GLUE. Why? Because he’s crazy ’bout her and she’s stuck on him. FUN!
In Mary’s membership program, she interviews women each month and sends her members and uplifting and inspiring CD, along with her own nail polish, that goes along with the interview. February’s color was, you guessed it “Crazy Glue Love” and the interview was about relationships and she and her ‘Crazy Glue’ were the interviewees.
All this talk of CRAZY GLUE got me to thinking… and my mind started taking the concept past romantic relationship. Who is your glue when you are feeling a little crazy? Do you have a good support system to cheer you on in the good times and remind you of how amazing you are when you forget? People to keep you grounded and balanced and full of joy?
I have my family, my friends, a community of artists. But I have two very important “Crazy Glue” people in my life, my son and my boyfriend, oops! I mean my “Crazy Glue”. They are my rocks. I know that no matter how crazy I may sound, act or feel, they love me and support me unconditionally. See the picture of me and my glue and be sure to notice my beautifully nails — painted in Mary Foley’s Crazy Glue Love!
Think about who your main crazy glue people are and take a minute to acknowledge and thank them. Behind every good artist are some great people cheering them on. Here’s to you and your glue!
~ Tara
P.S. Need a little more “Bodacious!” in your life? Check out Mary’s book, Bodacious Woman: Outrageously in Charge of Your Life and Lovin’ It!
Passion, Values, Beliefs… oh my!
Do you ever feel like following your passion leads you into the Haunted Forest like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz? If you grew up in America, I’m guessing you know what I’m talking about and your inner 5 year old is shaking in his or her boots! Flying monkeys, trees that talk and grab you, that’s scary stuff!
In a perfect world, being able to ‘follow your passion’ should look more like a bed of roses, right? But in reality, I bet you’ve had those days where you want to click your heels together, put down your art supplies and get a mind-numbing job. It’s both rewarding and nerve-wracking to follow your dream.
When you follow your dream, you put yourself out there. Sometimes issues and insecurities creep up on you. Or maybe limiting beliefs hold you back. “You have to have connections to succeed.” “You aren’t bad but you’re no Picasso.” “You’re selling out” — any of those sound familiar?
Last week I was interviewed by Paula Harvey of www.DesigningaPassionateLife.com. She has a great blog you could turn to in times of mental crisis. Better yet, check it out and avoid the crisis! Short reminders and new perspectives about how to get over thoughts that hold you back, nurturing yourself, how the words you use can affect your mental game and more. I recommend you check it out!
In the 30 minute interview, we talked about my ‘crossroad moment’ in 2004 when I was getting divorced and needed to decide between following my passion or getting a traditional job. We also talked a little about Art Licensing. If you want to listen to it, click here.
In my opinion, the most important thing to remember when you feel stuck in the Haunted Forest is this: things probably aren’t as bad as they seem and this too shall pass. Also remember that EVERYONE visits the forest from time to time so don’t beat yourself up about it, k?
Here’s to you! ~ Tara
Do you have the right circle of friends to support you in building your business?
Friends. Gotta have them. Most people have a variety of friends.
Your childhood friends who remind you that you used to have no fashion sense when you seem to be getting a little big for your britches.
Your work friends who share idle gossip at the water cooler, or in my case, on Twitter.
Your neighborhood friends who will lend you milk or get your groceries when you are snowed in…
You get the idea, you’ve got friends! Online friends, offline friends and some that are in between. In your social life, feel free to hang out with anyone you want.
But when it comes to mixing friends and your business, I want you to take a cue from Goldilocks and get a bit particular… (you remember Goldilocks, right? Bears… this porridge is too hot… this porridge is too cold… are you with me?)
You will find you have a few friends who think you walk on water. Everything you create is the most amazing thing they have ever seen! You are spectacular! How lucky you are to be you! Call these friends when you have pangs of doubt, that is when they will do their best work — to build you up and keep you going.
You may have friends who never have anything good to say. “Negative Nellie’s” I like to call them. I hope you don’t have many, if any, because I’m really not sure what good they will do you.
Now to the friend who can really be of use when you are building your business: the friend who pushes you to do more, they are the friends that will help propel you to greatness!
Well, “Dave the Painting Guy” is one of those friends. (DaveThePaintingGuy.com) He’s an “online friend” — met him on Twitter. I think he has a relative who lives near me so one day I may meet him offline as well. We “met” and he joined my newsletter. Shortly thereafter, he emailed me and asked if I knew how ugly the format for my newsletter was. (Not in those words, I’m paraphrasing.) Why didn’t I do “XYZ” and make it look better.
Of course I knew it was ugly. But it remained ugly for a few months for two reasons:
- The people who taught me about this whole internet marketing told me to keep it that way, and
- when I tried to figure out how to make it better, I would get distracted before figuring it out.
So Dave’s email made me make it a priority and better yet, he helped me figure it out! Now THAT is a really good friend to have, not only do they kindly nudge you but they help too!
Dave left me alone for a few months and then today, I got another email. Here is exactly what he wrote:
So I says to myself, when I opened the newsletter, “That header could use a drop shadow…”
He also very kindly included the new version of my newsletter header that he wants to see. How great is that! (If you get my newsletter, you will see it next Wednesday.)
Thank you Dave, for always pushing me and helping me to improve! Thank you as well for making me think about the kinds of friends I have, the kind of people I hang out with, and how they can help or hinder my business.
I have many friends that fall into this helpful category that I consider myself truly blessed. I hope you take a moment to think about your friends and decide if they are helping or hindering your efforts.
Here’s to great friends!
~ Tara
P.S. Sign up for Dave’s newsletter and he’ll email you when he’s painting live online… it’s pretty cool to see! Go to his site at: DaveThePaintingGuy.com
What do you choose for you?
On November 4th, America made a choice.
We chose a new president, as we do every 4 years, this year choosing the first African American. We chose members of Congress, voted on local measures and local government.
Let me tell you a story about a choice I made on November 4th. This has nothing to do with voting, but with personal choices.
After some crazy months of travel, family visits and work, during which time I let my personal exercise habits slip into oblivion, I have begun exercising again.
I am friends with my personal trainer, Marcie. She watches my son when I travel — and works him out — he loves it! She and her husband have recently opened their own gym in Portland, Oregon and have asked for my help with branding and marketing. In exchange, I am getting back in shape.
I was very resistent at first to what she wanted me to do. Marcie made no bones about the fact that she wanted hard work, and lots of it, for the first month. Explaining that if I really committed, I would see major changes and then we could get to more of a ‘maintenance’ situation.
“Where are these hours coming from?” I would ask. I work a lot. And I have a son. And a boyfriend. And a house, friends, family. Let’s not forget that I enjoy sleeping.
Finally I realized that I was making up all kinds of excuses and that if I didn’t change what I was doing, I wouldn’t change my results. I have no problem doing 200% to build my business, why put so little into my health?
I told her that I would “surrender to her will” for a month, then re-evaluate. I would do what she asked without complaint and without excuses. She has taken full advantage of that promise, let me assure you! And I am happy to say that 2 weeks in, I am seeing results.
Not only am I changing my actions, but I’m working hard to shift my inner dialog. Where before I would joke and say “Off to be brutalized by the trainer!” now I say, “I’m off to become fit and strong!”
Now to my “A-HA” moment on election day…
I was SO TIRED! Every cell of my being was tired. On November 3rd she had me work out two different times in the day. Where I would ‘normally’ do a 30 minute workout, that day I did a total of 75. That is a shock to this little eco-system, let me assure you!
And on the 4th, I was there at 7:30 am. Tired. She didn’t really care. We did some weights. We chatted about nutrition. Then she told me, “You need to do 35 minutes of cardio today.” She thought I should do it then, but if I couldn’t, I HAD to get to the gym later in the day.
I decided I better do it right away or I’d surely find and excuse not to do it later. (“Know thyself” is key!) About 5 minutes into my workout, I didn’t think I could go on. I mean, I was at a breakdown point, at the brink of tears. Was this worth it? I should just throw in the towel.
THEN I MADE A CHOICE.
NO! I said to myself. I promised myself that I would commit to getting as strong and healthy in my body as I’d worked to be in my mind and my business. I went through a mantra for the next 30 minutes that made all the difference. (At the 8 minute mark I went from ‘breakdown’ to ‘break through’ — thank goodness!)
I said “I CHOOSE…” statements in my mind.
I CHOOSE…
- to be healthy
- to be strong
- to stay committed to what I value and believe in
- to think the best of people unless they prove otherwise
- to trust my intuition
- to keep a positive attitude
- to do what it takes to overcome obstacles in my path
- to be grateful each and every day
- … and on it went until my time was up.
What do you choose for your life? Your business? Your future?
When things seem insurmountable, or when things are going great, make a point to think about what you are choosing and take the actions needed to get the results you want!
Here’s to you! ~ Tara
P.S. I took a very nice and very needed nap that afternoon!
Who else needs a "But Reduction"?
I’m not talking the ‘butt’ you sit on when you work, eat or watch TV… I’m talking about a much more dangerous “BUT” that lives in your mind and can stop you dead in your tracks.
We all have them… one of the “But“s I’ve been battling sounds like this:
“I know I need to exercise more BUT where will I find the time? I’m so busy with work, my son and my house.” This BUT has left me with less energy and weaker muscles.
Or does this sound familiar? “I really should have a date night with my spouse BUT we are so stretched with all the kids activities that we just don’t have time.” This BUT can cause trouble in a marriage.
Of course this blog is about your art business so let’s take a look at some of the dangerous BUTs lurking in the mind of an artist. Here are some things I’ve heard…
I could have a successful business…
- BUT I don’t have a brother who is a marketing wiz.
- BUT I have 3 kids and don’t have enough time to create.
- BUT you have to have connections to succeed.
- BUT my husband/wife doesn’t support what I’m doing.
- BUT the economy is so bad no one is paying artists what they are worth.
- BUT my agent isn’t working hard enough.
- BUT I don’t have an agent.
Get the idea? Well… you have a choice to make.
- Sit on your Butt attached to your “BUT”s and you will continue to get the results you are getting, or
- Change your results by changing your actions and find a way around your “BUT”s once and for all!
Don’t have a spouse or relative who is a marketing wiz? Learn it, hire someone or find an agent.
Have a busy life – full of kids, dogs, friends, whatever? Decide if building a business is really important to you — where there’s a will, there’s a way. Block out time and stay committed. A little action every day will get you closer to your dream than making excuses.
Think you have to be born with connections to succeed? Nope. Not true. You can make connections if you have a phone, a computer or two feet to walk around trade shows to talk to people. It might help your confidence to have a few connections before you begin but it isn’t necessary.
Do you believe the economy is stopping everything? Go to a store, you will see people and they will be buying things. Maybe not as much as some other years, but all is not lost. A bad economy just means you have to be that much more creative to survive. Think outside the box. But I guarantee you — if you just listen to the news you will soon believe the world is about to implode and everyone will die of starvation. Times are tougher but they aren’t over.
All of your feelings are valid, because you are feeling them. BUT… are you going to let them stop you? I hope not. Look at what you are telling yourself and see if you can’t find a way around it. I have complete faith that you can — do you?
~ Here’s to your bright and creative future!
Tara
P.S. If the sales part, or interacting with manufacturers, is one of your roadblocks, help isn’t far away! My eBook, “How to Find, Interact and Work with Manufacturers who License Art” is almost done. Join my newsletter to be among the first to know when it is ready. CLICK HERE
Five art ramblings that might be of use…
Today I’m in a sharing mood. This is a random collection of things that I have learned while building my business. Some have cost me money so maybe I can save you some. Some are just interesting -because they are frustrating when you don’t know them and so obvious once you do. I’m going to “type out loud” so let’s see what comes to mind… ready?
#1: DON’T USE SYMBOLS IN FILE NAMES.
Although you can use symbols (#, %, etc) when saving files on a Mac, PC’s don’t have a clue. This little tid-bit cost me about $50 in shipping fees and some serious angst on both my and my clients end.
They kept calling saying, “We can’t open this one file. They can’t open it at the factory either.” I would double check, could open it no problem, resend… same problem. What was up???
Finally someone noticed my file name and figured it out:
TreeSkirt48″-TaraReed.psd
That ” symbol made it incomprehensible to the PC.
#2: SAVE ON SHIPPING
In this modern world, sometimes we can get around spending lots of money on overnight shipping. Here are some ideas:
- See if your client will give you an account number (FedEx, UPS, DHL) if they request things quickly. I have found that they will if you ask and may not think of it if you don’t. If they are the ones in the hurry, perhaps they should foot the bill.
- YouSendIt.com Even if your client doesn’t have their own FTP site, you can send large files electronically for free. If you want to send more than one at a time, there is a fee, otherwise just send 4 separate files individually for example.
- If you have a Mac, get a “MobileMe” account. Included with an account (the account formerly known as “.mac”) you get what they call an “iDisk” — a virtual storage space, just for you! For $99 / year I have more than saved in time, money and good will. I can get files to a client in minutes if need be. (Assuming they too, have a Mac, I haven’t been successful getting PC people into my iDisk) For more information, head here: MOBILE ME / iDISK INFO
#3: SAVE IMAGES IN RGB COLOR MODE FOR THE WEB, EMAIL ATTACHMENTS & PHOTO LABS
Have you ever taken an image, from Photoshop™ let’s say, and then watched the colors completely change when you “save for the web” or add them to a blog or some other web application.
Have you ever created cool photo/art composites and wanted to have them printed, only to be told by the lab that they “Don’t support CMYK”?
Without going into a color lecture, I’ll tell you that email attachments, websites and photo processors all want RGB color mode. Always check the requirements before spending a lot of time perfecting your art, postcard, business cards or web images — the change between the two modes can make a big difference. (Especially in blues for some reason…)
#4: IF SOMEONE DOESN’T CALL YOU BACK, IT DOESN’T MEAN THEY DON’T LIKE YOU
I know! I know! Sounds obvious… but you know what? Art is very personal! It’s not like selling nuts & bolts — your art is a reflection of you — you pour your soul in it and it is scary to put yourself out there for all to see. It can feel like walking down the street in your underwear you feel so exposed some days. I get it — I’ve been there and take return visits every so often.
I would like to put your mind and ease and tell you — it’s not you, it’s them. The people you want so desparately to talk to about licensing your art are very busy people. With a long list of people wanting their time. Maybe your art isn’t a good fit for them — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good art. Just be patient and if you feel like there was interest but haven’t heard back, pick up the phone and give them a call!
#5: IF YOU STOP CREATING AND STOP TALKING, YOUR BUSINESS WILL STOP
Again, obvious I know! I just thought I’d throw it in there. You can’t build a business sitting in your pj’s thinking about what you want to create and what products you want to see your art on.
You can build a business, sitting in your pj’s taking action. Take action every day.
Create. Connect. Thrive! This is what I wish for you…
~ Tara
P.S. If you need help, head to my site and see what eBooks are now available. I’ve been taking lots of action and doing lots of writing these days! www.ArtLicensingInfo.com
Forget Surviving – I plan to PREVAIL!
Well… it’s finally happened. I’ve had enough and it’s time for a therapeutic rant.
While talking with my friend Brenda this morning, she made a comment that has stuck with me all day: “Don’t survive, but prevail.”
Wow! That’s powerful! That’s from a position of weakness to a position of strength. Let’s say it again and make sure you got it:
Don’t survive, but PREVAIL!
Yeah! In the good ol’ American way and by the power vested in my by Quiet Riot, WE AIN’T GONNA TAKE IT… ANYMORE! Sing with me:
oh We’re Not Gonna Take It
no, We Ain’t Gonna Take It
oh We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore
we’ve Got The Right To Choose And
there Ain’t No Way We’ll Lose It
this Is Our Life, This Is Our Song
we’ll Fight The Powers That Be Just
don’t Pick Our Destiny ’cause
you Don’t Know Us, You Don’t Belong
oh We’re Not Gonna Take It
no, We Ain’t Gonna Take It
oh We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore
oh You’re So Condescending
your Gall Is Never Ending
we Don’t Want Nothin’, Not A Thing From You
your Life Is Trite And Jaded
boring And Confiscated
if That’s Your Best, Your Best Won’t Do
So what am I not going to take anymore? Here’s my list:
- Feeling out of control because of the financial mess in this country
- Putting up with the Orphan Works nonsense… I’m calling my Representatives!
- Not getting paid money that is due — no, sorry, not taking “too bad, we’re going out of business and your contract won’t be a priority — I’m sending demand letters. Getting in line and fighting for what is mine.
- Believing the doom and gloom on the news — I make my reality and dang it, I’m going to make it good! Like a big, hot brownies with fudge and whipped cream on top good — that good!
I’m armed with a paintbrush and I’m dangerous to the nay-sayers.
Forget Texas, don’t mess with Tara!
Join me in my revolt against chaos, negativity, getting stuck in the muck and mire, weighed down by the mass consciousness that all is lost.
I’m going to battle limiting beliefs! (with the help of Brenda – check her out here)
I’m going to remember that “THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS!”
Let’s start a creative revolution — the world needs art to make it smile, laugh and have hope — now more than ever. Turn off your tv, tune into your passion and potential to spread joy.
Let’s start a ‘PREVAIL-UTION’!
~ Tara
P.S. Images ©TaraReedDesignsInc — these ain’t no Orphans! Contact me if you want to use them. 
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