It's Really Hard Trying to Learn New Stuff...

...actually I wouldn't know because the universe has been conspiring to keep me from learning anything this week.  Last week I was told that my websites are dated and that I should learn WordPress.  I also finally watched the introductory tutorial on Illustrator and realized I needed to learn that too.  I had it all planned out that this week I was going to crack down and teach myself both - Illustrator first and then WordPress.

Well the best laid plans of mice and Rian, right???

First, I'm dealing with a flood at a friend's house.  A friend's house, you say?  If it's at a friend's house why are you dealing with it with it, Ri??  That would be because I am watching their house while they are on vacation for 5 weeks so it's up to me to handle this or they will come home to a mold infestation of epic proportions!!  Problem is their property management company is the lamest ever so I have spent untold amounts of time running down workers and meeting them so that they can do the minimum amount of work possible for a human being to do and satisfy the problem.  Not...fun..at all.

Second, I sent out a little call for work last week when I found out my unemployment was not going to be extended.  (And that's a whole 'nother story that I shan't bother you with....grrrr!)  As a result I have little projects up the wazoo this week.  Every day this week I have had at least 10 to 15 checklist items. 

The good news is some of those checklist items included finishing my Black & White series (check!); posting them to my Gallery, my FB page, and setting up an ImageKind account to sell them (check, check, and check!); scanning my pet sculpture pics and posting them to my Gallery and FB page (check and check!); and finishing a 12" x 24" piece (Okay no check on this one.  Give me a break - I'm not perfect!)

Other items included work that will actually pay me money so I can't really put that off to teach myself stuff that will potentially get me work but in the meantime...checklists!  I'm so creative, aren't I???  Hahahaha!

Cheers!!

Why Do I Think Myself to a Virtual Standstill?

So I've been kind of trapped by my own OCD/ADHD tendencies (and the World Cup) over the past few weeks.  I have so many things that I want to get done that I feel I need to get done - set my images up on MYOWS.com for copyright management and protection, set up an ImageKind account, finish my ETSY store, read up more on using the Internet to market my work, keeping up with artist community sites, etc, etc.   None of this stuff should take too long but I have this need to know how it's all going to work together before actually publishing anything so I've kind of stymied myself!! 

I know, I know - I shouldn't be so hard on  myself and I'm sure some of you (my many readers - hahaha!) have the same issues I do.  Trying to bring in enough money to pay rent and bills while still creating while trying to get your work out there for people to enjoy and hopefully buy or contact you for commissions.

Luckily I haven't completely stopped my self from creating, I've just diversified.  I'm finishing up my Black & White series and doing some B&W postcards as well.   In addition, in my search for fall shows and holiday boutiques I've realized that I need to start doing more than just straight artwork so I'm starting back up with my polymer clay ornaments and hand bound journals and pads.  I've done a few small drawing pads and a couple of book covers recently but I haven't put them together yet.   Here's a pic of some books I've done in the past.

These were all blank journals but I've also done anniversary books for the 1st Anniversary (Paper) and birthdays and I do sketch books as well with good drawing paper. 

Whew!  When I put it all down in writing I realize that I am biting off a lot but I know I can chew through all of this and get it all done -  I just need to make a new list! Thanks for listening!

Cheers!