School of Creative Business - Creative Entrepreneurship

Getting Things Done

As an artist I know sometimes it is heard to focus on what you have to get done. And it is even harder when you have distractions. Aby Gravey's advice is suitable for all people trying to stay organized, it is especially helpful for artist like myself. In  3 simple Steps to Increasing Efficiency she clearly explains why we get distracted and how to avoid these distraction.Her steps are very simple: Identify your Interrupters, Create a workable schedule,and Set expectations.

 I have learned to set a side one day a week to work on my blog and another day in the  week to work on marketing and/or creating new artwork. This has been sorta hard for me since starting post graduate school and working a full-time job, but all is possible when you put your mind to it. Read more ...about increasing your efficiency at Aby Gravey's website.

Featured at On My Desk.com

 

Go ahead take a peek at what's on my desk at www.onmydesk.com.  I was invited by the author - Liniz Hunter to submit images of my work space.  I cleaned it up before submitting pictures - LOL.

On My Desk is a photo blog showcasing work desks' of creative people. 

 I know you've heard the old saying, "You don't know a person until you have walked in thier shoes" - I think that's how it goes, but anyway- Truly to understand the life of artist - you have to look at what's in thier studios.

So take your time and scroll through and view what's in my studio and other artists studio spaces.

click on www.ONMYDESK.com

Peace & Love, Alease MIchelle

Calling All Crafters!

Vickie Howell is looking for Crofters for her new book called Craft Corps.

Vickie says (from website) Craft Corps is a book which will focus on the community perpetuated by craft and the designers & hobbyists who feed it.

Copy the Crafter Profile Form below into your email, fill it out and send it to craftcorps@gmail.com. Submission are due no later than August 15th, 2008

Craft Corps 

Crafter Profilee Form

Name:

Age:

Location:

Profession(If you’re in school just put what level of student, ie College Student, Middle School Student, etc.):

Craft(s) of Choice:

Blog (if applicable): 


Memory, Story or Anecdote related to crafting in your life (no more than 250 words):

Creativing Objects that Tell a Story

Today I surfing through of my favorite blogs and run across Anna Aspnes blog page. On her page was a category called I heart.. which had a link to  TED: Ideas Worth Spreading. I though WOW what an interesting title. Of course I click on it and found wonderful information that I would like to share with you. First I want to share TED mission for the website. Read Below......

TED's  mission: We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other.

GREAT CONCEPT- Right! We all should be inspiring to do the same.

Now I want to share with you what I found searching through the site. A video of Yves Behar on Creating Objects That Tell A Story.  It is very inspiring for designers of all kinds.

To Watch Video Click Here Yves Behar Video

ENJOY!

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Creating a Creative Library

I started a creative library some years ago,but never knew what to call it. For those of you who are unsure of what a creative library is, it is a collection of inspirational articles, images, quotes, or anything else that brings you inspiration. Creating a creative library has been the best thing I could have every done. When I need a creative jolt- I go to one of my binders and flip through the pages. It is also helpful when I am looking for reference materials for a art project.

 Most of us just hang onto old magazines because we are afraid to get rid of them. thinking that some great idea is within those pages. Keeping old magazines or booklets takes up alot of space in your studio, home office or family room. Tear out those favorite images, quotes, and articles and place them in a binder. Use clear sheet protector to prevent wear and tear. To create an even more efficient library- purchase several binder and label them by subject (home, design ideas, travel, articles, business). Even use different color binder to help you associate the binder with the content. 

Aby Garvery's Command Central binder or russell and hazel signature binder are a great binders to start off with. They come in 7 beautiful colors at a reasonable pricing. To purchase binder go to Simplify 101

Review of Accomplishments

This is the time to review what I have accomplished so far this year. Sometimes this review can be a sad one or a happy one. For me I am just glad I am able to write down a few of my success.

Commitment Plan for 2008

Business (Alease Michelle Design Studio)

·         Change Name on Business License - Completed Feb. 2008

·         Create a branding image for my business- Completed a logo design for Alease Michelle Design Studio

·          Bring in three more clients  - In progress- Have two new designers

·         Work Published - Need to submit work

·         Show work in 3 Galleries- WSOC-TV, Hart-Witzen, Coming soon in October- Clinton College

·         Participate in 2 juried shows- Sent off one juried show form- July 

Professional Development

·         Finish Course work for Doctorate- In progress - 2 courses left before major research starts

·         Decide on my research topic- Critical Thinking in Higher Education Students

·         Join Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development - Not yet

Health

·         Provide more movement into my everyday life- Started but has gotten lazy

·          Eat more healthy (Green veggies, water, eat out less)- Still trying

·         - 3 day or more vacation trips - Trip to the Beach in May, need to plan another trip soon.

Personal Finances

·         Reduce credit card debt by 60%- Steady working on this one.

·         Increase Emergency fund 3 to 4 months- If I get the credit card debt down then I get this rolling

·         Use Finance software to keep track of expenses- Use Mint.com - great site for tracking expenses

Happy Birthday Daddy

July 5th,1948 my daddy was born. He left this earth on December 10th, 2007. I miss him with all my heart. He taught me how to release my creative spirit and I am truly blessed for that gift. He was a great man that help others and brought joy to our lives.He was a self taught artist that crave walking canes. Something I could never have done or learned. Below are a few images of his work.

I just wanted to share with you guys,my first love, my daddy. I Love U, Daddy!

 

4th of July!