Kelly Rae Roberts e-course started this week and I'm full of excitement trying to decided how I'm going to document my process in this e-course. I've decided that I would do what I do best and that's blog about it here and occasionally include a video post. Although Kelly will provide information, resources and assignments 3 to 4 times a week, I'm only going to post once a week on what I've learned and/or accomplished.
The first week of this course was more about align myself with the reason for wanting to start an creative business. Below is my attempt to answering questions about my inspiration, passion, commitments, goals, and fears.
INSPIRATION, PASSION, COMMITMENTS & GOALS
In your wildest dreams, what does your creative biz look like?
In my mind I always had an idea of what my studio would look like, but never thought of it as a business, so my image of my creative business would looked totally different then my intimate art studio space.
I will have two studios- home and away from home. And since I perceive myself married and living in the Atlanta area a year from now, lets go with my away from home studio in the downtown Atlanta and my home studio in the spare room of my home. I've created vision boards of both studio spaces - Home Studio and Studio 2229 (away from home studio)
Are you working full time? Part time? Do you have an assistant? What does your everyday schedule look like?
I will working what I call full time hours. Studio 2229 will be open Monday - Thursday, 10am - 4pm. I will have 2 assistants -design assistant and administrative assistant. As for my hours- I will only go into the Downtown Atlanta office Tuesday - Thursday from 10am - 4pm. Monday & Friday I will work from my home studio.
What’s your inspiration - the passion the keeps you up at night? The one that keeps coming back to you. The one, no matter how quirky and unreasonable it seems, keeps circling back to your heart and mind?
My inspiration for wanting to maintain a profitable- successful creative business is my current and future family. I want to be able to spend time with them and enjoy the years as they go by. I'm also inspired to do what I've always wanted to do and that is create art and make a living do so.
Who in your life can you speak with about these creative biz dreams? Where do they feel safe?
The person I feel the safest with is a close friend and co-worker - Charles. He has encouraged me to create and he has been my biggest fan. I'm learning to share more about my creative business dreams with my boyfriend. He's been very supportive from the beginning and honestly he has been the person who really made me believe that I can actually do my creative business full-time.
Who in your life seems to be living their dreams? What big decisions did they make early on to get them to where they are now? What observations can you make about how they committed to their inspiration?
Those I believe are living their dreams are Amy Butler, Ali Edwards, Anahata Katkin and of course Kelly Rae Roberts. From what I've read about them,they took a leap of faith and either quit their full-time jobs, needed to make extra money for the family or someone encouraged them to just do it.
Was there a time in your life when you didn't follow your true inspiration? What did that experience feel like?
After leaving college I took a job as an graphic designer for a printing company and later a designer for a decal company. After realizing that I couldn't sit behind a desk all day- I went into retail. I was good at that, but I still wasn't happy. I felt lost and very confused. Alot of those years I don't remember. I was just going thru- the motion. Not until I find that I should be teaching did I truly feel like I belong. But I got off track even when I was working in my true calling- read more here about how that turned out.
But any case when I don't follow my true inspiration, the experiences I have are experiences of being lost, stressed and unfulfilled.
What are you immediate goals? Long term goals?
Immediate Goal:
To earn extra income from art, blog and teaching.
Long Term Goals:
To have artwork /products (cards, journals, stationary) in trendy urban inspired retail stores.
To work published in fashion, interior design & art/design magazines.
To travel to different location to take beautiful photos, hike and purchase beautiful items for my home.
To be one of the most sought after speakers at creative & inspirational events.
To be sponsored by a leading printing product company (HP or Epson)
To receive a grant/fellowship to create artwork.
To have artwork in the homes of well known celebrities.
To sell informational products that bring in residual income.
Are you ready to make the commitment to your creative biz dreams?
I am totally ready to commitment. Taking the action to take this course is my first step to commitmenting. This time next year- I plan to be making enough money to work from home. I don't why I thought I couldn't do it- I've read and seen others do it- So Can I!
What's stopping you? What's not stopping you? What small ritual can you do to declare that commitment?
I've stopped myself and by listening to others who say no one really makes money with art, but I know better. I have to constantly tell myself that I can do this- I have to affirm that it's possible. Rituals I will set for myself is to look at my vision board everyday, do the assignments given in this course and tape affrimations in places I can see.
FACING OUR FEARS
What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail? What would you have more of in your life if fear wasn’t in the way?
I would be an full time artist making lots and lots of money doing what I love. I would take months off (mini- vacations) just to rejuvenate myself so I can always stay fresh with new and creative ideas. I would share with others my expereinces as an artist, I would teach others how to do the same - by writing and speaking about my expereinces.
The last time I felt fearless, I was…..
What the one thing you never thought you could do? I would encourage you to start making steps toward conquering that thing, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with your creative biz.
Consider doing something really crazy (!) and writing/painting declarations on your body.
I did this I wrote "It's Ur Time to Shine!' on my leg. The picture below..
The first week of this e-course has been very exciting. I am learning alot and will continue to share my experiences. i'm flying high and living large!
Peace and More Love,
