What? I have to be a businesswoman, too?
May 7, 2008
One of the most difficult aspects for me in being a jewelry designer is the business aspect. While marketing ideas come easily, and I enjoy this part, the nuts and bolts stuff doesn’t. As an artist, I have a more free-flowing mentality, so a really structured work day does not suit me. However, as a single mom, college student, businesswoman and etc., I have to have some structure in my life. And now that I got a part time job to help out with extra expenses that have been cropping up, getting better organized is absolutely imperative.
I”ve been reading more about getting organized ( again, LOVE the concept, but I’m really easily-distracted from the task!), marketing my website, improving my blog, social networking and in general just really overwhelming myself. Last night I went to bed thinking “Forget all the rest of this stuff…I just want to make jewelry!” But here the vicious circle comes in. In order to make more jewelry, I need to sell jewelry to afford to buy the beads I crave. I could not possibly wear all the jewelry that I want to make. There are people who want my jewelry and keep me making it. It seems foolish not to pursue something that I love that can also provide an income stream.
Creative time, or non-structured time, is some of my most productive. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s 10:00 p.m. Or 2:00 a.m. It can happen anytime of the day, and it’s not easily scheduled in. Sometimes when I have the mindset of “I have to make jewelry” I can sit at my table and nothing works. Nothing apeals to me. I start things and hate them. Or I break crimps, drop beads, and just mess things up. So this time tends to be a total waste.
So, can a creative, non-structure lover like me create a life where there is enough structure to keep all the balls in the air, yet provide enough creative time to just it happen? I can’t fit into a cookie cutter system someone else creates, but my old way of doing things just isn’t working as well as it needs to . So I will be attempting to re-arrange my life in a way that works better. Is it possible? Check back in to see how things progress..
May 26, 2008 at 4:55 am
This could have been an entry in my own blog. Creative time come when it comes, and unfortunately I’m not always able to ride that wave when it’s available. Ahhh … the days before motherhood when I was free to follow the Muse’s whim. 🙂 But no matter how busy as life keeps me, I still find time for my Muse. If I didn’t, I’d go mad.
Enjoyed the post!
May 26, 2008 at 5:13 am
I’m glad you visited, Delia…I went to your site and was inspired! Your things are beautiful. I also am a fan of Rena’s site and books, so I was glad to see your section on her. I’m slowly working my way through her social networking book (another addition to the to-do list…sigh!).
May 26, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Rena is a gem. If it weren’t for the direction that her site and ebooks provide I think I’d just be stumbling around in the dark! The thing I can’t get past is approaching retail shops and gallerys to sell direct. My tummy flips at the thought of it. I also have yet to check out her social networking book. What do you think of it so far?
May 26, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I think Rena’s social networking book is full of fantastic information. I’m working my way slowly through it – I’m new to most of the social networking stuff – but I think it’s going to be very valuable. The stuff I’ve done so far has been fun.
I’m right there with you about cold-calling. I haven’t really done that. I’ve lucked into a couple of great opportunities, and so I have two galleries/shops right now, and everyone says I need to do more, but I’m like you – the thought of it makes me sick. I need to toughen up and just DO IT. Maybe we can encourage each other!
You’ve done a great job with your sites and your blog, I really think you’d like the social networking book. You should check it out!
May 28, 2008 at 1:06 am
Ah, two other of Rena’s fans. Her information has been so helpful. Probably see you around. Found this blog on SU.
Bev
May 28, 2008 at 2:21 am
Hi Bev! Glad you visited. Rena is so full of great ideas and information, isn’t she? Glad you StumbledUpon my blog…stop in again!