The dryer had stopped drying and the kids were starting to fight yet again and then the mail lady dropped this into our mail slot in our front door. I was totally surprised. I knew the issue was out I just didn't know that I was getting the issue complimentary. So thankful for that. I just feel so grateful and honored to be a part of this beautiful Stampington publication.
There is something so surreal about seeing your work in a magazine. It is very gratifying and amazing! I encourage anyone who is thinking about getting their work published to go for it!
There are lots of great projects. One from Jen Swift and another from Regina at Creative Kismet who is going to be next weeks Art Biz Mama.
Check it out if you have the chance and have a GREAT weekend!
An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three? Welcome to Art Biz Mama. A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner.
In an effort to connect, share and get to know some of my favorite artists (and I am sure they are yours too) a bit better and because I am a mama who has creative biz visions myself I have asked for a sneak peek into their very busy lives. To share a bit about just what it means to juggle these roles and how it all really plays out.
I know this is a topic that has been discussed plenty but for me (and you) I need to hear these stories. To know there are others reaching for their dreams and maybe stumbling at times, all the while caring for themselves and their family.
I believe we will glean a bit of insight from these smart and talented women that can inspire us all.
Today we have a special interview with the very sweet and kind Kim Klassen. Kim is always such a positive light in this world. She creates beautiful art and photos. I am so happy to have "met" her. So grab a cup of your favorite drink and be ready to be delighted!
Kim, first, let me say a huge “Thank You” for taking the time to answer these questions. I know how busy you are so it really means a lot to all of us that you took the time to be here today!
Would you please share a bit about yourself, your business and your family?
Dana, I’m really happy to visit with you. Thank you so much for including me in this fabulous series. I’m truly honored.
Let’s see. I’m a wife and a mother of 2 boys. Brett is almost 20 and Bryce is 18. I can not believe my kids are adults already. The time zipped by so very quickly. We live in the tiny town I grew up in. My husband works at the hospital across the street from our home. I have been a working artist for 16 years now. Wow, I can’t believe that. Anyhow, my first love was painting. My business progressed from making art for sales, to teaching painting classes, selling on eBay, designing for magazines, then licensing my art as prints and giftware. Last fall I found my true love… my Nikon. I have fallen for my camera. I mean really fallen. There is something so gratifying about photography. I will always paint. I love it as well. But when I have my camera in hand I feel a sense of completeness. It’s a beautiful thing. :)
I would love to hear when and why you made the decision to start your creative business?
I started painting after we purchased our old brick house. I would flip thru country living and country sampler magazines and long for all the beautiful hand crafted items. So one day I paid a visit to an art store and picked up a few supplies. And so it began. Before long I was making art for sales. Then I was flipping through a new painting pattern book and thought I really want to do this. I want to design patterns. I remember telling my husband that I was going to do it. And he. being the awesome guy that he is, said ‘I know you can do it, kimmy’. (That’s what he calls me.) That evolved into a 4 plus year series of designs in Create & Decorate magazine along with designs featured in several other publications. I also signed a contract with a print publisher and licensing company. Due to a very stressful family time that lasted for over 2 years, I had a hard time creating. I stopped producing. This was all around the same time that the recession hit. Anyhow, the money that we had become accustom to started to decline. Last spring I knew I needed to recreate my path. That lead me to blogging and then to photography. I’m so thankful for the tough times, because they lead me to my 2 passions ~ photography and blogging.
How has having children affected your business and creativity?
Having children is probably the very reason I chose art as my business. Once we had our first child I knew I had to find a way to stay at home with our kids. I hated being away from them. I opened a daycare and I would sneak a bit of creating in during the day. I would then work late into the night. Once the kids were in school I closed my daycare and started making ART fulltime.
Anyhow, it’s definitely been a balancing act, and not always easy. But it really allowed me to be available to the boys throughout their growing years. My youngest son says he wants to find a job like mine. He thinks it’s a pretty good life. I have to agree.
Would you please share what a “typical day” is like for you? Are your children in school, etc.?
My day begins at around 7:30. I wake Bryce up and he is out the door by 8. My husband leaves for work at 7, so it’s just me from 8 til noon. Then the boys file in for lunch around 12:00. Somedays I find the interruption frustrating. I’m just being honest. I love having the studio to myself, working away.
Anyhow, at around 8 am I check my email, visit my favorite blogs and flickr friends. If I plan on posting on my blog I try to get that up as soon as possible. I spend a few hours a day creating, whether it’s with photography or painting. I also spend a lot of time in photoshop. John comes home around 4. We usually sit on the porch swing for about a half hour. I head back to the studio for an hour or so, unless I need to run errands or head to the post. Then it’s time to feed the hungry their dinner. Sometime between dinner and 8:00 I do some everyday stuff like laundry, tidying up. I then head back to the studio for an hour or 2 or 3. J Lately I’ve been heading to the trail in the evening as well. I lost our beagle andy just a few weeks ago. Our walking schedule was more routine. Now I tend to fit it in around my schedule and what’s happening during the day. I wish I could make a habit of heading out first thing in the morning. But I seem to be more inclined after dinner.
I’m a complete homebody. To be honest I could easily skip leaving home, other than for walks, all together. My boys tease me all the time about my lack of a life.
How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends? Or all of the above?
Dana, I have a hard time distinguishing been work and play. I love what I do. So I have to be honest and say I work at least 12 hours a day and probably about 10 hours on weekends. But it does not feel like work. My boys are independent now. John works full time, then comes home and works in the yard. He’s also incredibly helpful around the house.
I have asked all of the other Art Biz Mama’s about balance of work and family. All of them seemed to agree there isn’t much of it. What is your experience with being and artist and a mom and trying to juggle it all?
I would say balance is a dream. I think it’s pretty much impossible for a wife, mom and entrepreneur to have true balance. And to be honest, I’m not sure balance is what I am looking for. I love having my head so full of ideas and possibilities… trying to get as much accomplished as possible. I love deadlines and time lines and big DREAMS.
I go to bed at night, completely excited to wake up and start this crazy ride all over again the next morning. I feel so truly blessed to be living a creative life. I wouldn’t trade it and all its chaos for the world.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other artists/moms out there who wish to create a business out of their art?
I suppose I was say go for it! State your intentions and just start doing. Give up on perfection. It’s futile. If you are unsure of what your passion is… experiment, try new things and see what comes to you.
Reach out to like minded people. It’s so easy to connect with other creatives, thanks to the web. There are so many passionate, inspiring individuals sharing so much online. There are courses available on almost any subject/skill you may wish to pursue.
The opportunities are ENDLESS. It’s awesome!
Let it flow and if you are truly passionate, you will be blessed with an abundant fulfilling life and business.
…..
Dana, thanks again for having me here. Truly thank you!
I did search for something today using google images. I have used it before but it didn't look like this. Now it displays your results in this beautiful gallery format. This is where I found the art of Paul Villinski..
He makes installation art with BEER CANS he finds on the streets on NYC. His p9eces with butterflies are of course my favorite!
From his site, which is equally as gorgeous as his art:
Who leaves these crushed beer cans – forlorn evidence scattered in the streets of the city? I take these “dead soldiers” – every one of them once raised to someone’s lips – and breathe new life into them, changing them into images that suggest the possibility of change itself. A kind of conceptual unity develops between materials, process and imagery: my practice in the studio mimics the act of transformation that butterflies symbolize everywhere, in all cultures.
birds and butterflies
These pieces explore themes of transformation and recovery through the metamorphosis of crushed beer cans from the streets of New York into flocks of realistically crafted butterflies.
LOVE this one!
This one too!!
So if you have a second do a search using Google Images. You never know what you may find that may delight and inspire you!
How did a week pass so fast? Between birthday celebrations (he had a blast on the train ride), playground adventures and cleaning up the house for the kids party (including painting the walls) this weekend, I have been delving into the very unfamiliar waters of websites. Oh, what a learning curve it has been. I have a long way to go. Did you ever have an idea in your head and no idea how to execute it? That is exactly where I have been. I am getting better bit by bit with it. Maybe I will be an expert when it is all done. Who knows?
So because of all of the above I haven't been creating much. I am feeling the need. I need to make a date with my art supplies. I miss them so.
Next week look for a new Art Biz Mama interview. Thanks again for all of the positive feedback on this series. I am glad we are all gaining lots of inspiration, ideas and support from it.
An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three? Welcome to Art Biz Mama. A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner.
And in case you are wondering why:
In an effort to connect, share and get to know some of my favorite artists (and I am sure they are yours too) a bit better and because I am a mama who has creative biz visions myself I have asked for a sneak peek into their very busy lives. To share a bit about just what it means to juggle these roles and how it all really plays out.
I know this is a topic that has been discussed plenty but for me (and you) I need to hear these stories. To know there are others reaching for their dreams and maybe stumbling at times, all the while caring for themselves and their family.
I believe we will glean a bit of insight from these smart and talented women that can inspire us all.
Hello!
I am back this week with artist Jennifer Swift. Jennifer is a wire sculpture artist. She has a shop on Etsy, Bird From a Wire where she sells her beautiful stitched wire sculptures and functional art. She also has a great blog called Art As Usual which in her own words "is all about living an art filled life." Please do check it out!
A huge thank you goes out to Jennifer for being here. It means so much to me that she took the time out of her busy day to share with us.
Would you please share a bit about yourself and your business?
The first thing that comes to mind is that I’m a mom. It sort of defines you, doesn’t it? My creative business is called Bird From A Wire it’s on etsy and I make wire sculptures and then stitch fabric to them. It adds color and pattern to what would otherwise be black. I really enjoy creating, the business part is much more of a challenge for me. I’ve had my business for just about 2 years.
Can you please share when you made the decision and what led you down the path to start your creative business?
Again, my path as a mom and an artist are completely intertwined. The first year of my son’s life I was incredibly sleep deprived and pretty irritable. When we rolled into year two both my mom and my husband told me “to get a hobby”. They recognized that I needed to create to be happy and they both wanted me a little happier. LOL- I must have been horribly crabby. Getting started seemed hard though and I decided to dedicate just one night a week to creating. I remember just sitting there in the beginning, not knowing what to do with myself.
I chose fabric to begin with, because I was attracted to the art quilts I’d seen. It was something completely new to me as well. At the same time I started playing around with wire. It was something I’d encountered in college and I remembered loving it. I wanted to just enjoy myself and not judge my work, as I would have if I began to draw again. In retrospect I was choosing a fresh start.
Soon I was a mad woman, creating constantly and getting quite a pile of sculptures. A friend told me about Etsy and really encouraged me to give it a try. It was really scary to list that first item and know that anyone could see it and judge it. But it was a start and a definite turning point in my life.
I know you have a 5 year old son. How has having a child affected your business and creativity?
He’s GREAT for me. I’ll finish something and he’ll say “mommy I really love your art”. He tells me I’m pretty all the time too. Fabulous for my self-esteem. Kids also look at the world a little differently, they have that sense of wonder completely intact. Because I’m with him I’ll see things now I would never have noticed before.
Would you please share what a "typical" day is like? Is there school, childcare, etc. while you are working on your biz?
A typical day would be me trying to work on whatever project I’m working on in snatches throughout the day. I try to do a few minutes on this, then do some cleaning, and then I’ll throw in a game or two of go fish, a couple of books, and then work a little more on my art. It’s really opportunistic creating. During the school year my son was at preschool for 2 ½ hours a day, four days a week. I laugh because it’s as if the clock starts ticking as soon as I walk out of his building. I try to do a blog post, my post office run, check my e-mail, read other blogs etc. during that time. Next year he starts school full time. It’s going to be a huge change in my work day. I’m hoping to do more marketing/promoting of my work then.
How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends?
My work schedule really gets squeezed into little increments of time during the day and then I’m free after 7:00 when dinner’s done and my husband takes over the play. He puts Jasper to bed as well. If I need time on the weekend to finish something up my husband will take him out with him on errands or to a movie. I’d say I get 15- 20 hours to work each week. More during the school year.
I know this is a subject that is always being addressed but I need to bring up balance.I know as mom's we are dealing with this in all areas of our life. Do you feel you have a healthy balance between your work life and your family life?
Definitely NOT! When I’m working I feel like I should be doing more with my son. When I’m with my son my mind will wander to whatever project I’m working on. I try to create balance by alternating between the mom stuff, the housekeeping duties, my business, and creating. I’ve learned it works well to limit my online time to first thing in the morning and after dinner each night. I try to get on and get off. It doesn’t always work like that though. If I feel like I’m too focused on a project I’ll take Jasper out of the house. We’ll go to the zoo, or the park. Getting away from the computer and my work helps me to concentrate solely on him.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other moms/artist who wish to create a business out of their art?
Don’t think you can’t follow your dream just because you’re a mom. If you’re a creative type it’s most likely necessary to your sanity and sense of self to give yourself some time to create. Be kind to yourself and know you can’t do it all, and yet challenge yourself to do more than you think you can. I have moms ask me all the time how I find time for my art. I tell them I haven’t mopped the kitchen floor for months. It gets a spot clean when it’s dirty. My neighbor is outside hosing down her driveway. I don’t do that. My house is nowhere near as clean as it was before I started to focus on my work. You can’t do it all. I try to give my attention to what’s the most important.
I’ve also found it’s really important to have goals for yourself, for your work, for your life. Crazy audacious goals. The kind of goals that kind of take your breath away. I mothered my son, ran a business, volunteered my time, and wrote a book last year. It takes time and it takes goals, and it definitely takes the support of your family. BUT it CAN be done.
The book Jennifer is referring to is Creative Bloom and it is available for pre-order on Amazon!!
How is your week going? Well, I know I haven't been gone for too long. I really thought I may stay off line longer but after a few days of resting I am feeling SO much better. It is amazing what having limited computer time can do for you. So I am easing back into it. I was missing blogging and visiting my favorite blogs... I knew I couldn't stay away for too long.
Finished piece. LOVE
I finished the above piece recently and I really LOVE it. I keep feeling like it could be a great repeated design as well.
This weekend my baby boy turns 5! Three weeks later my daughter turns 3! So we are having a joint party for the two of them as well as a small celebration for each on their special day.
Also, I wanted to let you know that I will be back on Thursday with a new Art Biz Mama interview!
See you Thursday!!
xo,
dana
P.S. Is the font really tiny on this post? Someone had commented that is was too little. But I don't want to go too huge either.
Friday, July 09, 2010
I am taking a little time off from the online world to CREATE and prepare for a birthday celebration for my children. And most importantly just to BE, with a little swimming and a scenic train ride tossed in. :)
An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three? Welcome to Art Biz Mama. A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner.
Dear friends,
I am so glad you are enjoying this series as much as I am. It is so great to read true stories of mom's running creative businesses.
I am back with an interview with artist Stephanie Levy. I came across Stephanie and her beautiful art when I first was delving into blogging and this on-line art community. Her art was instantly a favorite of mine. She runs two wonderful blogs: http://stephanielevy.blogspot.com/ http://artistswhoblog.blogspot.com/ And a successful Etsy shop, stephanielevy.etsy.com. She was recently an Etsy Featured Seller. Wonder how she does it all? Keep reading and be ready to be inspired and delighted.
Hi, I’m Stephanie, an American artist/illustrator and mom to two little girls, Sophia and Lucy, ages 4 and 2. I’ve been living in Germany for the past 14 years, and I love the way the Internet gives us a chance to connect all over the globe!
So let me start by asking when did you make the decision to start your creative business?
I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember, and have a degree in painting. However, I always found most commercial galleries to be rather intimidating, and after the birth of my second daughter, I discovered the Internet as a way to market and sell my artwork online. In March 2008, I opened my first online shop with a small collection of a few paintings. Several months later, I began selling limited edition giclee prints of my artwork in my Etsy shop – http://www.stephanielevy.etsy.com
Interestingly enough, I still find it difficult to think of my art-making as a "business“ – unfortunately, this is something that was not very well explained during my art school training. Now I’m teaching myself more about the business side of art and learning as much as I can from others who’ve made the leap!
How has having children affected your business and creativity?
Having children is without a doubt one of the very best things that has ever happened to me. At the same time, it is a challenge balancing my time between doing what I love, running a creative business, and spending time with my family. I do hope that my working creatively is a positive influence for my daughters. My husband is also an artist, and some of our happiest times are when we are all drawing, painting, or making something together. We have a rather chaotic household, but it is certainly a creative one with lots of art supplies and worktables everywhere!
Would you please share what a “typical day” is like for you? Is there school or childcare, etc. while you are working on your biz?
I normally get up at 7 am, have breakfast with the kids, and walk them over to their preschool, which is conveniently located only one block away. Afterwards, I try to take a walk myself if the weather is nice, before I go home and start working on the computer or on new artwork. If it were up to me, I would love to spend at least 4-5 hours making new artwork each day – but often there are other things I must attend to - like email, paperwork, housework, phone calls, etc.
I make a list of what I most need to get done every day – often the night before – and then I tackle my list in terms of priority each morning. I ALWAYS put too much on my list, and I never accomplish everything I wanted to get done… This is a process I am still working on!
At 3 pm, I go pick up my children, and we take a walk, often get an Italian ice cream in the summertime or some kind of treat, and play at the playground or at home until my husband gets home at 4:30 pm. Luckily, my husband is a great cook, so we take turns making dinner in the evening. After dinner, we bring the children to bed, and if they go to sleep right away - unfortunately this is not always the case - then we have a little time for each other as a couple before we go to sleep. If I have a big deadline, I will go back to work in the evening. However, I am trying my best not to completely sacrifice sleep. I did this for a long time, but I have come to the realization that I function better as an artist and a mother if I am not totally sleep-deprived!
How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends?
I do as much work as possible during the daytime when my children are in preschool and my husband is at work, so that I have more time for them in the evenings and on the weekends. I would like to devote more hours to my artwork than I do now – but my children are still young and simply need a lot of time with me. Recently, I was complaining to my physical therapist that I usually have only 3-5 hours each day to work on the computer/on my art and he said, “Be happy about this, and enjoy the time with your children! They will only be this young for a short time!” Of course he is right and it helped to put things in perspective. If I didn’t have children, I would probably be an obsessive workaholic!
I know this is a subject that is always being addressed but I need to bring up balance. Do you feel you have a healthy balance between your work life and your family life?
I think it is a struggle to accept things the way they are, the good sides and the bad. Some days I feel very frustrated that I don’t have enough time to work, and other days I feel guilty that I haven’t planned some wonderful, creative activity for my family! I imagine that finding this balance is a challenge for all working moms, and probably each person has to find their own comfort zone. I would love to hear more tips from other creative moms!
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other artists/moms out there who wish to create a business out of their art?
My best advice would be to be gentler with yourself, and less perfectionist. Most of us want to do everything “perfectly” – be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the successful artist/crafter, the kind, attentive friend, the caring daughter – the list goes on and on and it is so overwhelming! We have to realize that no one is perfect, no one has a perfect life – we are all just plugging along and doing the best we can.
I find it important to take some time out alone each day – even if it is just for 5 minutes – to just sit, relax, give thanks for what you have, and try to cultivate a sense of peace and contentment. I have been trying to incorporate more quiet, meditative time into my days during the past few months, and it helps me to focus on what I really want – to see the “big picture” of my life rather than just feeling like life is a series of goals and steps to accomplish each week, month, or year. We all need personal goals to work towards, but it is just as important to find joy in the little things each day and be kind to yourself. Dream your dream, live your dream, and let go of the outcome. Enjoy the process and the journey!
To learn and see more of Stephanie please visit her at:
A long while back I started showing color stories here. I haven't done this in a LONG time. But since color is something that fuels my creative juices I decided from time to time I would post a color story or two. This morning as I was getting my kids their breakfast I noticed our blueberries that we picked yesterday in their beautiful paper container sitting next to my crocheted dishcloth made by my mom. I thought the colors looked great together. I uploaded to picnik ( love that site) and added some great fonts. So this is what was inspiring me on this sweltering summer morning.
In other news... I have been working ALOT on my facebook page. Please come say hi if you haven't already. I have been spending SO much time on line. Staying up way too late. Trying to figure it all out. I feel a break is coming up soon.
Please come back on Thrusday.... I have a brand new Art Biz Mama interview to share!! I am so glad you have all been enjoying these as much as I have.
If you are in the U.S. I hope you are having/had a great fourth of July!
Today we aren't doing too much. Two tired and cranky kids after lots of activities the past couple of days. So today we are laying low.
I finished the above piece!! I can't say I am head over heels in love BUT I do like it and I have learned some lessons along the way with it. Lessons about paint, paper, fabrics and varnish. The inspiration behind this piece is summer. Fun, frolicking, lazy days, berry picking, in the garden, near the sea. Some of the things summer means to me. Ha, that rhymes. :)
I am going to frame it and I am thinking about adding to a shop soon. Which one is the debate right now. Baby steps.
An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three?
I am back with another installation of my new series called Art Biz Mama. A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner. I am really excited about this!
The why behind this series: In an effort to connect, share and get to know some of my favorite artists (and I am sure they are yours too) a bit better and because I am a mama who has creative biz visions myself (maybe you too?). I have asked for a sneak peek into their very busy lives. To share a bit about just what it means to juggle these roles and how it all really plays out.
I know this is a topic that has been discussed plenty but for me (and you) I need to hear these stories. To know there are others reaching for their dreams and maybe stumbling at times, all the while caring for themselves and their family.
I believe we will glean a bit of insight from these smart and talented women that can inspire us all.
ENJOY!!
xo, dana
This week we are so lucky to have with us artist Wendy Brightbill from a girl and her brush.
From Wendy's about page:
i am wendy brightbill… mixed media artist, wife, paint from home mom, entrepreneur, creative soul, color and pattern lover, paper junkie, interior design addict, seeker of beauty, messenger of hope, and dreamer of big dreams.
if you were to step into my world, on any given day, you would find me making a mess in my studio, which is actually, well, just my dining room… my dining room, that is now being overtaken with paintings, blank canvases, paper, paint, brushes and many other supplies. you would find my hands all covered with glue and paint, sipping tea (wishing it were coffee), with several projects and paintings going all at the same time. you would see my two girls climbing all over me while i create, stealing my paintbrushes and dipping their little hands in my paint. when i first discovered collage, it was love at first paste. and i began this adventure as, quite simply, a girl and her brush.
I recently came across Wendy and I am so glad I did. Her spirit, her story and her art are truly inspiring. I was immediately enthralled in her story. Enjoy!
So let me start by asking when did you make the decision to start your creative business?
I just started my business in February of this year. But I feel like everything in my life has prepared me to do this, like I was created for this very purpose. Six years ago, my life was turned upside by a car accident. I found myself with a broken brain, a victim mentality, and a sick heart. I had lost my joy in living. I would cry at the drop of a hat and found myself often wondering why I couldn’t accomplish the simplest of tasks like making a phone call. In February of 2009, my case finally went to trial. The stress from losing the trial sent me into a downward spiral. I was deeply depressed and in financial ruins. I couldn’t see a way out of the place I was in.
Later that year, my mother gave me Kelly Rae Roberts’ book Taking Flight. And I started painting with Kelly’s mixed media techniques. My heart came to life. Painting soon became my gift from God, my therapy, my life line. It was if I painted my way through the depression by creating the life on canvas that I truly wanted to live. The more I painted joyful and colorful paintings, the more I experienced joy and color in my own life. I had done some acrylic painting before this, but for some reason the mixed media just clicked. I fell in love with the process of painting this way. I started showing my new style to friends and family with a response that surprised me. Everyone loved it! It was around this same time that I really started to dream about what it would mean to start a creative business. Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could turn my new found love of mixed media into a business? And so out of the ruins of my life, a beautiful dream began to take shape. And I don’t think it is just coincidence that exactly one year from my trial, I launched A Girl and Her Brush. My story is one of restoration and hope and I long to share it with others.
How has having children affected your business and creativity?
Wow! Great question Dana. I guess having children forces me to get a little more creative with my time and to be extremely flexible. As a paint from home mom, I find it a huge challenge to balance my life between mom and business woman. I feel like I am continually using all the little moments throughout the day. I often paint in little ten minute spurts. So many people wonder how they could ever find time to paint. Well, do you have ten minutes? I might start in the morning and take ten minutes to put together a background while the girls are playing. Then I come back later and add one layer of color. Then I come back even later and add an outline of a bird. You would be surprised how quickly all those little bits add up. I use nap time as well to get a lot done.
As a mom and business owner, I have realized that I just can’t do it all. I let a lot of the little things go. My children sometimes stay in their pajamas all day and the dishes pile up in the sink. I don’t use my “work” time to clean the house. I make my priorities and stick to them. It does help that my husband works out of our home because I can run to the post office or craft store while my daughters are napping.
On another note, my children have reminded me how to play. They keep me young and on my toes. We dance, laugh, play, and sing and this kind of energy in my house inspires me to create. They remind me that it is ok to make a mess and get yourself dirty every once in while.
Would you please share what a “typical day” is like for you? Is there school or childcare, etc. while you are working on your biz?
My girls are 4 and 2.5. No I don’t use child care. 7:00 Wake up hopefully before the girls get up. Finish blog post for the day if it isn’t done. Social networking, emails, any computer work, to do list.
8:00 Girls get up and eat breakfast.
8:30- 12:00 this time is extremely flexible. If the girls are watching PBS or playing with themselves, I might take time to finish some computer work or get in the studio. It all just depends on how independent my girls are that day. The nice thing about having two so close in age is that they often entertain themselves. I honestly don’t think I would be able to get so much done if I didn’t have two children. But I just stay sensitive to my girls, if I feel like they need more of my attention I will stop what I am doing to play with them or snuggle. There are days when they are grumpy and I don’t get anything done.
12:00 lunch
1:00 naptime for my youngest and sometimes for my oldest. This means studio time for me!!! If my oldest is not napping, she is really good about playing by herself. She is my easy child and can color or talk to herself for hours.
4:00 Naptime is over and I usually return to the computer to do more social networking.
5:00 I start dinner. I cook dinner every night. If I had a choice, we might eat out a lot more. But I have a laundry list of food allergies which means I have to do all of the cooking. And I actually love to cook.
6:00- 8:00 Family time
8:00 Girls go to bed and I am back on the computer working on blog posts or other things from my to do list.
The most important thing about my day is flexibility! With no one helping me to watch my girls, I find that it is crucial to be willing to let things go. If I don’t get it done today, it will done tomorrow. There are days when I feel like I am slowly chipping away at my dreams. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that I am the one to raise my children.
How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends?
This is an extremely difficult question for me to answer. My day seems so fragmented. I have constant interruptions. During the entire time writing these questions, I have probably been interrupted 10 times. I would have to say that I work between 25-40 hours a week. I do work evenings and weekends, but only if I am inspired to do so. If I feel burnt out, I will take time off. Most of the time working doesn’t feel like work for me, so it is easy.
I know this is a subject that is always being addressed but I need to bring up balance. Do you feel you have a healthy balance between your work life and your family life?
Absolutely not! I think balance is a myth. I don’t think it really exists. We are not superwomen, something will always suffer. Right now I am putting a lot of time into my business, but not nearly as much as I would be if I didn’t have kids. There are times that my business suffers because I am taking care of my girls. And there are times that my girls don’t get as much attention as they need to because I am focused on my business. It is give and take. Like I said before, I try to stay sensitive to my girls and figure out when they need more of me. And at other times I know that it is ok to push harder in my business. I try to let the other things go in my life. If it doesn’t revolve around my business or my girls, it can wait. And I stopped pretending that I am good at paperwork and cleaning. Somehow just admitting that was a huge relief to me because I stopped feeling guilty about not doing it. The funny thing is that I was never getting it done before, but now I don’t have the weight of feeling like I need to do it. It gets done when it gets done. Big sigh of relief!!!
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other artists/moms out there who wish to create a business out of their art?
My biggest piece of advice is to follow your heart. For years I thought that after I had children, I would be fulfilled in life. And although it was by far the most amazing thing ever, there was still a part of my heart that felt unfulfilled. I have stopped feeling guilty about that and have started exploring what fills me up, and that is creating. It is like breathing to my soul. When I am fulfilled because I am creating, my children sense that I am happy. And it speaks to them that it is ok for them to follow their own dreams. So go for it, and do what makes you happy.
Thank you so much Wendy!! I really enjoyed this. And I love "paint from home mom"
