Don't Let "Scared" Hide Your Epic Gift

I just watched this video of an unknown (at the time, 2013) singer, AND HOLY- FRICKIN VOCAL CORDS OF A GODDESS- MOLY! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IChJ6eO3k48

I highly, highly recommend watching the whole video but if you want a summary- this beautiful soul tells the panel of talent judges she's come alone to perform incase she doesn't do well, and then won't have to let anybody down. And then she sings the most EPIC beautiful version of a song. Simon Cowell says her voice is "liquid gold" and we know he is the king of criticism. 

Mind blown. So how is it that she thought she might not absolutely kill it? I'm guessing along her journey someone told her eh, singing isn't a real career choice for you so don't pursue that. Maybe she's always been shy. Maybe no one took a moment to say YOU. ARE. AMAZING! 

We all have a unique voice, something worth sharing with the world. Even if you've been told your gift is not "a real job" or "too weird" or "no one will support you"- there is a whole world out there that begs to differ with those haters. DO NOT KEEP YOUR EPICNESS LOCKED UP!! Don't let the fear hold you back from unleashing what is yours to enjoy and share. I guarantee there will be people that support, love, and pay for your individual talents. Even if you start out alone, how quickly your tribe and fans can follow!

Be bold my friends. Sing your YOUR song. Paint YOUR painting. Cook YOUR dish. Dance YOUR routine. We'll be waiting.

Peace, love, & pixels,

Sonya & The rest of the world

Stop Trying, Start Working!

How & Why to Replace the Word Try

Do you ever hear (again and again) that you should eliminate the word try from your vocabulary? Trying to finish a project, trying to get a job, trying to make great art. Ever wonder what you're supposed to do instead of just continuously screeching,

"But I'm tryingggg!" 

Well I got an idea for ya. While I've been out networking, talking to strangers, proposing ideas and speaking about what it is I do

(freelanceandfineartphotographerandfounderofcareerresourcesplatformforemergingvisualartists - YEAH.) 

I realized that it doesn't sound super professional or confident to keep saying I'm "trying" to do all these things. Saying I'm trying doesn't relay how much effort and heart and hours I'm putting in, or all the connections I've made, or the progress that has been happening slowly but surely over many months. I'm happy to put in the sweat & tears, and somehow the word trying just sounds a little...whiny. I may not have checked off all my goals, or gotten the kind of recognition I'm hoping for yet, but it's definitely on the to-do list. 

So what are you left with to say when things are coming together, still in motion and maybe not quite where you want them to be?

I'm WORKING on finding a job I love.

I'm WORKING on my business plan.

I'm WORKING on being an epic boss lady, cardio-doing, recycling, creative QUEEN! (You too?!)

Working implies you are taking actions, moving forward, putting in time and strategically making your way.  I had a mini revelation when I realized that by describing not only what I do but what I'm working towards, I feel validated and professional in my efforts. It gives others the vibe that I'm confident, motivated, and dedicated to my goals. By using the word trying I felt limited, like I was saying I didn't have much direction or traction. And sometimes I don't know what the next step should be, but I'm working on figuring it out!

So. What are YOU working on? State it, validate it, and WORK IT! 

Fear of the Follow Up

Alright, we need to talk. This is one of the most common mistakes I see people make. And not just artists, but it may impact us the most. So what is it?

The follow up!

We've all been in the situation where we've gone to a networking event and collected a bunch of cards, or a friend tells us about a job opportunity, or an ideal client compliments your Instagram post. And you know you should send an email, submit a resume, or give a response. But then those little "What If" gremlins creep in and you hesitate. You think you'll do it later, or that the other person was just being polite and doesn't really want to work with you. What if the opportunity is TOO good for you right now? Or you're not really ready to have your own art show because it's a lot of work and you're already busy. 

STOP THE MADNESS. Break it down. Following up with an opportunity or a potential connection is just a continuation, reminder or beginning of a conversation. Seriously, stop freaking out. It doesn't mean anything will happen.

But!

What if you send a charming little email and the person on the other end reads it and realizes you're the perfect person to do __. Or that they lost your card and forgot your name and are now thrilled you've reached out because they have a client for you. Don't assume people will remember you, but do assume they'll appreciate you reminding them because you're an awesome person to know. And oh yeah they want to buy your biggest painting. ;)

Great follow up example: Dear __, It was so great to meet you at the __ yesterday! I really enjoyed talking to you about _. I'm interested in working on __ kinds of projects with __ kinds of people/companies. I'd love to set up a time to talk further and learn more about you. (Or keep each other in mind for future opportunities.) Here's where you can find me(insert website/portfolio/linkedin). Great connecting with you!  Sincerely, __.

Feel free to use as you need! 

Also, my dear texting only millenials, if someone asks you to *GASP* call them...do that!! I get it, I am no fan of phone calls even with people I know. You should hear me leave voicemails, it's seriously an on-going work in progress. But it's an important skill to practice and I guarantee will benefit you in the work world. (Side note: when people don't end up paying you as promised best believe you will be jumping on the phone!!) 

I can tell you from personal real world experience that I've not only received compliments on my follow up etiquette, but have gotten multiple clients(sometimes months later!) by sending a simple email or giving someone a call.

So stop fearing the follow up and start connecting! 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

Dressing for the (Art) Job

There is some major tension between the idea of being an "artist" and being a "business professional". But why? I'm going to take a stab at it. 

For some reason a big part of the tension I feel when trying to establish whether I'm "artist" or "professional" is the look. For example, when I go to meet a new client, or attend a networking event I'm constantly torn between dressing "professional" (or business-y if you will) and looking like an artist. I want people to know I run my art business with professionalism and business savvy that can actually help their businesses, and I want to look like I have a personal aesthetic and can provide creative services. I assume others struggle with this as well, yes?

It might sound silly thinking how I accessorize makes a difference, but we know how we look to others effects their impression of us. And I think there is a deep rooted feeling that those in suits and shiny heels with briefcases and desk jobs are the real business professionals. In fact, artists almost always have to be business professionals as well when they're negotiating their services and products.

Hold up!  Did you say products?

Yes. Art is a product. Selling it counts as doing business. Fine art is included. No that doesn't mean you're any less passionate, creative or artsy because you call your creative work a product and you want to sell it. A lot of it. Okay? 

When you're studying art you aren't taught things like finance, communications, management, or whatever you actually learn in business school. (Note to self: ask friends what the heck is taught in business school!) We art students get out into the world and have to quickly learn a whole slew of new things so we can start getting down to business. Ah! Yes, we start learning about pricing, profit, cost of materials, charging for our time, expenses, taxes, legal structures, percentages of sales, marketing, contracts, and the list goes on and on. 

And all that business stuff is a lot more enjoyable to learn when it directly benefits your art and creative lifestyle. And when you can do it in jeans. No suit or business degree required to officially be a creative business professional. Don't shy away from learning what you need to know to make your art career successful even when it appears to be boring, tedious, and uncreative. If you're the best artist AND business person you can be, you're ready for some magic. 

So don't be intimidated by the "look" of business. Dress appropriately for your job, and know your shit. That's being a professional. 

Find tips and tools for art&business on our Pinterest boards.

And some books of course :)

 Business and Legal Forms for Fine Artists

Getting Your Shit Together- The Ultimate Business Manual for Every Practicing Artist

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya