Comments on: New Artist Motivation Resource

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:24:17 +0000

Hey Girls,

Lynn White has really started a good thing here. I have the end of Spring blues. Like Tamra, I have been sick for quite some time, with a surgical nightmare and a chronic illness that will plague me for the rest of my life. I also injured my hip really horribly which keeps me up at night.

Thanks so much ladies for the honesty you have shared about these road blocks. It gets very humid here in NY, which affects my disease and makes me really sick. On top of that, I feel like throwing in the towel. I cleaned up my studio (well, at least it looks clean after you shove piles of unattended paperwork and junk under the couch) and now I feel empty after Christmas and Mother’s day.

Empty. Yes, that is a great word for describing how I feel. Pain does that to you, and does not help your self esteem. I have an artist friend who does not ever discuss money with me. She is a professional graphic designer, artist and sculpture, mural consignee, and actually is know all over the country for one of her eggs that brought her to the White House, and for one of her Cows in the intensely juried Cow Parade selection in N.Y. City. This is what helped me when she responded to my doubts: “I think you just need to keep working. Heck, I haven’t sold a think since last year! Art is what keeps me grounded just because it is what I do and because I love it.”

Beautiful.

I think we need to remember to take breaks. Long if necessary. Ballerinas get injured, and even though they could be out for quite some time, their muscles remember. In this sense, I feel burnt out. I just want to be well again so that I can get out there to sell. I also want to stay in touch with you gals because I am feeling a comraderie here that is growing fast, and I am liking it! I think we need to do other things, like paint or draw or jump into a river. Get away from it all and be kids again. That desk with tools will not go anywhere.

Thanks, Lynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XOXOXO to all,

Elizabeth

By: Dita Basu

Dita Basu — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:15:54 +0000

Thank you so much for this motivational niche. I do feel so discouraged sometimes that it kind of paralyzes me. Some thing happened to day that I wanted to share with you, my fellow jewelry artist friends:
Up in the sky, I saw a bunch of birds were flying forming a v- shape. There was one of them who fell behind, sort of lost. The group of birds changed their direction to pick up their wandering, lost friend and showed her the right path.

This gave me some hope. You guys give me such support and direction in this blog. Thank you.
P.S.Dear Linda, I wish you all the best. Something will come up soon and help you guys.

By: Rosetta

Rosetta — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:04:54 +0000

What helps me when I get a block, is to think of making something for someone that I haven’t met yet, that needs to feel and look better. If I think of helping a person who needs a boost in their life “a little bling”, then my inspiration returns. Remember, “it’s not all about you !” The beauty of hand crafted jewelry is that we have a hand in bringing out the beauty in others!
Rosetta

By: Linda Santiago

Linda Santiago — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:24:00 +0000

I’m so glad to be able to share my lack of motivation sometimes and also glad to know that many more go through the same. Usually it’s caused by burn out. Too much to fast or simply overworked and uninspired. My husband and I are working on a vending project for this week and we are hoping for the best. Past sales have left us a little scepticle but hopefully this one will be a winner. Our business is relatively new so things are slow. Wish me luck fellow jewelry makers. All the luck to all of you also.

By: Arbie Goodfellow

Arbie Goodfellow — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:39:08 +0000

Today as I was standing in line at the grocery store and glancing at a magazine with Michael J. Fox on the cover, he is quoting…
“Happiness is a decision.” That made me stop and think, and yes I do agree with that statement.
Bloom where you are planted….
When ever I need motivation I look into my Antique Jewelry books, Look at Etsy which fascinates me…. or better yet dig into your supplies and play around with your materials. Mine are sumptuous ribbons and sparkly things which seem to make me want to turn them into a creation. Its amazing just sitting down for 10 minutes and you might find yourself starting a new project… Arbie

By: Tamra Staab

Tamra Staab — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:41:09 +0000

I was so excited as a new Twitterer (?) to find that someone had validated the loss of enthusiasm in their jewelry business!

I’ve been ill for a number of months and have challenges with depression. I assumed that once my health returned, so would my motivation. It’s slowly coming back but it has surprised and disappointed me as to how long it’s taking.

I’m trying to work my blog a bit more to direct traffic there. And as always, we jewelry designers have to act as photographer, creator, marketer, bookkeeper, etc.

I’ve added you to my following list on Twitter, thanks!

By: Anita Chariw

Anita Chariw — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:02:04 +0000

Hi…I accidentally opened up Rena’s website which I had bookmarked and saw this blog which was mentioned today!….ironically, I have an order for a specific bracelet to match earrings which the customer purchased and I had lost my motivation due to a loss in my family…your blog saved my desire to create!…thank you…my business is only 2 months old and I will be looking to this blog for inspiration and connection to other jewelrymakers…anita