Tuesday 7 June 2011

The Business of Being an Artist

Many years ago, before I'd ever dreamed I would make my living as an artist, I had a romantic notion that the artist's life was spent in the studio creating wonderful works of art all day... little did I know! Quite aside from teaching which usually takes up a couple of days each week (and is what actually earns the money) the majority of my time is spent on admin - keeping everything up to date, answering emails, sending out brochures, maintaining a contact list, devising new classes, making samples for classes, ordering materials, marketing and generally keeping my name "out there"... in fact it is a miracle that any work gets created at all.

I recently ordered some cards of one of my prints which this morning I've been packaging up... testing the water really to see if they will sell.



I've also been framing some work and hanging it in various locations around the house to see what it looks like... some embroidered pieces...


and a couple of prints...


and all this activity has been prompted because in just a months time I will be participating in Cambridge Open Studios once again, opening my doors for two weekends in July. Which also means I need to update my contact list and get some of these sent out... If you are in the area I would love to see you (details on the website - http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk/)


Although before that I shall be at Missenden Abbey at the weekend with a stall to promote my classes there and hopefully sell a few items (if I find any time to make anything else this week)




But it does mean there is never a dull moment and a "to do" list which is being constantly added to. On the list this afternoon... back to degree work!

24 comments:

  1. I will try to get down to your open studio. I'm sure you'll remind us nearer the time.

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  2. Boy...never a dull moment indeed! It sounds like you're terribly busy -- and about to get busier. I love all of your gorgeous little daisies!

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  3. Gina, I do envy those folks who will be able to attend the Open Studios. (I am sure that preparing to receive all the anticipated visitors must take a great deal of planning and plain old hard work. Hoping you will still find time to keep your marvelous creative candle lit!)

    I do love that blue peacock card. It's a grand design.

    xo

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  4. I love your embroidered daisies. Good luck with the open studios.

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  5. Such beautiful work. I love those little birds sooo cute.

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  6. Those little birds are lovely, Fran, and I'm sure the cards will go well the vibrant blues are super.

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  7. Cor!! I'm worn out just reading your post Gina, but if I had your talent and skill I'd want to be out there using them. All your work looks very professional and will surely be well received. Love the bird prints and daisies, and the cards are great.

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  8. Yes I seem to be like that in life in general - in fact I have to put a note in my diary to sit and have a cup of tea with myself occasionally for 20 mins!!

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  9. Gina, don't forget to promote using the ERTF website, if you have a poster in jpeg that can go up too. Send info to Camb Rep or me to go on the ERTF blog.

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  10. You've just described exactly how I have been feeling of late. I do hope your Open Studios go well Gina and that all your work is appreciated xx

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  11. Cards look beautiful! Must put the date for the open studio in my diary. :)

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  12. If only I could get there, I just know I'd love it.

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  13. I am slightly peeved at not being able to get to Missenden to meet you Gina - I'm working at the Cheltenham Science Festival instead!

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  14. Wish I could get to Missenden but this weekend is rammed already. I shall really try for Open Studios this year though!

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  15. The business side kinda takes all the romance out of the art, doesn't it :o(

    Everything is looking gorgeous for the Open Studios. Too far for me, unfortunately.

    xx

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  16. I wish I could visit your Open Studio, that would be great.
    I really, really love you little daisies. :)
    Vivienne x

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  17. Gina,
    You are a fibber. You really are a 'Superwoman' and now you've proved it to me. While I sit and faff around with stuff you frame it, get it printed, sign up to things, promote them, actively manage your database and still fit in 'life'. When you say you have a 'to do' list I have every confidence that it is a tangible thing, sat on the worktop and constantly reviewed whilst mine stays airy fairy in my head. Send some of your positive energy my way please! Lesley

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  18. You have so much going for you..... lovely to see the daisies framed. Your open studio days are bound to be a success......

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  19. Wow - I think the cards look great. I love spending time packaging stuff up, it's just spending the time creating it that I have problems with: I am in awe, because you manage to do both - and teach - and STILL make the occasional cake!

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  20. The framed daisies and birds and gorgeous and I love the cards. Have fun with the open studios!

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  21. Love the prints,thank you so much for my surprise post ,you seriously can never have too many, especially such lovely ones.x

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  22. Your daisies look fab in those gorgeous frames - did you make the frames yourself too, or did you have them made?
    I'm sure your open studios will be great, if I'm not working I'd love to come over.

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  23. Gina. I will try and get to the open studio to meet you. All the best with your work. Amanda

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  24. I know exactly what you mean...
    A day in the studio without interruptions is a rarity for me too.

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