More Paintings Less Talk

"Eighty percent of success is just showing up." - Woody Allen

"Forest Series" Study

6x6 Dyptich

Thanks to my bloggie friend Dawn at Queen B Studio, after "poking" me politely asking... "Uh, Jen where are you? What's going on with your goals n stuff?"... I realized I had been gone longer from my blog than I wanted to.

What have I been up to? WelllllP. Not painting anything monumental that's for sure. You see, this year I kind of have been working in reverse... not sure that it actually is a good thing though, so kids don't try this at home! But it seems to be getting me to a good place as I will explain in a moment.

So if you have followed my last couple posts, you know I wrote out this lofty list of things that I wanted to accomplish this year. Well I have been "workin" that list to death for the past 2 months or so and PERSISTENCE is paying off.

Number 14 on my list: Enter 25 juried art fairs/shows this year... check! Done and done.

I've also crossed off a few other things too, like becoming a member of the Northwest Art Alliance, Exploring gallery representation, rewriting my bio, and I am now booked for 4 out of five that art fairs I have heard back from the juries on, so that is really exciting! That's a whole 4 more than I did last year so that's great! The more opportunity I have to be in front of the public eye, the more chance I will have to get my work in their hands! Which is the most rewarding part for me.

Being proactive, assertive, and persistent has really opened a lot of doors for me in a short time. It is quite the opposite of my old "self"... afraid, not confident, in the back ground. So I am kinda proud of myself.

All this emphasis on selling myself recently came into focus for me, after reading an article in Art Calendar Magazine (April issue)... Go out an get it just for this article. It's interesting. Page 8, "The Gift of Persistence" by Matthew Daub. GO! Get it! READ IT for crying out loud!

Before I explain the article, let me explain an interaction I had with an artist friend of mine the other day... we'll call him... BOB. (get ready for a rant in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...)

Yeah, so Bob is a fantastic artist. He has a full time job. He has an apartment full of fresh paintings. Just. Sitting. There. Waiting to be discovered. He wants to show his work, he would love to do art full time someday, and he has a bit of the "wohs me" complex.

One day I gave him a lead for a small gallery/boutique looking for submissions. Long story short, I caught up with him one day and asked if anything became of it and here was his response, "Yeah, thanks for the lead, I emailed her and yeah, guess what? (smirk with an I told you so face) She never responded!"

My jaw dropped to the floor. THAT's IT! That's all you got? You send one email and don't get a response so, THAT's, IT...? What if she never got it? What if she was too busy? What if she liked your work, but wasn't ready to discuss opportunity?! You will never know if you are not persistent! And even if you never get through, you go knock on another door instead! And then another!

Which brings me to my point. I am a firm believer that successful artists have unstoppable drive. How badly to you want this? Really! HOW bad do you want to be successful at what you do? You shouldn't just sit idly by with a house full of wonderful art and wait for someone to discover you... go out and get 'em!

And on the other hand, he has something wonderful working for him... he persistently paints. "He shows up." So one day it WILL all pay off. It just works that way. It just may be later than sooner... and ultimately, I just wish to share my perspective with you all, so that you don't let opportunity go by. Don't wait for things to be perfect. Sometimes you have to just jump in.

To quote the article, "This sort of persistence is the artist's best friend. In the long run, it will never fail. Something good always comes of it. In the art world, where the prize often goes to the last person standing, persistence trumps talent every time."

If you have a moment, jump over to Deborah T. Colter's blog. After I read her recent post called, "Let go and Trust", I was inspired... and I realized that I really need to paint. BAD. So I am vowing that my next few blog posts will mostly be PAINTINGS, and less talk.

Rant is over. Hope you don't hate me.

Side note: The little painting above is the prelim to a gigantic 6 foot diptych I will be tackling for my next piece. Nubmer 8 on the list: Explore a series with "twigs and branches" imagery.

Please follow me on Facebook - just become a FAN already will yah?

Dear, "Finger Pointer"...

So I did it. I made a list. A fantastic list of goals to hit for 2010.

I dreamt it. I wanted it. So... I committed to it... right here. On paper.

I was driven to write my list by a burning desire. A desire to NOT have to get a day job next year... with costs going up, things are getting bit tougher around the studio. So I made a commitment to myself to work my ass off... even more than ever.

I will increase my sales by 150% this year. I need to... and therefore I WILL.

There is no, "woes me" this, "the economy" that... I just don't buy in. All through the past two years that I have been on my own as a full time artist, I have maintained a POSITIVE attitude towards creating and selling my work. I have diversified what I sell, to whom I sell, and where I sell. Another words I make it a priority to have a PLAN. And for those couple years I have maintained a positive cash flow. It IS possible. People ARE buying art! You just have to be proactive and go out and find them.

So. Why am I sharing all this? I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU - Are you the finger pointer? The victim? The, "I can't"? The, "It's not possible"? The pessimist? The self doubter?... QUIT. IT.

So too often I come into contact with other artist's (professional & emerging) that could use a little kick in the pants! Kind of like I did when I was whining about not painting and didn't have time... blah blah blah... or that have bought into the fact that it is just the economy that is the reason why they aren't selling anything. Step out of the victim role and be willing to reinvent yourself in order to do what you love! Just a suggestion. Sometimes total bliss comes from a little bit of compromise.

I know we all don't think the same way as Jen. And that Jen is not the all knower, all seer. AND I realize that we all have different ways of doing things and processing things in our lives... thank god for all that. I just know that what I have done for myself has been successful for ME and if writing this helped one person out there to step forward in their own career, then my life has all that much more purpose on this earth.

So while there is no guarantee that I will hit ALL my goals this year, there is one guarantee... that I WILL be working harder than ever to make it happen! And I am a believer that with strong willed drive, optimism, and assertiveness, the world is at your fingertips! Grab the bull by the horns people and you will be in for a great ride!

Now. Sit down. Grab a pen and make a list. It doesn't hurt a bit. Have some wine and it will be a breeze! (I am not condoning the consumption of multiple alcoholic beverages as a means for stimulating the mind... NEVER. Just ONE glass people. One glass.)

So, if my "slap in the face" style of inspiring you isn't your cup of tea... and you are looking for a softer inspirational approach, check out this blog entry to get you started on mapping out your own success. Read these Artbiz Blog posts here:

"Decide What Your Year Will Look Like"

"Blast Off in the New Year"

OR see what the possibilities are... I posted my accomplishments... here.

If you are not already, become a FAN on Facebook of Jennifer Phillips Art. I share inspirations, artist links, my work, and a bit of my goofy side - you'll like it. I promise. Go ahead. Click on it. I dare you... you just might get inspired (grin).

Tell me! What are your lofty goals are this year? Your turn to share.

An Ambitious Year Ahead

The winning photo you helped me choose!

So first of all, thanks for taking the time to vote on my jewelry close up photo (now posted above)... After all the great input I received I ended up re-shooting a clearer version of the winning image. Ultimately this image will end up on display next to my jewelry, to show the public that they REALLY are hand-painted teenie weeny oil paintings. So thanks for helping me. Because I am a really indecisive artist to say the least!

(close up of the arteest in action - thank god she had no ear goobers.)

Which brings me to my next exciting piece of news! In about a week I will be delivering my first batch of newly redesigned necklaces to a great local boutique/gallery in Ballard, WA! It's called the VENUE. Yes folks, I now have a permanent place for you to shop locally for these cute gift ideas! AND VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING! Theaaaay make theeeee purrrrfect giftieeees~ let me make a custom one for you!

So as you may have guessed. I've been busy. Painting trees the size of the nail on my little pinkie finger. Yup. I'm covered in 'em. Not nails, TREE CHARMS! Aaaand lovin' it!

Unfortunately though, it's time to raise my prices too... SIGNIFICANTLY. It's a good thing! Especially for those that own the original, because that means for you... your little oil painting has gone up in value! Now - I don't want to see you on the street trying to sell it to the next highest bidder... you better not!

I encourage anyone that has been interested in picking on of these up for yourself, to get one now before my prices officially go up on February 5th. There are a few left online at my Etsy store for only $30! IF YOU TELL ME YOU SAW THIS BLOG POST I WON'T CHARGE SHIPPING!*** IMPORTANT! Contact me FIRST BEFORE you hit the "purchase" button or Paypal will charge you shipping. Thanks!

IF YOU ARE LOCAL? The rest of my $30 stock will be on display at my first show this year on Thursday, ONE NIGHT ONLY! I will be at the 619 Western Building for 1st Thursday in the Pioneer Square area, on Feb. 4th from 6-9. For more info read on...

So, enough with the selfish plugs huh? Ok, you win.

I really intended to begin tonight's blog entry with a little inspiration about greasin' the 'ol creative wheel for 2010. I had read a great post on the Artbizblog a few days ago, causing a reaction so strong that I couldn't hit the "leave a comment" button fast enough! If you are a procrastinator, or a stuck artist, or just need a means of seeing how other people overcome their obstacles with their art... please visit this link. http://www.artbizblog.com/2010/01/15minutes.html

Rather than explain in my own words, I would rather just encourage you to click on this link to read it for yourself... and don't forget to scroll down to read MY comment. I left my example of how IT (go find out what IT is!) worked for me. And I actually sound a little bit intelligent. Just a little.

While you are at it... clickin' around the web-n-stuff... check out all the shows I am entering this year! Just posted them to my website. Will I be in your neck of the woods in 2010??? Visit MY AMBITIOUS SHOW SCHEDULE here.

The Burrrrrr is Back in My Studio...

Sooo, yeeeaahhh. Ummm, I've been gone for a while, from my blog world... AGAIN. Sorry 'bout dat. It has already been a very busy year for me, but not because I am selling, or painting, or even showing my work just yet. I have been sitting in front of my computer, doing taxes, researching show opportunities, and just plain BUSY - PLANNING and summing up 2009!

I avoided my studio like the plague at the end of last year. For one, I was distracted by all the sparkly holiday lights... and two, MY STUDIO WAS FREEZING. Literally.

Check out my "sink snowman"... This video above says it all. I have been meaning to post it since December. But I am a lazy bum. So, for those of you who live here in Seattle, we both know that it is no longer freezing and for some reason we are sorta feeling like spring now around here (blame it on Mr. or Mrs. Nino)! And my blooming ornamental cherry tree is going to be sorely disappointed once it finds out that it is still winter...

So you know what THAT means!? I'm out of excuses and back in the studio... this time, to paint. I have sooooo many opportunities to show my work coming up (starting next week)! So NOT painting is NOT an option!

I will keep you posted on when/where to see me and my artiness soon... OR/AND if you aren't already a fan of Jennifer Phillips Art on Facebook DO IT! Don't be shy. I seem to post there more now a days anyway... and I am funny (or so they tell me), so don't miss out on my one liners. I do actually post useful information for artists too. Things that I come across while researching show opportunities for myself. I am a good sharer (or so my mom told me... when I was five). Click HERE to visit me on Facebook. Become a FAN!

If you are reading this post in your email inbox, please click to actually visit my blog to cast your vote! I need your one second opinion for an idea I have! Thanks!

New Year, New Goals, New Trees, and a Quest to Find Bert!

I couldn't help but post two entries tonight. I am discovering that my blog is getting wordier by the day... I hope I'm not put everyone to sleep with my stories and lengthiness! 

2009 is here and I have discovered that I have so many new and exciting adventures to plan for the new year! December was creatively slow for me and over the past few days I have broken free of my slump by doing a lot of reflecting on the my accomplishments for the new year. At the advice of Alyson B Stanfield and her blog "ArtBiz", I chose to take a pen to paper and do a bit of writing to cleanse my artist brain before taking 2009 by the horns.

I recommend reading the following blog posts by Alyson. They are great ideas on how to get your year started in the right direction. She is a great motivator and inspires me in many ways.

"Blast off in the New Year", helps with fresh brainstorming ideas on marketing and goal setting for artists.

"Your 2008 Accomplishments", is an excellent post about reflecting and celebrating your successes wether big or small.

I took an moment before bed a couple nights ago to write down my 2008 accomplishments. I am sharing them with you here, not to brag, or show off in any manner. I share this personal list with you, my fellow artist's friends, because I think some may benefit by seeing what can be accomplished in a year if you are in similar shoes... Before I ventured out on my own a year ago, I had a friend that shared his accomplishments with me and it helpful to see what someone else could do... it set the bar high and contributed to my success this past year.

What I got done this past year... in no particular order

Started my business, Jennifer Phillips Art, as a full time artist!

Had over 12 shows at different venues in Seattle, WA.

Exceeded my sales goal I set for myself by 300%!

Painted over 259 paintings!

Sold over 111 paintings!

Sold over 25 prints!

Approached by 4 galleries in Washington state.

Approached by over 4 print companies locally and internationally.

Signed with Genisis Giclee & Gallery, a national printing company, in Woodenville, WA.

Started a blog in July, Daily Encounters with my Paintbrush.

Started an online store at Etsy.com. Sold 6 paintings/prints since September.

Applied and accepted to sell my work at Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. (picked out of 200 applicants, only 13 accepted)

Painted over 5 commission pieces.

Gained confidence in showing, talking about, and presenting myself as an artist. "I am an artist, it's is my profession."

Inspired other artist's/friends through my blog, website, print material, work, and drive.

Invited to participate in a show at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, WA.

Participated in a solo show for 1st Thursday in Pioneer Square Seattle, WA.

Obtained my own studio space that I call my own.

Accepted (1st try) to the Bellevue Arts Fair in Bellevue, WA.

Published/featured in an article for Ampersand Art about my technique. (coming out in Feb.)

Published in and developed a set of oil paints for Daniel Smith Artist Materials.

I invested in myself and my business in these ways...

Attended several "Artist Tool-Kit" lectures at GAGE Academy in Seattle, WA.

Attended free demonstrations on technique at Daniel Smith Artist Materials.

Read several books:

Art Marketing 101

Internet 101

Licensing Art 101

Art Office

Smart Couples Finish Rich

The Artist's Way

The Success Principles, Jack Canfield

Subscribed to art magazines:

American Art Collector

Art Calander

Subscribed to Artbiz blog

Assigned myself studio hours/days.

Used Mondays as my "marketing" days for planning.

Made time to social network online.

Set up a budget on my computer and a book-keeping system to manage my business and see my growth in numbers.

Visited Seattle Art Museum and several local galleries on a regular basis.

What I realize from this list...

I need to make more time for painting large work. I strayed from my studio hours towards the end of the year and spent a lot of time marketing. This year I would like to take a couple road trips to paint in the field and come back with some new material. I would also like to enter competitions, and do more art fairs this year. I also would like to meet and maintain more artist relationships...network, network, network! 

And last but not least, I will find my long lost brush Bert. As we all know he has been missing since the move and I have neglected to do anything about it... no search parties, no release of the hound dogs, and no I haven't even lifted a finger to rummage through my many unpacked boxes in my studio to find him! It will be done!

Happy New Year Everyone!