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First year as an ARTIST

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First year as an ARTIST

Calling myself and "Artist" and deciding to follow that path was a huge decision. I spent the previous year attending local art events and local gallery. It seems that most artists have a difficult time accepting and calling themselves an "Artist" for the first time. It is such a vulnerable place to throw your art out there and hope someone likes it. Lots of questions of doubt and concern come to the surface. It's a little easier to present it like a hobby; "I am a________ and also do art" - wink wink. Well, I took that step full throttle January of this year. People were impressed by my dive and I was impressed with the encouragement from friends and family. It seems that a lot of people have a talent that they may not give in to and certainly admire someone that will.
I have learned a lot this year and made tons of mistakes. I am still learning; thank you to the many that have provided guidance. This has been quite a process and I hope to share some of those lessons in this blog. For now, I need to get going as there is so much to do.

December 23,2018
It has been 1 year since I claimed the “Artist” title. I have shown my art, I have sold my art and I understand that with this accomplished- I can keep this title! Through the year I have learned so much; everyday there is something new. Here are some of the things that I have learned:
• Everyone has different tastes, I can now guess who will like a piece and who may not say anything. My work is all over the place with the only reoccurring theme, colorful. The support though is immense and oh so appreciated.
• Get paid before you ship a product. In talking about paid Sam and Jane taught me about Paypal, and I learned to do Square on my own. I have a shipping account now and a scale to weigh packages. Those who have made purchases or shared my content- I thank you so much for supporting my path.
• I learned that no matter how hard you work as an artist and it is never stops, sometimes family thinks that you played all day. Speaking about Family- they also are the most honest critics and really your best supporters. You know who you are- kiss, kiss, hug, hug.
• Other artists are not a threat as I so shallowly thought: they are some of the best supporters you will find. They share the difficulties, lessons and rewards. We get to cheer each other on and it means a lot from them when you are an admirer of their work. You also make a lot of friends through the social media outlets and share some devastating or joyful events. As an artist the emotions can play out in your art and move you toward new techniques or inspired pieces.
• I learned a lot about framing and mounting art, thank you u-tube. 40lb test fishing line and of course learning fishing knots was a trick I learned to replace expensive framing wire. Sticking to standard size paint surfaces saves time and money. Recycled frames are great options that some really appreciate.
• Social Media was something I had to learn as well. With help from Chuck #greenpointtattoo and Hendall #killedeerpottery, I learned Instagram and went from 0 followers in March to 960 today. I hope to reach 1000 before year end. @donoghuepatty. In addition to this I have toyed with twitter, pinterest and have 3 sites to sell my prints and products. I just figured out how to get them on FB. Social medial takes a lot of time but is necessary. Through the online presentations I have had to learn how to video and make high definition scans of my paintings. I purchased a good camera and got coaching from Louislena and learned of the high def scanner free at the library from Sue.
• I learned to price my work and have bravely and publicly displayed my art in 6 shows and hosted one private home show. I so appreciate the friends that came out to show support, and Bryce who made it so easy. The local art community #associatedartists and #Sawtooth are 2 places where I found support and social outlets this year.
• For every success there are a bunch of mistakes and trials. As an artist you are your own product developer, purchasing agent, marketing director and salesperson. No one to delegate to or to clean up a mess. I learned that it is all you, baby.
There is a lot more that I learned, like a 48” canvas will not fit in my car and non yellowing products, yellow and glazes freeze. No matter, I’ll keep learning. I dream about my art, I pray about the art and I truly do appreciate this opportunity to do art everyday. This has been a fantastic year and I look forward toward another, with some education on my back and KD along with Fans to carry me through, it is going to be something. THANK YOU!!