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Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
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Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Taradoodles on Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:07 am
Because of recent discussions I feel that Im not as creative as I thought I once was. That maybe trying to make this into a business is a futile effort and I should stick to strictly volunteer work with tips. My website does not seem as flashy, I cant find the time to practice designs to make them my own, I do not have a professional set up/display, people are turning me down because of price issues and no matter how hard I seem to try my hand at painting they come out crummy and unfinished looking.
I think Ive entered a slump, which is bad in itself considering I have only been asking for payment for paintings for about 4 months now. Before that I believe I did better work and didnt worry about much of anything except finding a place to volunteer. I enjoy painting so much, why cant I just paint and leave the rest of these worries to float away? Its so hard to find a direction and stick to it without causing some rift.
...look at me now. Im now a certified ninny and whinning about it. I need to get rid of insomnia and soon. I get to thinking to much I guess. Wallowing around in muck dosent make it any better.
Maybe its an Eeyore Illness? Ho Hum....
This is my mawmaw's saying:
Your little rock just needs to be polished, this is just part of the journey. Others are born shiny and do not need to be polished but need to learn scuffs.
No, Im not fishing for compliments- I do think outside the box sometimes, its just getting that point across it gets lost along the way. Yes, Im venting a sad emotion and no comments are required.
I think Ive entered a slump, which is bad in itself considering I have only been asking for payment for paintings for about 4 months now. Before that I believe I did better work and didnt worry about much of anything except finding a place to volunteer. I enjoy painting so much, why cant I just paint and leave the rest of these worries to float away? Its so hard to find a direction and stick to it without causing some rift.
...look at me now. Im now a certified ninny and whinning about it. I need to get rid of insomnia and soon. I get to thinking to much I guess. Wallowing around in muck dosent make it any better.
Maybe its an Eeyore Illness? Ho Hum....This is my mawmaw's saying:
Your little rock just needs to be polished, this is just part of the journey. Others are born shiny and do not need to be polished but need to learn scuffs.
No, Im not fishing for compliments- I do think outside the box sometimes, its just getting that point across it gets lost along the way. Yes, Im venting a sad emotion and no comments are required.
Taradoodles- Number of posts: 793
Age: 27
Location: Erie, PA
Registration date: 2011-04-03 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Jody Rife on Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:55 am
Sorry, gotta comment. 
Just be the best You, that You can be. I love the shiny rock saying, how true it is. Some of us need more polish and we will never be just like others but we can be OUR best.
I've always struggled with thoughts like this in other areas of my life. I have always battled eating disorders all my life. As a young adult, I finally came to the conclusion, "There is always going to be someone prettier, someone thinner,smarter..etc. BIG Fat deal." I like me.
Now I find that I have to apply the same thought process to my artwork. Am I the best? Not by a verrrrrry big longshot!! But , I like what I do.
Love your cute little Avatar by the way!
Just be the best You, that You can be. I love the shiny rock saying, how true it is. Some of us need more polish and we will never be just like others but we can be OUR best. I've always struggled with thoughts like this in other areas of my life. I have always battled eating disorders all my life. As a young adult, I finally came to the conclusion, "There is always going to be someone prettier, someone thinner,smarter..etc. BIG Fat deal." I like me.
Now I find that I have to apply the same thought process to my artwork. Am I the best? Not by a verrrrrry big longshot!! But , I like what I do.
Love your cute little Avatar by the way!
Jody Rife- Number of posts: 1174
Age: 39
Location: Gallipolis,Ohio
Registration date: 2011-02-19 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by MelodyFPL on Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:12 am
whoa now! Tara! not creative? futile? have you lost your mind, my friend?
Your work is fantastic and you will get better and better the more you do it. Practice on the neighborhood kids. Practice on yourself. VERY few of us are lucky enough to pick this up and be perfect at it immediately. Things take time.
Your website isn't as flashy? Seriously, that's your concern? It doesn't need to be flashy, it needs to provide information to prospective clients, which it does. If you want a fancier one, go to wix or webs or one of the other free sites and use a template.
Pricing issues? Are you ONLY doing birthday parties? Try a festival or a restaurant, maybe? What is your competition charging? Have you looked for your competition? She is out there, Find her. Check her prices. Don't charge more than she does.
You dont have a professional display... these things cost either a lot of time and creativity, or money. I know you have creativity. You know what I used for my display? A vinyl window shade. Yeah. Glued photo sleeves to it that I tore out of an old photo album. Come on Tara, you can do this. You are brilliant and creative and everyone knows it.
Can I also mention that you are an awesome person? Does this have no bearing? I say it does. I read your comments on here. You are smart, kind and a good friend.
I read your testimonials! People love you. Looks like you get a nice amount of business.
Do not give up. Do not do not. Things WILL start to go your way. I promise.
Your work is fantastic and you will get better and better the more you do it. Practice on the neighborhood kids. Practice on yourself. VERY few of us are lucky enough to pick this up and be perfect at it immediately. Things take time.
Your website isn't as flashy? Seriously, that's your concern? It doesn't need to be flashy, it needs to provide information to prospective clients, which it does. If you want a fancier one, go to wix or webs or one of the other free sites and use a template.
Pricing issues? Are you ONLY doing birthday parties? Try a festival or a restaurant, maybe? What is your competition charging? Have you looked for your competition? She is out there, Find her. Check her prices. Don't charge more than she does.
You dont have a professional display... these things cost either a lot of time and creativity, or money. I know you have creativity. You know what I used for my display? A vinyl window shade. Yeah. Glued photo sleeves to it that I tore out of an old photo album. Come on Tara, you can do this. You are brilliant and creative and everyone knows it.
Can I also mention that you are an awesome person? Does this have no bearing? I say it does. I read your comments on here. You are smart, kind and a good friend.
I read your testimonials! People love you. Looks like you get a nice amount of business.
Do not give up. Do not do not. Things WILL start to go your way. I promise.
MelodyFPL- Number of posts: 856
Location: Central New York
Registration date: 2011-07-02 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by tanyamaldo119 on Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:22 am
Honey, attitude is everything. I have seen some crappy painting work and those people get bookings because they don't retreat, they are determined to make things happen and keep selling themselves. Your work is nice so you already have an advantage you just need the attitude to go with it. You can still do some volunteer work to get your practice in but don't sell yourself short. You are not horrible and you can be successful with this. You don't need a flashy website. It just needs to be clean and easy to read with a slide show of your pictures. All people want to see is what you offer and how much. You will get people that will turn away because of price because we are in a recession and everyone is trying to cut back which is why all that extreme couponing mess is so big right now but when people want to make their kids birthday a special event they will find the money, trust me. My sons first birthday I said I was only going to spend $100, I ended up spend about $300. It was my babys first! And I did it again for his second. A parent can't help it. As far as work looking unfinished, it is amazing what magical powers dots, little starburts and highlight lines have when trying to pull together a piece. If you love painting then paint. whether it's for free or for pay but don't be discouraged because your are talented and capable enough to make things happen.
tanyamaldo119- Number of posts: 325
Location: Easton, PA
Registration date: 2010-08-09 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by tanyamaldo119 on Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:27 am
By the way, for a photo display at birthday parties I use a binder with pictures taped to construction paper inside clear protective sheets and at fesivals and bigger events I use a few of these http://www.michaels.com/16-Opening-Vinyl-Collage-Frame/fr0567,default,pd.html?cgid=products-framing-collage&start=23.
You don't need fancy shmancy stuff. Keep it simple.
You don't need fancy shmancy stuff. Keep it simple.
tanyamaldo119- Number of posts: 325
Location: Easton, PA
Registration date: 2010-08-09 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Griffinblue on Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:06 am
There is always more to learn and fancier displays to invest in, but simple DOES work! No time for practice? Doodle every spare minute, while on the phone, waiting in drs offices, on your break at work or whatever. I invented new butterflies doing just that! That's where originality will come in:). The painting will just keep getting better!
You have it in you, the heart of a face painter
You have it in you, the heart of a face painter
Griffinblue- Number of posts: 182
Age: 34
Location: west michigan
Registration date: 2011-07-21
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Amy Moon on Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:13 am
While it may be true that you are a rock in need of a bit of polish with not much time for practice at least you know this and as such will indeed improve as you go.
I know I need lots of practice and polishing. I also know being around all these talented artists in this forum is not only intimidating but can give you a false sense of the level of skill needed to be in business. It is easy to think you will never be good enough to compete with some of these artists. Lucky for most of us we don't have to. It can also help to cruise the net or your local markets and see the truly awful face paint that people have paid for out there.
I know I need lots of practice and polishing. I also know being around all these talented artists in this forum is not only intimidating but can give you a false sense of the level of skill needed to be in business. It is easy to think you will never be good enough to compete with some of these artists. Lucky for most of us we don't have to. It can also help to cruise the net or your local markets and see the truly awful face paint that people have paid for out there.
Amy Moon- Number of posts: 221
Age: 36
Location: Renton Wa
Registration date: 2011-01-03 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Shannon Fennell on Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:43 am
Good lord girl, get a grip! No matter how experienced we are we all pretty much paint the same in the trenches. As long as you are ENJOYING IT don't compare yourself to ANYONE!!
And trust me, originality is NOT a requirement on the job. If you knew how many kitties and skulls I painted this past weekend at a festival.....!!!!!
I always tell my students that as long as you can paint about 10 standard faces to an acceptable "What is it?" level then you are cabable of going out there and offering your services to the public for pay.
As for set-up... sure, I have table top units, but I got one for free (non-profit I worked for changed colours!) one I made, and most of the time I use a binder with pages I printed on my computer! And if it is too windy... there is NOTHING on display, not even a list of words!
As for feeling your work looks "unfinished"... what exactly is it that you think it is missing? I always feel that white dots, stars or a few highlights will change a flat looking design into something that makes the moms go "oh wow she's good..."
That and gold lips (Kryolan Interferenze Bronze)
As for the website... flashy? Not important. Contact info and some samples... that's the main thing.
And don't stress about the price issue... as long as you are charging a realistic rate and are booking a percentage of the inquiries. I would say that out of every ten inquiries I get for birthday parties than only two actually book... people have expectations of what the fees will be and if I am higher there is sticker shock, if I am lower they book immediately. And I am priced WAY higher than other painters here (the clown that face paints charges more but she offers magic, balloons, games AND face painting in one hour???)
So relax, have fun, and enjoy it... it is about what YOU find fun.
And trust me, originality is NOT a requirement on the job. If you knew how many kitties and skulls I painted this past weekend at a festival.....!!!!!
I always tell my students that as long as you can paint about 10 standard faces to an acceptable "What is it?" level then you are cabable of going out there and offering your services to the public for pay.
As for set-up... sure, I have table top units, but I got one for free (non-profit I worked for changed colours!) one I made, and most of the time I use a binder with pages I printed on my computer! And if it is too windy... there is NOTHING on display, not even a list of words!
As for feeling your work looks "unfinished"... what exactly is it that you think it is missing? I always feel that white dots, stars or a few highlights will change a flat looking design into something that makes the moms go "oh wow she's good..."
That and gold lips (Kryolan Interferenze Bronze)As for the website... flashy? Not important. Contact info and some samples... that's the main thing.
And don't stress about the price issue... as long as you are charging a realistic rate and are booking a percentage of the inquiries. I would say that out of every ten inquiries I get for birthday parties than only two actually book... people have expectations of what the fees will be and if I am higher there is sticker shock, if I am lower they book immediately. And I am priced WAY higher than other painters here (the clown that face paints charges more but she offers magic, balloons, games AND face painting in one hour???)
So relax, have fun, and enjoy it... it is about what YOU find fun.
Shannon Fennell- Number of posts: 5550
Location: Alberta, Canada
Registration date: 2008-09-24 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Manabanana on Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:47 am
Tara..... deep breath.... every single person on this forum I am sure has felt this way one time or another. Doesnt mean we suck.
Means we try harder. That is why we challenge ourselves here, and post our work and ask for feedback.
You are great, awesome even for the ammount of time you have invested in this vocation.
It isnt always easy, it can be exspensive. (I'm with you there.....)
But you can do it! The seasoned artists here are proof we can all do it.
Head up high. (I think this might have been a pep talk for myself too....
)
Thinking of you and sending awesomeness vibes and hugs.
Means we try harder. That is why we challenge ourselves here, and post our work and ask for feedback.
You are great, awesome even for the ammount of time you have invested in this vocation.
It isnt always easy, it can be exspensive. (I'm with you there.....)
But you can do it! The seasoned artists here are proof we can all do it.
Head up high. (I think this might have been a pep talk for myself too....
)Thinking of you and sending awesomeness vibes and hugs.
Manabanana- Number of posts: 1114
Age: 30
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Registration date: 2011-07-01 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by Manabanana on Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:48 am
Shannon...you're the best.
Manabanana- Number of posts: 1114
Age: 30
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Registration date: 2011-07-01 -
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by 1HappyNut on Fri Aug 05, 2011 1:48 pm
Wow. I... Oh wow. This community is outstanding.
Taradoodles, I checked out your gallery and your website and I actually really like it! I love how you thank people right away for their interest, and how on each new page you write as though you are talking to the viewer. It feels warm.
I love all of the bright colours and links in your paragraphs. I love the diversification in all of the paintings... not the same ol' thing over and over. And I LOVE the hotdog!!! It was so well done and super cute.
It did take a long time to get through the photos in your website gallery. Is there an option for you to add it as a slideshow?
I agree with all of the pearls of wisdom above... and pearls they are! I think you should bookmark this page and re-read it when you have a 'downer' day.
I don't have as much experience getting paid for my work as you (all) do, but I'm getting there. I'm doing a lot of researching, looking into insurance, business cards, website, set up items, biz name, checking and re-checking my confidence...
I think that as someone else alluded to, this forum can be a double-edged sword. We are able to share and learn so much here, but we are all different levels of artists and it would be oh-so-easy to compare ourselves... Except we are all at a different stage in our journey, so that would be unrealistic to compare. Everybody has to learn stuff. The day we stop learning...? Yikes. I don't ever want to be there. I hope to be great one day at many, many things, but I also hope I'll always find something new to learn or improve.
I wish I could give you a big ol' squish... where's the 'hug' button on here??
As I said, I don't have much to add to the very intelligent and logical advice already given except to reinforce the love.
Unless you need a huge kick in the pants... /Bump. Then consider yourself kicked.
And Jody, here's a hug for you too.... That's a very difficult concept for so many people to truly believe in (myself included) but what an epiphany when it hits you!! There's nobody just exactly like me, and no one that can be ME quite like I can. There's a certain pride in that.
[quote="Jody Rife"] I've always struggled with thoughts like this in other areas of my life. I have always battled eating disorders all my life. As a young adult, I finally came to the conclusion, "There is always going to be someone prettier, someone thinner,smarter..etc. BIG Fat deal." I like me. quote]
And it's so true. Something I heard Oprah say once about everyone being on a different journey; everyone has their own things to learn; can't judge/don't know what their path is or has been; focus on self, can't compare to others.... It's just all about perception.
I'm off to try to graduate as an MT on time. Wish me luck. I need to stop getting sucked in to the FP vortex! Aaaahhhh!
Taradoodles, I checked out your gallery and your website and I actually really like it! I love how you thank people right away for their interest, and how on each new page you write as though you are talking to the viewer. It feels warm.
I love all of the bright colours and links in your paragraphs. I love the diversification in all of the paintings... not the same ol' thing over and over. And I LOVE the hotdog!!! It was so well done and super cute.
It did take a long time to get through the photos in your website gallery. Is there an option for you to add it as a slideshow?
I agree with all of the pearls of wisdom above... and pearls they are! I think you should bookmark this page and re-read it when you have a 'downer' day.
I don't have as much experience getting paid for my work as you (all) do, but I'm getting there. I'm doing a lot of researching, looking into insurance, business cards, website, set up items, biz name, checking and re-checking my confidence...
I think that as someone else alluded to, this forum can be a double-edged sword. We are able to share and learn so much here, but we are all different levels of artists and it would be oh-so-easy to compare ourselves... Except we are all at a different stage in our journey, so that would be unrealistic to compare. Everybody has to learn stuff. The day we stop learning...? Yikes. I don't ever want to be there. I hope to be great one day at many, many things, but I also hope I'll always find something new to learn or improve.
I wish I could give you a big ol' squish... where's the 'hug' button on here??
As I said, I don't have much to add to the very intelligent and logical advice already given except to reinforce the love.
Unless you need a huge kick in the pants... /Bump. Then consider yourself kicked.
And Jody, here's a hug for you too....
That's a very difficult concept for so many people to truly believe in (myself included) but what an epiphany when it hits you!! There's nobody just exactly like me, and no one that can be ME quite like I can. There's a certain pride in that.[quote="Jody Rife"] I've always struggled with thoughts like this in other areas of my life. I have always battled eating disorders all my life. As a young adult, I finally came to the conclusion, "There is always going to be someone prettier, someone thinner,smarter..etc. BIG Fat deal." I like me. quote]
And it's so true. Something I heard Oprah say once about everyone being on a different journey; everyone has their own things to learn; can't judge/don't know what their path is or has been; focus on self, can't compare to others.... It's just all about perception.
I'm off to try to graduate as an MT on time. Wish me luck. I need to stop getting sucked in to the FP vortex! Aaaahhhh!
1HappyNut- Number of posts: 527
Age: 35
Location: British Columbia
Registration date: 2011-06-02
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by nancy! on Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:26 pm
Oh Tara, you sound very sad. And you are always so happy and warm to everybody. This isn't about your painting only I think. You found a warm place on this forum to be among friends and maybe you feel a bit worried because of some threads and now you think you are not good enough? I don't want to miss you on this forum. You're always kind to anybody and have funny posts.
You just moved, your husband has a new job. Lots of changing in your personal life. This forum is a nice place to be.
Don't doubt your paintings. I remember your terminator, dolphin, bug, steampunk watch (I liked that one very very much). They are all so creative. And it is right, you improved very much. Wasn't it you telling us about the daycare 'paying' you a month for every hour? See?
((((((((Hugs)))))))))
You just moved, your husband has a new job. Lots of changing in your personal life. This forum is a nice place to be.
Don't doubt your paintings. I remember your terminator, dolphin, bug, steampunk watch (I liked that one very very much). They are all so creative. And it is right, you improved very much. Wasn't it you telling us about the daycare 'paying' you a month for every hour? See?
((((((((Hugs)))))))))
nancy!- Number of posts: 1173
Age: 44
Location: Netherlands
Registration date: 2011-02-19
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by nancy! on Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:54 pm
Oh Kirsten. I agree with you. I like your wording.
It is hard for me to write in English. I haven't enough words to express myself exactly, so it may sound a little 'formal'.
It is hard for me to write in English. I haven't enough words to express myself exactly, so it may sound a little 'formal'.
nancy!- Number of posts: 1173
Age: 44
Location: Netherlands
Registration date: 2011-02-19
Re: Venting a sad emotion, slight insomnia
by 1HappyNut on Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:28 pm
Nancy, what a generous thing to say! Thank you.
I am a sucker for a genuine compliment!
I think your English is eloquent and beautiful. I cannot boast knowing another language, except a smattering of French. So I admire it when someone can learn a whole other language...especially when it is English which is very complicated and full of tricks and traps!
I also rather enjoy the 'formal' bit, and I think you perfectly captured what you wanted to express in your chosen words. Don't sell yourself short.
I am sending a big hug to you too for such a nice compliment!
I am a sucker for a genuine compliment!
I think your English is eloquent and beautiful. I cannot boast knowing another language, except a smattering of French. So I admire it when someone can learn a whole other language...especially when it is English which is very complicated and full of tricks and traps!
I also rather enjoy the 'formal' bit, and I think you perfectly captured what you wanted to express in your chosen words. Don't sell yourself short.
I am sending a big hug to you too for such a nice compliment!
1HappyNut- Number of posts: 527
Age: 35
Location: British Columbia
Registration date: 2011-06-02
nancy!- Number of posts: 1173
Age: 44
Location: Netherlands
Registration date: 2011-02-19
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