| As a dear friend so aptly put it one day, "Parenting ain't | | | | Will you do flat-fee licenses? Will you do spec work in |
| no joke!" And anyone with offspring or anyone who | | | | the hopes of getting a deal or just offer what is |
| has seen a parent, been around a parent or even near | | | | already in your portfolio... etc.) |
| a parent has to admit it is true. Why are some children | | | | 5. - What do you create. (Don't try to be all things to all |
| so well behaved and polite and others running wild and | | | | people. Although many artists are quite prolific there |
| having breakdowns at the slightest thing? Well this isn't | | | | are certain things you will be better at and enjoy more |
| an article on parenting theory but let's suffice it to say | | | | - focus on them. They will be the designs that sell |
| that a few techniques that parents can use to have | | | | anyway. If you don't do pets, just say no if asked. |
| pleasant and enjoyable children can cross over to | | | | Don't give in to the temptation to try and be a "Jack or |
| building a pleasant and enjoyable business as well. | | | | Jill of all arts".) |
| So without further ado, here are five parenting | | | | 6. - When and where do you work. (Setting a routine |
| techniques that can help you with your art business: | | | | and boundaries with yourself, your friends and family |
| | | | will help you get the time you need to build your |
| 1. Have a routine. If you have an idea of what needs to | | | | business. Many artists, myself included, work at home. |
| be done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, you are | | | | It is easier for people to think they can call, drop in or |
| more likely to make progress. It is inevitable that there | | | | expect you to do their bidding at any time. Think about |
| will be something you need to do that won't have you | | | | what will work for you for your art, your business and |
| jumping for joy to get started. For some it is making | | | | of course your sanity.) |
| phone calls. For others, getting sales materials ready | | | | 7. Have fun. Don't get so laser-focused on your goals |
| for a trade show. Each person is different but I bet | | | | that you can't enjoy getting there. Celebrate the little |
| you can think of something. Without routine and | | | | accomplishments along the way. Share your passion |
| recognition that it needs to get done, you may never | | | | with others. Enjoy the ride! |
| get started. Not a good idea! | | | | 8. Keep your cool. If you get too emotionally charged |
| 2. Be consistent. Consistent effort towards a goal | | | | (in a negative way) - no good will come of it. So if you |
| does a few things. First, it moves you forward instead | | | | have those days where you feel out of control, |
| of staying still and busy in circles. Second, if | | | | despondent and have the |
| manufacturers see consistent effort and new artwork, | | | | "I'll-never-make-it-anyway-so-why-am-I-even-trying?" |
| they learn what to expect from you. Who would you | | | | mindset - STEP BACK. Take a breather and do |
| rather work with - someone who you can count on to | | | | something else for the day. You will do your best work |
| act in the future as they have in the past or someone | | | | when you are focused, calm and inspired. Give |
| who comes through with flying colors on one project | | | | yourself permission to take a 'time out'. (But there is no |
| and gets distracted by video games and misses | | | | need to put yourself in a corner, you aren't a 3 year |
| deadlines on the next? | | | | old who just hit his sister.) Oh yes, and if you have |
| 3. Set boundaries. | | | | children at home, by all means, practice these |
| 4. - How do you work. (Do you license? Do you sell? | | | | techniques with them as well! |