As 2009 drew to a close I began to contemplate the year ahead and what I want to achieve. In 2010 I will be finishing my studies and looking for work, those are a given. I have a family and home to take care of - also givens. The uncertainties relate to trying to earn income from my craft. I have decided to close my Chocolate Crow Trader shop and focus my creative energies on magazine submissions. I seem to have more success designing than selling. I feel relieved to have removed the pressure to make to a deadline, and create more for pleasure. It certainly feels like the right thing to do, for now anyway.
The picture above is of my latest published design, in Country Threads Magazine. (Vol 10 No 5)
That is so cool Laurel... and wow - you're really rockin' with those new year's resolutions!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so difficult to try to juggle everything all at once, but it will be great to publish designs and then craft for fun!
ReplyDeleteI find the whole crafting for pleasure vs crafting to try and make a bit of an income (or at least just pay for the materials) such a big question. Good for you for trying to reolve it and reduce it. Can't wait to see your name and patterns in all the mags.
ReplyDeleteGood for you , now some of the pressure is off and that can only be good .
ReplyDeleteSometimes we have to make difficult decisions but in the end you realise you made the right choice.Hope to see more of your designs in magazines.
ReplyDeleteLife is so much better without the stress of trying to juggle to many balls at the same time.Enjoy your new creative freedom :) Barb.
I think that there are so many balances we have to remind ourselves about or the whole adventure becomes not the fun project that it was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteHi Laurel, This is exciting! I look forward to seeing more of your designs in magazines! When the pressure is off and there is room to create more for pleasure that has to be a good thing. You seem quite clear on your direction for 2010 - all the very best x
ReplyDeletePS Heidi is at 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen. There is a link through to a website with more detials in the 1st para on my post if you wish to look. Enjoy your day x
Yes it is surprising that you can feel such a relief after making a decision like that. You know that I did the same, not long ago.
ReplyDeleteIt always seems to me that my step is a bit lighter and so is my heart when I'm able to resolve a personal issue and carry out the resolution!! :) I hope you feel a bit of the same. I would think the reason you are more successful with designs then selling the finished artwork is the same as the old proverb about teaching a person how to fish. Maybe one of your goals this year should be reasearching the possiblity of doing a book of your designs??? :)
ReplyDeleteAuntie Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.