Saturday, January 31, 2009

helen dardik : artists who blog



Helen's website: www.oneluckyhelen.com
Helen's blog: www.orangeyoulucky.blogspot.com

Why did you decide to start a blog?

There are a few good reasons that led me to blog land. The main ones are: self promotion, easy archiving, instant gratification (reader comments) and virtual human contact. I work alone (out of my home office) and for most part, there's no one to turn to and say -" Look!" Blogging really fills that hole.



How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I love orange and... I need a constant reminder of how lucky I am... and Oh, that funny first generation Macintosh computer joke always cracked me up: knock knock... who's there... orange... orange who... orange you glad you bought a Macintosh? ha ha! Very juvenile... but I like it.



How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?

Somedays it pushes me. 'Get up and do something creative!' it tells me. It keeps me in creative shape. A blog is like a demanding garden. You must water it regularly, weed and nourish. It will grow. It will bring fruits and flowers.



What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?

Heather Moore - I love her aesthetic, her sense of color and pretty much her everything.
Print and Pattern - Bowie has always got something new and interesting to show:)
Jenn Ski - She's an endless source of information, a talented designer and a vintage diva.

I'm also crazy about - Grain Edit, Matte Stephens, Whorange, and many many more:)



Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?

In most part, artists and designers are eccentric people. Blogs help them find like-minded people and connect. Plus, it's a sneak peak into someone else's world and a generous source of inspiration.



Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

Make sure it doesn't feel like a chore! Have fun and keep it up.



What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

All the talented people I've met. All the kind feedback I get. All the sweet comments and entertaining stories that come my way.



What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?

The most difficult part for me is the instability of the business. You never know when the project/money is coming. It's difficult to plan out / budget ones life. However, that problem is completely overshadowed by the excitement I go through every time I get a new project or make a new pattern.



Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?

I have a bunch of wonderful reps in Lilla Rogers Studio, and they do a fantastic job promoting my work. Once a year I get a postcard sent out with my work, and for the last 2 years I've been to Surtex (a NYC trade show).



How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I don't always 'maintain' that balance. It's a tight rope, and sometimes... well, I fall.
I like working so much... especially if the project is very interesting and I just forget about time and eating... I do get the 'guilties' all the time.... and than I go on mad make it up for everybody sprees. One thing that is helping me to get away from it all and bring back the healthy balance is the 'going out' every Friday. I do it no matter what - deadlines and all else aside.



What are your main goals for 2009?

This year I would love to:
* organize and de-clutter (to reduce stress and last minute crazies)
* sleep more.
* spend more time with my girls:)
* write and illustrate a book for my girls.
* translate some of my patterns into fabric.



Thanks Helen!

Monday, January 26, 2009

renee garner : artists who blog



renee's website: www.wolfieandthesneak.com
renee's blog: www.nobitingwolfie.blogspot.com

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I (Renee) started the blog to document and better understand what it means to be a "wife". We were planning our wedding and it was full of the dramas that surround that sort of thing. I was way out of my element with all the traditions and expectations, so I was completely weirded out by the idea of being a wife--and whatever that role might entail. Once the wedding was over, though, normal life resumed and we continued on in our creative life while all of those traditional expectations fell by the wayside.



How did you come up with the name of your blog?

The name of the blog is actually a transition from No Biting Wolfie. Wolfgang is our oldest dog (at a very young 3 yrs 11 months old) and when he was teething we kept saying "No biting, no biting, Wolfie," which stuck around out of it's cuteness. We were sewing hats and scarves at that time, but as the lines changed into a more natural fit for us (2-d fine art) we felt an evolution of the name was in order, so we incorporated the name of our oldest cat, The Sneak (or his lesser known full name: Sneaky Sneaky Freak Show). et voila! Wolfie and the Sneak was born!



How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?

Blogging has let me explore the nuances of words. It keeps me looking and interested in the world at large. Charlie has little to do with the blog itself (except for posing for pictures and being a key role in the madcap adventures of Wolfie and the Sneak), but for me, blogging has been a portal to self-expression, meeting new artists and a good excuse to look around for cool things I want to remember and share. Sharing brings me a huge amount of joy. At the same time, I've perhaps seen too much and read too much, so I'm constantly wondering about originality and maintaining an honest voice in our work. Charlie is integral to keeping me in check that way, too.



What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?

101 Cookbooks: May not really count as an artist/designer blog in the most literal sense, but I can get lost in Heidi's photographs, and I also believe that a body provided with rich nutrients also feeds the creative spirit.

Another Limited Rebellion: A deeply ingrained belief system and interesting design=awesome.

Creature Comforts: While we have different styles, her eye for design and color is dreamy perfection.

Michael McDowell: There's a calm, quiet beauty in his blog.

Modish: Not only because Jena is sweet enough to let me preach some eco-gospel on Fridays, but because she has exquisite taste, and really fights to keep the indie community going.

and the whole long list of favorites on my blog.

Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?

Blogs provide an immediate experience; you can create and edit in a few minutes and post it to share. There's less critique with the informality of a blog, I believe. And it's also a great way to get positive reinforcement, build a following and connect with others, despite the time zones and spatial differences of being international peers.



Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

Just jump in and do it. You have total editorial control, there are no rights or wrongs--it's just one big blank canvas you can paint with images and words whenever you feel like it!

What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

The permission I've given myself to be creative every day (or not, if I choose not to post) and seek new ideas out from the world wide web. Luckily, those explorations have also introduced me to some fantastic artists, too!



What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?

The most rewarding is getting to create things on a daily basis! There is nothing quite like the feeling when all the work comes together for an ah ha moment, when everything just clicks into place. Unfortunately, it's really discouraging and difficult when I can envision something, but just can't seem to get to that point where if finally does come together.

Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?

Forming friendships and authentic connections. Taking time to know one person, and really develop a relationship, whether working or casual, feeds creativity as well as forges foundations for whatever projects may come up in the future!



How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I'm in constant struggle with the concept of balance. This is one of Charlie's greatest assets, his even mindedness, so he brings me back to reality on a regular basis.

What are your main goals for 2009?

Find balance! Continue learning, focus.
As for now, I'm concentrating on Peer both as a product and as a concept. I consider it an art piece in itself, and want to be fair and make sure I give it the attention and development I feel the idea deserves.



Thanks Renee!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

leah giberson : artists who blog

Leah Giberson's paintings are beautiful, and how I wish I could see them in person! I'd love to hop over to Boston and have a studio visit, but for the time being I'll have to be happy with the possibilites the Internet offers us ;) Leah is not only a gifted artist herself, she is also one of those artists who encourages others. It's been great to get to know her online this year, so I am especially happy to have her as a guest this week. Leah sells top quality archival prints of her work, as well as a selection of originals in her Etsy shop. She has a blog, and posts frequently on flickr. Enjoy.



from December 19th, 2008:

Why did you decide to start a blog?

To tell you the truth I really hadn't paid much attention to blogs up
until last March when I opened my etsy shop. Not only did I soon
discover a world of other artists selling their work online, but I also
found a seemingly endless world of inspiration on their blogs. I've had
never had any interest in public journaling about my personal family
life or reading about others quite frankly, but when I discovered how
artists were using their blogs to share artistic inspiration, new work
and news, I was thrilled. Then when I started getting visitors to my own
blog with their clicks, views and comments I was hooked.



I should give a bit of a disclaimer at this point. I'm not a great blogger. By that I mostly mean I'm not a frequent blogger - at least not on my blog site. I struggle to maintain momentum with my postings. Over the past few months, however, flickr has become a kind of blog alternative for me. I started using it on a daily basis when I was commissioned to make a large painting this past September and wanted to be able to post images of my progress for my client to see. Before I knew it, there were lots of other people leaving comments as well and some very interesting dialogs began. I discovered that I was reaching a MUCH larger and rapidly expanding audience than I had been with my real blog. I also realized that I was accomplishing what I had set out to do with my blog in the first place - to connect with other artists by sharing what I do in my studio and getting to see what they're up to as well.



How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?

To begin with, it's amazing to be able to post my work in progress or finished pieces and moments later start getting feedback. I admit that I'm an instant gratification addict, so (blogging on flickr) is a perfect fit for me. And while I usually love working from home, I can also feel isolated here in my tiny studio - especially this time of year when the sun sets so early. It really brightens my day to have these kinds of mini studio visits with other artists from all around the world.

In addition and in an unexpected way it's also led to a new series of somewhat collaborative work. As an artist, I fall somewhere between a photographer and painter. All my paintings begin with photographs printed out onto photo rag paper. I adhere the prints to pieces of canvas and then begin painting directly on this surface. Up until this past summer, I had only used my own photographs to begin paintings. Then last July I came across a photo on flickr that completely captivated me.

I desperately wanted to make a painting based on it, so I contacted the photographer and asked her permission. It turned out that she was thrilled with the idea and (I'm happy to say) with the results. Since then, I have completed at least 10 paintings based on other people's photographs and continue to look for new photos out there that resonate with me. The photographers who have allowed me to use their images have been incredible to work with - generous, enthusiastic and appreciative. I always give them an archival print of each finished piece and make sure to include credit to them as the photographer as well as a link to their site. It's been a wonderfully positive and inspiring experience and has connected me with people and places I would never have found on my own.



What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?

Well as far as straight up artist blogs go, some of my favorites include
Kelly Lynn Jones, Brandi Strickland, Jennifer Judd McGee, Nathan Abels and the oh so marvelous Stephanie Levy :-).

I am motivated and inspired by all of them. Each of these artists/designers is wonderfully talented, generous, insightful and prolific. Now I have to add that almost all of them (I'm still working on you, Stephanie) post their blog images to flickr as well, usually with a caption and link saying, "as posted on (blog name)" and some have additional brief descriptions.

This brings me to my next confession. I like to think of myself as an avid reader. The truth is I'm really more of a picture person and a fairly slow, albeit careful reader. I like headlines, captions and book jackets. So usually when I find myself at a real blog it's because I've clicked on a photo that interests me from my contact list on flickr and that's what brought me to read more. It's become a kind of blog digest of sorts for me. With three kids and never ending piles of laundry and dishes to battle, this also helps me be more efficient with my time, because ultimately what I really want to do most of all is paint.



My flickr list is far too long to include everyone here and I encourage you to come take a peek at my contacts, favorites and groups and explore for yourself. Some flickr "blogs" that I love to check out on a regular basis include those by Lisa Congdon, Faythe Levine, Michele Maule,
Anthony Zinonos, Hadley Hutton, Julie Beck, Amanda Blake, Alika Cooper, Amy Rice, Vivienne Strauss, Matte Stephens, Jessica Ann Mills, Brad McMurray, Denizen8...

See it's too long and I haven't even made a dent in the list, but my morning wouldn't be complete without taking a peek at what my flickr contacts have posted.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahgiberson/favorites



Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?

As I mentioned earlier, I think most of us work in rather isolated environments and are looking for ways to connect with other artists and share our inspirations and motivations with one another.

Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

Make sure to post your blog images to flickr along with a link to your blog.
;-)



What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

These days I am painting almost full time thanks in no small part to the experience I've had online this year with etsy, my blog and flickr.

I have learned over the years that I do my best work under deadlines and that I thrive on positive feedback. Just a fact. Up until opening my etsy shop, I painted only when I was invited to be in group shows and at best that happened every other year or so. In other words, there were some years that I only produced a couple paintings all year. I kept reminding myself that I had a lot on my plate between work and three kids. I reassured myself that lots of my favorite women artists didn't really hit their stride until they were in their 40's, 50's, 60's or even beyond. The truth was I was pretty passive about developing my career as an artist and didn't have a clue how to get my foot in the door.

The combination of starting to sell work (originals and prints) on etsy and also keeping a kind of visual journal on both flickr and my blog has helped me reach an audience of artists, customers, gallery owners and bloggers from around the world, which in turn has provided me with a constant incentive to make new work. It's been a remarkable experience and when I'm asked what I do for work these days, I now respond (without reservation), I'm a painter.



What are your main goals for 2009?

I suppose I should have some concrete goals, but for the most part I just want to keep putting one foot in front of the other and see where that takes me. I'll keep you posted.



Thanks Leah for your heartfelt words! I know I can relate very well to everything you have shared, and wish you much continued success with your artwork!

marchi wierson : artists who blog

A couple of months ago, I discovered artist Marchi Wierson's blog Marchi Made It & Friends and her Etsy shop. It was love at first sight when I saw Marchi's beautiful felt jewelry and objects, and her blog is witty, fresh, and delightful to see and read (so be sure to check it out)! On her blog, Marchi gives us a peek at her many personal creative projects, and she has a great eye for cutting edge art created by others. To view a wide variety of her 2-D and 3-D work, have a look at her Flickr site.



from December 12th, 2008:

Why did you decide to start a blog?

Before I was on etsy or even thought about etsy, I browsed the craft blogs and was really amazed at the mass of talent and creative energy out there. I tried to blog in a journal style at that time, but I didn’t enjoy it. I was writing about my daily life and found I am too private for what I was writing. I felt uncomfortable, so I stopped. When I started etsy, I felt a connection to what other people were trying to do, and also I found what they did inspiring. So I started to write about what I found to be inspiring in some way. Now my blog is a place where I gather things together which are meaningful to me. In this way, I have come to enjoy blogging.





How did you come up with the name of your blog?

My blog name comes from my etsy shop name. I wanted there to be a close connection between the two sites. My shop is “Marchi Made it” and my blog is “Marchi made it, & friends”. The shop name came about because people were asking me or my friends about art or crafts I had made. My friends would say, Marchi made it. I liked the sound with the “ems”. But I do have to clarify the sound of my name marchi/sparky, because the sound is part of why I like the shop and blog name. Also, the “and friends” reminds me I am connected to these other creative people. I do spend a lot of time working individually. And I can get very focused on my own things. So its good to raise my head and see what other people are doing. I find it inspiring.



How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?

I don’t have a sense that doing my blog has effected my art works or crafts directly, but it does keep me connected and encouraged, which helps me when I am discouraged or tired.



What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?

That is a very difficult question. There are so many great sites and artists. On my blog I have 4 rotating blog lists called “3 to see”. I had one long list before I started "3 to see", but I felt it was getting monumentally long, and that maybe I could narrow it down for my readers. We will see how my "3 to see" goes. This week my top 3 sites out of my 4 short lists of “3 to see” is
outsapop trashion
pingmag
30gms
What these sites do is show me things I haven’t seen or found on the web myself. They show me ideas I hadn’t thought of and things I wish I had thought of. This week I have been on Ping a lot. It calls itself a magazine, which is essentially a group blog I think. Creativity, novelty, innovation; these things inspire me and help me to expand my range of what I think is possible.



Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?

I think its different for many, but ultimately we want to share what we do in some forum. Blogging is one.



Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

Do what interests you. Its best I think, if in some way the blog holds what ever it is that is important to the writer.




What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

I havent been doing it long enough to pick one thing that is most positive for me.



What are your top goals for 2009?

To let the seeds I planted this fall by starting etsy and my blog grow into healthy plants. I want to see what develops while I do what I can to benefit the process.




Thanks Marchi!

traci french : artists who blog

Traci French of Bliss and her new shop blissful images has a special place in my blogging heart. She was one of the first bloggers to discover my blog back in April, and give me positive comments on my posts. I think when anyone starts a blog, you have to wonder "is anyone actually reading/looking at this stuff". Traci not only inspires with her own lovely blog and photographs, she is also a great encourager. I am delighted to share with you her interview and a selection of her new work today.



from December 5th, 2008:

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I started my blog way back in March. Actually it seems like I have had it for so much longer...anyway, I had been a lurker and admirer for so long and had a serious shopping addiction. I found blogging to be the perfect way to curb this...sharing beautiful things with others is almost as rewarding as getting that package in the mail.



How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Right around the same time I started my blog I had seen a little quote written somewhere: "follow your bliss"...such simple words, but so life changing for me. "bliss" seemed like the perfect name. Honestly as silly as it sounds, I really still adore that word. That tiny little word has changed my life.



How has blogging affected your work as an artist?

This is tough one...it has effected it in so many ways that I am not quite sure I can put it into words...blogging has unlocked something inside of me. Submerging myself in the beautiful and amazing things in the blog world has inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. My photography is an example of this...everything in my life had started to line up, this combined with blogging, combined with the beautiful area I live in has resulted in what I see behind my lens.

Through blogging I started to share my photos with the amazing, talented, kind and encouraging folks...without blogging, I am not sure I would take the pictures I do today and I know I would not have shared them with anyone besides my family...this is basically a very long way of saying that blogging has effected everything I do as an artist (still getting used to this title).



What are your favorite artist/design blogs? Why?

Melissa loves/Creature Comforts- these blogs are pure eyecandy. I love everything these two pick out and they always display it in a way that makes me smile.

sfgirlbybay - she is like that effortlessly cool friend. she always seems to pick out things that I hadn't thought of but wish I would have and can't believe I had gone as long as I had without them.

As far as artist blogs go there is absolutely no way I could ever pick a few...I am inspired everyday and am in constant awe of the talent that I am lucky enough to surround myself with. the most wonderful feeling of overwhelming in the world.



Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?

I think for the same reasons I mentioned above...it is the perfect way to share your work with the world. A world that is inspiring and supportive. Feedback is everything.



Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

I did it backwards...I started my blog and started to share beautiful things that other folks were creating with the world and then slowly introduced my own stuff...I had a bit of an audience before I started. I think the main thing is visit and comment on other people's art. Through this you build and audience, make wonderful creative friends, get feedback, and create an amazing network.



What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

The friends I have met. I have friends all over the world. I may not have met most of them, but I honestly consider them my friends. These friends make my days more beautiful...literally and figuratively.

Thanks Traci!

ashley goldberg : artists who blog




Ashley Goldberg
is one of the most popular artists on the Web, and her graphic style is eye-catching and unique. Through her blog Kitty Genius, Ashley gives readers an inside look at her studio, peeks at of her daily life, and updates on all of her latest creations in her shop. Occasionally, she also shares yummy vegetarian recipes!



from November 27th, 2008:

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I decided to be a part of the amazing and vast online community of
artists and crafters.



How did you come up with the name of your blog?

On the spur of the moment. We call our cat, Isadora, a kitty genius
(which she is, I might add), so that's what I went with. My very first
blog post is a photo of her, with the title "Namesake".



How has blogging affected your work as an artist?

The feedback really helps. It can push me in a direction I was
uncertain about. Many of the people who read my blog or comment have
blogs themselves, so I can see the type of person who is interested in
my work.



What are your favorite artist/design blogs? Why?

Gosh, I have tons. Daily I read Design Sponge, Inside a Black Apple,
Desire to Inspire, Poppytalk, and lots of others!



Why do you think blogs have now become so popular with artists and designers?


I think being an artist or designer can be an isolating career or
hobby. You spend a lot of time by yourself and with your work. Not all
of us live in a major city with a big artistic community, and great
ideas are rarely created in a vacuum. Browsing blogs and the internet
is a great way to get stimulated and get the creative juices flowing.



Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?

Write it for you, in your voice and people will sense that and be
drawn to it again and again. If it stops being fun you don't have to
keep doing it. It's a great way to get yourself out there, promote
your work, connect with others, but it's not something you HAVE to do
if it's not right for you.



What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?

Most of it! My favorite is that many "online" friends have become
"real life" friends. In fact, Thanksgiving this year will be (or "was"
if this is published post-Thanksgiving) with one of those very
friends.



Thanks Ashley!