It starts with an idea. A spark. Inspiration. Like attending a creative arts conference or a lego art exhibit. That was my summer. Then it's about building in the routine.
Category: for the Creatives
Find your own Jenn
Get you a friend as committed as you are. I say that lightly, but sincerely I know that's not an easy thing to come by. But let me tell you: If you do, you become catalysts for each other.
On taking creative risks
The end of last year I heard 3 sermons in a row, and from different speakers, about God rewarding risk (referencing the parable of the talents). It seemed like apt timing with me taking a risk and publishing a quirky meta short story. Niche in every sense. And nearly a year later, I regret nothing.… Continue reading On taking creative risks
The one thing that makes or breaks my marketing
Almost a year of selling "I Know You Like a Murder". I'm no marketing expert by any means. But I googled and read books & articles and experimented. And thought I'd share the results so you can learn from them. In my last post for patrons I gave my most successful marketing tactic. But there's… Continue reading The one thing that makes or breaks my marketing
My most successful marketing strategy
Who would have thought Lady Gaga would be my secret publishing weapon? The marketing tips I learned from studying her are where I've seen the most success. My in person events have been more successful than online marketing so far. What's the difference? They're in person, but I'm an introvert and not convinced I can hold a conversation adequately to save my life. So it's not that. Rather, this is where I stand out with something unique that grabs people's attention. Here's how...
Not everyone has the time all the time
Saying "I don't have the time" is most of the time and for most people an excuse, not an actuality. It's simply a matter of reprioritizing. But, that is not true for everyone. That is not true all of the time.
An artist’s call to serve
A big part of an artist's calling is the call to serve. I think of the work of an artist throughout history, of commissions and patronage, of crafting for practical purposes and for communal areas. Sometimes I see serving and chores synonymously, which is of course a piece of serving. But it's important to remember the work of service in the artistic field too.
Bloggers to add to your list
My friend was looking to expand her bloggerly reading list and asked who I follow. And I thought this was worth sharing with you all, too. They're a variety of styles with differing artistic outlets, but they're all beautiful. When I'm not blogging, here's some favorites I'm reading:
Studying the Greats: Who do you wanna be?
Who do you wanna be when you grow up? Not "grow up" as a person, but grow as an artist. Deciding that is a starting point. Then studying them, that's one of the greatest keys to growth.
The obligation of an artist
You know your education is more than the word on the page, the brush on the canvas, the graceful movement or theatrical quip, more than the combination of melody and harmony. I've been pondering the role of an artist, what our responsibility is and what can depend on our brand. What qualifies as our role and what is "out of our lane". I don't have that all figured out, but here's where I'm at right now...