by Linda | Oct 26, 2011 | my creative journal
I just had a thought… about how an unknown designer or creative professional usually has to work really long, hard hours to make just a little money. Then there are the big names that don’t necessarily need to work as long or as hard, to make much more money. I realize there are many legitimate reasons to account for the difference, such as skill, experience, and quality. Of course, there are also many cases where the end product or service is not much different. I suppose one is the name brand, the other is an unknown little guy we are afraid to trust.
My thoughts drifted to state of mind. Those who are successful obviously believe in their own worth. They price accordingly and put their work out there with confidence. I believe that energy transmits. So part of the issue for beginners, is perhaps simply confidence and believing in oneself. One of things I’ve heard before, from formally trained fine artists…is that they definitely got confidence and “approval” from going to art school. Everyone believed in art as a profession and gained a sense of overall confidence from their years of education.
So maybe the first step to success, is shifting your state of mind and re-evaluating your feelings about your own work. Are YOU acknowledging your own worth? This could be in your business in terms of setting up your pricing and present yourself…but it also is an emotional battle. Self-confidence. You have to believe that you are totally awesome. Otherwise, how can you expect others to think so?
by Linda | Oct 19, 2011 | my creative journal
When it comes your creative business, there’s no doubt that countless hours are spent, pouring your heart and soul into the everyday tasks that keep it going. You spend so much energy putting your ideas into action, researching, marketing – following your creative path. It’s a fabulous thing, because it means you enjoy what you do and obviously have a commitment to your passion. Unfortunately, having fun, exploring and experimenting can often lead you astray. What were you doing all this time?! You can’t believe that hours, days, and weeks have passed.
Oftentimes we keep ourselves really busy and don’t understand why we seem to be so far off from our goals despite the effort. Although staring out at the window, watching the leaves fall might seem like a huge waste of time – I totally love admiring nature and find that my walks give me lots of inspiration for my illustration projects.
I’ve realized that for many creatives, we not only forget to track our time, but also to evaluate if time spent was worth it. Have you ever documented an entire day or week in detail? Literally keep a log, so that you can see exactly how much time you really spend on specific tasks.
When you have your time log, you can then go into the important step of evaluating if time spent was of value or not. What did you get out of spending those 3 hours reading those marketing blogs? Did you get any replies from that campaign you spent 8 hours perfecting to the last pixel and word? Is that product you sell actually profitable at the end of the day?
This doesn’t have to be an in-depth analysis with statistics, percentages or numbers flying around a spreadsheet. It’s simply an exercise in being more aware of your time and how you spend it. Only then can you make more informed decisions about how much time to spend on certain tasks…or if you should stop something altogether.
Something to think about and try this week – keep a time log. Review it and honestly evaluate your time spent. We can’t work 24/7, but it’s important to know what is worthy of your time. Keep things that work, shake up the rest, so you can figure out what works for you. Let me know what you think 😛 I’m currently tackling the same issues myself!
by Linda | Oct 12, 2011 | my creative journal
During my random Internet surfing one day, I came across List Girl’s post about printing your own decorative tape. We’ve all seen washi tape make a rampage on the crafting scene and they ARE oh-so cute indeed! Just not so affordable, especially if you want ALL colors and patterns. But when I saw the post, my DIY spirit had to give it a try. The mailing label stickers are a nice size, if you just want snippets for decorative purposes.
DIGITAL
First, I tried printing out some of my own digital patterns onto a sheet of mailing label stickers. Pretty easy to do and it’s cool to be able to print custom or intricate designs. However, printer ink can be costly and I was running out of ink – probably shouldn’t have printed out a whole page!
PAINT, INK, SPRAY
So then I decided to try paint for bolder color. I mixed in a lot of water with my acrylic paint and just spread it over the sticker sheet. This is probably the cheaper way to go for an entire sheet of bright color 😛 Of course, you can use inks and spray mists to create different background effects.
GLUE
I looked up some other tutorials online and realized that I could use my double stick tape, which works for creating a longer strip of design. It’s easy to glue on patterned papers. Turns out you can do this with masking tape as well, but the double stick tape makes it a super fast process.
STAMP
Then I thought to use my rubber stamps to decorate some of the painted paper. Even stamping on white sticker labels created a nice design, especially when using tape on darker papers.
MIX IT UP
My experimentations made me realize that we can use a combination of techniques to create the final design. Paint, inks and sprays are really good for creating the base color. Or you can print an intricate design or glue on materials like book paper or fabric.
Stamping or printing on top of your foundation can add more patterns and certain repeat motifs for your designs. I also tried drawing on lines with gel pens.
For little snippets of cute tape, the DIY version is actually pretty sweet looking! I also used my decorative scissors to cut the edges instead of the regular tearing method, but realized that the tearing of the tape is what makes it look more like tape. Check out all the versions I made…
If you are looking for more ideas, I’ve found some lovely sites to check out…
– TapeSwell, a whole blog about what to use your decorative tape for
– Using double-sided tape
– Use masking tape Youtube video
I’m sure there are many other ways to hack your way into pretty tape kingdom, so please feel free share in the comments below. Hope you have fun making some deco tape today. I have to say it’s pretty addictive. Enjoy!
by Linda | Oct 12, 2011 | my creative journal
Looking for a fast and easy way to share your voice, opinion or audio tidbit with the world? There’s this new audio social network called Audioboo that I’ve been seeing on various blogs and sites. It’s basically a way for you to record an audio tidbit with your smartphone, then post it into your account online for friends and family.
However, you can also record through the website itself…making it a little podcasting engine, if you choose to use it in that way. You can also set it up to auto post to Twitter or Facebook and/or embed the audio onto your blog. Seems like a great way to communicate with others online, showing more of your personality than writing, but not so up close and personal like video, for those who are especially camera shy! No special equipment needed, they pretty much do it all for you. Pretty cool. Now I wonder how I could use this…what to share?!
by Linda | Oct 8, 2011 | my creative journal
As my cravings grew stronger, I was soon compelled to write a love letter…to my dearest coffee and make it a scrapbook page.
Here’s what I wrote:
Dear Coffee,
I have tried to let you go, substituting my mornings with a variety of other liquid refreshments for a change. But I really miss you and I’ve come to realize that resistance is futile. I need and want to drink you, my dear coffee. I long for you every morning and as the weather turns cooler, I miss your warmth even more. You might be my drug for life, but why should I be denied something so simple and wonderful?
I should not have acted so rashly, wanting to rid you from my life in attempts to be healthier. In fact, I have since learned that you are not so unhealthy after all. You give me positive health benefits in fact…with relatively few drawbacks. Oh my wonderful coffee, what have I done?
I really adore you so…
– I look forward to you every morning
– you make me more alert and boost my ability to concentrate
– you have a protective effect on my central nervous system
– you lower the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s amongst other issues
– you actually contain some good vitamins and minerals
You are more good than bad, when consumed in moderation. You are my beautiful, warm, soothing, wonderful, delicate, enjoyable, smooth, flavorful, satisfying, magical stimulant. You are an important part of my life, so I surrender myself to you, my dear coffee. I am sorry to have betrayed you. Please take me back. Please accept my love and devotation from this moment forward.
forever yours,
linda
October 2011
I used my coffee illustrations as stickers and created the page digitally, then I printed it out on canvas paper – very cool texture. Then put it all together on kraft paper with old school golden photo corners. Super simple layout that truly reveals how I feel at the moment. In withdrawal 🙁
by Linda | Oct 5, 2011 | my creative journal
Search Engine Optimization or SEO is a term that usually scares most people away. It’s that complicated techy nerd stuff and I agree that most of us don’t have time to fiddle around with. That’s exactly the reason why you should learn the basics and work it into the best practices of how you communicate online…because your time is so precious.
In reality, SEO is not rocket science…in fact, we know that technology changes constantly and there is no exact science to SEO. Optimization simply means you are striving for the most effective result and I think it’s a way of doing things in general – that is why I say SEO is good sense.
We all go to a search engine like Google and search for the information we are looking for. SEO is an attempt to make your content show up when people are searching for it. Of course, there are tricks out there and methods to push your website up the ranks, but the search engines can readily change their algorithms and scoring methods. In fact, it happens a lot and many of the tricks no longer work and sites lose ranking that they spent a lot of time tinkering around to create.
What doesn’t change is the fact that search engines are trying to give the people what they want. If someone wants to find a plumber in San Francisco, it’s pretty clear what they expect the search engine to list for them. So ultimately, as a creative entrepreneur, artist, whatever your business…you want people to find you when it pertains to your business. In the crafting world, a whole lot of people get traffic from posting tutorials because it’s exactly something someone would search for – “how to make” or “how to sew” something.
So what best practices do you need to pay attention to when it comes to SEO for your small business?
- Write for humans. Tips and tricks aren’t going to last…ultimately, you want people to consume your content, so write for real people reading your content.
- Use descriptive titles and sections. I know sometimes we want to be clever or cryptic with our titles and it’s okay for the occasional blog post, especially when it is something cryptic or personal. But if you are writing a tutorial or article about a specific topic, please title it properly. Don’t unnecessarily confuse readers or lead them astray.
- Try to be descriptive with your image file names and add those captions, alt and title tags as well. Again, it’s just goes back to being clear about your content. If someone happens to link directly to your image, will they have any idea what it’s all about? I get lazy with these things as well, but at least try to do it for those posts that are meant to attract users like tutorials and information articles.
- WordPress users, I recommend the All in One SEO Pack to ensure your basic meta tags are in place.
- WordPress users should change the default permalink structure. Basically, when someone goes your blog post, do they see cryptic numbers and symbols in the address bar? That doesn’t help anyone. It’s so much better to have the category, the postname or some combination that makes sense to a human reader. Again, it’s just good sense!
Although I’ve learned many tips and tricks in SEO for building websites, the ultimate goal is really about being clear with your content. If you do a good job with that in mind, keeping everything as clear and descriptive as possible…you are doing a service to your readers in general…not just trying to boost your rankings. The icing is that your content will naturally be optimized. Remember that you are not competing with the big shots who have the money to hire a team of SEO specialists…because yes, there are people who’s sole responsibility in their job is optimize a website, manage paid campaigns and all that jazz.
If you are interested in learning more about SEO, blogseo is filled with informative articles.
by Linda | Oct 3, 2011 | DIY printables
I know that toothpick flags have been around for a while now and it’s no wonder how popular they are in scrapbooking and cardmaking. Toothpick flags are just so darn cute!
The supplies I like use are often difficult to find here in Italy. So I’ve decided to create my own through trial and error. Toothpick flags seem pretty straightforward to tackle. A simple idea, but you can create unique variations and combinations the DIY way!
Step 1 – Find some toothpicks!
I only have the plain jane ones. However, I’ve seen examples with little fork shapes and decorative tops as well. You might consider coloring them or using variations to create different types of flags.
Step 2 – Choose the material for your flags.
I’ve seen the flags made with patterned paper, ribbon and decorative tape (those washi tapes are all the rage). But I’m sure there are other materials that can be used. I’ve actually created my own designs and printed them on regular paper at home. Feel free to download the designs your own personal use below.
Download Toothpick Flag designs ZIP file
Step 3 – Cut and Fold Flags
Although you technically only have to create one side of the flag for a flat layout, I like creating the real thing for the full effect. This also gives you the freedom of flipping the flag around when using it in your projects. You can see from my designs that there are a variety of flag shapes as well. Experiment with the design, shape, size and length of your flags.
Step 4 – Glue Flags to Toothpicks
That pretty much finished the job. Tah-dah! I’ve found liquid glue to be stronger for this type of embellishment, but it really depends on your flag material. Just get those toothpicks to stick to the flag and you’re all set.
When using your toothpick flags, I’ve found that tucking the flag behind photos or journaling blocks helps to hide the adhesive used to attach the toothpick in place. However, sometimes I just put adhesive under the flag part and show the entire flag and toothpick. I’ve also seen ribbons and embellishments tied around the toothpick part as well.
Some more ideas
Once you’ve got the basic process of creating the flags down, you can start thinking about embellishments and fancying things up! Consider using fancy borders for your flag shapes as well as adding 3D embellishments onto the finished piece. The possibilities are really endless and even better, you can always use scraps of leftover paper to create a matching flag embellishment for your projects – pretty cool!
Let me know if you have any other tips, tricks or ideas regarding toothpick flags. I would be happy to try them out. For now I’ve created quite a collection for my papercrafting needs and having a lot of fun incorporating them into my work. Have fun!
by Linda | Sep 29, 2011 | my creative journal
Just when I was getting into Facebook for my business and blogging about it, they go and announce a whole new interface of changes. Goes to show how fast technology forges ahead and how important it is for you to keep up or at least be aware of what’s new. Otherwise, you’ll be left behind and honestly, won’t be able to evaluate if you should or shouldn’t spend time on the latest and greatest thing. I think it pays to be informed. For Facebook there’s a great roundup of the latest changes on Mashable…very helpful read.
I’ve been slowly coerced into joining several other social media sites, sort of test driving to see how it turns out…from Google+ to Pinterest. I’m still not sure what will become the go to way to communicate and share with others, but I figure there’s no harm in more exposure.
You’ll certainly be hitting different people and having a standing set of profile-type information across the web really helps to build up your credibility and presence. I’m starting a keep a folder of basic information about me, avatar photos, etc…so whenever I have to set up a profile, it’ll only take a few minutes.
You should also remember that technology is constantly being updated. Twitter has added a @Username and Activity tab, as well as updating the ability to upload photos to include in tweets. These little changes can really change the way you communicate and it’s important to work them into your routine. No need for Twitpic anymore!
What about the up and coming normalcy of ipads and tablet-like devices? Is your website easily readable on those platforms? I know it’s a lot to keep up with and it’s impossible to cater to all…but to a certain extent, you have to be aware and catch up one day. It is said that tablets will outsell laptops and desktops soon…imagine that! Consider the smaller size of tablet screens and the fact that we click with fingers and sweep the pages up and down…hmm…totally different experience. Also, most tablet browsers don’t support Flash (yet) and more than ever, bandwidth is an important issue. Super heavy to download sites aren’t probably so convenient for those on the go or browsing wirelessly at a cafe. Yup, more to think about. To me it seems to signal more than ever, less is more on your website.
So have you given yourself time to catch up a bit with technology these days?
by Linda | Sep 26, 2011 | my creative journal
While doing a bit of scrapping last week, a spark of inspiration suddenly hit me and I created my very own sewn journaling cards. I’ve realized that these cards are super handy for recording little moments and joys in life. I can write something out quickly before I totally forget, then scrap about it later when time permits.
Although there are many journaling cards out there in the market, my issue is always access. Living in a small town in Italy means that nothing new is around and everything takes forever to be mailed to you, not to mention the shipping and customs costs. So I try to go the frugal way and make things myself.
Download colored journaling lines page ZIP
I decided to print out a page of rainbow colored lines – generally I like lines to help me handwrite straighter – you can go ahead and download the design for your own personal use above. Otherwise you could use lightly patterned papers or solid colors. I just sliced the page up into various sizes and combined them with solid colored cardstock. Nothing too difficult, but sewing the papers together adds a really nice touch of detail and decoration.
I created various sizes, experimented with sewing straight or zig zag as well as varying square corners and rounded corners. In the end, I had a bunch of cute journaling cards to use.
Here’s a photo of my first application, adding some stickers and string to dress it up. Pretty neat, huh? You can see the whole layout at 2ps btw.
Go ahead and try to make some of your own journaling cards! Do you have any other ideas? I’m loving them for my scrapbooking process these days.
by Linda | Sep 23, 2011 | my creative journal
So I’ve been away the past month and a half, vacationing in sunny Southern California with family…but now I’m back in the land of wine and pasta – desperately trying to get back into the groove, frankly. Although I feel rather groggy and overwhelmed even after a week+ of being home, there has been some creative progress in the works… the little lady weekly planners! It’s an artists’ collaboration headed up by anke panke design and I’m really honored to be a part of it.
I have to admit that see a stack of snail mail upon returning from vacation provided a nice deviation from unpacking and the regular ‘ole routine. I’m loving the planner! It’s a perpetual weekly type of planner, so start using it now or save it for the upcoming year – is it too early to refer to 2012?
There’s a whole lot of inspiring art within and there are actually a few cover variations to choose from…but I chose the girlie version and bought myself two copies. My precious little girl illustration is included…yes, I’m smiling from ear to ear and blown away by the quality of the print job.
If you are looking for a creative gift for the holidays or just want a dose of weekly art for yourself…please visit the custom planners Etsy shop. Lots of nice goodies available besides the planners. Thanks to Anke for wrangling it all together!
