frequently asked questions- being an artist

I get all kinds of email and asked TONS of questions about all sorts of creative things and in the weeks and months ahead I will be answering many of the frequently asked questions here on my blog!

I get lots of questions about the business of being an artist and quitting my day job and pursuing a career in art. I wasn't quite sure I could address all of different inquiries so I put together a list of the best advice I can give on the topic of "being an artist". Please note that the following advice is just my humble opinion and my experiences- what works for one person may not work or feel right to another.

To begin I feel like I need to give a short summary of my journey as an artist to give context to the advice that I have put together.

I have always known I wanted to be an artist. I am not sure the exact age but art and creativity has been in my blood since the beginning. I have two parents who are potters and ran their business from home so this meant creativity and self employment was a big part of my life. Thankfully my parents identified and fostered my interest in art at an early age. Growing up I took drawing classes, participated in art shows, contests and sold things at craft fairs. It wasn't until I graduated from high school that the concept of being an artist became real for me. While I had always loved the creative process and identified myself as an artist, I fell in love with it in college. From that point on I knew I would do whatever it took to pursue a career in the arts. Like most, I worked lots of "day jobs" while working on my portfolio, showing my art and taking on freelance jobs. I landed a really great job in marketing that allowed me to be creative but it never satisfied my craving to make art on my terms. I set out to quit my job- a long 5 year process that started with setting a lot of little goals to work towards that would get me to the point of making money and supporting myself with my art full time. After time spent working long days at a day job, lots of rejection, research, tears, persistence and never giving up, I was able to get to the point (financially and creatively) to quit my job and have never looked back!

Something I get asked more than anything is how to quit a day job and work as a full time artist and most of the time people don't like my answer! My journey has been LONG and slow (like painfully long and slow) and most people aren't looking for a long and slow journey- it seems these days we all want things fast. But in my experience it is rare to find success (especially creative success) overnight. Instead many artists and creatives that I know have worked for years learning, practicing and working at other jobs while making art. While I knew I wanted to be an artist, I still had to survive and pay the bills which meant a 9-5 job. Because my life after college was spent needing to work, I had to accept the fact that I could only take baby steps in my creative career. Sure we all want our big break or something awesome to happen over night but when you have to work 9-5, life can take over and it can be challenging to go after the big stuff. I found that small goals or baby steps worked best for me during this time (a time that stretched over 10 years).

The key to taking baby steps (in my opinion) is only taking on what your schedule can handle, completing that one task and then moving on to the next. Sometimes these little goals are quick and easy while others will take lots of evenings and weekends to complete but all of these baby steps equal action and forward motion towards your bigger goals and dreams.

The big dream so many artists have is to quit their day job and go full time with art but I am here to tell you that its ok to have a day job and it can actually work in your favor! While I have worked just about every job under the sun, a lot of my professional life was spent working day jobs that had some element creativity or allowed time (and energy) to make art in my free time. I think the reason it took me so long to go full time as an artist is because having a day job really worked for me. All those years I was getting a paycheck (and insurance) every month which meant I had a nice safety net- I could take risks with my art, I could fail, I could turn down opportunities that weren't the right fit, I could take my time, I could take baby steps and I could make my own rules. All of this changes when you head out on your own and while working for yourself is wonderful, it can be scary and a lot of work- way more work than most day jobs!

I don't know if it's the information age that we are living in but I see lot of art out there that looks the same. When it comes to being an artist or pursuing a creative career I think it great to follow trends and be inspired by others but it's even more important to find your own voice- and this may take years! For me this means not looking too much at what is out there. I want my work to feel authentic to my life and my experiences which means I try to spend more time making art than looking at art- this is the one and only way I can truly be me.

For a look at how I keep my work authentic take a look at my free online class- Finding Your Muse

Ok so maybe its not THE best thing but rejection, failure and even criticism are all really important parts of the creative journey. I cannot tell you how many times something I submitted was rejected or an opportunity failed. But I am here still standing and as much as it hurts in the moment it toughens you up and helps to define who you are as an artist, rejection can even inspire and motivate you to create better work! It sounds cliche but working through failed projects and opportunities after you have put your heart out there- really does builds character!

Pursuing a creative career means growing and getting better at what you do and the only way to do this is through action. Making art and building a body of work takes practice and work which means taking time to create every day or as much as possible. In my opinion you make time for what you love. I love drawing, painting and anything creative so its always been easy for me to make creativity a priority- even when I am juggling other things. Of course there have been seasons in my life when I have been distracted, overworked or just plain tired but overall sticking to the goal of "make art every day" has helped me grow as an artist and build a portfolio and large body of work.

Of course we all want to get paid for our creative work but when it come to working as an artist there are times when you don't get paid or an opportunity (a show, an idea, a project) flops. Some of the best creative opportunities that came my way (especially in the beginning) were things that flopped OR didn't have a paycheck attached to them. While I would love to have success attached to everything I put out there, I have learned over time that success as an artist does not always equal income. Early on I said yes to lots of stuff, I tried different things and there were a lot of opportunities that did not pan out. But looking back I see that even those dead ends or things that didn't pay somehow helped me grow, learn the ropes and even brought about opportunities that I never expected.

I know this sounds totally boring and the opposite of being an artist but over time I have found that the best thing I can incorporate into my daily life as an artist is discipline. Practicing discipline has been part of what has gotten me to where I am, it is what drives me to create every day, it is what keeps me focussed and on track (even with a baby), it is what keeps me creating even when the emotion isn't there, it is what has given me the inspiration to start again when I have failed. Pursuing art and a creative life can be whimsical and fancy free but if you want to be a working artist you have to be organized, have boundaries and persistence- discipline, even a little can work in your favor!

I'm gonna be honest- being an artist can be a selfish path to travel. Often it seems to feel like it is always about MY work, MY emotions that go into MY work, MY success, MY failure, MY goals, MY voice, MY inspiration and on and on and on! I want to always be striving to offset this part of being an artist and find ways to be better at giving of myself when it comes to art. Being an artist is an amazing opportunity to share with others the joy, the healing, the inspiration and gratification that creativity can bring into your life so why not give of yourself and discover ways to pass this along!

do what you love (no matter what)

31 Ways to Pray for Our Husbands

Last Monday we talked about reviving prayer in the process of reviving our marriage. And I did promise you a list of 31 ways to pray for our husbands. That's one prayer every day for a month! So today I'm giving you part 1 of this list and tomorrow I'll complete it with part two.

It's time for a marriage revival ladies! Let's go!

1. That he would draw close to God.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ~ James 4:8, NIV

2. That he would grow in wisdom.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. ~ Proverbs 4:7

3. That he would stand strong against the pull of this world and the spiritual warfare behind it.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV

4. That he would be a strong spiritual leader.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4, NIV

5. That his faith would increase.

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. ~ Luke 17:6, NIV

6. That he would trust God when providing for his family.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

7. That he would be free from stress.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7, NIV

8. For good health.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ~ Proverbs 16:24, NIV

9. That he would be a Godly example at home and at work.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12, NIV

10. That he would seek God with a pure and humble heart.

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. ~ Deuteronomy 4:29, NIV

11. That he would have compassion for the world around him.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Colossians 3:12-14, NIV

12. That he would fulfill the responsibilities given to him such as being a husband, a father and an employee.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. ~ Luke 12:48b, NIV

13. That he would be content with little or with much.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ~ 1 Timothy 6:7-8, NIV

14. That he would run to God in times of trouble.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1&2, NIV

15. That his prayer life would be strengthened.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV

16. That he would understand and embrace his role as a husband. 

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . ~ Ephesians 5:25, NIV

17. That he will be obedient to the will of God. 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ~ James 1:22-24, NIV

18. That he would practice servant leadership as Christ demonstrated to His disciples.

So he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ~ John 13:4-5

19. That he would have much patience. 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV 

20. That he will learn to bridle his tongue.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ~ Ephesians 4:29, NIV

21. That serving God would be his first priority in life.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ~ Colossians 3:1, NIV

22. That God will continually transform you into the wife your husband needs. 

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ~ Titus 2:4-5, NIV

23. That he would have a heart of gratitude. 

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ~ Psalm 34:1

24. That he will be self-controlled in every area of his life.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV

25. That he would be a man of strong character.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:22, NIV

26. That he will hunger and thirst for the word of God.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ~ Psalm 42:1-2, NIV

27. That his faith would be sincere and genuine. 

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ~ 1 Timothy 1:5, NIV

28. That God would put a hedge of protection around your marriage. 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2, NIV

29. That he will fellowship with other believers and that God would bring strong men of faith into his life.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV

30. That he will guide and nurture the growth of his children. 

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6, NIV

31. That he will testify of his faith to others. 

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” ~ Mark 16:15, NIV

I've created a free printable for this post!! You can find it by clicking the image below: 

If you like this post, you might also be interested in 31 Ways to Pray for Our Children. And if you are further interested, I've also provided a printable for that one. 

You are loved by an almighty God,



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David Victori is the winner of Your Film Festival with “The Guilt”

Following a red carpet screening of the ten finalist films at the world’s oldest film festival in Venice, juror and award winning actor, Michael Fassbender took to the stage to announce that “The Guilt” by David Victori has been selected as the first grand prize winner of Your Film Festival on YouTube.


See the finalists arrive at Venice Film Festival and Michael Fassbender announce the winner

From over 15,000 entries, the YouTube community voted to choose 10 finalists who flew to Venice Film Festival. The Your Film Festival jury of luminaries, which included Sir Ridley Scott as well as Michael, chose the winning film. David has won $500,000 to create a new project on YouTube with the support of the jurors and Scott Free Productions. Subscribe to David’s channel and watch as he begins his new project with Ridley and Michael.


Watch the Your Film Festival winning film, David Victori’s “The Guilt”

Dom Elliott, marketing manager, recently watched “Live Stream from Space on September 13th!”

fall leaves wreath

September is here and autumn is on her way (at least in the Pacific Northwest) and its my tradition to create a fall wreath to welcome the changing seasons. I decided to make use of what I have on hand- lots of leaves in the yard that are already turning beautiful shades of brown and red.

I started by collecting leaves in a variety of shapes and different shades of brown.

Next I used Tulip 3-D paint in gold and embellished the surface of each leaf.

Last, I glued all of the leaves to a wooden embroidery hoop.

Voila! A simple but beautiful little fall wreath!

Note- for those who have asked about the leaves lasting over time- I used leaves from wild Salal, a shrub that is growing all over our yard. The leaves are quite "heavy duty" and thick and are often used in flower arrangements/fresh and dried. When I create wreaths like this I am less concerned about lasting strength- its more about the process of creating an artful object that will last for just a little while.

For a more permanent solution you could photocopy (in color) your fall leaves, cut out and then embellish gold.

Week 1 - Revive Your Prayers - Revive Your Marriage!

Revive Your Prayers!

Home is the tapestry I weave day in and day out. 
Prayer is the loom upon which I place my thread.
~ Time-Warp Wife

I know that some of you have really got it together when it comes to prayer. You can pray over a Big Mac as eloquently as one would thank God for Filet Mignon. I'm not that way. In fact I'm one fry short of a Happy Meal when it comes to saying the right thing.

ADD hasn't helped. I've knelt through prayer meetings thinking about everything but the prayer: How funny my eyes must look when they're shut closed... wondering if I'm squeezing them shut too tightly... knowing that I should keep my eyes closed, but curiosity keeps telling me I should look if even just this once...

Yeah, I'm one of those sneak-a-peak, lift-a-lid prayers who squirm in their chair.

And then I remind myself that I'm supposed to be concentrating on the Lord. I shuffle my position and get official until my thoughts drift off once again...

When I look at King David I see a different picture of prayer. One that's far less about man than it is about God:

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. ~ Psalm 119:164, NIV

Words like that move me to say, "More of you, Lord... less of me."

What might that look like in the life of a wife who desires to bring life to her marriage?

Could this be a picture of me praying by the kitchen sink while I'm washing my dishes? It could be. And yes--the Lord assures me that my eyes might be open as I take in the view from the back yard. I see the trees that my husband and I planted together, and I praise God for his gift of a husband. 

Could this be a picture of me praising the Lord as I snuggle in close to my husband at night? What about that quiet moment in the afternoon when I'm folding his laundry?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

What I'm forever learning is that prayer has everything to do with the Lord and nothing to do with my righteousness. For righteousness is imputed to us by faith. We merely need to seek Him with a pure heart.

But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:13, NIV

This week's challenge is to seek God in prayer for your marriage. When and where will be up to you. Use your wedding ring as a constant reminder to pray for your marriage and for your husband. You might also pray that God will equip you in your role as a wife.

Want a little fuel for the fire? 

Come back on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I'll be sharing 31 Ways to Pray for Your Husband!!

Want a free eBook on the subject of prayer?
My friend Rachel is giving her book away Monday and Tuesday only (Sept. 3&4) on Amazon. Here's a link. Grab it while you can!

 The Sensational Scent of Prayer

Are you taking the challenge?  Let us know by leaving a comment on this post!  And if you are a blogger- grab this button link to one of our sites and then link-up below!

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You are loved by an almighty God,

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Check out my book, The Good Wife's Guide: Embracing Your Role as a Help Meet

POP up sale on all online classes!

To celebrate the holiday weekend, the end of summer, the beginning of fall, back to school and the launch of my new studio (hows that for lots to celebrate!) I am having a sale on all online classes. $10 off all online classes. Sale lasts all week!

Head on over to my shop HERE for a complete list of all classes!

Important note about all my online classes-

All of my classes have unlimited access- once you register you can create and access at any time and work at your own pace.