Kangaroo Spotting

Monday, May 9, 2016

Raising Creative Kids

My daughter likes to make birthday cakes out of bubbles in the bathtub. She sings Happy Birthday and makes me blow out the 'candles.'

Watching my daughter use her imagination amazes me. I didn't teach her how to do it, she just KNOWS.

Essential to development, creativity helps fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, and cognitive thinking.

For these reasons creative pursuits are encouraged early in life but then dismissed later when adults stop hanging up our finger-paintings and start telling us to 'get a real job.'

As a young girl my parents indulged my every creative whim; dance lessons, art, piano, oboe, acting, and more. From these classes I learned self-discipline, patience, and determination. I also learned to deal with critique and failure. I learned how to let things go, how to work around unexpected problems. How to make my intentions look deliberate.

Are these not all skills you need in any CEO?

When I wanted to study Studio Art at University my parents cringed. They encouraged (insisted) that I double major in English too. You know, so I would have something to ‘fall back on.’ I took the compromise and spent extra hours in the studio at night and brought art projects home so I could create between writing Shakespeare papers.

With graduation looming, dinner conversations in our home usually began with “What do you want to do with your life?” and usually ended with me in tears, stomping off to my room so I could take online personality and aptitude tests. I wanted someone to tell me what to be, even if that someone was the internet.

Careers today come with enormous pressure. In my parent’s generation a job was a means to an end, not an identity-entangled manifestation with which to define one’s whole life by.

It goes without saying we want to spare our children pain, failure, criticism, and a living on canned tuna. Now that I’m a mother, I understand why my parents couldn’t see the romance in my becoming a starving artist.

My interest in too many things, love of art and writing lends itself well to a career in blogging- but it wasn't even invented yet when I graduated Uni.

If there is one thing I learned from my experience it’s that I will be conscious of supporting my children in their passions even if I don’t necessarily ‘get it.’

Let me be completely honest with you, if my daughter came home and told me she wanted to become a beauty pageant contestant or Jehovahs Witness I would cringe too (no offence to those who are) because I don't understand it.

After all, I’m not the driving force behind my daughter's journey, I am merely the bumpers in her bowling lanes.

Lavinia’s father is a passionate builder. They adore checking out building sites and building blocks together- there is totally a 50-50 chance she could be an analytical thinker like her Dad. Still, I can’t help my heart from swelling with pride when my daughter asks to ‘paint with Mommy.’

My husband asked me if I think our daughter genuinely shares our interests or if she is simply imitating us. I don’t know, but if I had to guess, I would say it’s a combination of both. We can only introduce her to the things we love, let her be witness to our passions and encourage her in her own discoveries.

No matter what she gravitates toward in her life I’m excited for her to find it....mistakes and all along the way. I'm positive that I will occasionally have to remind myself to stand back and let her to figure it out for herself.

This post originally appeared on the Hello Mamas blog and has been modified.

Labels: Art, Career, Create, Family, parenting

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

7 Books to Inspire Creativity in Everyone

Hi, my name is Dawn and I’ve a recovering creative.

Just like you, me, and everyone else- all people are creative. Period. I don’t care if you’re clever at spreadsheets or crafty the way you make grilled cheese. All humans make things for survival. I believe this to my core.

I can't tell you how many people say to me, "I wish I were a creative person," when I tell them what I do for a living. I want to shake them and say, "Simply by saying that is proof that you are!"

Don't believe me?

Think about your childhood, what did you enjoy playing most? (Remember PLAY?) Finger painting? Superheros? Playdough? Building forts? All of these activities take imagination (and creativity). Perhaps the adult world bleeds it out of us. We feel like we have no time, too much responsibility, take ourselves too seriously.

I was OBSESSED with arts and crafts from day one. In fact, the only way I directed my copious youthful energy (my nickname was zippy) was through coloring, painting or crafting.

So that means I get it. I get you. Even I, childhood art addict, I rejected creating as frivolous when I became an adult. But I found my way back, and you can too.

Be forewarned It’s not easy. Maybe you received negative messages or even shame about your creativity growing up. Maybe you have too much self-doubt. You must 'go there' to recover the magic. It's worth it. And so are you.

This is a list of books I’ve read over the past two years (I’m not affiliated in any way shape or form with the authors or with the links provided and I've tried to include links to the actual author's site where possible) this is just my genuine, life-changing cannon for the creative soul.

If you only do one thing, please read number one on this list (not just for artists!)

1. The Artist’s Way

Julia Cameron

My bible. I still haven’t properly worked through the lessons but I’ve read it twice. This book is not just for artists! It’s life changing. This is number one in my list for a reason.
link

2. Show Your Work & Steal like an Artist (2 books)

Austin Kleon

Two clever, short, easy reads that will help you learn a little more about how to create, be inspired and market yourself.

link & link

3. Big Magic

Elizabeth Gilbert

I don’t want to love her but I can’t help it. The Author of Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert dives deep into the spiritual waters of creativity and her perspective on how it all works. The first story she tells absolutely blew me away. I was upset when it was over because I wanted to read more.

link

4. Daily Painting

Carol Marine

This one is great for painters or people who want to try painting. Her system is a fantastic way to dabble in different styles, and try new things without spending a fortune on supplies. Also she breaks down HOW TO PAINT in easy, digestible steps. Everything from composition, to color-mixing.

link

5. The Gifts of Imperfection

Brene Brown

Know how everyone who eats at a restaurant should have to wait tables for at least a day in their life? Well every person should have to read this book. It explores shame, vulnerability and how those things are misunderstood in our culture. Her research shows that people who are vulnerable live the most fullfiling lives. Let your heart out…in the form of a creative life. This will lead you to beautiful connections and experiences. To get a taste, watch her TED Talk here.

link

6. Art Inc

Lisa Congdon

So you want to get serious about your art and start a business? Congdon breaks down what the artworld is like today- a vastly different, and more expansive world than it was a few decades ago. The gallery system is outdated. This book teaches you about modern platforms, gives tips on things artists ten to avoid (like book keeping) and draws a comprehensive map of creating a business for your art.

link

7. Creative Block

Danielle Krysa

I’ve just started this one and so far it’s a fantastic read so I want to include it. She writes really well and is super relatable, honest and gives great advice at how you can 'unblock' yourself when you feel stuck. It features interviews with artists who work in all different mediums.

link

Happy reading you crafty little devils!

BTW let's keep in touch sign up to my (occasional) newsletter here. Muah!

Labels: Art, Career, Create

Monday, March 7, 2016

Makers Monthly: March

Life has been a bit heavy lately. I lost my cousin, a childhood friend since February and I'm reminded of all the other people I lost in 2015.

Another friend of mine was about to become a grandmother for the first time. Unfortunately the baby girl has heart complications and will not be long for this world. I'm not sure if it's happened yet but my heart goes out to her family for the pain that is sure to follow.

This friend is a lovely person whom I worked with when I first moved to Australia. I was struggling with homesickness and finding my place here and she always made me smile.

She asked me to paint something to commemorate the life of this little baby girl, she mentioned butterfly wings.

With loss on my own mind as well I came up with the idea for this painting and I'm happy with how it turned out. I would love to paint it again maybe with a different variation.

I'm going to save this painting for my friend but will make variations (custom copies with different colored backgrounds) available in my Etsy store. Sometimes artwork, much like music, can help us through hard times. Let's see what the other creative Etsy crafters have been up to this month. Let the creativity heal and flow.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Labels: Art, Career, MAKERS MONTHLY

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Makers Monthly: February

Hey crafty, creative peeps! It's our favorite time of the month again- time to showcase our latest projects.

Read more about this monthly link up here.

To join with your latest DIY, project or to share your store click on the blue link at the bottom of this post. I'll be paying to promote this post on Facebook- at least a few of you contacted me to say you had gotten a bit of traffic from it which rocks!

I feel incredibly grateful that I've been able to work on another special commission over the last few weeks. The brief is super interesting too! Want to hear about it?

A lovely friend I met (through another lovely mutual friend) recently changed careers so she could do something she felt was more meaningful with her time and talent. This woman is whipsmart and as wise as they come. I'm kind of forcing her to be my mentor because she inspires me.

Helen turned me onto Author and Speaker Brene Brown who, through her writing, is showing me how to be brave enough to let walls down in my artwork and in my life.

So, now Helen works at a local University and wanted a series for her new office. It's kind of a hub where she will be conducting interviews and doing research so it's a place in the uni where it will get more than average traffic and where people will sit for long periods of time.

Her idea was for me to create three pieces that tell a story. Something for people to stare at as they spoke. She liked my use of historical magazines in some of my work and enjoyed some of the softness and color in this piece.

After mulling it over I thought about telling the story of technology. It means something completely different to me than it does to students today (For example I was in the last class to graduate Uni before Facebook existed) but I think technological change is a universal subject across generations.

Above is the piece I was working on in January. It's been completed and sent off to it's new home!

An InLinkz Link-up

January 2016

December 2015

Labels: Art, Career, MAKERS MONTHLY

Thursday, January 21, 2016

New Years Funkalutions

I don’t do resolutions.

Well, technically I resolve to improve all the time but not specifically because of a new year. Call it my stubborn Italian streak but I don't like doing things because I 'have to.' I have much more success in making changes when I genuinely 'want to.'

Lately I'm working on time management, completing projects when I start them, not getting stuck in the social media time warp. I have to say the biggest obstacle I'm resolving to remove is fear. I’m afraid to paint because it won’t be good enough, I’m afraid to write because my words will be mediocre, I'm afraid if I show my true self that no one will like me.

Fear is one of those things that gets in the way of vulnerability- a trait that I've learned to take on as a massive source of strength and power.

Here's to a 2016 with more vulnerabilty, honesty and less fear. I like how that sounds- much more realistic than setting a list of easily breakable resolutions.

Ok here goes *shudder*

This year I’m going to write a book.

This book has been started, then discarded, over many years. I struggled with what I wanted to say and with how to write without a filter.

There. I said it. Now you can hold me accountable as I go and wash my granny panties (because I was scared shitless to tell you that).

I used to tell people about every grand idea I ever had. Starting such-and-such a website, project, degree. And I learned to stop telling people about my brainstorms until they were already complete or at least underway. If something didn't pan out I would suffer in silence. Now I think perhaps there is a better way.

Let me explain.

Putting it all out there on the line (along with embarrassing undergarments) can be terrifying if not bodily fluid inducing. If I'm honest I will tell you that in a way- I'm relieved I told you about the book. If I don't complete it we could look at it as a failure or we could look at it as: "Well shoot- I tried to accomplish this goal and now I'm disappointed." And I think the latter will promote a heck of a lot more support and empathy.

The point is to be more honest, vulnerable, real and you may just be surprised at the results.

What's my book about? Sorry to disappoint but it's about me. It's not advice or a how to guide. Just the story of how I was able to rediscover my identity through creativity. At best, I hope it can inspire, at the least I hope you find it an interesting story.

Thanks for being there. Let's see where the the pen (keyboard) takes us.

Labels: Art, Career, Create

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

I'm Not A Bowie Fan But I Get It

I'm not trying to jump on the Bowie bandwagon here. I just had a conversation Friday night about how I don't find him attractive (and now I feel a teeny-bit bad about it).

It's just that I think David Bowie has been only a subconscious part of my life's soundtrack. I am a self-researched music aficionado. I didn't have hippy parents or older siblings who introduced me to him. My first CD was The Bodyguard soundtrack followed by Mariah Carey's. I didn't discover the Beatles until my teen years and didn't listen to Queen until College.

When I heard the news of Bowie's death I could not help but recognize his invaluable contributions to music, pop culture and sexuality. He was a talented, influential artist who loved the crap outta his wife and family. By all accounts a really good dude and roll model.

And it's not that I don't like him or his music- it's just that I never latched onto him. I do realize that many of my beloved 90's rappers paid homage as they rhymed over his beats (Ice Ice Baby much?) Without Bowie- there would be no P Diddy.

Like most music lovers (aka everyone) I felt the collective sadness over his passing. Then this morning I learned that in his last few months of life he had been working on an album. I could not stop thinking about that. This song was released two days before he died:

Most people had no idea he was sick. He didn't announce it asking for prayers or attention. Money could not save him. So he did what any artist does. He created. Any background respect I had for David Bowie has turned to direct admiration. In his last moments he did what made him happy, without ever giving up.

I read somewhere that the new album is a goodbye to his fans but I would bet it's much more than that. It's immortality.

When we die all we leave behind is what we've created. When our time is up possessions will be scattered, donated or trashed. The only thing left is our performance.

If you want to live an authentic life, to be happy and to be fulfilled- just take a look at the legacy of Mr. David Bowie.

Labels: Art, Career, Create, Loss

Monday, January 11, 2016

Makers Monthly: January

Cheers to a creative 2016!

Better late than never- I just wanted to kick off this month's makers Monday showcase before January blurs past us all. I will try and post one of these at the beginning of each month but I think I get a free pass after the soul-sucking holiday season (I think I drank my weight in Chardonnay).

Above are detail shots from a commission I'm working on for a lovely blog pal in the USA. She's recently separated from her husband, moved cross country, and started a new career. She wants her space to reflect the incredible (and I think brave) changes she is making in her life. Though she blogs about serious health issues I am constantly in giggle fits from Rachael's Facebook posts. She has even inspired me to write a healing and confronting post on my blog in response to one of hers.

I hope you like it girlfriend. More to come.

Click on the link below and share something original. It can be a link to your online store, a craft, a recipe, poem or DIY tutorial. Can't wait to see what everyone contributes.

FAQ

An InLinkz Link-up

Labels: Art, Career, Create, MAKERS MONTHLY

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Most Popular Posts of 2015: Kangaroo Spotting

First of all, Thank You.

This has been an incredible year of growth both for myself and for this little blog of mine.

It started out as an ex-pat blog about 'life as an American settling in Melbourne' (thus the clever name) but at the time I was unsure how to write without a filter it all felt forced. I lost interest, Kangaroo Spotting sat neglected that is, until my daughter was born....

....which happened to be when my world turned upside. The blog became a place where I could sort out my feelings on the keyboard. I could have done this in a journal, yes, but I needed accountability. I put it alllllll out there, skeletons and granny panties and all.

I completely lost what I thought of as dignity but really it was just a wall (a flimsy one at that). So there I was not only upside down but inside out as well.

And what did that mean? Time to rebuild.

You know what gave me the strength to do so? You.

I’ve had incredible messages of support from so many of you since my very first REAL post. And even if you haven't reached out with a note I know you're there (Google Analytics tells me so) in silent support!

As a bonus I’ve even made NEW incredible friends, readers, bloggers, artists and writers who continue to inspire and keep me company in my virtual world (and in real life.)

So thank you. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me (sorry about all the sap I just had to get it out) now let's go have a Chardonnay.

Wishes of Love, Authenticity and Joy for you in 2016.

xoxo

Here's the list- see if you are as surprised as I am at the results.

Kangaroo Spotting's Top Ten Posts of 2016

1. I'm Breaking Up with my Bump
I'm shocked this was number one...maybe people thought I was getting divorced? No way Jose.

2. How to Support Someone who Lost a Child when you Haven't
This piece was extremely personal and I'm glad it got exposure.

3. Chosing a Baby Name Can be a Royal Pain
A really fun(ny) one.

4. Laila & Spot
I can't say enough about how awesome this company is!

5. What's your Mom Style
Everyone loves a makeover...at least I do.

6. How I'm starting to feel better
An early post about how I started progressing through post natal depression.

7. 1 + 4 = Life: Change
Heavy and personal, about loss. A little bit poetic.

8. I went on a Trip without my Daughter and didn't Miss Her
Three nights in Nashville!

9. How to Prepare for an International Flight with a Toddler
Everyone knows someone who needs these sanity saving tips!

10. 1 + 4 = Life: Homeward
Feeling like myself again, I got to visit home.

Labels: Career, healing, Identity

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Be Awesome But Remember Self Care

Need more of this in my life

I went to my GP yesterday and got a surprising suggestion.

"You need to make more time for yourself."

Who Me? The thing I preach about constantly to my other Mom-friends?

Self care is essential. Your cup needs to be full in order to help others or even just to survive in the parenting world. Why is this so much easier in theory than in practice?

I think for me, it's because my work does not really feel like work anymore. I've started so many projects and they are zapping up every moment of my spare time. Still so much to learn that I don't want to waste one second.

In the past I was gagging to have a break from work and these days I think I'm going to have to start reminding myself to do so. What a huge mental shift.

My new little business is in the construction phase. There is so much more happening behind the scenes (and not enough time) so many more things I want to share (but need to be completed)!

Know how experts say that you can't wait until you 'have more time' to start something because it never actually happens that way? (I swear I read that somewhere and it's true). You know, just that magic time in your life when the calendar clears simultaneously, the chorus of muses sing, motivation is off the chain and your energy set to a constant 'first cup of coffee' level...Obviously this is why those experts say you need to start now...because that will never happen.

Once I made the decision to ignore my fear (as if it were a whining toddler) and follow my passion everything keeps building.

To anyone out there thinking about starting their own thing or even just exploring a new interest I say:

No time like the present!

Where would you be in one year if you started today?

Do it, do it, do it.

Best. Thing. Ever.

(But just remember to take care of yourself along the way)

I want to inspire other people to do this!

The holiday break is almost here. After today Matt will home for almost three weeks. I'm already fantasizing about a Hemmingway-esque writing retreat in the woods...only mine would have to be on the beach...which would mean hardly any writing would get done. Because beach.

Okay Doc. I'll take your suggestion and also self-prescribe a Corona and a good book.

Labels: Career, Family, motherhood

Monday, December 14, 2015

A Post About Nothing

(I wrote this post a few days ago so it’s a touch outdated but I’m just going to give myself a pass. It's December- I think we all have our undies hanging out a little).

Today is Lavinia’s last childcare session of 2015. Then we have like 6 weeks without it (note to self: don't panic).

Last night I packed her lunch and my yoga bag- intent on making the last day count however my beauty sleep was interrupted by some snoring (it's one of his very few faults so what can you do?)

When the alarm went off I snoozed which meant we would be running late. Which meant no yoga. I would have to be productive in other ways.

On the entire drive to daycare I tried to think of things I could do to make the most of my time and in what order (for maximum multi-taskimum). I usually try to do things that I can't do with a kid, or do things that are made infinitely easier unencumbered by diaper bags, car seats and arguments about holding hands in the parking lot.

After stopping back home for coffee and breakfast I caught myself walking in circles. I grabbed the car keys and told myself to get in the car and drive...anywhere (and I did). Only, I felt weird because I realized that there were a million things I wanted to be doing AT HOME. I busted a U turn and went back to the house.

So much for strategy. I wasted precious minutes. And acted crazy.

Turns out, sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop was exactly where I needed to be. And you know what? I gave myself permission to be okay with that. Sometimes you just need to clear out your dang inbox.

Oh! And I also hung a picture frame after watching a video- I used tools and everything! Next thing you know I will be conquering the universe with video instructions I found on Youtube. If you ever need to hang a frame or if you just want to hear a classic Aussie accent this vid is for you!

I donated this one to a fundraiser and needed to make it hangable.

Technically I still multitasked- doing dishes while listening to podcasts counts! And technically this is something I could not do with my daughter hanging around. So what if I broke my rule of no housework during daycare days? I'll give myself another pass (gee, I'm nice).

Have you ever listened to On Being with Krista Tippett? There was this one about how environmental factors (like trauma) can actually modify our genes (kind of like a mutation) and we pass those modified genes down to our children (which can actually make them more resilient). And this one about the evolution of medicine and how we can use food to heal our bodies.

I would have loved a million more hours to patter around doing these little things because I felt productive. My day was the perfect example of how sometimes what feels like nothing, definitely amounts to something.

Labels: Career, Family, Identity

Thursday, December 3, 2015

An Evening with Oprah in Melbourne

Last night I went to go see Oprah in Melbourne. My lovely girlfriend had tickets through work. We had no idea what was all going to be about but I didn’t care. I loved her. Oprah. And my friend too.

I’ve been a fan of Oprah for many years. I even met her once thanks to my lovely boss-at-the-time, Patti Novak, who was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I jokingly describe that moment backstage as ‘Oprah looked through my eyes and into my soul’ but seriously- when she shook my hand (I can't even remember what she said) it was not some obligatory PR moment. She was present. She looked AT me. Something about her is so authentic, so powerful and so purposeful. (I'm not being objective here, I already told you I love her.)

She loves Australia

And look, she’s just a human being like you or me but she’s lived an incredible life. From a dirt road in Mississippi to friggin' OPRAH Winfrey, billionaire. Last night she shared with us just HOW she was able to do that. A lot of it came back to how she paid attention to all the people she's met over the years...which is what I felt when she met me! (Unfortunately at the time as a 26-year-old matchmakers apprentice I did not have much to offer).

In all her glorious unicorn wisdom, these were a few golden droplets I wrote down. Initially I intended on keeping them to myself but in the spirit of Oprah’s message last night- I think it’s better to share.

Look, it was a little bit self-help guru, a little bit spiritual, a whole-lotta-Oprah and it was riveting. Some people may have been rolling eyes but I was taking notes. If she starts a cult- sign me up. I drank the Kool-Aid. I'm in.

Honor the curiosity

She was talking about how to find your purpose- how to find happiness in your life. She said your curiosity will take you there. Do the things you are curious about whether it’s how to take a good photograph, to how to write a novel to how to start a business.

Your calling is your offering to the world

If you start thinking about how to offer your calling or purpose to the world, it will completely change your approach. She said that our calling is not something we are meant to keep to ourselves.

You can only do that if you are listing to spirit

This is a big one. You have to get in touch with your inner voice. Call it God, the Universe, Spirit, whatever- it’s the thing that guides us and we can only hear it when we are still.

You can’t hear your spirit if the voices of the world are drowning it out

I love this one. She used the example of when you’re sure of something- no one can tell you otherwise. But when we are unsure of something we tend to ask anyone for an opinion. Better to get in touch with yourself for guidance. Which brings me to the next point.

When you don’t know what to do, get still, until you do

Oprah goes into her yard, under her trees (that she once paid someone to count because when she was little trees represented wealth) and she meditates. She gets as quiet as possible so she can hear her inner voice.

Use your personality to serve your soul

If you are using your personality to serve your soul’s desire, no one can touch you because you are the definition of authenticity.

The whole point of having a purpose is to service other people

She spoke of Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr when he said Not everyone can be famous but everyone can have greatness through service. How true is that?

Effect follows intention

Intention is a big one she said. Every decision we make, every moment of every day is filled with intention. We must be conscious of it.

Say no

This is a big one I am starting to work on. It’s important to say no at the right times.

And Parents: You are only able to manage your children for a short while, then you are merely a consultant.

I agree with this one completely.

Failure is a detour on the road to success.

A nice way to look at it don’t you think?

So yeah. These are the things I jotted down while the rest of me intentionally stayed present. I left inspired and even had my first test of my new resolve the moment I got into a cab to head home.

The driver started playing Adele from a playlist (it got my attention) then he asked me what I did for a living (the test). I almost passed when I said, "an artist and a writer," so far so good but then added the self-conscious, "well, at least I'm trying to be." He sounded impressed which surprised me.

We ended up having the most incredible, honest conversation. About travel, life, being an ex-pat, getting a masters degree, relationships, risk and sacrifice. Pretty heavy for a 30 minute ride huh? It was past my bedtime but I was brimming with Oprah wisdom!

I am an incredibly fortunate person and for that my gratitude abounds. And just like Oprah, like you, like anyone; I am the master of my fate. And I am ready to take-on that responsibility.

Did you see the show? Would you want to?

Labels: Career, Create, Identity

Monday, November 23, 2015

Five Ways To Improve Your Time Management

Blog Pal, Jess from Peachy Keen Mumma

I went to this rad Bloggers Brunch hosted by Kids Business Communications two Fridays ago. The networking was meaningful, the sponsors relevant and the speakers inspiring- it was such a worthwhile morning and afternoon! I even ended up on the news last night. How cool is that?

Check out the full report here:

I just wanted to share some tips from Kate Christie about time management (she's an expert on the subject who specializes in working with business women age 30-55 who struggle to balance work and family.) This is definitely an area in my life that constantly needs tweaking. Especially now that I officially work from home, for myself. I'm the only one who can take responsibility for my own productivity.

Kate’s Time Management Tips

1. Start using the word no.

How simple and glorious is that? Take this first tip and use it as your permission slip. Stop over-committing. Right now. Stop it.

2. Ask yourself- “Is this the best use of my time?”

No quicker way to snap out of a distraction or social media time suck than to have this one on loop in the back of your mind.

3. Think of time as money.

No really. We’ve all heard this one before but sit down an calculate your hourly rate. Then see tip number two.

4. Family is a team sport.

I like this one because I tend to think of my family as a business (when I’m feeling logical as opposed to romantic which happens only about 1.5% of the time because I'm a sap). Everyone on the team brings different skill sets to the group so why not play the position you know best? Time, attention and money may not be distributed evenly at all times but one person's win is everyone's win. Don't forget to celebrate your victories together (which is why I keep champagne in the fridge always).

5. Have a don’t do it list.

Kate gave the example of going grocery shopping in rush hour traffic. Seems reasonable, right? For myself I would add- don’t look at the phone first thing in the morning. As parents our time is limited so try not to fall into common traps which can end up wasting time.

Thanks Kate, for your deceptively simple words of wisdom.

Labels: Career, Family

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

9 Things I Learned While Setting Up A Creative Small Business

I've spent the last two years building my brand (essentially me learning to be comfortable with myself online) and the last ten observing the small businesses many of my close friends have created.

Well folks, I'm proud and excited to say I've gone off and created my own little slice of commerce in the world, ta-da! An online store which houses all of my hopes and dreams for the future. Half-kidding- I'm doing it mainly for the joy.

Anyhoo- I wanted to share what I've learned along the way. Advice in my own words gleaned from friends, family, e-courses, research, blogs, books and hands on experience.

1. Be Proactive

With technology today I could spend all of my time reacting; emails, messages, tweets, mentions...sound familiar? I read some really good advice in the book Art Inc. by Lisa Congdon, she recommends simply that we 'schedule' time to respond and focus more on being proactive.

Several times throughout my day I stop and ask myself, “Am I being proactive or reactive.” And that’s all it takes. Seriously- just a simple change in mindset.

2. Don’t sit down without a plan

Unless you want to kiss precious hours goodbye, that is. When I set aside time to work I need a plan. If I sit down at the computer with a bunch of vague ideas about what I need to do I’ll get sidetracked the instant I open my email/ Facebook/ Etsy. Which brings me to the next point…

3. Make a list

I am a list person. Preferably handwritten. My friend even taught me this nifty trick of drawing a blank box in front of the item so you can tick it off once complete.

Lately I have been making lists at night about what I want to accomplish the next day. I kid you not- It's helping me sleep better! Try taking 5 or ten minutes before bedtime to write down some easily achievable goals for the next day. It will not only keep you on track but will give you peace of mind.

4. Get Back on Track

Speaking of back on track, if I find myself distracted or bored, I move onto the next thing on my list. Sometimes I need a change of scene all together so I leave the room for a coffee break or just a quick walk. Anything it takes to keep you moving forward!

5. Keep a Clear Workspace

This might sound obvious but for me it really works. There is nothing that will demotivate me more than thinking about cleaning in order to work- that’s double work! Even if your space is tiny like mine- get yourself some real estate and keep it. You won’t regret it when you have a few spare moments (which you won't want to spend cleaning).

6. Don’t get sucked into the Social Media Black Hole

I spend the majority of my time on platforms I like best and don’t worry so much about the others. I personally love Instagram and Facebook most and tend to dabble in Twitter (Pinterest is an on-and-off obsession). I'm only one person! If I devoted time to all of social media I would have zero life= zero things to tweet, pin or share about.

Don’t stress too hard about gaining followers either. Social media is meant to be fun…and social. If you are genuine- your tribe will find you. As they say, 200 engaged followers are more valuable than 2,000 fickle ones.

7. Invest in Help if you can

Hiring a cleaner to come twice a month or arranging childcare can be invaluable when it comes to running a business. Maybe think about reinvesting some of your earned income into one of these things so that you can produce more, ideally generating more income. I do these things and the time saved is invaluable.

8. Respek

Seriously. I’m being serious now. If you are turning your passion into a business- don’t call it a hobby. It’s a Biz-Nass and you are a serious business person now. If you respect yourself and your work, others will too.

9. Recharge

I could spend all day working on my business because I love what I do. I think about it when I’m running around after my kid, when I’m doing chores, at bedtime, in the morning- you get the picture. My mind is always working.

Remember that you need to feed the creative beast and he's a greedy thing. Fill his face with new places, conversations, and yes, even some downtime, and he will spit out ideas and inspiration faster than you can catch.

Go get it!
xoxo

What's the best piece of business advice you've heard?

Labels: Art, Career

Monday, November 2, 2015

Taking Stock: The Business Lady Edition

Making : Biz-nass Plans.

Cooking : The bare minimum (my attention is elsewhere).

Drinking : Nudie Soda, Apple flavor.

Reading: Big Magic and Art Inc.

Wanting: More space for art supplies and more time for creating!

Looking: Bright-eyed and a little tired.

Playing: With clothes- my style has changed into what? I don't know yet.

Deciding: What project to work on next....

Wishing: I was a morning person.

Enjoying: All the ideas and inspiration running through me.

Waiting: Home reno! Home reno! Patently impatient for completion.

Liking: Scheduling posts in advance- yeah Hootsuite!

Wondering: If I can maintain this momentum.

Loving: Instagram and photography (even though I've used a few stock photos here).

Pondering: The past two years of pouring my soul directly into creative living. It's yielding results!

Considering: Many goals. And then some.

Buying: Some cute, comfy, cheap dresses for Summer.

Watching: The Block. Missing The Bachelorette. Love me some reality TV.

Hoping: I can make it through today without getting too cranky-tired. I can feel it coming.

Marvelling: That people have paid me actual money for artwork. (!!!)

Cringing: On how much of my life is sucked away by Social Media (Facebook particularly.)

Needing: A time management plan.

Questioning: Directions.

Smelling: Summer.

Wearing: Boyfriend jeans and a comfy T shirt. I have way too many T shirts.

Following: Twitter- It’s taken me so long to really figure it out. What a marvel.

Noticing: How my daughter is developing daily.

Knowing: That I am becoming more obsessed each day by the little human we created.

Thinking: That I continually need to let go and give her space to breathe and grow.

Admiring: My little girl’s determination, independence, strength and even her stubbornness.

Sorting: Laundry, house stuff, art stock, getting prepared to shift into the new part of our home.

Getting: All the good vibes.

Bookmarking: Quotes about creativity.

Coveting: Old Photos and my Grandmother’s things.

Disliking: My ‘occasional’ lack of patience.
Opening: Lot’s of packages filled with Lavinia’ birthday gifts and naughty Halloween candy.

Giggling: About how much my kid sounds like me; “Let’s do this! How are ya? Mom's the boss.”

Feeling: Loved and supported by my husband. He asked me what my goals were for the next twelve months so he could do everything in his power to help me achieve them. <3

Snacking: Trying not to. Hard Boiled eggs have been my go-to lately.

Helping: My little seed of a business to sprout.

Hearing: Loving this playlist of acoustic covers on Spotify.

Won’t you take stock with me?

Making :

Cooking :

Drinking :

Reading:

Wanting:

Looking:

Playing:

Deciding:

Wishing:

Enjoying:

Waiting:

Liking:

Wondering:

Loving:

Pondering:

Considering:

Buying:

Watching:

Hoping:

Marvelling:

Cringing:

Needing:

Questioning:

Smelling:

Wearing:

Following:

Noticing:

Knowing:

Thinking:

Admiring:

Sorting:

Getting:

Bookmarking:

Coveting:

Disliking:

Opening:

Giggling:

Feeling:

Snacking:

Helping:

Hearing:

Labels: Art, Career, Create

Friday, October 23, 2015

One Plus Four Equals Life: Gratitude

Positive things are flowing into my life right now and I’m going back and forth between being grateful, humbled and just a teensy-bit proud.

1. I am grateful for opening up and for the tribe it brought me.

I started taking my blog seriously, and sharing it, almost two years ago. The purpose was to help myself heal from post-natal depression. Revealing that vulnerability terrified me, shook up some relationships in my life and strengthened others. I fell in love with writing again and gave myself permission to do it simply for the joy it brought me.

But it did more than bring me joy- it brought peace of mind. I received countless messages of love and support from friends old and new. They shared their personal struggles with me and we all felt less alone. Then I landed in a wonderful blogging community, they are beyond supportive and contribute an endless supply of inspiration.

2. I am grateful for working in the art field and for being able to call myself an artist.

I landed a cute, little job- my first (paid) in over two years. I’m teaching and assisting beginner painting classes. The goal was to get out, do some networking, and be in a field I love. The pocket change doesn't hurt either!

3. I am grateful for being able to build something.

Then there is my personal artwork. When I was home in Buffalo I got a big 'commission' project and worked for hours and hours in the cold bliss of my Mom's basement. She would stay on Grandma duty while I lost myself down there. I ended up doing more than planned when a few of my pieces ended up on my Mother's walls. Fair enough. It made me think that- maybe I could start my own art business.

I'm proud to announce that Kangaroo Spotting is now an official Australian Business. I'm not quite sure the exact shape it will take but right now it's all about lining up the ducks.

And oh yeah, my Etsy Store, it's finally launched! There are actual items for sale in there. It's a bit time consuming, the whole Etsy set-up, I've been tinkering for a while and I'm still learning. Won’t you take a little look and let me know what you think?

4. I am grateful for living a creative life.

It feels like all of my work, tears and hope over the last few years are starting to become this tangible thing. I'm beyond grateful for being able to follow my dream.

What would you do if you were free to be anything?

Labels: Art, Career, Create, Writing

Monday, October 19, 2015

How One Melbourne Company is Revolutionizing Gift Giving

Personal, high-quality gift giving just got a whole lot easier here in Australia. This is not a sponsored post.

I’m guilty of bitching about the shopping in Australia when compared to the USA; "More expensive! "Less variety!" I don't bring anything with me anymore when I visit my family in The States, surely they are sick of kangaroo keychains and mini jars of Vegemite.

Bindle is probably my perfect solution (for home and abroad) and if you are a busy person you will love this company too.
Bindle is a boutique gift service and is currently the only exclusively Australian-made hamper business. All the products are sourced locally, including the boxes and wrapping. It's awesome to shop local but these carefully selected products feel incredibly personal and thoughtful too. Let's face it- sometimes we all get too busy to be thoughtful.

I'm fascinated by people who risk stable careers to follow their passion and I was curious to learn more about owner Catherine Blackford aka Tat aka Blackers (you can tell she's fun just by her nicknames) and how she came up with this game-changing gift business.

Catherine and her sidekick, Walter.

I learned Bindle was born from Tat's passion for giving. In her friendship group Tat would always put her hand up to organise gifts (it would never be a voucher.) She would gather bits and pieces from various nooks and crannies around Melbourne because it meant every item had a story behind it. Creating a sense of place, story and timeline is ingrained in Blackford's thought process because she has a degree in landscape architecture- it's something she considers while selecting products for her packages.

“Giving something thoughtful and something special, it’s all about the reaction from the person that you give it too,” said Blackford.

Four years ago faced with a (boring) career in IT Tat started making gift packages on the side as a hobby. It’s called Bindle- and though it sounds like ‘bundle’ a bindle is the name of the stick and handkerchief combo that we’ve seen on cartoon hobos and the occasional Looney Tunes character.

“It’s the concept of having everything you need in a box for running away from home,” said Tat.

This folks, is a bindle on a stick.

As interest in her products grew she has happily found herself working on Bindle full-time for the last year and a half. The team has expanded from just herself to a total of five. The product range initially offered packages for a few different occasions and now they have a range of 40, everything from welcoming baby to “Man’s Best Friend” -for dogs of course.

Walter, CFO.

Tat has noticed a trend of people who are given Bindle gifts often turn around and order one for someone else. You can’t ask for a larger vote of confidence in the products than that.

Reasons Bindle is awesome.

The packages speak for themselves but the icing on the cake, or rather the bow on the bindle, is Catherine. I find it so incredibly inspiring to find a business woman who is so passionate and upbeat all while chasing the dream.

"Life is too short. Think about what you are passionate about and make your passion your paycheck," said Blackford.

I asked Tat, the gift-giving guru, for advice when it comes to choosing the perfect present for someone. Her reply speaks to her success; “Think about what is going to bring a smile to the recipients face.”

Get online and put a smile on someone's face!

You can shop Bindle by occasion, recipient, or event:

Different Occasions

Bindle Home

More about Bindle

Labels: Career, Create, Product Love

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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

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2. Show Your Work & Steal like an Artist (2 books)

3. Big Magic

4. Daily Painting

5. The Gifts of Imperfection

6. Art Inc

7. Creative Block

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Taking Stock: The Business Lady Edition

Friday, October 23, 2015

One Plus Four Equals Life: Gratitude

Monday, October 19, 2015

How One Melbourne Company is Revolutionizing Gift Giving

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