Focusing on Myself

I set a goal at the start of 2011. I wanted to create an art licensing collection each month for the entire year. I've had a pretty hectic few months full of a lot of bullshit upsets, and as a result I have fallen behind on my goals.

Why is it that my personal goal gets swept under the rug the moment my life has a hiccup? Well I say fuck that. I am making some drastic changes in my life to make sure I meet the major goal I set forth this year. I can't keep putting my dreams on hold. Here are the four things I'm going to do for the next 86 (that's ironic) days to help me meet my goal. (My birthday is in 86 days, and yes I will be drinking on my birthday.)

-Quit drinking
-Give up online dating
-Make a list
-Quit shopping 

WTF? You might be thinking, how the hell will this help you draw more cupcakes?!? Yeah, I thought you might ask. First off, drinking is stupid. Fun, actually, really really fun, but stupid. I'm not an alcoholic or anything but I like to drink, the amount of time and money I spend on drinking could be spent on painting, designing, entering contests, social networking, real networking, getting inspired, making new friends or sleeping. All more productive then being hung over, and getting fat. 

Giving up online dating. (Cough, cough, oh God.) Yeah, it's time consuming. Why am I spending a few hours a night a few times a week with some weird stranger, talking about the same stupid crap over and over again and never feeling a connection? Not to mention if I spent a few hours a day a few times a week painting, well geesh I would be light-years ahead of where I am now. So again I say fuck it. If Mr. right is out there, he can find me, I'm sick of looking. So fuck off, because I'm awesome.

Make a list. I'm pretty sure I have ADD and my mind is in hyper spazz mode 24-7. I've got freaking awesome ideas zipping around in my brain like a caffeinated ninja. They come, they go, they come again. I'm capturing those thoughts in a massive creative "ninja list." why a ninja list? Why not, ninjas are awesome and they smell like cinnamon bits. 

Quit Shopping. Time is money people. The less crap I buy, the less I need to work doing side projects to pay for that crap I don't need. This leaves more time to crush the list.  

I'm really nervous to post this list to my blog for the world to see. But if I post it, then it makes these decisions real. Also, by no means am I going to hole up in my art studio every spare second of my life and work my self to death. I'm an artist, I need social time, inspiration, sunlight and a break. I'm starting a new job this week and I plan on kicking some major ass at it. I'm so excited for the new challenges of working as an Art Director for a San Francisco startup. 

So with all of that said, for the next 86 days I'm going to have a new focus: myself. Weird I know, but it needs to be done and has been a long time coming. 

Artist Interview- RavenWorks

I’m Super excited today to introduce you all to an amazing designer/jewelry maker Carrissa Larsen. She owns and operates RavenWorks, which is the home of unique jewelry, from simple designs, to the truly unique. She works with stones and sea glass, and every piece is original and hand made. Whenever I ware her creations I get endless compliments. You can see her designs in person at Stones and Stuff in Portland, Maine, or The Sandpiper Jewelry Gallery in South Portland, Maine or browse her collection on Etsy.

Please give us a brief bio, where you are from and how you started in this field?

I'm originally from northern Vermont, but have spent the past 5 years in Westbrook, Maine. I stared getting into jewelry design when I moved to Maine, as a hobby while I was trying to adjust to the move.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I used to love to draw and do creative projects as a child. I moved on to writing as a creative expression, and earned my BA in English Literature. Ive always been in touch with my creative side in different ways.

Could you tell us about some of your work?

My main body of work focuses on using unique natural stones in combination with various wire weaving techniques. I try to highlight the beauty of each stone, working the weave with it, while trying not to detract from the stone its self. 

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

I'm driven to create. I hate being idle, and I'm always working on new designs and ideas.I keep motivated by the fact that I'm making a living out of doing what I love.

How would you describe your style?

My style is very elegant, and simple, but with a unique edge. My style is natural and organic.

What is your approach to design? 

I don't really have a design process. Each design comes to me as I work with the individual stones

Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently.
A lot of funny things happen while I'm vending out on the streets. I end up talking to a lot of bizarre people. Recently one of my recent visitors, a local guy who just likes to shoot the breeze brought me a cup full of beautiful sea glass.  I don't think he's employed, and may not have a home, but he collected all these great pieces just for me. I thought it was funny that he had thought to do that for me.

How do you bridge the gap of the business side of designing?

I'm always promoting myself, and always creating as I'm selling. I try to keep the two as intertwined as possible.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Determined, perfectionist, driven, abstract, stubborn

Lastly, any words of advice for aspiring designers/artists?

Just do it! I know it sounds cheesy, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and go after your dreams, and the rest be damned. No one is ever going to make it happen for you, you have to make it happen for yourself. Stop dreaming and start doing!

My Intern

Everyone I would like you to meet Nikki. The newest (and only) other member of AWI. She joined me as an intern in January. I am teaching her the ropes (or at least my skewed version of the ropes) and she is helping me with many difficult tasks. We are working on laying out and redesigning my portfolio. I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe. . . .

Nikki lives in San Francisco and is a Student at the Academy Of Art. She is a fast learner and has a good eye for design. She also loves Abe Lincoln (don't ask.)