A Happy Failure

So, my 2012 challenge was a bit of a failure (not complete*), and I'm OK with it. For 2013 I plan to fine tune this challenge and continue trying, because really that's what it's about, TRYING. I'm learning to make an effort to expand knowledge and experience.

I learned 3 key lessons in trying to maintain this blog:

1) I can't maintain a blog. I mean seriously, 6 months ago I said I would post soon.

2) I need to learn better organization (documentation) skills. I read, and listened to more new things than I posted about. However, with my lack of organization and wandering attention span, I didn't write them down. Therefore making it harder to post about them. This year I plan on utilizing Pintrest and good old fashion note taking on paper to remember things. 

3) Deciding what is really important and knowing myself. When I came up with this challenge I thought it'd be fun. However I soon realized that it was more like homework, and if you were ever my teacher, you'd know that I was never a fan of homework. Forcing myself to reach this goal, was taking the joy out of it. I also soon realized that all these things took time away from the studio, which is where I'm happiest. 

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2013 Challenge

Discover 42 new books and albums: Not 42 of each, but a combination of them. This way I can really enjoy and appreciate what I'm reading and listening to, not just trying to reach a quota.

Try 42 new things: This can include all the things that last year I mistakenly separated into different goals; recipes, restaurants, places, and concerts. Last year I went to some amazing shows and I hope this year I'll  be able to as well. I also hope to visit a few new cities and at least see one new museum exhibition this year.

Sell 42 pieces of artwork: This goal is the same as last year. The reason is I really need to start pushing myself, and realizing that I'm talented and my stuff is worth it (something I really struggle with). I'm starting to see my skills grow beyond the average enthusiast or advanced student category. I have lots of ideas and can't wait to really start working on a few projects that have been knocking around my mind. Fingers-crossed by the end of the year I'll have my own studio, in which I pray I'll really be able to bloom. I have even been considering starting a kickstarter project to help buy equipment.

Write 42 blog posts: A challenge within a challenge! 

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With these small changes, I hope 2013 will be a fun, productive, and informative year. I already have a stack of books ready, and new albums in a queue. I'd like to thank my amazing husband Brian, and our good friend Steve, for always suggesting new music and for their general support.

* The reason I don't consider 2012 a total failure is because when I tried to compile all the data, it all equaled more than 42. I read a total of 14 books (disappointing that I don't read more), and listened to 13 albums. I tried about 10 new recipes, some even in the fireplace during Hurricane Sandy. I went to a few great shows, the Bjork show being one of the best concerts I have ever been to. I visited Philadelphia  and there we explored a few places and  tried new things. I'm also very proud to say that I sold 10 things, it's a start. 

Jesus Christ I'm horrible at maintaining a blog.

Update: I've been doing the things I've set out to do. However, I don't take the time to write about it. Over the next few days I'll post all the albums I've listened to, recipes I've tried (god bless pintrest) and review some books.

The two areas that I'm having trouble with are the New Place/Things and selling 42 pieces of work. I'm having trouble defining New Place/Thing to be honest. 

As for the selling... you can buy stuff here. 

New Place/Thing #3: Filling an online store; properly.

I've always tried to add a few of my pieces to Etsy here and there. I never really had what I would consider an inventory. I made this a goal to do and completed it.

First, I invested in a little lighting studio. It's OK, I wish the lights were brighter, but the price was right. I then decided what I was going to sell from all the things I've been making. It took me a bit to figure out where the best lighting set up would be, but once I did I shot everything, uploaded and then edited for size and cropping only. I had to re-shoot some stuff but I rather do that then mess with the colors and such.

I split up my stock between 2 web-stores, one on WePay, and the other on Etsy. I think the hardest part was coming up with prices and descriptions.

Adding all those items at once felt a bit overwhelming. I hope to learn from that and add stuff as I make it. I think I came up with a good system for organizing pictures and product though.

My next major goal for business is to sell at an art fair before the year is over. I'm aiming for one in late November, early December. This gives me time to see what's selling online, and also to make things. I also figure holiday fairs get the most business. Downside is that those cost a lot of money to be a part of and some of them have lengthy application processes. I'm going to try though. 

New Album #10: A Joyful Noise by The Gossip

So far I have to say this is my favorite album by The Gossip. With each album they grow and evolve. They aren't scared of trying new things, and it always pays off.

I think after a few more listens I could choose a few tracks to add to a mix tape, because all the songs are great. So far "Casualties of War" and "Into the Wild" stand out as favorites.

I'm looking forward to owning this album when it comes out. Listen to A Joyful Noise for yourself.

New Album #9: Making Mirrors by Gotye

I thought this album was OK, good for background music. I'd be willing to give it a re-listen, maybe in the car. A few songs stick out, but nothing amazing. 

The music kind of reminds me of some B-sides from The Police mixed with something I can't quite figure out. 

New Place/Thing #2: Fulfilling an order

For the past few months I've been teaching myself how to complete a large order. I took on the task of creating  200 necklaces. I've never really made more than 3 of the same thing so this was out of my comfort zone. 


I learned that it's all about planning and most important discipline, which I have learned I have none (I'm easily sidetracked and discouraged). Mixed in with all that nonsense there is a perfectionist problem. I made closer to 300 pendants because I didn't like a lot of them.


I actually thought I would never want to make another pendant after all this, but I find that I have a knack for it and it combines my 2 favorite things; working with clay, and making jewelry. 


The necklaces are for swag bags for an event, I hope people like them. It's a way of getting my brand out there and hopefully making sales. Which will bring me to my next new thing, properly filling a my web store which will lead to selling 42 pieces of artwork. 


I'm proud of the end product, and the things it taught me.

Back Burner... update.

I haven't given up on this challenge, I think I just forget to track things and post about them. For example...


on February 18th I did New Place/Thing #1: NY Hall of Science. I went with Brian to see Bjork's Biophilia residency there. It was absolutely amazing. I've never been to such an intimate show before. As for the museum itself it was kind of cool. I think it's a great place to take kids. I did enjoy making very large soap bubbles though.


I've tried a few recipes from pintrest. 


Sadly no new books. I'm kind of weirdly worried about my lack of reading this year. 


I think keeping up with this blog is a challenge in itself.