What a journey! Personally, I can't believe I stuck with the discipline of doing a full 40 questions. Second, I can't believe the following from all the readers of this website and my blog website, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com . I must say a big THANK YOU to all who have followed me on this journey of advice and tips to help make any craft artist a better business person, salesperson, and a better artist. I thank everyone who emailed me for personal advice, rated the blog posts, took the time to comment, asked questions, shared this with fellow craft artists, and most importantly Connie Mettler for letting me share my wit and wisdom (if you call it that) here on this site as well. This blog idea wouldn't be a success if it weren't for you! Now, onto the question...
Question #40 What is your craft artist story?
I had a hard time deciding what to do for the last question for this series. I have thought about summarizing or adding some final thoughts on past questions, but then it hit me... Your personal story. I have one and you have one and most are better than fiction or movie from Hollywood, whether you think so or not. The romantic idea of going from rags to riches IS the American Dream and everyone wants a piece of that pie or support others ambition for their American Dream. The story of finding your passion as an artist to how you developed your own personal style of work is all apart of your own unique story. That story will sell yourself to a jury through your artist statement or edu-taining customers via your website or at an art fair. It is powerful and you shouldn't be afraid to share it.
What are the makings for a good craft artist story? It must be factual, personal, genuine and short.
Just the facts. If you were laid off of work, became a cancer survivor, or came from a family of artisans then go with that. At the same time, if you are say you go all over the world to get the best gemstones for your work, you better have pictures or other proof (say jewelry pieces inspired from your travels) to back that up. A good story is based on facts which ends up being the “meat and potatoes” of your story.
Personal. The personal touch includes using your own dialogue and perspective on your story. Most importantly this includes emotion - how you felt when you first touched felt, painted your first stroke, sold your first piece, captured the perfect moment in time after waiting and waiting to take that perfect photograph. The average person thinks being an artist is easy, sometimes glamorous, but it is up to us to show these people that it is hard work and with hard work comes some nice rewards albeit financial freedom, a creative outlet, the joy of knowing you are able to make someone smile or give hope to others.
Genuine. This refers to the reputation of yourself and your work as well as your experience that makes you, well... you. To be genuine means you have a unique style, attitude, ideas, quirk, skill, etc. that you developed and created all your own proving what you create Is one of a kind.
Short. No one wants to hear your life story in a 3 part novel form. Your story needs to be simple and short, say a paragraph or two that has a lot of punch, yet no longer than a page. In other words you should easily recite it to anyone and they will be able to relate to it immediately.
The amazing thing about your story is that it should be changing as you learn more or experience new experiences. Here's my story...
I am Michelle Sholund, the craft artist and owner of By the Bay Botanicals which is run out of my 1930's farmhouse just outside of Baltimore, MD. I was an only child and found myself entertained for hours experimenting with different art forms such as making large pine cone wreaths from an artist in Pennsylvania, to floral arranging, drawing and playing the violin all while in elementary school. I continued in the arts through college having earned a degree in Fine Arts. A few years later I got married then pursued selling my homemade creations at local art and craft fairs.
In 2007, my husband and I moved into our dream home, a farmhouse on 1.2 acres of property – that is when I really found my inspiration and calling. That calling was gardening and working with all natural materials to create aromatic art. I taught myself to dry the flowers from my gardens creating my own style of potpourri and other scented products all inspired by various places in Maryland. The high end palm wax candle line, called Destination Scentations, is a new addition after a local store owner (and friend) nudged me to try making candles. Six months of frustration in teaching myself how to make candles, I started to experiment with waxes, unique jar styles, wicks, as well as creating my own fragrances through blending techniques. I also learned about the benefits of eco-friendly palm wax and why it is important to choose and use renewable resources for the betterment of our environment and our health. The result? Colorful frosted candles that captures the haunting aroma of popular travel destinations all over US and the world. Through handcrafted, aromatic creations, I hope others will learn that investing in Made in America ,eco-friendly products isn't just a great gift, but a step in the right direction to help make the world a better place for future generations.
What do you think, did I follow my own rules? Do you think you can do better? Are you open to want to know more about me or learn more about the items I create (granted I am not doing this to sell you my work, but demonstrate how this can be an effective marketing too)? Will this inspire you or at least find it to be a decent example on how to write your own story? I certainly hope so.
While this is the last question to this blog series, that doesn't mean I won't continue my blog, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com . I will still post on artfairinsiders.com too. Another reason stick to following my blog – click on the RRS feed button to get quick updates – is that I intend to start doing audio and video blog posts, and with luck share them on this site - as long as Connie doesn't mind :-) My door is always open if you want to email me or pick my brain...Thanks again for your support in this blog series, until the next blog post.... Wishing you much success with your craft/art business... - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com www.bythebaybotanicalsonline.com
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