7 Self-Discipline Techniques

I found this really great article on self-discipline, and thought I'd share it with you guys. >> read it here <<

I struggle with motivation and self-discipline in my life, so I am always on the lookout for reminders and tips on how to live a happy, productive life.

Having self-discipline in your life can make you go from fat to fit, poor to rich, sad to happy. It's the secret behind 'The Secret'; focusing all of your energy/time/thought into achieving a goal, and making it a reality. If you think about it, it's pretty freaking magical. You can dream something up - almost anything - and with enough determination, you can make it a real thing.

Take art for example - at an early age I had an interest in drawing, and I just... kept drawing. The skill evolved over time to become what it is now, and it's still evolving. It was easy for me to keep drawing because I loved doing it. It didn't really take self-discipline (at least in the early stages, but learning to paint with watercolours etc.. did take focused thought/time to learn).

But there's many facets to a person's life, some of which DO need self-discipline because they are not necessarily enjoyable things to do (but must get done). For example, exercise, eating healthy, doing your homework if you're in school, keeping up with all of your obligations, doing taxes, etc...

So how do force yourself to be responsible and get those things done that you need to do? That's what I have a problem with. It's a mixture of laziness and not caring, or something like that. Maybe that's depression?

But, the interesting thing I learned in this article is that self-discipline is a whole other thing. You make a set of 'rules' for yourself, and there's no ifs, ands or buts, it's an absolute. You have to do it. Your day isn't over until you - take out the garbage, scrub the bathtub, or eat a serving of vegetables. Whatever you need to do, you just do it. No sleep until it's done!

So with that said, I'm going to stop procrastinating, get dressed, and go to the thriftstore and see if there's any pretty summer skirts in my size. I will report back with photos of my findings ^_~

Are you self-disciplined? Do you need to be more disciplined in your life? What did you think of the article?

Art Business - thoughts, plans, insecurities

Today feels like one of those 'what am I doing, where am I going?' days.

I feel a bit insecure about my art - am I painting what people want to see? Am I painting something that is worthy of a dollar sign? All I know is that when I put my paintings on the wall to dry, I smile when I wake up and see them. They make me feel happy, so hopefully there's some people out there that feel the same way.

My audience has grown quite a bit in the last month (now up to over 1500 fans on facebook, which feels pretty awesome if I do say so myself), but I'm not sure how to sell stuff to them. I don't want to come off pushy, or fake, or something, if that makes sense... I don't want to use some marketing trick to try and get sales. I want people to fall in love with my art, and let their hearts make the purchase... I know, it sounds cheesy, but it's how I feel.

I suppose the first step is to actually make some art available for sale. I'll have some of these originals ready very soon, so that will be a start. If they sell, I can fix my printer and then start to offer some prints, and see what happens.

I've also been meaning to look up publishing opportunities in books, magazines, and in art blogs and online zines. I also need to save to get an ipod touch so that I can join instagram and meet some new arty folks on there.

I've also been thinking of seperating my fine art and illustration business (which I've named after myself), and my Bohemian Faerie business (which is focused on wire jewelry and other items for other faes out there). So I'd have two different shops for them - for my art and prints, I'd sell it directly on my website, and for my Bohemian Faerie items, I'd sell that on etsy. I don't know though, there's a lot to think about. What do you guys think I should do?

I'll leave you with an update of my artwork in progress, and something that popped into my head just as I was dozing off last night...

"if I paint it, they will come."

Overcoming Artist Block

Hello friends!

This will probably be a bit of a longer post than normal. I feel reflective today.

I'm really happy (and relieved) to say that I'm finally past my art block. It was going on for nearly three years, which also happened to coincide with my time spent at art school and out of art school. The program I was in (IDEA - illustration & design, elements and applications) was incredibly intense. I can't really describe the way I felt during that program in words. I met some amazing people, felt like I had a giant creative family, and learned a lot along the way.

I had dedicated myself so much during the second year, that I was spending over 12 hour days at school, working on my assignments (many days as long as 16 hours a day). The program was full time, so I was there all week and most weekends. I prayed a lot during that time, asking God to keep me focused and sane, because the hours and assignments piling up stressed the hell out of me, and I was mentally drained.

So basically it was hell, but the kind of hell you're dedicated to and don't want to give up on. I ended up having some sort of a nervous breakdown right after Christmas break in the second year, and ended up having to leave the program. It didn't help that I have a panic disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia, so all in all I had a lot to work on, and am still working on.

It's taken a long time for me to pick up the paintbrush/pen/pencil because I actually feel inspired and need to make something. I haven't felt this overwhelming desire in years... I think my time spent at school had sucked that spark out of me, and now that I was out, it didn't know how to come back.

I've been reflecting lately over what has changed in my mind. Why do I suddenly have ideas again? Why am I so inspired and filled with creativity and the need to create? I think I've figured it out.

Christina Lank and Alice Savage are two artists who are constantly producing artwork. Everyday they have something new to share. Everyday I see there work, their inspiration, and I see something of myself hidden there. Their drive, their talent, their need to create... and I feel like it's bringing me back to me. I've found myself thinking, 'oh Alice has a new drawing up, I should share something too!' or Christina is working on a painting and showing the wips and I think, 'I should paint something so I can share the wips too!'.

In a business sense/promoting sense this makes perfect sense. You want to sell art? Be a prolific artist, and constantly share new work. I have a strong interest in business, so those thoughts are always in my head. But as an artist I think I forgot the simple joy of creating and then sharing. I want to be a part of the fun, and share my work with my artist friends who inspire me. Simple as that. :)

Christina also mentioned the idea of making an 'art collection' with a theme, and how that inspires her. I've been thinking about this for a few months - what kind of theme is me? what do I want to paint a lot of? But I think the real question should have been, what do I need to paint a lot of? and then focus on that.

Now that I'm feeling inspired and full of creativity, the theme of a collection has finally come to me, and with that a NAME!

Cryptic Femina will be feminine, ethereal, but also with, as someone once commented on my work, "an edge of the nasty." Picture beautiful, detailed lace; and only when you look closer do you realize it's embroidered with skulls. There will be mystery, emotion, and strange and mystical women and places. I'm also going to be doing a lot of sculptural and mixed media pieces.

So now I need a goal - some way to share and present all of this work with people. My work is pretty much lowbrow pop fantasy art, so I need a place that caters to that audience. The Ayden Gallery immediately popped into my head. Admittedly I'm a bit intimidated about approaching them, as pretty much a nobody, and being all like 'hey, want to host a solo art show for me?' But I'm pretty brash like that, so we'll see what happens. (of course I would word it more politely, and show a professional portfolio of some sort). 

Welcome to my thought process, haha! Anyway, lots of exciting things coming, I'm sure. I just have to work hard, stay motivated, and feel inspired. 

My Wishlist

My Wishlist by sasha-fitzgerald featuring beauty products

I have a current obsession with all things minty green - including, but not limited to, cameras, nail polish, typewriters, and of course my dream retro vw bus!

I also happen to be extremely passionate about each one of these items. The nail polish, which I would apply as mint green on the base, and dots of black on top, would make my nails look just daaaahling. I'm also really diggin' the black nail polish's label - tres cool.

The typewriter is kind of a mysterious curio for me. I have memories from my early childhood (late 80's to early 90's) of typing on a typewriter and being utterly fascinated by it. I love that you can type directly on the paper, in the moment, mistakes and all, and when you're finished, you can hold up the piece in your hands like a work of art (rather than just view it on a screen, or wait for a printer to reproduce it). In all likelihood, this gorgeous teal typewriter you see pictured will actually be mine! It was yet another craigslist find. I have some ideas of what I would like to create with it... which I keep a secret until I can create and share it with you. ^_~

Next on my list, and a particular item I've lusted after for ages, is the retro vw bus. I've seen them around town, rusted, old and falling apart, as well as the newer pastel painted versions. I freaking love them. It has a classic look, and says pure adventure to me. I can imagine myself traveling around to different art shows across North America, selling my wares straight from my bus! I think that would be such an awesome experience.

And lastly, the Diana f+ lofi lomography camera, in Neptune Green. I've spent the last two days doing a lot of research on these cameras. I have a lot of experience using a dSLR camera (thanks art school!), and I've been itching to try my hand at film. I love the instagram styled shots that you can get with an iphone, but really can't justify spending that huge of a sum of money on a cell phone + plan just for the pretty pictures (I also can't afford it hahahaha & the other useful features aren't necessary to me or my biz right now). But a camera, though it's pricy up front, doesn't come with a three year crazy expensive plan. The only fees are in the cost of film, batteries, and lab fees; and I get the chance to learn a new art, and have some awesome film adventures.

Here are some examples of the types of photos you can take with the Diana, via lomography:

Hope you enjoyed this little peek into my wishlist! Are there any particular items you've been wishing for too?

Why do you follow blogs?

Why do you follow some blogs and not others? What is your decision making process? If it's kind of a gut feeling , why do you think you say yay or nay? 

Here are some of my thoughts - 

My favourite blog topics are definitely art, fashion, lifestyle, and photography; but even if a blog has all of that, it takes something more- some of that je ne sais quoi - to fully entice me to click the follow button. So here, I will attempt to pin down some of what that 'I don't know what' quality is that makes me want to read more of a person's blog. 

The most important quality to me in a blog is personality. If you have great content, but I can't feel a connection to you as a person, then I probably won't follow you. I want to know what your style is, what you like and dislike, why you chose to share that photo, and what your hopes and dreams are. I like to know I'm reading a human being's blog! Show me your awesome nail polish collection, let me in on your daily bike ride adventure. An example of such a blog>> Angie's blog at Lariats & Lavender + Launna's blog at Letters from Launna

I think sincerity is also a key part of creating blog posts that people want to read. If you're trying to promote your products, don't just posts links to your shops or ebay auctions and expect people to be interested. Sale's pitches are boring. Instead, I'd love to see your creative process, and know why I should value your items. I want to see your excitement about your items shine through. An example of such a blog>> Tuckoo and Moo Cow, by Sarah-Lambert Cook

Sincerity also means that while trends are trendy, being a copy cat trend whore is not. An example of this, is the popularity of all things kitsch and vintage. I find a little dose of that here and there interesting, but when I see blog, after blog, aaaaafter blog, of vintage ceramic cats and deers, modcloth clothes, and antique/vintage camera collections, it gets tiring. That, and whenever I see said vintage trendy items I wonder if I too want that because it's so trendy (I'm not immune to trends either lol). But on the flip side, if you love trends, and are passionate about them, go for it. But please, try and inject some personality along with it, and make sure that you like something because YOU like it, not because you want to feel a part of something. (This may be a touchy topic. If you disagree, or agree, feel free to comment on any of my thoughts). 

Next, and in some ways opposite to what I wrote above, I want to be inspired when I visit your blog. I love seeing what nifty ideas you have about how to fix something around the house, how big your tomatoes are getting, your fabulous new thrift store find, or the delicious rainbow cupcakes you baked. Two blogs that really inspire me>> The Dainty Squid & Love Elycia

Last thought, for now at least, don't be perfect. Be imperfect! So what if you're wearing two different coloured socks, have a messy desk, or a little dirt under your finger nail in a photo - hey! It happens to everybody! Don't be afraid to be human in front of other humans. If they judge you than that's their problem, and they're not your right readers anyhow. 

That's the end of my uber opinionated article on blogging. I'd love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree with my points, or have any ideas to add. :)

MMM! Raspberries! My dessert of the evening. :3

Faerie Doors

I absolutely love RoyalKitness's Faerie Doors.

Simple Rustic Fairy Portal

Each one is a fantastic piece of art unto its own. I love the wood grain texture sculpted into the door frame, the found accessories such as beads and buttons, and the cute little rope hinges that 'hold' the doors open and closed. They are truly special items!

Since I was a child, I read tales of the mystical moors, filled with faeries. It was a dangerous place to venture off to, especially on one of the Solstices, particularly on the longest night of the year, the mid summer night solstice.

Sewing Fairy Magical Portal

It just so happens that out in the moors, on the hot mid summer night, the Faeries come up through their Faerie mound, and break through their portal, into our realm. It is said they have wild parties, all appear to be beautiful, the feast lavish, and the music enthralling. They dance and dance until the sun rises.

If a poor mortal soul wanders into their gathering, they are welcomed to join the party. Unfortunately, mortals are not generally blessed with Faerie sight, and cannot see the trickery right in front of their eyes! For the Faeries are not beautiful (in human terms), with their large, knobby hands and feet, scraggly hair, and pointed ears and eyes. The feast is nothing but nature's floor, on a slab of wood, decorated with moss and dirt.

It is said that if a mortal eats or drinks the Faerie food, they will fall into a trance, be dragged down into the Faerie mound, and become a slave. A hundred years later, when all you know and love have passed from this world into the next, the Faeries will release you. Once you pass through the portal, and take your first step into the moorland, all of those years you've been gone will fall on you.  


Make sure to check out her enchanting shop: Here!

Stay tuned for my own interpretation of the Faerie Door...