Moving Forward

Wow ... I'm happy that the tasks for my show are all moving forward. I have the postcards almost completed and the notecards about 75% done. I do a few tasks every day.

The interesting thought that I have is if I'm focusing on the details of the show and the the marketing. The gallery did say that they will promote the show, but I haven't see anything in the paper??

I'm going to prepare an eNews and send it out to my mailing address and colleagues from my past positions. I'm playing to get all the tasks completed by Thursday!!

Postcards / Greeting Cards

Some times I don't know where to start ... so much goes through my head in preparing for the art show. I'm excited, happy and sometimes overwhelmed. It is amazing to see so many people who have successful business. I often think "how". Were they lucky or have a "I don't care" attitude??? Or how to they get "photography" jobs. I think I would be more comfortable starting at that point.

The photo (right) is the Oceanside Pier, taken just after sunset. I'm getting items ready for my show on Aug. 30. I went through all my existing greeting card and discovered that I needed to add more beach and oceanside photos. I updated them and had them printed. I'll work on the cards tomorrow. While I was reviewing in photos, I found the inventory of blank bookmarks. So ... I decided to add that to my show too.

So far ... here is my list:

• 5x7
• 8x10
• Framed: 11x14
• Box sets
• Greeting cards
• Bookmarks
• 4 paintings

That is the list so far. I'm also going to add a free gift. For any purchase more than $10, I'll give them a FREE rubber duck. It is late and my eyes are getting tired. More to come. - Rita

Yes ... displays on the go

Hi ... I spent yesterday working on the displays for the show (Aug. 30). It felt great getting a few tasks accomplished. I'm going to look at my piece and do a "set up" at home to see how my images look on a table and the signs that are needed. I also need to see what images are needed. The ones I know I need to add are Oceanside images.

I also update my website too.

I'm trying to figure out journaling in this blog. I've never really keep a journal. I've done it a few times, but when I went back to read it, I didn't like what I wrote. I tended to "rant" on people when I was again, letting my emotions run "rampant" ... so, I was concerned they would find/read it getting insulted ... so I shredded it?

I think since this blog is online and is out there as soon as I post my thoughts, I believe that will help me maintain my focus ... learning to get a job as a photographer/artist.

That's it for the moment.

Getting Ready

Today, I was getting ready for my show. I have been reviewing the photos and I need to add a few local (Oceanside, CA) images and separate them into categories. I'm going to look at displaying them in a artistic, but professional look. I felt very proud of myself for getting a few tasks completed.

I also contacted a local community college and inquired about teaching photography. I got the name of the person, but haven't called yet. I'm getting my ideas formatted (in my head) and then I'll contact them.

I'm happy with some activities, but I didn't as much as I would have liked to. Again ... I seemed to get side tracked so easily.

I do realize that this isn't yet ... getting me a job in the photography field, but I'm still happy about the work I did.

Help ... I think I am procrastinating??

Today I went to a health fair and home depot. I am going to make screen panels for my from doors ... much cheaper than purchasing them, especially since I don't have a lot of income coming in at this point. This a project I need to do, but again ... it takes me away from working on the business side/marketing for my images.

I enjoyed working on several photos and I'm about to update my site. I tend to think I procrastinate about the business component. It is so easy, fun and more enjoyable to work on my photography and art side, then thinking about the marketing side. I always have good intentions, but when I start, something takes my attention and turns it away.

Again ... I think this is a main problem I need to solve to get my business successful and yes, earn money. Wow ... I said it. I MUST earn money. I need someone who knows about marketing to help me, but I don't have the money to hire someone. Maybe some day.

Tomorrow is Sunday, which is always my art day. But ... I am going to prepare my "list" of things to do for next week. I have a lot of ideas for my art show, such as signs and getting all my existing photos organized.

Goal for next week: To do one item on my "to do" list. Wish me luck (or a kick in the ass)!

Art show

I got started. I went to a gallery and asked if how to participate in their monthly art show. It was just $10 to reserve a spot. So I did! On Aug. 30, I will be selling my photographs at Oceanside's Art in the Alley. I feel good about this, but I know it is one task. There is more to do. Wish me luck ... that I don't "freeze" in the process. - Rita

www.RitaSpiegel.com
Rita@RitaSpiegel.com

Starting Off

Well ... today is the day I'm starting my blog. I've been a photographer and an artist for as long as I remember. But, I'm never been a sales person. I've a bit shy about going into a store and asking the owner/manager to sell my photos, or to even my display fliers. I know I need to get over it ... I'm working on it.

I did add my blog to my website ... but I don't even know if anyone is ready it???