The Studio Source helps you build an extraordinary business by focusing on approach—how you show your stuff, how you connect with your customers, and how you manage the business side of creativity.
Stacey Cornelius
I'm a raving idealist, idea junkie, and creative entrepreneur with a Fine Art degree. I have professional experience in retail, theatre, and the IT industry. I'm here to show you how to make marketing part of your creative process. Contact Me
Three people I know have said nearly the same thing over the past few days—Why can’t I get this right?
One person was frustrated at not being able to master a new skill quickly. One was trying to wrestle designs into lower price points. One was overthinking her marketing message.
Their intentions were honourable, but they weren’t getting the results they wanted, and for good reason. Trying too hard interrupts your flow. It hangs up your thinking and twists you into a ball of anxiety.
I’m acquainted with a professional artisan who does no advertising. She doesn’t have a blog, a Facebook fan page, Etsy shop or Twitter account. She has studio staff and has grown a successful small business.
Want to know her secret?
She does everything deliberately.
When you run your own professional creative practice, you sometimes find yourself overwhelmed. There seems to be a thousand things to do, and only a few people to do it. Maybe you are the people.
The obvious way to set priorities is to take care of the most time-sensitive things first so you don’t miss any deadlines. But what happens after that?
If you’re someone who enjoys being organized, you’re reading this with your finger already poised over your mouse, while your mental To Do list is writing itself. No need to read further.
If you’re an intuitive type, you’re probably praying for an easy, magic solution.
Sunday, 7:00 p.m. A post needs to be written for Monday morning. It’s not happening.
“Forget it,” I say, “I’m going to welding school.”
“Okay,” the fella replies, in that unmistakable tone. He’s humouring me.
Truth be told, I didn’t use the word “forget.” I used another word, one I don’t throw around in polite company.
I couldn’t do it. The well was dry. I was convinced if I tried to utter one more syllable about marketing, or creativity, I would implode.
Editor’s note: it’s Friday. I’ve been slaving over a writing project and my brain cells are down to triple digits. I’m tired of the sound of my own voice, so this post is (mostly) just for fun.
Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day for romance. A a day for flower shops, card sellers and chocolatiers.
If you’re single, or just not into the hearts and flowers, you’ll be just as glad when it’s over.
Wait. There’s an antidote.
Posted in: Creative quickies
