Do you ever.

Sometimes i like to imagine a place where home doesn't exist and i find peace in my own solitude. I like to imagine worlds where long-neck monsters stalk the sea and funny coloured winged creatures posses the sky. I like to create stories and fairy tales in a world that is our own.

What you should know before you become an art vendor.

I have currently spent my summer roaming festivals and putting my own art on display for the world to see. I'd like to share my own experience for those of you wanting to also run along this road of being an art vendor. There has been both good and bad experiences in the small while that I have been doing this. So I'll cut to the chase and give you my tips on what you should know before becoming an art vendor.

1. Aim for the right audience.
I happened to make this mistake. There were 2 little festivals going on the same day, and I chose the one that had longer hours and one extra day, because obviously you have more time for people to see your art. Big mistake. Did I mention this was a historical event? with tractors and farmers? Yah I didn't really develop the best audience. I mean yes it was an absolute blast going for the event itself, but sales wise it wasn't the best choice I could have made when my other option was a more crafty festival.

2. Keep positive thinking!
Yes there are going to be times when people wont even take a second look, or avoid your booth entirely. Not everyone is into art-which is terribly sad, I know- and not everyone is going to have the same  approach. But don't let that get you down, because there is always going to be people who really do like your art. Jut don't let it get you down. There were a couple times when I was battling this myself. I'd see the booth next to me making crazy sales and I hadn't sold anything all day. It happens, but don't let it get you down!

3. Keep Variety.
One this I noticed dramatically on my art fest journeys was I was one of the only ones selling strictly just paintings. Yah, I had variations between canvas and frames, but they were strictly decoration. People are more likely to buy something they use rather than something they have to make a place on the wall for. There were times I would go to different art fests just to enjoy rather than sell for a change, and talking to all the different vendors, people who put their art on mugs, pillows or wearable's had at least 50% more sales than strict painters-No Joke! So try different things! little things like post cards are great as well! just be sure to add variety!

4. Don't let friends distract you.
For quite a few of my art shows I brought along friends, because you know, it can get sort of lonely. This, at some points was not the best idea. I found it sort of restricted me from interacting with potential customers. People would see me talking to my friends and just keep walking by. The times I was alone more people seemed interested in coming up and asking about my art or myself. I could more easily interact.

First Art Vendor!

Hey everyone! I am super pumped for my first art vendor coming up this weekend. I will be selling my prints with my friends at a heritage festival. My prints are up and ready on display, so if you are not coming to this event and still want a print get in contact with me and we'll be sure to arrange something! I have no idea what the outcome will be or even if the people going will like my stuff, but eh, gotta try at some point right? I'll postanother update after this event with results and possible tips if you are thinking about being a vendor. Thanks so much checking out my blog and i shall get back to you soon!

Why you should be spontaneous.period.

Are you spontaneous? Seriously, ask yourself this question. I really thought about this last night. I was with a little puddle of friends jamming out on our many array of instruments playing and creating music, when one of them mentioned a small concert in a bar venue half an hour away. Obviously, being young music driven kids, it's not like we are going to turn that down. We went, and loved it more than anything. For $10 we seen this absolutely amazing music artist named Lisa Leblanc, got to meet her and talk to her about a music festival we are actually planning in our community, and of course, rocked out to her mad banjo skills.
To make it even better, as we were venturing home, not wanting to actually reach that destination, we happened upon a rather bubbly fountain. Did we walk past it? uh. Hell no. Ultimate bubble fight in the middle of town at 1;30 am please. Turns out every year the university students put laundry detergent into the community fountain so it overflows in bubbles. How WONDERFUL IS THAT?!
The whole thing was just beyond a wonderful experience and just really made me think, it is those little wonderful things in life that make it worth living, and make life an adventure. But what if we weren't spontaneous? What if we thought about the logical, like if our parents would care if we were home on time? or that it could be dangerous? Or made up lame excuses like we're to tired or not up for it? How lame would that be? And maybe that's why were not sad. Because we can have fun? I don't know, it just really made me think.

I have decided to start a book!

I do a lot of work on my own. I like to write about my thoughts and findings, and am known for keeping an art journal where i document it all. I posted one a little while ago, 'The Journey of a Collapsed Lung' and it was commented on everywhere i went! I was told i should start writing a book, because my style is fun to look at and an easy read. It's based on life and making it fun! I will keep an update here on my site of how far i am and when i will be letting it out. I am working on getting on ebook for easy downloads. I will be back soon with more information! Thanks for checking out my stuff!

Why you should take up photography today

Many people see photography as 2 things. 1, It is to easy. Anyone can do it so why would i do it? Or 2, I never take good pictures. I can't do photography 

I decided to start in photography when my Dad got involved. I got a decent camera and would go out when he went out and would try to take pictures from different angles. Here are a few things i have learned from my Father Daughter adventures.

1. Try new things. Not every angle is going to be the right one, so try knew things. Just like painting or creating, not every decision you make is going to be the right one. You have to experiment and see what works for you.

2. You develop a more grateful attitude towards the simple. Everything looks different through the lens of a camera. You start to appreciate the little flickers of colour, and that sun in your eyes that creates a perfect reflection. 

3. It is a chance for adventure. It is a chance to go out and see something new, or go somewhere you've never been before. There is a forest by my house i often go through to take some shots, and over the million times i have been in there it still hasn't gotten old!

4. You create memories that last forever! Whats better than going on a lovely family walk and taking some super good pictures? Well, a lot, but its still absolutely wonderful! I love those beautiful days in the fall with mittens and sniffles, smell of the pumpkin patch in the air, and taking pretty fall shots. You just sort of forget about the rest of the world and can actually be present in this happy place.

5. If you are stressed, a camera can solve your problems! No, seriously! Go for a walk on your own and take some pictures. Appreciate the scene around you whether its a long walk in the park or a city scape. 

6. You develop a new perspective. The details in your laces become fascinating. The tree you pass every morning on the way to school develops a little more detail in its bark. You suddenly want to see that bridge closer. It opens your eyes to the world around you.

7. It is a proven fact that photography inspires your imagination. It gives you new ideas, makes you want to try new perspectives, or try capturing new things like emotions and meanings instead of flowers.

8. You start to notice more. The pretty shade of the rust on that truck. The reflection in the pond at sunset. Everything becomes different.

9. It is easy! Just pull out a camera and try. Look at others photography and try their perspectives if it helps at first. All you need is a decent camera, motivation to roam and a small piece of time.

So go out and try! and i promise you, you won't hate it.

Painting what you see

I took a water colour workshop a few months back at my school. I found it to (despite my already active water colour creating) extremely useful when working with pictures. A lot of my paintings are not done from a picture, but when they are these are the techniques i use.

1. Pick out lights and darks. When working with pictures like this one, many people would make the water darker than it is. Focus on your highlights and your whites.

2. Have some solid lines. I find with water colour i want to blend everything because it looks pretty, but this can take away from the focus of the picture. Here, you can see my solid lines in the bridge, drawing your eyes to it. This leads onto my next tip. 

3. Have a focal point. Even if there isn't one in the actual picture, it might be a good idea to create one depending on what you are painting. 

Hope these little tips helped ya a bit!