So.
I’ve now worked on this piece about 8-9 hours today. Though I had a basic simple idea/concept, it evolved into a long piece.
I’ve decided to put a story here at the beginning…a kind of lead-in that might pique a reader’s interest to bear through this all!
Here goes:
This is the story of one of the oddest “non-conforming” project requests I can recall. Back around 2005 or so, a man that I knew brought a birthday card to me that he intended to send his mother on her 80th (or 90th) milestone birthday. He wanted me to use “my very best calligraphy” to inscribe a passive-aggressive message to his mother. Apparently, he held a lot of ill feelings toward her, and he wanted to “beautifully express” these sentiments in her birthday card. I was kind of taken aback…and in a conundrum. I knew the man and didn’t want to offend him by saying “I’m uncomfortable with this project and using my gifts in this way,” and, also, being in need of any and all work to support myself and my sons. This request was around the time of my first divorce, as I recall.
I ended up doing the project for this man (while he waited), and I sort of remember trying to dialogue with him over the matter with an aim to be used somehow to soften his feelings/anger–or at least the way they were coming out–at such a pivotal moment in his personal history with his mother.
Around 2018 or so when “business discrimination” issues came into public discourse, I decided to make the following image and post it on my website. I think that when we have gifts/talents and “typical services” it might be a good thing to post a disclaimer, in case I would get another such request (or worse) that might make me personally uncomfortable and violate my conscience.
The remainder of this expression does not deal with controversial projects such as that, but, the idea of being asked for atypical, unusual things describes what is on my mind to comment upon!
This newsletter expression was inspired by a social media post I made two days ago about finishing up a fun “non-conforming” commissioned project, as well as another post made three days ago featuring another non-conforming project-in-process.
First, an image of the yet unfinished project and that post:
(Above) What the plaque looked like in its faded condition.
(Above) Beginning to paint in a deeper background of blues/purples/pinks.
(Above) The project after one evening’s work…a little more to go.
I think–yes I know–that my fixation this week upon writing here about “non-conforming” projects arose from a caring comment (intended no doubt to encourage me) made by a friend who seemed to see this “new type of project” through a certain lens. The very well-meaning response had conceived that this type of work might “broaden my territory,” so-to-speak. Maybe I read it through my own lens, too, as I interpreted it to mean it might open up many new doors, so-to-speak.
I immediately imagined myself trying to pay bills by promoting that I would “take old plaques done by OTHER artists, whose style was very different than mine, and use my own painting expertise to RESTORE them…“
Maybe it was a knee-jerk reaction based upon others occasionally suggesting equivalent things and my discouragement in not seeming to be able to communicate what and why I do what I do, and what I actually need to keep doing what I do.
I’m exhausted these days, doubling down on my efforts and long, long days trying to keep up and catch up and RESTORE my business back to its condition in 2011-2012 or so… Among my many intended “to do’s” aimed at raising awareness about my situation and history/current situation with my art business, is assembling on to a large poster board a “stats” chart I’ve worked on showing the evolution/decline of my business profit/growth going back to 1989. I would like sometime to do a video with the chart, helping customers to visually see what my goal is, and what I’m up against here. Perhaps it would help matters in some way. I don’t know. Surely onlookers have questions, especially, those who have never run a small business or who don’t fully understand the art world/market.
But back to where I was…which was commenting about the plaque restoration project….
That kind of restoration project is the kind I consider a “learning experience” and the kind I might postpone starting while wishing it were already done so I could pay another bill. It is the kind of project that is both a life-saver to keep me moving forward (or at least treading water) while at the same time feeling like some obstacle to finishing up a fine art portrait on my table, or getting my Etsy and other orders out more quickly.
I don’t know.
Maybe like many things, my artist-brain overthinks things.
If you are reading my over-thinking things here and find my thoughts of interest, I thank you!
I felt unsure how to respond, because my friend, like many who care and want to support me in my art and current situation, seemed understandably unclear what my business involves and what is most needed at this juncture. It can be very difficult to keep explaining/promoting in various ways. This blog piece is now going on four hours to create and my purpose is to try to give a sense of things. I consider it a form of advertising, and it is in the category here called “Thoughts About Creating.”
My hope is that it somehow keeps my overall work and situation before others, and that it will generate (somehow) at least a response sufficient to “pay me” (through WORK) for my investment of “advertising” time as well as beyond that. One reason I am in such deficits is that I’ve had to spend a lot of money and time in this “post-divorce” recovery phase and it has not quickly enough generated remuneration as I might have expected.
Many friends see that I’m busy–very very busy–always doing some creative project (or even writing) and may not realize, fully, that this does not equate with thriving financially.
While this newsletter blog piece may not appeal to every reader on my mailing list, all I need is for it to strike a chord with just a few, who might have interest and be in some position to take some action that will help my business/bills move forward, to make it worthwhile.
Basically, I am grateful for “non-conforming” projects of all sorts. In fact, if you are reading and have a non-conforming project coming to mind, please do send it my way!
At the same time, it is my hope to be understood.
We all want to be understood.
(OK…I know and acknowledge that artist-types have a reputation for not being understood! Ha ha…)
- I want for those that follow me and my work to know that some of these projects can be so unique so as to serve as a learning experience, and I often don’t even know what to charge since I can only guestimate at how much time it will take.
- I want for those that follow me and my work (especially those who have watched it unfold going back to 1989 or so) to know my overwhelm/frustration that after all these years of skill development through taking in many projects that were essentially “learning experiences”, that I bring every skill from every one of these projects to the table of experience, and at age 61, I don’t have as much life left ahead to keep “building and re-building” my business.
- I want for those that follow me and my work to understand I need to better reap the fruits of my hands and years of hard work in a more sustaining manner, and that right soon!
What I most need currently are increased/regular sales of that which are more typical services/products/original works and prints. It is hard enough to market those, and the main thrust of what I’m trying to communicate here is that I will gladly and joyfully tackle any and every type of creative, unique project thrown my way. However, none of these are things that I would try to heavily promote, per se.
For example, the above project to restore a plaque of art done by another artist is not a new service I would spend time expanding/promoting. That would feel like going down a rabbit hole! Yet, if someone sees the project included in this overall blog expression and it triggers them to contact me to restore an old photo or painting, then that would be a wonderful (and likely unique project) that God might use to provide a certain bill get paid.
That’s my goal.
To pay bills, so I can keep creating and using God’s gifts, and living within His call upon my life
What I am trying to say is that current promoting of tried-and-true services and products are hard enough to promote and actually obtain sales (that’s the key point here…”actually obtaining sales”.) In order to make a sustainable living at what I do and have done, I need better response on these things. There is no real market in these unique, non-conforming projects, and even if there theoretically were, it is not an activity that I feel called to nor want to overly concentrate God’s giftings upon, if that makes sense!
I’m trying to express here with gratitude in all things, yet communicate once again my situation and needs. I was encouraged this week to receive an order for the Cord of Three Strands wedding gift by a long-term, repeat customer. This is a very stream-lined product, and more of these type orders also help fill in income/cash flow gaps in between current portrait work, caricature work and a large book illustration project in progress. (for example, of my current bigger commissions/bookings)
Moving on here…
As you browse the next section of this piece my walk down memory lane (by searching through my many, many “client folders”) of projects I’ve selected to be to some degree of a non-conforming type, I notice that many of these involve the art of illustration.
You may ask, what makes any one of the projects below “non-conforming?”
That is a great question, and is somewhat challenging for me to answer!
I’ve selected the items below for their uniqueness, or for their representation of a type of art/project I would do if asked, but would not promote.
The political cartoons are a great example.
What sets those apart from my studio gift caricature work?
In my mind, it is both style and content. “Political Cartoon” work for newspapers, etc. is an art in itself. I needed a lot of input from the client, to communicate what he wanted. And my typical caricatures are not exaggerations nor containing outrageous expressions, and the best political cartoonists utilize this “optimal” skill set. My skill set for political cartooning is not optimal.
However, my skill set to create a graduation keepsake gift such as the following example, is quite optimal!
The same is true of designing logos, website banners and business cards (shown below). And the family crest project is “up my ally” in terms of illustration/watercolor work, but I won’t be promoting myself as a “specialist” focusing on producing family crests. There is no market in that.
Speaking of family crests…that makes me think of Family Trees. I’ve done a number of those, and quite treasure these kinds of projects. Might there be anyone out there who would want to commission a family tree project for Christmas this year? I can make duplicate prints (of even large-sized pieces) for other family members. These make a thoughtful family treasure. And if it is too big of a project to complete by December, I can do Holiday Gift Certificates, letting people know they will be getting a certain gift after the New Year. In fact, this would be fantastic custom work to take in, for portraits of people/portraits of houses/portraits of pets.
Having work for January through March each year is crucial to my keeping up. Each year that season is historically difficult and slow. I use that time in the winter to do more website work, promoting and file clean-ups/computer organization of many needful sorts. But there is no immediate payoff for this necessary work. The “payoff” consists of work trickling in (or flowing, in other years) based on my keeping up with such seemingly “little things” that can make a huge difference months later, when I go to show someone something online, or so forth…Organization and “maintenance” work takes much time (and often, money) yet is absolutely essential. I do it, in hopes of future reward. Anyone in small business understands the “delayed gratification/paycheck” aspect which is exactly why many people are not entrepreneurs.
I will show an example of my “holiday gift certificates” created in previous years and sometimes purchased in these fall months.
Think of it like this:
Imagine a surgeon. There are many types of surgeons…heart, orthopedic, general, and brain. Imagine you are a heart surgeon and someone asks you to operate on their liver, or, imagine a friend has a mole they need removed. Depending on what is involved, you might do it. But you won’t be promoting yourself into these other arenas, rather, you will keep on course as a heart surgeon.
My gift is creativity and use of my hands in producing art of many sorts. It’s a general gift, and I seem to have broad skills and capacities. While I don’t want to presume I am (to some degree) a kind of “polymath,” I have taken note over the years of this trait. Some friends even in recent years on social media say things like, “Is there anything you can’t do?”
I do art of all sorts…
I write, and write fairly well…
I design things (structures, chicken coops, fences and more…) and use power tools…
I think of what my favorite high school teacher wrote to me in my senior yearbook (shown above).
I have printed this out and have it hanging over my watercolor work table, it means quite a lot to me.
She (Miss Karen Pennington, who taught 9th grade English at Christiana High School in Newark, Delaware) communicated a number of things in this meaningful personal message, and in keeping with the topic here I focus on her calling me a “jack of all trades.”
She oversaw the high school newspaper; I was copy editor and helped a lot with layout/design tasks as well as shooting photos at after-school sports events and otherwise, and, worked in the darkroom after school to develop the photos. At the same time, in high school, I was co-editor of our senior yearbook, and co-captain of the silk flaggers in marching band. I was choreographing routines and performing musical marching drills (oh…yeah…I was in children’s theatre spring semester and along with another girl, provided piano duet accompaniment for the production…taken to local elementary schools…). Oh, and did I mention that during three months of my spring senior year of high school my mother was in the Delaware State Hospital and I lived alone (I was almost 18 and the school knew…they knew me as well as the situation…) taking her bills over to the facility for her to sign checks I had methodically made out and keeping care of the house? Oh. Yes, and that year I was also Honor Society secretary. This was my senior year of high school, and my father’s death was the end of my sophomore year. That gives context to what “KP” wrote to me. She was young–24 years old at that time–and in retrospect took me under her wing almost like a big sister. I was an only child, and dealing with quite a lot in my home life. I’ll always remember a conversation I had with KP around January or so of my senior year…someone I was involved with at that time had asked me to marry him and attend college in another state, and she talked me down from abandoning my life course in Delaware and making a decision so weighty that it would have radically changed my life and that of the other person, had that come to pass! (It was truly a “short-lived-I told-him-YES” engagement that was not a real engagement, and the other person also backed down as well and it was mutually resolved! But, when I attended my 40 year high school reunion in November 2021, the “artist” in me made sure I visited that classroom and shot a photo of the desk/window area where this teacher had quietly conversed with us during one of those Viking Voice classes!)
(Above) A Hundred Years From Now Order Here on Etsy
I’ve digressed a lot here, but it is in hopes that friends/family/clients will better know who I am, and come alongside me to support both me and my art/career during this most difficult and challenging time.
And now…back to where I was concerning “non-conforming” art and staying my primary course…
It may be hard for caring, watching friends to understand completely, but I am not a graphic designer. I consider myself at this juncture more of a fine artist/illustrator–yet I make good money drawing cartoons (caricatures) of people at events these days. That in itself is more of an “entertainment” service than art, per se, in my mind. It involves a lot of people skills, and the ability to perform under immense pressures while conversing and getting a good likeness. Not every artist has this gift, just as I am not particularly gifted in “graphic design.”
I will never go “get a (real job)” doing graphic design, for example. I don’t know the needed programs, for one thing. I have zero experience in that field, and the competition is high.
Graphic design/logo work involves, for one thing, an ability to simplify images and concepts. Clearly, anyone who knows me knows that nothing is simple in my mind! While below I did do a “watercolor” logo image for “God’s Love Covenant,” this is not typical logo work. The client liked it, but typically these days we see more and more “branding” style of images. (When it comes to branding “God” and churches/ministries, that propels me into other objections that make it personally difficult to produce such images.)
But the real impediment to not going to get a “graphic design” job is that it is not what God is telling me to do.
It is not what God has gifted me to do; nor is He “telling” me to do that. Nor do I believe He is telling me to do a lot of other things that sometimes others perceive I should do.
I will (and do) teach art to children and adults in my studio, because that lies within my giftings/capabilities/desires. I actually would like to do MORE of this. Do you know of children needing art lessons? Or, do you or your friends enjoy painting parties? Are you able to recommend my services/parties to people you might know in my area? Or, might you book a party with me to help promote/expand via word of mouth/experience here?!
Jump-starting, I need some of that!
I will not go teach art in a public school for a variety of reasons, beginning with the fact that I have no experience/degree in that arena. Nor will I substitute teach, beginning with the fact that I don’t have that emotional capacity and it would conflict with my normal routines/work here. Nor will I take some job (that I’d be competing with others actually in such a field for with the experience) that would require a number of personal demands upon me that are not within my capacity.
What I will do is stay the course, and keep putting my art and my needs out there, in hopes of God’s mercy and the response of others who want what it is I have to offer!
I am still struggling and exhausting myself trying to complete orders/projects while seeking more. Over the years this “dance” between completing work where deposits have been made (which help pay bills in “real time” prior to the job completion) and obtaining more future work/deposits, is challenging even in a good economy and with youth on my side. I am still hoping for more sales of pre-made things right now to offset deficits, and give me some breathing space.
I hope later today or tomorrow to assemble/promote a collection of Fall-Themed artwork for sale. All this takes so much time, and keeps me from focusing on the work that is currently before me. Like finishing that restored plaque, shown above. I keep trying to do it all, since it is all necessary and works together.
I am grateful for friends, family and clients who read my thoughts, expressions and pray/take action.
Thank you!
Before I move on to the post from my other non-conforming project this past week, next is a FB reel from a caricature gig last weekend at Marymount College in Arlington, VA.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/uUvPASoNR3zHDvqi
Another “non-conforming” project finished!
In the 35 years I’ve run my business people bring me what likely turns out to be a one of a kind project. I do enjoy these because they are challenges, yet I won’t be overly promoting myself as someone who paints cornhole boards or many of the other interesting projects sent my way.
All work is good and I learn from things. I mean I would paint more corn holes if people wanted that but I won’t be investing excessive time in promoting something like this!
I always show my work because sometimes it does lead to someone wanting something similar. Earlier this year a friend in Delaware asked me to do some arrow signs for his pool and two other friends saw it and ordered some for their gardens and deck.
Always grateful for any work I can do from home to help pay bills. Nevertheless I am actively promoting and trying to help my friends and clients better understand what I do and the direction I am wanting to go.
Think of it like a trained surgeon in a particular specialty. A friend or a patient might ask them to treat some small ailment that is not their specialty and of course the medical professional has enough general knowledge to do so. That doesn’t mean he will start promoting such activity because he wants to primarily stay the course of his specialties!
__________
That said, sometimes over the years I have had “non-conforming” requests that end up being something I want to venture further into. Here is one such story:
In 2011, a young woman named Ginny contacted me through Etsy. I was still living in Delaware, and she was interested in having an “event painter” at her wedding. I had never heard of such a thing.
She explained that there were artists who provided “live painting” at weddings to entertain guests and create a keepsake. She said she had “seen my work” on Etsy and was confident I could do something like that.
I needed work, of course. I had two teenage boys to provide for, and I researched/discussed the cost of such a thing. Nervously, I booked the event with her.
Around that time, I was working with another young woman to do the calligraphy on her wedding invitations, and after she came into my studio and saw my displays, she also wanted her bouquet to be preserved when the time came.
Like many brides at that time, I “bonded” with her and her mom over all the wedding details. Back then, I would also do place cards, as the event got closer. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been asked to do calligraphy on invitations or anything else bridal. Somehow over the years, the “art” of this and the market for it seems to have deceased. But, perhaps it is just I can no longer seem to connect with those who still want that.
Anyway, she was getting married outdoors at the Deerfield Country Club in Newark. I asked if I could come and “practice” (for free) painting at her wedding. I told them about this booked gig I had the following month in Lancaster, PA and that I wanted to test out the process.
They were thrilled, and I did that for them.
In my photos here, you can see that “test run” and then the first painting in 2011 in Lancaster at the Ware Center for Ginny’s wedding. Lastly, you can see the wedding painting I did in 2022 in Elizabethtown, PA which is the last time I’ve somehow been contacted for such a service.
These are the kinds of commissions that I love most–creating cherished keepsakes and working closely with a bride and her family. I will put some links below.
When all is said and done, I may make more money per hour painting corn holes or drawing cartoons at events, but know that my heart is to use God’s gifts in more specific ways, while making a living at this.
And now, below, is my stroll down “memory lane” with past non-conforming art project requests…enjoy!
(Above) A man asked me to illustrate a representation of his personal journey, to that point in his life.
~ I did this piece fourteen years ago in 2010
(Above) A woman asked me to illustrate crocheted teddy bears that she designed, and to set up an order brochure.
~ I did this piece twenty-one years ago in 2003
(Above) A man asked me to illustrate his family crest.
~ I did this piece thirteen years ago in 2011
(Above) A asked me to do the above illustration to go with some calligraphy called “Ranging Rules.”
~ I did this piece thirteen years ago in 2011
(Above) A man asked me to do a number of pieces such as the above to be used in an AA group.
~ I did this piece thirteen years ago in 2011
(Above) I was asked to repaint a large number of sign posts in Covered Bridge Farms (Newark, DE). I bought the crystals that shine with light on them (used on road surfaces) and attempted to “throw them” on to the wet, white paint of the posts! They had mentioned wanted them to be “reflective,” if possible. It helped…somewhat…I also remember testing glow-in-the-dark paint. Not so great!
~ I did these fourteen years ago in 2011, and in 2016 was asked to touch up some of them (or maybe, all of them…I can’t recall…but my son and his girlfriend at the time helped me on one of my visits back from Alabama to Delaware)
(Above) A woman asked me to do the above piece to be framed, and due to its length, we opted for computer font and a quality print job after I set it all up.
~ I did this piece eighteen years ago in 2006
(Above) A woman asked me to design a banner for her craft website, and also to build her a small site.
~ I did this piece thirteen years ago in 2011
(Above) A man asked me to do some political cartoons. There are more from this same client further below. This was “Mo Brooks” from near Centreville, MD
~ I did this piece twelve years ago in 2012
(Above) A Turkish man I know asked me to re-paint Erdogan exactly from a photo on Time Magazine cover. He asked me to also matte and frame it and intended for a family member in Turkey to hand-deliver it to the President. There was a story behind it all and a purpose, and I never really heard back if it was successfully gifted or any response.
~ I did this piece twelve years ago in 2012
(Above) A woman asked me to illustrate a print to be used for fundraising, after her daughter had passed away from leukemia as a teenager and she became involved in a Kamp Ministry her daughter had envisioned prior to her death.
~ I did this piece sixteen years ago in 2008
(Above) A woman asked me to restore an old “photo booth costume” photo of her and her siblings that was in very poor condition. I felt I could do a better job painting it. It was challenging, as some of the children’s expressions were obscured by damage. I did my very best, and sadly, I recall that the woman was “disappointed” in how it turned out. She paid me the balance, but I felt terrible. I thought it had turned out well…but then again…I wasn’t intimately acquainted with the “clear appearance” of each child’s face in the damaged old photo.
~ I did this piece eighteen years ago in 2006
(Above) I was asked to “spot illustrate” Rita Moreno for a children’s book being illustrated by another artist. The other artist was doing a fantastic job overall, but her style didn’t lend itself to getting a close likeness to the actress, and it was essential she be portrayed visually in a certain way since she was in part, endorsing the children’s book which was published in both the US and Puerto Rico. I scanned the carriage scene from the other artist, and painted Rita and then carefully/flawlessly Photo-shopped her back into the scene, riding in a carriage.
~ I did this piece fifteen years ago in 2007
(Above) A woman asked me to illustrate and design a cover for a book of poetry she was self-publishing. I remember she and her brothers came to my house and I took “reference” photos at my kitchen table! She had them dressed up, and wanted the image to convey an “interrogation.” I used them as models, and adapted the lighting and surroundings. I had a lot of fun with this project, it was challenging and intriguing to me!
~ I did this piece seventeen years ago in 2007
(Above) A woman asked me to paint a large wooden cut out sign to be used yearly on the corner near the church for their holiday bizarre. I believe they “adapted” the date each year afterward, somehow…it was out of a full piece of plywood and I used a jigsaw. That previous year, I also painted some scenery on an old sheet for their Christmas children’s play. I remember my younger son was helping me.
~ I did this piece sixteen years ago in 2008
(Above) Someone asked me to paint their dogs on a house door plaque.
~ I did this piece fifteen years ago in 2009
(Above) More of the political cartoons. I painted each of their faces and re-used them in multiple cartoon depictions, as shown below.
~ I did this piece eighteen years ago in 2006
(Above) Painted this for a photographer friend…as a “thank you” gift for sharing some prints I framed for a local medical office. I asked what I might paint in exchange and he said, “How about my Leica camera?!.” This image was fun to create.
~ I did this piece twelve years ago in 2012
(Above) For a number of years I did HUNDREDS of these hockey certificates each year. In fact, it was the largest single job I would do. I would set up each player’s names into a template I designed with their signatures, and would provide high quality prints. It involved a LOT of detailed checking over, and various spread sheets/info. I was sad when that job no longer came through for me…after about 5-6 years of it…maybe more…
~ I did this piece eleven years ago in 2013
(Above) A woman asked me to design a logo/business cards/letterhead for a new ministry.
~ I did this piece eight years ago in 2016
(Above) The above is an illustration done for an elderly man in Alabama to accompany his hand-crafted, smooth “prayer grips.” It showed his hand gripping them, and how they were to be used for night-time comfort from arthritis, and as a “prayer tool/reminder.” As I recall.
~ I did this piece nine years ago in 2015
(Above) One of the last little commissions I did in Alabama…a Massage Therapy School I sometimes used asked if I could create something “pretty” and artsy that had the above statement on it.
~ I did this piece five years ago in 2019
Scatter your seed in the morning, and in the evening don’t be idle because you don’t know which will succeed, this one or that, or whether both will be equally good.
~ Ecclesiastes 11:6
