It takes time

Haven't blogged for a while, so thought now would be a good time for an update. As you already know I've been painting pet portraits for just over two years now, and the business is going great. No long waiting lists, but still quite busy. Usually when I complete one painting, there is another inquiry and commission request.  But, with my painting style and price points, this just wasn't enough income to pay the house payment. So, I decided to add to my pet industry business by going to pet grooming school. I thought what a great combination to be able to see, feel and study the dogs while I groomed them. This would be a win win. My paintings would improve and my client list would grow. Little did I know, how hard it is to break into the grooming world in my area. Since the pet grooming school is close by, there are tons of groomers out there, and almost all grooming shops want and experienced groomer. For, they are in the business of making money off the groomers labor, so the faster the groomer is, the more each party makes. Yet, as a new groomer, speed is something most of us lack. There is no way I can groom ten dogs in less than eight hours. I can do four or five and at my rate of commission, I am making less than $200.00 a week. So, time will tell, whether or not the grooming will be a large enough supplemental income to pick up where painting income leaves off.

My ultimate goal is to have my own grooming art studio, and at that point if I can groom at least 3 dogs four days a week, I'll make ends meet quite  nicely. But, as like with the painting business, you have to spend money to make money. Sometimes money you don't have. I'm selling furniture and art supplies to pay for grooming supplies. I'm spending over two times my weekly pay to get enough equipment. Heck the business made me provide my own hydraulic table!  But, as I see it, I'll now have a grooming table and drying table when I open my own business. I provide door to door grooming on my days off from the shop.

I will not falter, I will not fail, I will continue to grow and learn from my journey. Sometimes financial success is a struggle. But without the struggle you won't appreciate it when you hit the big time. 

Musings about discounts.

I tend to give away a lot of art. I see it as a way to advertise and get my product in the hand of the consumer. This helps me build my business in the way of repeat sales and referrals. Some artists shy away from such practices thinking it cheapens their art. Others follow the same practice for it is better to spend money on clients than internet or print advertisement. For the product in the hand speaks volumes.

Yet, the consumer is always looking for a deal, a bargain. They want to make sure their money is well spent. Some spend a lot of money for they think that the  price reflects the value, as in the old saying "you get what you pay for" Others think that if you produce more, you should give a discount. I agree, treat your loyal clients well, give them a special thank you, a discount or a small gift for the purchase. I've done that many times. Perhaps a Aceo as a thank you - or a card with my art or a photo pendant of the art. But, when it comes to volume discount I'm torn.

I muse on this concept. When I was employed outside the home, if I produced more, I wanted a larger wage for my production.  If I worked over 40hrs per week, I expected more pay not less. I wanted that time and one half. So, why is it that clients and artist sometimes expect or give discounts for more work? If I work more than 40 hours producing the product why would there be less compensation? I'm not griping, for I love what I do, but I wonder why people expect more for less.  I wonder if anyone who works in an office every told their boss. I worked harder, longer, yet more efficient to save you overhead, so you can pay me less this week.  I think not !

Self employed people often work 60hrs a week or more to make ends meet doing what they love. They give discounts for loyal clients, and reap what they sow.  Many live below poverty standards, yet people still think they are rolling in the money.  I assure you that the only rolling I do is in my bed.  But, as time progresses and skills improve, I plan to reap what I sow, and have some jingle in my pocket to show for it.

Having more with less

It is a new year, people are talking about setting your goals, making your financial plan for your business. What is your plan? I plan to have more with less. Does that sound contradictory to you?
Is there really a way to have more with less? More what you may ask?




I plan to have more
money
artistic growth
personal growth

free time
enjoyment
health

Now, doesn't that sound like a good goal? But how does one have more with less? Here is my plan.

Sell the huge home and downsize to a tiny home. Build this 1,200 foot home myself, so I save more money and pocket more profit. Reduce my acreage from ten to five.

Grow my own food on the parcel of land, no need for ten acres because I'm no longer going to eat meat, so I don't need pasture to  raise beef on. Again, saving money, and gaining health benefits from becoming a vegetarian and knowing that my food is organic. 

I will gain artistic growth by building a studio and grooming salon, where I can work from home, giving me more time to create. This too creates a more positive cash flow with less. Less travel time, less money given back in percentages to the grooming salon and gallery, I become my own entity. So, I gain 40-55% of my income back.

Since I will be working at home, I can set my hours and make more money in less time, so that gives
me more time to purse other activities, like paddling down the Suwannee River, and taking photos.

Having more with less sounds pretty good to me? What do you think?

Be a dreamer, and make plans for dreams to come true. You have the power to change your life.

What makes me different from other artists?

I once had an inquiry asking, why should I buy a pet portrait from you? Why are you different?
As we look at art history we can see that many great artists became famous by standing out in a crowd, coming up with a new idea, something different perhaps even weird. People are fascinated by new and different ways to express the world around them with art. I didn't get the sale, perhaps I'm not so different. How does one compare to others and say that they are different?

Once an artist told me perhaps it is because I don't think of my art as a job, that is why I'm different. But, for me art is a passion, it is part of my daily living, something that will never go away. I don't think of it as a job. I think of it as completion of my soul, a God given talent that comes fourth every minute of each day.

I create art to live, not to make a living, so maybe this is different? Yes, I need an income to survive, but I won't overprice my art to pay my bills. I will continue to seek alternative income to supplement my passion.

I price art for the masses, not for certain classes of people. The prices are refective of my skill level and number of hours it takes me to create. There is no false pretense that my work takes so very long to create that I have to raise prices. I lowered prices in 2011 due to the poor economy and gave
away more art than I can count. Does this make me different?

My sales are based on social networking, and showing my work in progress. I get to  know my  clients and they get to know me. I share daily, not just my art, but  my soul - my personal being. Does this make me different?

When I paint a pet, I feel its energy, that love of animals guides my hand and eyes from my heart, I paint with the rhythm of my soul. Does this make me different?

I explore all mediums and include other services such as sewing  and grooming for pets. Does this make me different?

To answer that inquiry, I told the client that I painted from my heart, and charged a reasonable price, and that my goal was that the painting would reflect the soul of the pet in the eyes. - I didn't get the sale, maybe she was looking for something much more different that what I had to offer. For, all I offer is my love of animals, my passion for art, my ability to communicate with the photo to render a cherished portrait.

cha - cha- cha changes

changes  David Bowie video

Happy Holidays - hope if you have had changes they have been positive.

I became a full time artist about nine months ago. And I found out that your previous year can not predict the future or present year. I did paint, and gained thousands on followers on my Facebook page. But, I did learn that one must adapt to changes. The economy is so bad in many places that I lowered my fees. I kept busy, but not enough to pay bills so I sought out supplemental  income. Yet, with my management background finding a part time or lower paid job was almost impossible. I went to grooming school for my love of animals, and loved it, yet still not enough to land a job. Yes, fill in jobs, but making 40.00 a month was still not enough.

So as David Bowie says, time might change me, but I can't change time. After nine months I was running out of money and time. I prayed for help, and prayers were answered. I found two jobs in one week, so now I am working seven days a week and doing my art. For, art is in my soul and I will never quit. I love animals and will never stop grooming, but it may be a slower start than anticipated.

I know that I am always telling you how to achieve or set your goals for yourself and your business. But, I too have to let you know that sometimes your goals will not be met. But, that is not reason to give up. It may be just time to make a change. Sometimes there has to be plan B. I will continue to set goals and never let these changes set me back from the things that are most dear to me. My family, pets, and art are the most important. No matter what changes I make to adapt to life's pressures to make a sustainable income will not make me change my values and goals.

Gearing up for Holiday Sales!

Gosh, did you know that even Oprah likes hand painted ornaments? It was one of her top favorite gift pics for this year.  See her pics here. http://www.oprah.com/gift/Christmas-Ornaments?editors_pick_id=34314
Darn it, I should of thought about sending all my celebrity friends custom ornaments! LOL

This is my second year painting these ornaments and I have a variety styles, from flat, porcelain, round,  hearts and more. What a wonderful keepsake to get a custom painted holiday ornament for your tree or display case. I'm  running a special on the last hearts for only 23.00 each - sure beats the prices I've seen this year. In fact I've dropped all of my prices due to the economy.  I can't see charging my friend's more when some don't have a job right now. See my ornaments here: Custom Pet Portrait Ornaments

And I've even set up my sewing machine! I'm offering the bandanna of the month club - for a 2.00 savings per bandanna with 3 free after the purchase of twelve. The are slip over the collar, reversible, washable bandannas. Made to order based on your dog's collar size and sex.  Just added Holiday fabric .Check them out here: custom made pet bandannas

Next will be canine boutique clothes.

Happy Holidays to you and your family. May you have time to create something special this season.

Pet Bandana of the Month Club! Join now

I've completed pet grooming school, ordered up fabric and ribbon, and spent all day yesterday sewing my first over the collar bandana collection.

I chose black- red and white for the first collection since I have a black, and a white dog, the colors appealed to me. This collection will be available via my FB page and at the new grooming salon.

So, perhaps I've come up with a little cottage industry to supplement my income, or just a fun additional hobby to add with my pet portraits.

The bandanas are made of two selections of fabrics sewn right sides together, then turned out and top stitched for a reversible, washable stylish accessory for your pet.

Club members will answer questions about their pet so each month they will receive a custom made bandana based on the answers to the questions. They will  have the extra discount of free shipping, and once 12 bandanas have been purchased they will receive a bonus of three free! Think of how fun it will be to get your surprise monthly package for your beloved pet. Add 2.00 shipping per package for non club members.

Size Small - Measures 8 1/2" wide  5 1/2  inches down - fits 5 to 10" collar.  (My Mini Schnauzers wear this size) $ 5.50

Size Medium - Measures 10 1/4 inch wide  7 1/4 " down, fits 11 - 16" collar  $6.50

Size Large - Measured 12 inches wide  8 1/2 inches down, fits  17-21" collar $7.50

XL for the really large chested dogs measures 14 1/4 inch wide, and 10 1/2 inches long, fits 22" and above collar. $8.50

Sign up here: contact for your special offer and list of questions

A Butcher a Baker, a Candlestick Maker?

Or is it an Artist, a Groomer, a Photographer? Yes, goals can be set and dreams can come true.
Please don't ever say no to your heart.

After almost twenty five  years of being a manager, my heart was no longer in it. I was burned out stressed out and disenchanted with the medical profession. I had no song in my heart and depression and anxiety set in.

Hubby told me to start painting again two years ago. And I took his advise. This new hobby soon became a business, and the passion for art and animals grew. I worked daily creating pet portraits and occasionally some flowers. My anxiety and depression were eased by the process. I had focus. I was making people happy and helping animals.  I was making some money, and donating much to causes. Life was good, my fan page grew larger than  I had ever dreamed. I was sharing my passion, art and photography with the world. Making people happy along with myself. Each day with a new painting or photo to share. Creating smiles, mending hearts. I knew this was filling a void and I wanted more.

I told my husband I  needed to help animals even more, I wanted to go to grooming school. Yet, I had left that management job to pursue my art and heal my soul. So, money was no longer jingling in my pocket. But, by a small miracle I was able to go to grooming school. There I learned that not only did I love every dog that I came in contact with, that they too could sense my kindness. They were calm, and let me groom them and love them. Each pet would get a hug a kind touch and a little encouragement. I'd tell them all after they were completed the groom they were show dogs. Yes, I know they couldn't  understand that, but still who doesn't love a complement.  The Pace Academy of Dog grooming promised each student that there were job opportunities and my  instructor found me a job placement along with the others.

So, my journey has not ended. I'm about to start a new one, helping Rhonda from Lucky Dog and Spa & Boutique embark on her new business in Pace FL. There she will create a luxury retail and grooming spa. I will be able to keep on loving pets, perfecting my skills as a groomer. I will display some art, paint a mural and photograph pets. We may do creative grooming too. Why not? I'm a creative type, from canvas to pet, so much can be accomplished if your goals and heart meet in the middle.

Fall is in the Air, and my plans are everywhere!

So, after going through several names for grooming, I decided on Grooming and Beyond

Pet  Spa and  Studio. Just a few more weeks and I'll be a certified pet groomer. I love every minute of it.

Hubby thinks he can build me my own studio if our home sells, at our next location. But, for now, I still need to make money. In the grooming business, you don't usually get paid per hour, you get paid a percentage of the work you do. I  landed a job on the weekend as a bather, but when I got there they decided not to let me bathe, but to groom one dog, to see my work. So, I groomed one dog, drove 70 miles hung out for a few hrs and made 13.00. Well, that just isn't going to help me get that $1,000 grooming table and clipper vac machine! Ha, setting up my own shop will take about $20,000 to build and furnish w/equipment and tub.

So, what is a girl to do? Start my business w/what I've got! A girl can make money if she wants to. So, I advertised in all the local classified papers, and on Facebook. Grooming, home visits. I have a fold up table, and a box full of clippers, and such and a good car. So, hopefully, I can start to build a client base and get 100% of the groom with less travel. Then start saving for the Spa. The goal is to have a grooming area, art studio and photography studio in one building, work 3 days a week at grooming and the rest for my art. Grooming is very demanding work on the body.  But, I'm building strength each day, and no matter how hard it is, I enjoy it so much more than pushing papers. Yes, I know there will be plenty of paperwork for my business, but at least it will be mine and the paperwork will be more rewarding. Keeping good records is essential. Gosh, why did I sell that Quick Books program! - Oh well, I can get another one. I have plenty of basic accounting skills from college and jobs I've had over the past many years.

Creative Blessings

I feel so blessed. I left my job about 6 months ago to pursue my artistic talents and dreams. I thought for sure I could land a part time job no problem. Boy, was I wrong, I searched and searched, applied for every job that I could find. But, nothing. My bills were stacking up, my husband was scared. Pet portraits  sales were slow. But, I knew in my heart that this is what I needed to do.  I wanted to be healthy and happy.

My love of dogs is so strong, I wanted to do more, just painting them wasn't enough. I needed to see them, be with them bond with them. So, turning a negative financial situation around, I applied for Federal assistance for job training. After five months the application was accepted. Off to dog grooming school I went. I have been at it for two weeks. And I can tell you that this time I spend grooming dogs has been the most rewarding work I have ever done. I went to college for Business Management and have had several high profile administrative jobs for hospitals but none gave me the satisfaction  that working with animals does.

My goal is to add a grooming / art studio to my  next  home. Offering quality grooming, photography pet portraits and of course my art. Watercolor and acrylic paintings and pet portraits. I  intend to live the rest of my life helping animals and doing the things I love, not working for some corporation.

This journey has come so far, yet I feel like is is just about to begin. I'm so excited!

Thank you for following my journey with me. I do dream big. There is no  harm in being a dreamer. Close your  eyes and dream, see what  you can come up with. You will not be disappointed if you follow your dream.