The Creative Chronicles

Salty Sea Dog Designs is a beautiful fusion of Blair's and Sarah’s ceramic talents resulting in distinctly adorable 3D animal mugs, vases and more.  Sarah throws all the forms on the pottery wheel, while Blair hand sculpts the intricate details. Together, they bring each piece to life. What's truly unique about Salty Sea Dog Designs is how they've built a devoted community around their work. Each limited batch of ceramics is eagerly awaited by their followers, who also await the chance to give each piece a name, infusing them with personality. This interactive process creates a special bond between the creators and their customers, turning each piece into a cherished part of someone's home. Join me as we dive into the world of Salty Sea Dog Designs and discover the magic behind their whimsical pottery creations. TAKEAWAYS: Listen to your audience and incorporate their ideas into your designs. Keep a positive mindset and always look for opportunities to learn and grow. How they prioritize education, humor, and relatability in their social media content. The importance of educating an audience about the process behind their pottery and the time it takes to create each piece. The strong connection with their customers they've built with customers to create a community who feels like family. FOLLOW: Salty Sea Dog Designs on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saltyseadogdesigns/ Shop Online https://saltyseadogdesigns.com/en-us Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

In this bonus episode of The Creative Chronicles, I’m sharing my personal experience of how I overcame rejection and used a "NO" to fuel and motivate me. I learned so much from this humbling experience and it truly made me a better artist and small business maker in the process. I'm sharing all the feelings and the exact steps I took in my application process to finally achieve my dream of being accepted to the largest art market of my career. If any one part of my journey can help you if you are going for that big dream in your life, then my heart is full. Remember if I can do it...YOU CAN TO! TAKEAWAYS Rejection is not the end - it's an opportunity to grow and reassess Learn from each experience and continuously improve your products and booth Build connections with other vendors and seek advice from experienced professionals Approach applications with genuine passion and belief in your unique offerings Never give up on your dreams and keep pushing towards your goals LINKS: Market Acceptance Video - https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYjJytJkSr/ FOLLOW: Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Nicole Lewis, founder of Art to the Extreme, shares her journey of creating the original rainbow crayon. All which began in the classroom as an art teacher and her desire to find a solution to the broken crayon chaos. She quickly used her problem solving skills to create a unique one of a kind art product perfect for kids and adults alike. Nicole’s tenacity to be her own press agent and her ability to utilize the power of collaborations has helped her become a top tier seller and influencer on Etsy as well as national name. Her rainbow crayons have been featured in major publications such as the TODAY show, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, US Weekly, and People to name a few. Plus has been featured as a top gift idea by JoAnna Gaines and asked to create gifts for the Oprah Network. Trust me y’all, you will want to grab something to take notes with because this episode is jam packed with incredible information! Nicole's insight is invaluable and her joyful nature will keep you absolutely captivated. TAKEAWAYS Thinking outside the box and creating a new rainbow crayon for all to enjoy. Reaching out to the press and building relationships can result in organic publicity. Asking for help and advice from others in the industry can be beneficial for business growth. It's important to stay true to yourself and not compare your journey to others. Having both an Etsy shop and a personal website can be beneficial for reaching customers and building a brand. Strong photography and effective SEO are key to standing out on Etsy. Embrace the different seasons of life and be open to collaborations and new projects. Sustainability can be incorporated into a creative business through partnerships and conscious sourcing. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:37 Who is Art 2 the Extreme 04:09 How it all Started 05:40 Creating Customized Crayons for Students with Special Needs 09:18 Receiving a Call from the Oprah's Network 10:57 Early Days on Etsy 13:42 Getting Press and Collaborating with Other Brands 18:25 Persistence and Reflecting on Success 22:56 In-House Production 26:35 Tips for Etsy Success 33:22 Nicole's Creative Journey 34:04 Transition from Teaching to Starting a Business 36:55 Sourcing Crayons and Reusing Materials 38:42 Finding Time for Creativity 42:05 Where to Find Art 2 the Extreme and Shop LINKS: Launch Grow Joy - https://www.launchgrowjoy.com Press for Sucess - https://pressforsuccess.com Etsy Affiliate Program - Affiliates & Creatorsetsy.com Book a call with Art2theExtreme  - https://art2theextreme.com/pages/pickmybrain Art2theExtreme Pick My Brain eBook - https://art2theextreme.com/products/letsgetpress FOLLOW: Art 2 the Extreme on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/art2theextreme/https://www.instagram.com/northsoulstudios/ Shop Online https://art2theextreme.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Summary In this episode, Dani shares her journey as an artist and creator, discussing her design process, overcoming challenges, and the launch of her Mountain Maker Kits. She emphasizes the importance of following curiosity, problem-solving, and being organized in her creative endeavors. Dani also talks about managing anxiety, embracing rest, and the significance of connecting with others in the artistic community. She offers advice for artists starting out, encouraging them to take small steps and stay true to themselves. Dani's transparency and insights provide valuable lessons for navigating the art world and finding success while staying grounded. Takeaways Follow your curiosity and be open to tinkering and exploring new ideas. Don't let societal expectations and the pressure to please others hold you back. Find a balance between hard work and rest, and prioritize self-care. Take small steps and be selective with opportunities when starting a business. Seek feedback from the community and learn from each market or event. Value face-to-face connections and the adrenaline rush of putting yourself out there. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey. Chapters 00:00 The Design Process and Problem-Solving in Woodworking 01:24 Creating Mountain Maker Kits 04:15 Starting Small and Overcoming Overwhelm 07:54 Creating in the Shop 10:36 The Importance of Rest 11:30 Hustle culture and alignment 13:05 Being Calm Yet Productive 13:36 The Benefits of Meditation 14:45 Releasing the Need for Approval 15:36 The Post-It Concept 17:27 Holiday Markets & Shows 19:47 How to Choose the right Market and Making Connections 22:44 Comparison to Other Peoples Art Journeys 23:54 Where to Find Dani FOLLOW: North Soul Studios on Instagram Shop Online https://www.northsoulstudios.ca Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interested in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com Keywords woodworking, design process, curiosity, tinkering, societal expectations, self-care, balance, Mountain Maker Kits, starting a business, taking small steps, seeking feedback, face-to-face connections, comparison is thief of joy, small business art

Summary I am beyond excited for this two part chat with Dani VonShweetz, the visionary behind North Soul Studios in beautiful British Columbia. Dani's mastery lies in crafting breathtaking wooden mountain scape wall art that ignites the imagination. In this episode, Dani discusses the power of social media in connecting people and the importance of being authentic. We talk about the role of creativity in everyone's lives and how it can be therapeutic. Dani shares her journey of finding her niche in woodworking and creating art that resonates with her and her community. We also discuss the challenges of being vulnerable on social media and managing anxiety. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of embracing one's creativity, being true to oneself, and finding joy in the process. Takeaways Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and building a community. Creativity is a fundamental part of being human and can be therapeutic. Finding your niche takes perseverance and experimentation. Being authentic and vulnerable on social media can help build a genuine connection with your audience. Managing anxiety and other emotions can be facilitated through creative outlets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection through Social Media 02:54 Discovering a Passion for Woodworking 05:35 The Journey to Finding a Niche 08:27 Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Self-Doubt 12:32 New Chapter 12:36 The Power of Vulnerability in Art and Social Media 22:12 Art as a Therapeutic Outlet for Anxiety and Grief 27:04 Navigating Emotions and Finding Joy in Art 29:10 FOLLOW: North Soul Studios on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northsoulstudios/ Shop Online https://www.northsoulstudios.ca Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interested in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Summary Tirzah of Tirzah Lane Art shares her journey of finding her artistic niche in the Western art world. She emphasizes the importance of making art for the sake of creating art in the beginning for all artists and not getting caught up on putting labels to it. Tirzah also discusses the mindset shift and investments that have contributed to her recent growth. She talks about the process of expanding her art into wearable products, such as scarves, and the role of digital art in her creative process. Additionally, she offers advice on photography and branding for artists and shares her excitement for future plans and diversifying her business.  Takeaways Focus on making art for the sake of art and don't stress about finding a niche too early. Shift your mindset and invest in your art to see growth and success. Explore different ways to expand your art, such as creating wearable products. Utilize digital tools like Procreate to enhance your artistic process. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback and incorporate it into your creative journey. Invest in a good camera or use your phone to capture high-quality photos for branding purposes. Remember that your brand is more than just a logo and focus on being yourself. Stay open to new opportunities and diversify your business to keep growing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:25 Finding Your Style and Niche 05:35 Mindset Shift and Investing in Art 07:49 Expanding Art into Wearable Products 09:40 Transition to Digital Art 11:07 Photography and Branding 15:46 Future Plans and Diversifying FOLLOW: Tirzah Lane on Instagram Shop Online https://www.tirzahlaneart.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Susan Brown, the artist behind For Pete's Sake Pottery, shares her journey and the importance of staying true to oneself. Susan is a ceramic artist with a style centered around southern charm and happiness which is evident from the moment you hear her voice. We talked about how she got her start and the muse behind her business aka her son Pete. How her tenacity and patience landed her one of the biggest partnerships of her career with actress Reese Witherspoon’s store Draper James and how she continues to stay on trend with new ideas. Susan’s lovable nature and positive outlook is refreshing and completely inspiring. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Stay true to yourself and create what you love. Success comes when you stop listening to outside noise and focus on your own artistic vision. How to find your inner artistic voice and the importance of setting boundaries. Embrace happy accidents and learn from your mistakes. They can lead to unexpected and exciting creative outcomes. Taking risks and putting yourself out there is essential for success. Results may not always come quickly or in the way you expect, but patience and persistence are key. Believe in yourself and stay true to your unique vision as an artist. FOLLOW: Pete's Sake Pottery on instagram Shop Online https://forpetessakepottery.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Welcome to the debut episode of The Creative Chronicles podcast! I'm so excited to have you join me on this journey exploring the world of small business artists. As the title suggests, this podcast is all about sharing the stories of creative individuals and their unique paths to success. But before we dive into those fascinating conversations, I want to take a moment to share my own journey with you. Like many, I started my career in the corporate world, but soon realized it wasn't where my true passion lay. Feeling a longing for something more fulfilling, I took a leap of faith and pursued a career in ceramic art, despite having no formal training. It's been a journey of self-discovery and perseverance, filled with highs, lows, and countless learning experiences. Now, as the host of The Creative Chronicles, I'm excited to shine a spotlight on other makers and their incredible stories. From exploring different art forms to uncovering the motivations behind their work, each episode will be a celebration of creativity and resilience.  Join me as we embark on this inspiring adventure together, filled with joy, positivity, and endless inspiration. Takeaways: The Creative Chronicles podcast is a platform for small business artists to share their stories and experiences. Courtney Joyner's journey from corporate marketing to ceramic art highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion. The Pandemic has led to the evolution of many small businesses, including Courtney's, resulting in positive changes. The podcast aims to bring joy, positivity, and inspiration to listeners through the stories of small business artists. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Interviewing Small Business Artists 02:21 Courtney's Backstory 07:14 Evolution of Courtney's Business 10:05 Purpose of the Podcast 11:54 Closing Remarks Nominate a Maker: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com/