Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Motivation, Inspiration . . . . call it whatever you want!

Hey You! Yeah, You! I'm talking to You! Just you! It's You and me . . . just talking. Sorry it has taken me forever to get this post going. I really had to sit down and think about exactly what I wanted to say. Words with feeling. Real words about my real life. Not that I don't normally say real stuff about my real life, but this time I wanted You to come away with that "I can do that, too" feeling. I've needed some motivation myself lately. So, I thought this would be the best time as any to do this post.

I need to tell You that I always could draw. I won several little dinky things through the high school years for my art - BUT never in a million years did I EVER think I would be doing any kind of art for a living! I've said it a thousand times - I had NEVER picked up a paint brush. Okay, except for my Purdy that has cut many corners in every room at my old house! Talking about a love affair. If you ever paint walls - you have to use that brand brush! Growing up, my mom had several rentals. Once a tenant would move out, she would do all the clean up herself. When I became old enough, I helped. And we painted basically everytime someone moved out. We had only one Purdy and we would fight over it. Became a huge inside joke {memories like those is when I actually miss my mom - good thing there aren't many!} Lonnie made fun of me when I would only use that brand during the renovation of the old place. Of course he tried using it and was in love - he swears by them, too!

{sneaky peeky number 1}

okay, okay, . . . . back to the story at hand!

Painting. Painting came out of a need for necessity. Or at least I look at it that way. As most all my crafting has in the past. Folks I was broke growing up, broke on my own, broke through college, broke after college - there was a time we had a little money when we got married, but then kids came - let's just say I "thought" I knew what broke was - add 4 kids in the mix . . . and they all need to eat! I know I'm getting some "Amens" and a ton of you are feeling me. BROKE!

{sneaky peeky number 2}

When I got pregnant with Hudson, I knew I had to have his name painted on a canvas. It had to have a soft, baby blue, a spring green and fire engine red on it. I wanted a simple pattern. Nothing over the top. Basic. I had spent 3 months making all the bedding {I never took a picture - shoot me!} which was a huge accomplishment - several shades of greens, blues and reds. Frogs were on some of the fabric - and I'm talking about a cute frog, not a ghetto one! Looking back on it - I so wish I would have paid someone else to do it or just bought something from somewhere.

I actually still have the bedding and this is the skirt hanging in my closet! Anyone in the market for frog bedding?? I'm serious!?

But the whole room had to be perfect. It was my first child! Well, I couldn't find anyone that would do a custom piece for me. And I tried! I couldn't afford anything I found online. I love Drooz. Oh, how I love this woman! I would fall over from excitement if I ever met her {I doubt very seriously our paths would ever cross, but hey - we all have people we admire!} But her art was not in my budget {and would she even do a costume piece?? I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be in my budget!} This was before Etsy. Ebay was just Ebay {that would be a "no thank you very much".} I did find a local person {who I so hope would never come across my blog and read this!} She had a booth set up at a holiday market type thing. I paid her 50 bucks, gave her fabric swatches and a few weeks later I picked up "Hudson's new art" - I remember picking it up and thinking, "I've spent more money at Wal-mart and couldn't tell you what I bought - chalk this up as a lesson!" I gave her direction of what I wanted {I wish I would have taken a picture of it!} Somebody, somewhere would have loved it. I know they would. It just wasn't what I was looking for - nor what I wanted. Now, the reality is - I'm sure the same has happened to me - I pretty sure it happened with this one . . . .


Which was one of my favorites. I had not done many at this point and a store had my art displayed and sold several pieces on commission {which I don't really do anymore - more on that in a future post.} We really don't think she was happy with it. But what are you going to do?! I went by her specifications {except the font was not white and black gingham!} That was something I just couldn't do. {More on this in a future post!}

Back to the story {sorry I get sidetracked - can you tell??} At that pivotal moment in my life - I decided I could do it. That is the secret, You know?! Tell yourself, "I can do that!" And just do it. I did and 4 years later look where I'm at.

{this pains me beyond belief!} Here goes . . . .

The original

The now

Nat . . . . Jenn . . . . how in the he** did you see the potential in this . . . .

Do you guys want to know what is wrong with this picture above????? Can we say "ghetto" and not in a fabulous way!!! That is horrible!!! You can see my pencil marks!! EWWWW! I'm mortified!! {My sales will probably decrease in a rapid way now!!} Okay, so forget the pencil marks - how about the NOT SO STRAIGHT LINES!! I really could keep going!

And honestly - I feel like I'm better than this even . . . .

BUT at least it isn't like the original!!!! Good Lawd - that is bad!!

Guys, I know you all want to do something in bad way. Do it! Whether it's painting, sewing or running a marathon. Just freakin' get up and do it!!! Think about it . . . . What would you do if you knew you could not fail? {Look where I started for Pete's sake!!!} What is holding you back?

What are your struggles? And NOBODY better say "time". I mean, have you heard about my schedule lately? I can tell you that I can probably show you how lame your excuses are if you are brave enough to tell me. {I mean that in the nicest way possible!}

I challenge you to do it - whatever it is you want to do - Do it! I've got more . . .

29 comments:

Kelly | Fabulous K said...

I *LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE* my sneaky peeky! Can't wait to see it in person. You are the bomb.com. Oh, and I think your 1st painting looks good, but I know what you mean. Some of my early blog designs make me cringe. :)

Jenna said...

LOVED this post!!!!

Allison said...

You're right, Kim. Now that my mom is gone, your words have more power than you know. I was a storyteller in high school and college--I actually got paid to do gigs at libraries for kids. Mom always said I should write childrens' books. Time to act on that dream I have had for years! Thanks for the push!

Anonymous said...

great pep talk Kim! i actually needed to hear that this morning..so i personally thank you! :D

blessings,
Tracie

missy said...

kim...this was an awesome post!!!!!
THANKS!!!!!

Shawna said...

You crack me up -- Great post -- and Ps. I don't think the first 'hudson' was that bad ;P

Laryssa Herbert said...

Kim, you're too hard on yourself. If most of us tried to paint like you do our first paintings would make yours look like it belonged in a museum!

I totally agree with you-whatever you are dreaming of doing, just start where you are!

I never knew I'd get to have my own art business, but here I am.

Lea Ann said...

Great post Kim, thanks for the encouragement!

Ginger said...

Thanks for the awesome post, ever since I stumbled on your blog a week ago I have been in awe and amazed by you, your work and everything. I love crafts and often buy the stuff to do it but feel that I can not do it or do not have the time. Today is the day!!
Looking forward to ordering, love it all so not sure what to start with.

Ginger

Jessica said...

I really liked this post! It's what I needed! Thank you for the encouragement!

GREAT sneaky-peakies too!!!!

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

I love this post! I totally needed to hear it. Thanks for being so real!

I Have Been Blessed said...

Is there anyway that sneaky peak #2 is mine???? ~ Lori

Jaclyn said...

you are so funny. If I had made that "bad" hudson painting I would be screaming from the roof tops in awe of how great it looks! I so do not have your gift!
I love the post and I can't wait to see my birdies!!!!

Leigh said...

ok, if that's your first painting then I'm never posting mine...it's way way worse! And I don't even see pencil marks! And I think the imperfections are what people like about custom art anyway! Let's take a step down from the perfectionist box for a minute! : )))

Megan L Hutchings said...

I agree! If you can find time to do all that you do with flying colors and a smile anyone can :)!

shabby girl said...

What a wonderful thing...you taking time out of your CRAZY, BUSY day to encourage "me."

Since it's just us talking here, I can tell you that by the time I got to "Guys, I know you all want to do something in bad way." in your post, it brought tears to my eyes. Many times I don't realize stuff until, like this instance, I'll tear up at the simplest thing. My body is trying to tell me to pay attention, I think.
Anyway, thanks again for our chat.

bigSIS said...

Thanks Kim. You really do some awesome artwork and I'm proud of you for just doing it! I love to paint but I hate painting on demand. KWIM? If I know I have to have paintings done for a show or something, I just don't do it til the last minute and then I hate it, hate it, hate it. But I love to do it otherwise. I would rather do custom stuff. I get some people that ask me but then they never follow through with it. I think they like the idea more than the actual piece.

Ok...I think that constitutes excuses....I just gotta DO IT!

Natalie said...

I CAN NOT believe you finally posted 'the original' and you're crazy to think it didn't look good. I STILL have the originals here in Tampa .....you will always be to me "The girl that can do anything" .. seriously, you are a force to be reckoned with!

You are such an inspiration to many, Kim ~ whether you want to be or not!!

I'm so glad you are my "in real life" friend ..... pirates .. are you thinking pirates??!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Great post and full of inspiration.
sandy toe

Jennifer said...

I totally feel you on this one! Here I am just a few months after starting my stuff, and I can already look back at the first few and say "hmmm...". I know you see the flaws in your first one, but it still looked great!

And you are SO right about the excuses...there are none! :) Just have to set your mind to it and go with it!

Always a Southern Girl said...

Thank you soooo much for the boosting pep talk! I really needed it. I am going to get out and do some things I have been putting off. Thanks a bunch!-- Renee

ps. I love your work and I think you don't give yourself enough credit!

Unknown said...

My problem is I need to pick something to do. I hate that when people ask me what I like to do or what I do- I look at them with a blank stare and say, "I'm a mom." Lame I know!! I do like to cook and do like to organize but what more can you do with those things then three meals a day and keeping your house clean!! Geez being a mom seems perfect for my "talents". I need to look into it more.

Karli said...

Kim, you don't know me but... I like you! I like your art work, I like your blog, I like your haircut. I'm pretty sure that in real life I would LOVE to be your friend! Thanks for the inspiring post!

Unknown said...

I have finally figured out what I am suppose to do and I am turning .... okay, well I am old.

Thanks for your encouraging words and you are a great inspiration.

Cynthia

Unknown said...

Being a self taught decorative myself, I commend you posting your first work. I've seen how I've evolved over the past few years and cringe when I look at something I did then (if I haven't already recycled it!). Kudos to you!
P.S. I would never think of painting a wall without a Purdy in hand.

Unknown said...

Great story! I want to create something special of my own like you have. I have somewhat of an artistic flair, but have never found THAT ONE THING to use it on, like you have. I'm so jealous of your talent. Would you ever consider sharing any of your tips for how you get your lines so very straight? Looking at your before, that's what my stuff looks like now. I tried to paint a stool for my neice for her birthday and it turned out horrible. I know you probably don't want to share too many secrets because some people may steal your ideas (like they already have) but one or two tips there would really help continue the underlying tone of this post - to be a mentor to those of us that are looking to just do it! Business tips - how did you set up your own business?How does the whole tax thing work? How do you buy your supplies?

Danine said...

Thank you so much for keep inspiring me!! I'm soooo thankful that I stumbled upon your blog one day and this post just proves even more that God works in mysterious ways and brings people into our lives when we need them!

I'm struggling with finding "me" again and learning to take time for me and not feel guilty about it, enjoy it, cherish it, live it. And to also get back to my photography (which I'm not so great at but would LOVE to take some classes...maybe when money isn't so much of any issue). Again THANKS!

Kim Hancock said...

I like them both! :0)

jpdmom said...

Don't be so hard on yourself, my first piece of tile I painted is somewhere on my blog - eck, it was bad. It is hard to sometimes look back at the stuff we started with...but you are correct - it was a start. And, psssstttt Shelly Kennedy is a friend, I would say I confide in her a lot. She is amazing and so humble and would be flattered by what you said.