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Life According to Mr. K – On how Do What You Love was born…

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lifeaccordingtomrk

“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney (Co-Founder, Walt Disney Productions)

This month’s theme is ‘Love Business’. I thought it would be interesting to give you a little insight to the birth and subsequent growth of our company.

Just over three years ago I was sat at home listening to Beth tell me that she had made a rather spontaneous decision to book a trip to San Jose in California. She was off to ‘An Artful Journey Retreat’ to take a class from two artists named Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough. She had been reading Kelly Rae Roberts’ book ‘Taking Flight‘, and decided that she wanted to meet her. As always I told her to go for it. Sometimes we just have to spend some money and treat ourselves.

At that time she had been working tirelessly on the legacy aspect of England’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018, in a very corporate environment. The trip was an opportunity to relax and get painting again after more than a decade on the back burner.

When she returned  from California her smile said it all. She looked like a different woman. She had met kindred spirits and rediscovered her love for ART. The enthusiasm was evident. She came away knowing she wanted to work with and for women like those she met on the retreat. She effusively explained this thing called blogging and the potential business model that she had observed. It was different – in fact worlds apart – from what she was doing at that point, but very intriguing.

She went in search of some relaxation and inspiration. She came back with a the beginnings of a whole new life for us. What was to transpire from the trip was more profound and pivotal than either of us could ever have imagined! The seeds of what would become Do What You Love Ltd were sown.

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Is selling your art selling out?

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jobs

From time to time we get an email, or a comment on Facebook, questioning whether monetizing your creativity is selling out. Often people speak about art and creativity as if it is something too precious to ‘sell’, and in limited supply. But I ask you this – what other talent can you think of that, if you shined brightly enough, you wouldn’t happily turn into a source of income, or the basis of a job? Professional-level sporting ability, economics genius, a flair for science, a way with teaching? So why is art and creativity any different?

When someone asks me if selling art is selling out my response is an unequivocal, “No”. In fact, I usually go on to say “If you are blessed with a creative gift so potent and true that people are willing to pay for access to it, in whatever form, why not share it? If it can support your lifestyle and family, allowing you to do what you love, why wouldn’t you do it?” Besides, every day our lives are enhanced by beautiful paintings, smart design, stirring words, gorgeous music, powerful journalism, striking photography and more. We are surrounded by creativity every day that, in more cases than most, has been paid for. If the creative behind each of these things weren’t paid for it, they’d probably have to get a ‘normal’ job and the world would be a duller, less inspiring place as a result.

So remember this: The world needs you to shine your creative light and do your thing, and the world might just be willing to pay for it.

The same goes for business. As Steve Jobs said, “Creativity is just connecting things.” Connect your talent to income possibilities and see what happens. Unleash your creativity and don’t be shy of making profits that you are proud of.

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Life According to Mr. K – The courage to create

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lifeaccordingtomrk

In last week’s post I touched briefly on the courage it takes to create something. Of course this ‘courage’ has to be supported by a steely determination and conviction to realise your vision whether it be a painting, a song, a design or even a story. But it is that first step that is the most crucial – that long deep breath you take that makes you feel a little sick knowing you are about to leave yourself that little bit more vulnerable than before.

Whatever you are working on, it is your vision, your creation and it should reflect you. The courage comes from imparting something very sincere and soulful from within. You are taking a very intimate part of you and placing it in full view of the world.

I have a great deal of admiration for authors of late. It is not an occupation or a calling that you would instantly relate to the need for courage. But to put your ideas down on paper for others to read, critique, form an opinion about or even dismiss outright, I feel is very courageous indeed.

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Creative magazines we love

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Seeing as we are in ‘Love to create’ month it only seems right to share some of the magazines we turn to when we need some inspiration. I am a total magazine hoarder, and have back copies of my favourites filling up many a shelf. Sometimes I read every word, and sometimes I just look at the dreamy pictures – it seems to me that magazine photography is getting more and more stunning with every new issue. The UK has some great magazines in terms of content, but many of the publications I love for their aesthetic come from overseas (although this is changing with gorgeous magazines like Pretty Nostalgic, The Simple Things and the ahead-of-its-time Selvedge). From time to time I’ll treat myself to an international subscription, but more often than not it is a case of filling my suitcase every time I am in the US (Hello, Hudson News at the airport) or picking up more rare titles in quirky interior shops. So here’s my list of favourites. I’d love to hear your recommendations if there are any others you love…

Simple Things

The Simple Things  (UK)

I’m a subscriber I love it that much – this is me last Saturday in a lovely cafe in Lewes, where I read it cover to cover in a single sitting!

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Life according to Mr. K – Finding inspiration

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lifeaccordingtomrk

I had a chuckle with myself recently. This month’s theme is ‘Love to Create’ and ever since I have been devoid of all and any ideas. The irony!!!! What a time for writer’s block. The most creative thing I have managed this week is rustling up an ad-hoc meal with whatever ingredients there were left in the cupboard.

This actually did get me thinking about this topic from a very different perspective. It raises an interesting point about inspiration and what gets our creative juices flowing. I also think it is really important to consider what affects our creativity when as children we were often overwhelmed by our imagination and possibilities… in many cases making the impossible very possible!

We live in a world of technological advancements that would have been considered science fiction not too many moons ago. We are surrounded by huge achievements of engineering, art, literature, technology, science and architecture to name but a few.

Yet I would argue that our world – and more particularly our society – restricts and dampens our imagination. We are conditioned into processes and procedures, and bound by rules. We have our bubbles burst by doubters. We are hampered by the very people who we need inspiring the most. But it only takes one person to show the way.

Do we lack the courage and conviction to follow through with our ideas?

To create is not a whimsical philosophy. It takes courage, as Beth shared in this post, and as I will talk more about next week. It also requires inspiration.

Mother Nature is a constant reminder of what can be created and achieved, ‘life’ being the greatest example. Birds taking flight long before Bernoulli translated it into a mathematical formula. Nests, warrens and dams providing evidence of sustainable construction. It is all around us. We just need to look.

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Thought for the week (29): It’s time to be brave with your creativity

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Julia Cameron quote

Being creative in your work, and in your life, takes guts. Being creative means doing things differently, and thinking differently. It means challenging the accepted norms, coming at things from different angles, and sometimes taking giant leaps of faith.

Putting your creative work out in the world also takes guts. Whether for you that means reading someone a story you wrote, exhibiting a painting you created, even just voicing your ideas in a brainstorm, there is always that fear that it will be knocked back, criticized, laughed at, rejected. But think of the flipside. What if Monet, Roald Dahl and Steve Jobs had never been brave with their creativity? What if they had let the fear of what others thought stand in the way of sharing their ideas and their magic with all of us? The world would be a poorer place for sure.

Global Talent Search Finalists unveiled…

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Global Talent Search Finalists unveiled... GTS logov21 e1378803188726 GTS finalists logo

What a journey this has been! Over 1500 entrants joined us from more than 30 countries worldwide for our first round, and then 50 semi-finalists battled it out to win one of six coveted spots in the Final.

We are now thrilled to reveal the six Finalists, knowing that one of these artists’ careers is about to change for ever. Five were chosen by our panel of industry experts, and one was chosen via public vote. The overall competition winner will be represented by Lilla Rogers Studio for two years, and win a host of licensing deals from prestigious companies. The assignment was to create a Farmer’s Market Tote Bag with an autumnal theme.

So without further ado, you can find out about our six finalists (in no particular order) HERE.

*Do What You Love is proud to be producing this competition in association with Lilla Rogers Studio, and giving these artists’ careers a major boost… and ultimately providing a life-changing opportunity for one of them!

Thought for the week (28): When I was young…

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le-guin

 

When I was young I wrote stories about princesses and castles and faraway lands.

When I was young I used to make up plays and spend hours on my rickety old typewriter, typing up copies of play scripts for my friends. We had carbon paper and tippex on little sheets of paper back then, and I typed with two chubby fingers. I used to direct my friends in the plays, and suspect I may have been a little bossy.

When I was young I loved damming streams, and building dens in the woods, inventing pretend lives for the people whose castoffs we found dumped amongst the trees.

When I was young I remember making a pinhole camera and being fascinated by the blurry images that transpired.

When I was young I spent hours in the darkroom my dad built in our garage, watching in awe as photographic images magically emerged as I sloshed around the trays in front of me.

When I was young I had a calligraphy obsession, and would write swirly words over and over with pointy nibs and Indian ink from a tiny little pot. I even did a demonstration on The Children’s Channel when I was about 10 years old.

When I was young I used to love baking cakes and licking the bowl (and spoon).

When I was young I used to keep a scrapbook every holiday, sharing weird details like what I had eaten for lunch, or what joke my older brother had told me. I stuck everything in – train tickets, postcards, sweet wrappers – and always cut out a pretty header from coloured paper, or drew all over the page.

When I was young I made everyone’s birthday card by hand, with a fistful of glitter and big fat pens. And you should see the state of some of the Christmas tree decorations I persuaded my parents to hang on the tree.

When I was young I was creative without thinking about it. I was free to cut and stick and glue and write and make stuff up and have fun with it all, without being worried about the end result.

When I was young creativity was part of my every day life. Then I grew up, and academia and work took over. It took me many years to find my way back to the creative child inside.

How about you? What were you like as a child? In what ways were you creative? Have you managed to hold onto that? Do you feel differently when you go to create something now? Judged? Pressured? Worried about what it will look or sound like? Concerned about what other people will think?

This month is ‘Love to create’ month on Do What You Love, and we want to inspire you in many ways to JUST CREATE. Whether your medium is drawing, painting, writing, poetry, photography, storytelling, or even creative thinking, we want to encourage you to dive in, get messy and create more for the world to enjoy.

We’d love to hear your creative childhood stories – share them with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy creating!

Beth and the team x

MOYO Issue 5 is here: The Anniversary Issue!

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MOYO 5 cover

MOYO Magazine is one year old, and we are celebrating with our biggest ever issue: Issue 5 – the Anniversary Issue!

Since we first dreamt up the concept when on a plane back from a trade show in Paris, we have loved developing, designing and publishing our very own online magazine dedicated to surface pattern design. We are hugely grateful to all our contributors, and to all our readers (over one million views in our first year!), and hope that you continue to find MOYO inspiring and valuable. Every issue we pack in a wide variety of content, from industry interviews and advice through to design briefs and trend information. And in this bumper 100+ page Anniversary issue we have really gone to town. Inside Issue 5 (which is completely free) you can find:

  • An exclusive interview with internationally acclaimed designer Clarissa Hulse
  • Insight into greetings from industry giant Hallmark
  • A DIY Celebration guide (make your party personal!)
  • The UKTI Guide to Exporting
  • Unveiling of our brand new directory site the MOYO Directory!

PLUS: A sneak peek behind the scenes at our weddings!

MOYO 5 Clarissa Hulse

MOYO 5 DIY celebrations

MOYO 5 UKTI Exporting

MOYO 5 Colour blue

MOYO 5 RT wedding

This is the party issue, and you are invited! Check out the latest issue of MOYO here.

SHARE THE LOVE!

MOYO is completely free and we want to delight as many people as possible with the wonderful world of surface pattern design. Please feel free to share the magazine on your blog/social media and tell your friends about it!

Life According to Mr K – Love Life (5) Who are you?

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lifeaccordingtomrk

There is great comfort to be found in the sense of belonging and thinking, “I do that too!” I do hope that at times whilst reading my blog posts you may nod and chuckle to yourself in agreement. In those moments we can relax and breathe a sigh of relief. We are not alone!

Finding common ground with humour can allow us to bond, seek perspective and has definitely helped ‘break the ice’ in varying situations over the years.

I particularly love observational humour. One of my favourite comedians is Lee Evans. I remember one sketch in particular when he demonstrates how we attempt to get into a hot bath. It was priceless. I was in stitches… it was as if he had been spying on me, observing and noting all the ridiculous faces and noises I make. Judging by the audience I was not alone.

We often find great comfort belonging to a group, whether that be family, friends, teammates, classmates, work colleagues or any other collection of people. Safety in numbers if you like. This may be in part dictated by the society in which we live. In Japan, where there is a strong sense of collectivism, there is a famous saying, “The nail which sticks out gets hammered down”. Whilst here in the UK the sense of ‘group-think’ is nowhere near as strong, and individualism (especially in places like Brighton where we live) is often celebrated, in our social groups there is still a tendency to do what your mates do. It can take courage to step away and do your own thing.

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