Saturday was such a lovely day. It was wintry and clear, and perfect for a train ride to Hebden Bridge for the launch of Hannah Nunn’s new book. The launch party was held at her lovely lighting shop Radiance, which was buzzing with family, friends and shoppers cooing over the book and over all the delights the store has to offer.
Today’s shared story comes from Eileen Nishi, a photographer based in the USA, who has made some bold choices to allow her to do what she loves. Eileen was one of the first people to share their story, back in March 2011 soon after we launched the series. You can read her original post here. She is back to tell us how her story has unfolded since then. This story is a testament to what can happen when you truly commit to something you are passionate about.
‘Working’ in the grounds of Honpoji Temple, Kyoto [image: Takeshi Kohari]
I have recently got back from a six month ‘sabbatical’ in Japan. When I headed out there I was determined to get a change of pace in my work and home life. There were many business-related reasons to go, but in order to make it happen I had to put the brakes on some projects, let go of others, take on freelance support and really take a step back from the craziness that had gone before. But the results have been surprising.
Today’s shared story comes from Traci Penrod. After 17 years in the pharmaceutical industry Traci decided that her career just didn’t tap into her creative side enough. She enjoyed scrapbooking so much that in October of 2011, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own company.
Next to the river,
on a bench,
staring up at the sky,
eagles wheeling overhead,
gentle breeze blowing
and the lazy sound of a saxophone drifting past.
This is where I hold my strategy meetings these days.
Who says you need to be in an office?
It’s not where you are that counts, it’s what you are thinking…
Today’s shared story comes from Elizabeth Gonzalez, from Puerto Rico.
After many years struggling about what was the right thing to do instead of asking what I would love to do, I finally found myself at peace. Now I love what I do and I do what I love. Not many years ago I realized I am an artist “deep in soul” and a creative business was the right path.
In school I was in science and math curriculums instead of art because of my grades. I thought Art was not meant for me and it was not a surprise that I earned an Industrial Engineering degree. I was hired for a regular job 6 months before graduation day. However, very soon after starting I noticed I was bored. This happened in any job I had no matter whether my work was good. Looking for professional development, I did a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and worked as a university professor.
I was already making art as a hobby and my teaching experience was good. After a few years trying to make the best of my experience as professor and part time artist I realized that what I loved about my job was more than teaching the course itself. I used every opportunity to inspire my students to do what they love, to be true to themselves, to find their passion, to be honest, to be good citizens, good parents, etc. I adapted my own style in management classes and I added five readings about life and business. By that time I was already selling my ceramic to stores.
In 2002, when I was still working as a professor, AVON Puerto Rico found my work and was interested in reproducing it. This was a dream come true. AVON chose two designs and reproduced them in resin. By my birthday they had the prototype. I was mesmerized. They sold more that they planned and later they bought nine more designs. When my mom saw my design in the front cover of the AVON catalog she said, “this is what you should do”. By that time the word ‘licensing’ was unknown for me and I was already in my forties.
In 2007, the same day the School of Management offered me a long time contract, I quit. I was ready to find my true north, my true path. The story is longer and later I had to go back to a regular job but I was always doing both things at the same time – creating ceramics and selling them to stores. This was not easy. The job contract ended and I was all by myself with my creative business.
In 2008, after a very sad experience with my mom’s death I started drawing and painting classes. I found two books about mixed media that changed my life as an artist and creative entrepreneur. It was love at first sight.
Today, I spend most of my time creating art and looking for venues to grow my earning as an artist. Reproducing, manufacturing, licensing, blogging, online teaching and other creative ventures make my life busy and enjoyable. I love creating mixed media art using collage and making journals with papers I create. This is the way I express my feelings, my desires and my purpose in life. I love and I live to make people smile with my art.
Now as a young grandma, I treasure each moment and live with passion. This is the life I’ve always imagined – doing what I love, loving what I do, embracing life as it comes day by day and inspiring others to “enjoy the ride through this amazing life”.
[Images courtesy of Elizabeth Gonzalez.]
I came across another handmade craft fair, this time at Shimogamo Shrine. The setting was lovely but this one was smaller than the one at Kamigamo Shrine, possibly due to the threat of heavy rain, but there were some lovely stalls nonetheless…
Wow, I don’t know what to say! I have been shortlisted as a Finalist for the Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012 in the Education Entrepreneur category! Previous winners include maverick greetings card site FunkyPigeon.com and British retail giant Sainsbury’s.
Digitally manipulated ‘Painterly’ by Ange Yake
Recently Rachael Taylor and I wrapped up Module 3 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, and celebrated with our first cohort of graduates! We are so proud of them all – as they go out into the world of professional design, we have already celebrated licensing deals, features in books, launches of new studios, exhibitions at top trade shows and top prizes in national design competitions. We cannot wait to see what is next for them!
Perhaps even more importantly, we have seen the impact it has had on people’s lives. Here are some of the testimonials our class have shared:
“Life changing and inspiring. This course should be included in the 5 year plan of anyone who is interested in a career in Surface Pattern Design!”
“This course teaches you what is really important to become a surface pattern designer. It provides the overview you don’t have as a beginner, full of incredible insider tips and fun exercises, that keep you going. If you only manage to do a third of its content, it’ll change your life!”
“It’s a course that gave me all the information and inspiration I need to make my dreams come true. Now it only depends on me!”
“Amazing! Life-changing and addictive.”
“If you’ve always wondered how to get your art and designs on home goods, wallpaper, clothing, etc, this is the course that helps you achieve this dream.”
“Yesterday I said to friend: “This was the best thing I have done in years”.”
“It is intense and very exciting, inspiring and stimulating.”
“You poured yourselves into this. Every thought and consideration was made. The course was full of personality and passion and I can’t believe how much Rachael shared. It was beautifully designed, communicated really well, and really well managed. I really couldn’t have made the life change that I have (given up my job! yikes) to follow my heart. This course has given me knowledge and confidence to get going. “
“This course has blown my mind! I feel like I can take ownership of my own destiny. No one has ever said to me that I have a right to do this before! I have had some negative influences so I think that the positive energy that Rachael radiates and the way that the course is structured is the best part. I don’t have the words but above all this course is a bargain!! Nothing is missing…it’s perfect. It’s challenging enough to make you think and deal with stuff you would rather put aside (eg legal, finance, being pro-active, networking) and inspirational to get you creatively motivated. “
“The Art and Business of Surface Pattern design course has changed my life. It has provided me the opportunity to go after a long time dream. I have always been surrounded by design in my professional career but never formally trained. Now, I feel this course has provided me the necessary skills and opportunities to make my dream a reality. Rachel and Beth, thank you so much for creating an amazing course.”
“This course helped me gain confidence, as an artist and a person I am very shy and have had many moments of doubting myself in the past. Sharing my work with other creative, kind and encouraging people helped me realize that I do have what it takes as long as I assert myself. If you are shy like myself I say take this course ! It has helped me so much, Rachael and Beth you really have created something very special. I am fully committed to working towards my dream and thanks to this course I am one step closer. “
“It’s full of vital information and a very strong support group. It’s a vital course to help give new surface pattern designers and ones that want to set up business the confidence to just go for it.”
“Inspiring, full of detail and dedication, total value for money.”
“This is an INtense, INdepth, INspiring and FUN course about surface pattern design! Get IN! Not only is the coursework great but there are many opportunities to take advantage of that could open doors for you.”
“It has provided me with a structure to beginning my life as a freelance designer and going back to the basics of creating. It is so important to do all 3 modules if you can, because it gives you a real sense of community and support along with great advice and resources, links and things that I would never had found on my own. It’s a special journey designing your own way…but even more special to share!”
“Not only business facts, but an amazing insight into the industry, encouragement to seek out which path is right for you and the support you need to actually make it happen. “
“Life changing! Content-rich, insightful and inspiring. Not just a course but a place to make friends. “
Layered ‘Blooming Day’ from Rachael Bright
“I just can’t thank you both enough for making this wonderful course happen. I wish there were another 3 modules. I would sign up now! It has been the best decision I ever made, completely invaluable to the start my business.”
“I honestly don’t think I could have made so much progress in a year had it not been for this course and the framework it provided me to get back into doing what I love. There are so many good things about it; it is so accessible – there is no snobbery; everyone is encouraged and nurtured no matter what stage they are at. There is so much invaluable information and insight, so many tips, realistic briefs and amazing live briefs and other opportunities.”
“I know several people who are unable to study surface pattern design at degree level because of financial and practical reasons. This course would definitely be an alternative route for them.”
“Being a self taught printer and homeware designer, the modules have given me the technical background and creative permission to believe in my potential and my future in this field. Thank you so much Rachael and Beth for showing us how to do what we love for life!”
“WAAAAAHHH. It’s over! I think the fact that you helped get our names out in the real world is an amazing aspect that I never anticipated. “
“This course should be added to every art degree syllabus! “
“This course is the best thing that happened to me for years!!! I love the incredibly supportive, positive and motivating creative atmosphere! This is so rare. Thanks so much for your hard work behind the scenes and for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m on a mission to make this world more happy and beautiful now! “
“Thank you for being so thoughtful in every aspect. As I’m Brazilian, I found the audio transcripts really helpful! Thank you, you’re helping me to change my life for the better! “
“I can only say how grateful I am for all the educational material, the links, the insights, the energy and the love I felt through the whole course. “
“LOVED IT!! The course has empowered me to start my own business and makes me excited about what the future holds. “
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If you want to join us for the next module (Module 2 Creating your professional identity) you’d better be quick! Find out more and register here.
