Tree of Life – Success in Life

The Tree of Life!

This beautiful symbol has been represented in many different cultures for thousands of years.

It has spiritual, philosophical and mythical meanings:

• Stability
• Strength
• Growth
• Rebirth
• Fertility
• Individuality
• Peace
• Enlightenment

I have been drawn to this symbol many times over the years.

I’m attracted to this symmetrical organic image that lends itself to being abstracted, simplified or represented in a highly realistic way.

I even designed a tree of life tattoo that is forever on my back!

Tree of life tattoo on my back

Recently I returned to this symbol in my work. I have designed a Tree of life – Vision Board Kit  I created leaves that dreams, hopes or goals can be written and attached to the tree.

I have found using a tool like a ‘vision board’ very helpful in motivating and guiding me to success.

Tree of life vision board

Head to my Etsy Store to check out my ‘Vision Board Design.’

Thank you for reading! May all your dreams come true!

Anna Just

 

Butterfly Effect

Inspiration for my latest work: Butterflies!

Dealing With Negative Comments

The power of the negative!

Negativity is hard to avoid when putting your art and self out into the world. Often the negativity comes from your own head! But unfortunately sometimes it comes from others.

Recently I have been sharing and promoting my art business online. As an introvert this can be cringe worthy! But to achieve a successful creative business it’s necessary.

I’ve been feeling pretty good. My followers on social media are slowly growing and I receive positive feedback and compliments on my work.

Of course I am always questioning the validity of these compliments…they’re just being nice, humoring me, they’re just saying it because we’re friends, do they really mean it? Is my art any good?

But I can tell you one negative comment undoes all the good ones. Unlike the compliments which wash over me, the negative stabs me in my heart! I’m not so quick to check how valid it is! I skip to why bother? They’re right, I’m crap!

So I woke up to read a comment on one of my social media posts basically saying ‘that a child could paint as well and asking if  I really expected to sell this work!’

It’s hard to understand why people go out of their way to be nasty, why bother following someone if you don’t appreciate their work?

But it’s important not to let this kind of thing get to you. Often the negativity is a reflection of this person’s life. Basically they have the problem not you!

It’s best to ignore comment or respond in a respectable way. Some people enjoy getting bad reactions from others.

You can also easily block the person and move on!

Use the negative comment as blog post topic! I feel better writing about it! It beats having the comment bounce around my head all day!

If someone knocks you down, just get back up, brush yourself off and continue walking your path to creative success! I’m Sure I’ll have the last laugh!

Annajustart.com

 

 

Ticking Off Goals!

It amazes me how opportunities seem to appear before me, when I’m open to the world and doing things with purpose!

As the end of February approaches, I am pleased with how much progress I have made with my artistic journey.

I have already ticked off a few goals from my recent post: New Year Artist Resolution

As well as add some!

Goals Archeived

1. Take steps to build my creative community, reach out and connect with others with similar interests: I have attended workshops at a local studio, learning new skills while meeting others in my community. 

2. Work towards an exhibition or getting my work out into real world as opposed to just online world: I have had one of my paintings in a group exhibition, and  I’m about to enter another painting in an up coming local exhibition.

3. Promote my website and build up my social media presence, possibly upload work for sale on my own site: I have created my Website  with Store, I have opened an Etsy Shop and been more active and consistent on Social media

7. Enter art come competitions: I have just entered my second art competition, still waiting for the results!

8. Create work for charitable causes: The exhibition I participated in was also a silent auction for charity!

I can also add I’ve had business cards printed, created a vision board and gained a home studio!

Art studio with loft ladder.

Images to inspire my creative goals.

I still have more work to do! But I can say my motivation and belief in myself is getting stronger. Although I haven’t sold any work yet, its early days and I feel positive.

Bring on March!

To see how the rest of the year pans out join my Mailing list!

Etsy Shop Reboot!

I am rebooting my Etsy shop BlossomRevival and launching my first series of work.

I opened my Etsy shop about ten years ago. Back then I mainly sold my hand painted silk scarves. I had never heard of SEO or keywords! My product photos were pretty bad! But the online world was smaller then!

My day job took over and I eventually let my shop become dormant.

Fast forward to now and my shop has had a facelift! I am selling my Giclee prints of my paintings.

The theme of this series is ‘water’ and wildlife inspired.

To celebrate launch I’m offering 10% off all art prints!

Just enter code WATERLAUNCH!

My New Art Studio!

 

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’ a wise man once said!

I have finished painting, setting up and moving into my home studio! My body is a bit sore from the painting and unpacking. Although I’m feeling extremely lucky to have such a special space.

It has a loft and French doors that open onto our garden. I’ve filled it with all my treasures and oversized antique furniture that didn’t fit into the house! Great for storage though!

Antique cabinet doubles as art supply storage!

I’ve begun to adorn the walls with artwork and photos of loved ones and images that make me smile.

My desk, surrounded by my favorite things and images.

I’m hoping having a dedicated space to work in will boost my inspiration.

Art studio with loft ladder.

Not everyone is able to have such a space, in the past I would work in the kitchen during the day.

Benefits of having a studio:

• It gives you confidence in regards to calling yourself an artist and  helps others take you seriously.
• It’s a separate space away from everyday distractions, TV, other people etc.
• Therefore encouraging focus and concentration on your creative work.
• No need to pack away and reset work, wasting time, energy and breaking creative flow.
• The space can be designed to suit your needs for storage, light and inspiration.
• No excuses for not being productive!

On that note I better get cracking and christen my studio by creating a masterpiece! Learn more about my work!

The Business of Business Cards!

I received my business cards today! I designed them and ordered them online. Just basic and inexpensive.

I hesitated on what to put on them. Giving myself the title of ‘mixed media artist’ was a bold move! But now I guess I am one because a little card says so!

‘No one will take you seriously unless you do!’

Not sure how much people use cards these days? I know I often flick them into the bin and use the internet instead. But they’re handy to pack with sold items or send out with exhibition pieces.

Most of all they give me a tiny confidence boost and make my artwork more official.

Another relevant saying ‘fake it till you make it!’

I could keep going with witty inspirational quotes! But I’ll stop here!

Please check out my very professional and official website!

 

Is My Art Any Good?

Is my art any good? That question regularly pops into my head and floats around! I’m sure I’m not the only artist who considers this (wow! I managed to actually call myself an artist!)

Anytime someone tells me they like one of my paintings, I decide they are just being polite or don’t know what they’re talking about! I reply by pointing out the work’s faults! Don’t they know I’m a fraud! ‘Imposter Syndrome’ fear of being exposed as a fraud and doubting one’s accomplishments.

Putting aside the usual negative chitter chatter in my mind, it’s tricky to tell where my artwork sits. Exposed to so much online work to compare it to, while trying not to copy other artist’s style. Being authentic but producing pieces other people admire enough to purchase.

How do I know if my work is any good? I clearly doubt other’s opinions and can’t trust mine. I am often surprised by which paintings do well online, pieces I don’t feel are that good! Though to be honest I’m surprised when any work is received well! Though clearly this doesn’t stop me from continuing to paint!

Well I know this self-doubt is normal and common. I have to acknowledge what I have accomplished. I hope to find a place where I can comfortably and confidently present my work to the world with a satisfied smile!

Click to follow my creative journey

annajustart.com

 

 

 

 

The Penguin March

Swim over turtles and pelicans and make room for the fairy penguin! The smallest penguins to waddle the earth! Found in Australia and New Zealand!

Swimming fairy penguin. Mixed media.

I’m happy with this painting and hope to complete many more!

In the new year my aim is to create professional prints to sell on my Website. This shall be one of them.

I am excited to see what other colourful creatures 2019 brings!

To find out more please join my mailing list!

Dream Vision Board

My head and heart are in a state of burnout!

Life has been full of surprises and challenges. My brain had been in overdrive, while my emotions seem to have hopped onto a roller-coaster.

To help relieve some pressure and sort myself out I have created a ‘dream’ or ‘vision’ board.

This idea is appealing to me at the moment, coming into the new year, it’s a great time to think about and organise my goals and thoughts.

I collected images from magazines and some other bits that will represent what I want to aspire to. Of course one of my goals is to be a successful artist!

Images to inspire my creative goals.

Every morning I’m going to take a minute to look at my board as I get ready for the day, to refocus myself on what’s important. I think the board will also be helpful when I’m feeling overwhelmed by an issue. I’m not really into meditation but I can use my vision board to keep my thoughts positive.

I’m not going to pray to the board and assume the universe will grant all my dreams! But I will use it to remind me of the steps I need to take to realise my goals.

The board is just a tool to motivate me, along with my artist’s new year resolution  I should be starting 2019 on the right foot.

To share my creative journey in 2019, click here!😊