Saturday, April 30, 2011

Call out to All Artist to Enter the 5th Pyrmont Art Prize


5TH PYRMONT ART PRIZE

'Small is beautiful' is the theme for this prize where a foot-by-foot canvas is included in your small entry fee.

All artists are invited to enter this art prize. This year's theme is 'Small is Beautiful' and your canvas is supplied when you enter.
The entry fee is $20 / $15 concession (+ $5 if posted).
You can collect your canvas from TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St Darlinghurst.

Completed artworks due: Sunday 8 May 2011


For more info call 02 9361 0440 or visit www.tapgallery.org.au.
The completed artworks will be exhibited at the 5th Annual Pyrmont Arts Festival, Sunday 15 May at Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. The festival is held in conjunction with the Mudgee Food & Wine Fair.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Event of the Week Magnolia Square at Marlvern Townhall, Melbourne 28-30 April


"Magnolia Square is a curated market place showcasing the creative talent of independant artists, designers and makers from around Australia. As the originator of design orientated pop up retail in Melbourne, Magnolia Square's concept is truly authentic, unique and continually evolving.

Managed by a small and passionate team who care very much about promoting creativity in every guise, each event is carefully curated to bring together a cohesive group of artists, designers and crafts people at the top of their game. Often likened to a high end trade show, Magnolia Square is three days of experiential retail at its best". 

Maket Place events

Every Magnolia Square event selects and presents retailers who are at the top of their creativity and able to fully reflect their skills in their designs, art, and products.
Founder & Director Nic MacIsaac is constantly seeking that something different, and is consistently selecting retailers who not only demonstrate innovative ideas and concepts, but also bring all these elements together to create a great shopping experience for Magnolia Square visitors.
Magnolia Square curates each event to ensure an uncompromising level of quality and originality. Each event will have new retailers and designers which adds to the existing retail mix. So be on the lookout for the new emerging designers, and the "next big thing".  At each event you'll find those little surprises that will make your eyes light up each and every time.
If you’re an Artist or a Designer and your interested in participating as a retailer at a Magnolia Square event we’d strongly encourage you to come along to one of the events and see for yourself what Magnolia Square is all about. To find out about becoming a retailer please email  office@magnoliasquare.com.au
So, if you happen to be in Melbourne between 28-30 April come along and get your  shopping sorted right there. it's definitely well worth a visit.

Please leave us a comment if you've been to the show... we'd love to know what you think.

Next Events
November 10-13

St Kilda Town Hall, MELBOURNE
Cnr Carlisle St & St Kilda Rd, St Kilda
Thursday 10th November 5pm-9pm
Friday 11th November 10am-5pm
Saturday 12th November 10am-5pm
Sunday 13th November 10am-4pm

December 1-3

 
Malvern Town Hall, MELBOURNE
Cnr Glenferrie Rd & High St, Malvern

Thursday 1st December 10am-9pm
Friday 2nd December 10am-5pm
Saturday 3rd December 10am-4pm


More Information about Magnolia Square visit:




Sources & images are courtesy of Magnolia Square

Pyrmont Uncorks Mudgee 3 May-15 May 2011






Pyrmont Uncorks Mudgee matches the finest Mudgee reds & whites with Pyrmont’s top restaurants & chefs. This premiere event - Pyrmont Uncorks Mudgee is where Pyrmont local chefs collaborate with Mudgee's finest winemakers.

Discover Mudgee’s superb wines and see how they complement food created by Pyrmont’s top chefs using the finest and freshest ingredients direct from Mudgee.

If you love wine and food as much as we do, Pyrmont Uncorks Mudgee is the event you can't miss.

Twelve days celebrating the best food, wine and art from Pyrmont and Mudgee Region in Sydney’s premier dining precinct: Pyrmont’s top chefs team up with Mudgee’s finest wine producers with a series of "Meet the Winemaker" wine and food matched lunch & dinners, Cooking Classes, Wine Appreciation, Mother’s Day Specials, SMH Growers Market, Art Think & Play Family Workshop...and much more.


Visit the Pyrmont Uncorks Mudgee festival finale on the 15th May at the award-winning Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. Try over 120 wines from 30 of Mudgee’s top winemakers. Tickle your taste buds with unique gourmet cuisine and local produce direct from Mudgee. Bring your picnic rug and choose from a diverse range of cuisines for lunch and be entertained by live acts and music from the best local musicians. 

Entry is free with Wine tasting packages including souvenir wineglass starting at just $15.00. 


Show off your creativity by taking part in the 5th annual Pyrmont Art Prize. Over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won. 

Source & images are courtesy of  Pyrmont Uncork mudgee 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

What is StatCounter? & how can it help with your blogs & websites?


So What is Statcounter?

A free yet reliable invisible web tracker, highly configurable hit counter and real-time detailed web stats. All you have to do is to insert a simple piece of their code on your web page or blog and you will be able to analyse and monitor all the visitors to your website in real-time! It's  a fantastic platform and it will give you valuable information for you to utlise in your art and design business.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Inspirational quote of the week

 


"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it".— Jim Jarmusch




Sunday, April 24, 2011

Introducing Jen's kids Art classes in Paddington Sydney


A fun, safe and relaxed environment which encouraged children to explore different mediums and express themselves through art and creativity

If you are looking for art classes for your children, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. We are highly recommending  Jen's kids Art classes.  Jens classes are held throughout the school year in Paddington ,Sydney including holiday activities.  Jen is also available for Art themed birthday Parties too.

To find out more, please visit Jen's website or contact Jen on 0410 637 859 for booking and enquires




Jen has a fantastic way of working with the kids, and more importantly, encourages inspiration through her artistic skills! 

Jen has a wealth of experience in the creative fields. She is the co-creator of IMOK (Art, T-shirts & Design), she has created commissioned and exhibition artworks, illustrated for a series of books, sells at design markets nation wide where she holds live art demonstrations, was the featured artist with US Surf/Skate Company Volcom in 06-08 ... not to mention her love of character design, the kids parties and art activities she has held over the years!

To learn more about Jen and IMOK, please check out ArtSHINE close up with Jen & Sandra from IMOK.


Friday, April 22, 2011

A Happy Easter Message From ArtSHINE

Have an
Egg-ceptional
Eggs-traordinary
Easter
&
A very Safe one too.






Thursday, April 21, 2011

"Short Stories By Will & Caro" An Origami Art Exhibition At The Butler Goode Gallery Paddington, Sydney

Thursday 12th - Sunday 22nd May



Artist William Du & Carolyn Wong will be exhibiting their Origami Artwork at The Bultler Goode Gallery Paddington, Sydney from Thurday 12th May to Sunday 22nd May.

To learn more about Will & Caro 's Close Up interview with ArtSHINE  click on the link

Please come along to the Opening Night Thursday 12th May 6-9pm.
William and Carolyn will be presentingon the opening night , demonstrating how they create these intricate and delicate hand folded art works.

To attend the opening night please RSPV to infor@butlergoodegallery.com or to call on 02 9361 0937.

See you there at the Opening Night. 

Butler Goode Gallery
223 Glenmore Rd
Paddington, Sydney






Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Close Up Interview with Film Editor & Photographer Matthew Poletto


"You’ve got to believe 100% that you could eventually get to that point in your life, in which that passion becomes your life. You have got to live it, breath it, feel it and love it"
                                                               - Matthew Poletto

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
My name is Matt Poletto and I am 31 years old, born and raised in a little town outside of Rochester, NY, called Fairport. After attending Penn State University and graduating as a film major, I moved out to Los Angeles to start my career. Just recently, I have been promoted to the position of Technology Producer/Operations Manager for all of our companies located in LA, NY and London. Our company is called Nomad Editing Company Inc. I started off at Nomad as the receptionist, moved my way into client services, then the tape vault for two years, and then was an assistant editor for five plus years before becoming lead senior assistant editor. I have been happily employed for close to 8 years at the same company and have loved every minute.

In Action at The Formula One 2011, Melbourne

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
What inspires me to do what I love is the idea that I am capturing a beautiful moment in time that will be preserved forever, not only for myself to enjoy but the rest of the world.  

Where do you get your inspiration from when you are taking photograph?
When taking my photographs, I get my inspiration from seeing other photographs from other photographers and the drive to take just as good a picture as they do. That drive to achieve almost utter and complete perfection in making that photograph the best it can be gives me inspiration.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Happy, friendly, caring, trustworthy and dependable.

"Three Sister"- Blue Mountain

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
My very fist job was working the night shift, 8pm to 5am, as a tape dubber. It was for a reality television show that shot during the day and needed tape duplication at night, so editors the next day could start in on the edit, producers get their screening footage, etc. Great company and great people to work for but I couldn’t handle the hours. I started job searching and that lead me to be interviewed at Nomad Editing and I haven’t looked back since.
Describe a typical day in your studio space?
Currently, I do not have a studio per se but more of just a nice computer desk where I process all my photos after a shoot. If I were to be fortunate enough to have photography become my line of work, a typical day would probably consist of photo tweaking, backing up my photo library, looking for the next nice lens I want to buy or on the phone or web planning my next big photo trip.

Honolulu


As a photographer, what is your biggest frustration?
My biggest frustration as a photographer is when the lighting just isn’t what it needs to be to get the perfect shot. Overcast days, rain, haze, etc. just gum it all up and make for so-so photos. And when you have a limited time while out and about travelling to take photos, have a packed schedule/itinerary and can’t sit there all day, you are really at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.
I have a way of figuring out what is the most important task at hand that needs to get done ASAP. I usually just type it down in one of those organizational software programs and my brain somehow just knows what needs to get done before other tasks. Somehow in the end everything gets done and usually without too much stress. At some points, it’s almost a little OCD with my level of organization on tasks, but it helps me focus on the bigger picture (hah, get it, bigger picture? Sorry, bad photography joke).

Working on Formula One 2011 Melbourne

Can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
Currently at the moment, just in my field of work in the commercial editing world, a lot of us are creative or else we wouldn’t be in this line of work. We have our day job that’s somewhat creative and then on the side, we follow our passion. A lot of us in this field have camera gear and love taking photos, so that is the only area right now that I connect with other artists. As for customers, my hope is to take my passion to another level, not as just something on the side I do when I find the time, but something I can make a living from. Connecting with customers would probably start off through Facebook, blogs and a website, and eventually to the next level of exhibitions where you see your customers face-to-face.


What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Well, for me who is also somewhat starting off down this path, all I can say is follow your passions with everything you’ve got in you. If it’s not a true passion and you don’t give it your all, it will be readily apparent from the start. It will be a waste of your time and others’. You’ve got to believe 100% that you could eventually get to that point in your life, in which that passion becomes your life. You have got to live it, breath it, feel it and love it.


Green Lizard- Maui

What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
As mentioned above, the dream I still want to achieve and fulfil in my life is to become a photographer, traveling the world to take photos.

What is your proudest moment so far?
While there are a lot of photos I have taken I have been really proud of, the proudest moment so far for me is meeting up with Vinh and Stuart while on my vacation to Australia and showing them my photos. While family will always love what you do, regardless most of the time how good it is, and friends will somewhat be the same way, until you get an outside eye to look at your work, you would never know if your work is good enough. And in my line of work, people in my field already expect photos or videos or anything else we work on to be at that level, so to them, your work is just that. After hearing feedback from Vinh and Stuart about my photos and the idea of actually pursuing that passion as a career, I was really taken back. I never really thought that was a possibility and now, with Vinh and Stu’s help, I hope one day my dream comes true.

Matthew & Family


Who do you most want to meet and why?
Another passion of mine is anything car related, especially Formula 1 racing. While this is also a passion, this unfortunately won’t be a path I am pursuing (don’t have that skill to drive at that level or the money to get into that high level world of racing). I have been an avid fan of Formula 1 for the last 10 plus years and would give anything to sit down with Michael Schumacher, just to talk with him about his career, cars, races, life in general, etc. He’s probably one of, if not the best race car drivers, we’ll ever see in the last 100 years.

Formula One 2011- Melbourne


What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
The most important lesson in life that I have learned is to follow what your heart and gut are telling you. Some of the biggest choices I have made in my life have been from that gut feeling you get but just can’t explain. All of those choices have lead me down the path to where I am at right now and the eventual running into Vinh and Stuart, which has literally been a life-changer for me in regards to my passion for photography.

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
Right now, I am currently reading a fascinating book called “Amexica: War Along the Borderline” by Ed Vulliamy, which details in depth the horrific and terrifying world of the drug cartels in Mexico along the border of the U.S. over the last 100 years. It’s one thing to know in the back of your mind that a lot of people are killed each year in Mexico due to the drug trade but it’s another to read statistic after statistic, story after story, with people’s names attached. This is an absolutely eye-opening book that everyone should read! I highly recommend this book but only if you can stomach the gruesome facts and details of this horrible drug war.

Deers on the field


Where do we find you and your your work?
Currently, I am in the process of starting a Facebook page dedicated to all my photography. The next step is to start up a blog, my own website and start publishing some of my photos in photo books sold online at places like Blurb.com After that, who knows. Maybe one day you’ll see my photos in an exhibition.

Lake Wakitapu



Monday, April 18, 2011

Inspirational Quote Of The Week


  " Fools wait for a lucky day but every day is a lucky day for an industrious man" - Buddha

Friday, April 15, 2011

Understanding The 4 DOs in your Art & Design Business




Before we learn the 4 DOs. Firstly we need to know the difference between The Urgent Things and The Important Things.

Urgent things demand your time but can usually wait, even when they seem like emergencies.

Important things move you in the direction of your dreams and goals.

A clear focus on the difference between the urgent and the important will be critical to your future success in this, or any other business.

And a clear understanding of the activities you undertake that are important rather than urgent will see you succeed sooner.

Here are the Four DOs can assist you arrange your priorities:



*Can Do:
Task can be done but neither urgent nor important

*Could Do:

Task could be carried out but not so urgent nor so important

* Would Do:
Essential but not so important

* Must Do:
The importance task that need to be actioned right away.

These four dos can help you to identify which task is urgent or important. When you are loosing focus, these four DOs can bring you back on track with your priorities.

All you have to do is focus on what you want and what is important  to you and your business.

Want to know more? It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...

1: Become a Quantum Compass Artshine  member and sign up free http://artshine.ning.com

2: Send an e-mail to this Quantum Compass address: The 4 DOs@QuantumCompass.com.au and get more info about our workshops for creative professionals.

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: just call Vinh direct 
on 0410 636 138, Vinh@QuantumCompass.com.au,

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Australia Fitness & Health Expo - From 15 April to 17 April 2011, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre


Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre


The Australian Fitness & Health Expo is Australia's number 1 fitness event and 2011 sees over 300 exhibitors talking all things fitness! The exhibitors will showcase their new products and the latest trends across the following sectors:

Business Services

Incorporating marketing solutions, publications, financial services, technology software and more.

Education & Training

Providing a broad range of information on health, fitness and sports science.

Boxing/Martial Arts

Providing all your boxing and martial arts needs with a range of equipment options.

Clothing/Music

Covering music and AV equipment, fitness and activewear including footwear and accessories.

Fitness & Training Equipment 

Showcasing a range of commercial and domestic fitness equipment and training aids.  

Health, Wellness & Rehabilitation

Featuring rehabilitation and medical equipment, alternative therapies and a variety of health products.

Sports Nutrition & Supplements

Including body building supplements, natural and organic products, vitamins and minerals.

So whether you just love being fit and feeling great, a fitness professional or work in  fitness industry, there is something for everyone at the Australian Fitness & Health Expo including live demonstrations across three stages:




This event is a great opportunity for us to attend and learn more about how to look after ourselves, our Mind, Body and Spirtual.  Remember  the 9 priorities in life  article that  we posted last July. In order for us to do well with our business and live up our passions, we need to look after our Mind , Body and Spirtual too.

"Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one".  ~Astrid Alauda

"Positive body image is crucial to overall well being, but it’s not always easy to maintain when you fall into the trap of judging yourself by someone else’s image of beauty.It’s important to love your body. I hope these point will guide you to better self confidence, body image and personal power. When we love our own bodies deeply. others will find it easier to share in that love". by Carisa Hendrix
 
Stuart and I will be attending the show this weekend . We look forward to seeing YOU at the 2011 Australian Fitness & Health Expo. 

Don't Forget to register now!

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Friday 15 April   10.00am-6pm  (Trade Visitors Only)
Saturday 16 April   9.30am -5pm  (Trade&General
  Visitors)
Sunday 17 April   9.30am -5pm  (Trade & General
 Visitors)

Ticket: Register now to get your discounted ticket for just $15 (normally $20)

To register for entry: 




 Source & Images courtesy of Australia Fitness & Health Expose











Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Pricing & Costing your Art & Design





"Are your margins what you think they are?

 Are price wars an imminent threat to your art & Designs revenues and profit?"

 



The key difference between prices and costs is not just a great distinction made by economists. Prices are what pay for your costs of making your art and design.  So understanding your costs, your margins, your pricing and how to calculate them will mean the difference between success and subsistence for you. SO it;s critical that you learn the costing and pricing processes. 

As Business LifeStyle coaches working along side artists and designers we've come to realise that understnading the true nature of costing and pricing a product is a real issue for most art and design practices, and a very big concern for every artist and designer.

So, if you’re not too sure about how to calculate the costs for your  arts and designs... don’t worry; you’re certainly not alone!

Why are costings so important? 

If you don’t know exactly what to include in the production costing you will be underselling your designs and therefore you’ll lose money... 

The key to success in your design practice is to understand the costing process properly and price your items appropriately. That way, you can feel good about what you do and what you create. Most importantly, you’ll know what it’s cost you to create your products.

With an accurate costing you’re better placed to price your creations too.

At ArtSHINE we work with our creative design clients to ensure understanding of the true costs, and we share a costing & pricing system that’s tailored to your business lifestyle.

Do any of these resonate or ring bells with you?

 * I have a product in mind but don’t know what the costs involved are.
 * I have a product already but I don’t know what the real costs of production are.
 * I have a product and it is overly expensive to make so I can’t sell for  the price I need.

Here’s some quick questions to consider:

 * Are you taking into account total costs, and not just material costs?
 * Do you know how to work out your own hourly rate?
 * What’s the average mark-up in a retail shop?
 * What’s the best wholesale to retail price point ratio?
 * What’s your real profit margin on the products you create?

At the end of the day, there’s no point in under valuing and under selling your products.

You want the products that you’ve created to make good profit. Profit isn’t a dirty word. And you certainly can’t survive as a designer without it... Plus you deserve to earn money and receive a proper payment for all your hard work.

Building a sustainable business lifestyle means that you can keep creating; thus doing what you really love and enjoy.

Would you like an invitation to attend the next Quantum Compass ‘Costing & Pricing’ workshop? - contact us now here: CostingAndPricing@QuantumCompass.com.au

Want to know more? It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...

2: Send an e-mail to this Quantum Compass address: CostingAndPricing@QuantumCompass.com.au and get more info about our workshops for creative professionals.

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: 

just call Vinh direct on 0410 636 138,  
Vinh@QuantumCompass.com.au, or 
go to: http://www.quantumcompass.com.au/shine/

Pure Leverage

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