ArtSHINE collaborates with Photographer Monica Li

ArtSHINE is very proud to announce our collaboration with Monica Li.  

Monica has generously shared some of her amazing photographs with us. These are some photographs that Monica has taken over the years. And we've worked together to create a coffee table book with different inspirational quotes.

Look out for Monica's photography, and the Inspirational quotes from ArtSHINE each and every Monday...

We love collaborating with other creative people. By bringing out the best in what we all do our passions will truly shine!. Do you have an idea for collaboration too? Please get in touch...

So Honour your Creative Spirit... and let it "SHINE"

           

    

    

To learn more about Monica Li, check out the interview with ArtSHINE last month


http://artshineqc.blogspot.com/2011/03/close-up-interview-with-photographer.html




All images are copyright and courtesy of Monica Li

Close Up interview with Graphic & Web Designer Leonardo Kesselring

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

Leo is a Brazilian designer living in Australia. He has extensive layout and design experience and enjoys working on precise, detailed projects. He is a highly organized designer who adepts at meeting tight deadlines that are so common in the design industry.

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?

The nature is my primary font of inspiration. Shapes, colours, light…it is all there. You just need to find it. I am also inspired by great architects, photographers, sculptures and designers.

Leo's Studio

Where do you get your inspiration from when you taking photographs?

Again…nature. Nothing is more subtle/breathtaking, perfect and clear.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Fun, creative, open-minded, minimal and fair.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My very first job was helping my grandfather at his candle shop. I used to love spending time talking to him…he had great stories! From then I have worked in some many different area, hospitality, architecture, photography, retail, restaurants, web/graphic design. Etc…

First Web Design Job in Brazil

As an creative artist, what is your biggest frustration?

Definitely to work for myself! I am my worst client…

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.

I schedule my time well…I’ve got a nice work routine going.

Priorities will be always priorities. But all job get the same level of attention.

Tell us about the project you are working right now with ArtSHINE?

I will be soon redesigning ArtSHINE’s website.

So….watch this space!

Tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

I have a great network of other designer, developers, Flash designer and SEO specialist.

Together we can produce any print or web project.

Even with a established team of professional, I am always looking for other great professional to team up.

The great thing about design is that when satisfy the client’s needs, he or she will referral your services to friends and family.  

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?

Do not get stucked on one creative field. Get out there…go to museums, plays, cinema, music gigs, country side, the beach….get inspired!

What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?

Travel on the trans-siberian train.

Follow on site a whole Formula 1 year.

Dive with the seals in South Australia.

Design for Apple.

What is your proudest moment so far?

Being there for my grandmother and grandfather final moments.

Leo's Family

Who do you most want to meet and why?

David Bowie. I love everything he ever did…ever!

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

True happiness is peace of mind…nothing else.

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?

I am reading the Tony Blair’s biography called ‘A Journey’.

Where do we find you and your services?

You will find me in Sydney, Australia. Check my website www.krop.com/leokessel

Or send me an email at leokessel@hotmail.com

 All images are copyright & courtesy of Leonardo Kesselring.

Inspirational Quote Of The Week

"  There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it"     - Edith wharton

Do you have a WOW factor in your business?

When was the last time that you had such a great customer experience that all you could say was, "Wow!”?

Maybe it was during some extraordinarily expensive excursion, or a trip to some exotic place. Or perhaps it was in some local corner shop where the fantastic experience was completely unexpected.

A great customer experience can happen anywhere.

Mostly though, we don't encounter them every day.

But does that have to be the case?

And what about in your business?

Do your customers have a fantastic experience each and every time that they connect with you?

Do you have that magic "WOW" factor?

Some of our clients used to say, “But there’s nothing about my business that can have a WOW factor.”

Are you sure?

We know that your business DOES HAVE those wow factors... Factors that will truly set your business apart from others.

Working alongside you we're sure to find those WOW factors that you can leverage...

Take a harder look at your business. What makes your business unique?

Allow yourself some time to think about it...

Your WOW factor don't have to be extraordinary. They can be as simple as returning a call promptly when everyone else in your industry takes days. Or it could be as far out as, for example, a hairdresser greeting customers with a glass of French Champagne.

There's no end of examples and ideas. 

Be creative and think outside the square. Consider how you can give your customers a great experience each and every time that they do business with you. Think of what your clients would absolutely love.

Ask yourself this... "if my business were a six star hotel, or a luxury cruise, what would it be like? How would your front entrance feel  & look like? How would every customer be treated?"

The obvious benefit of each experience with your business having a WOW factor is that you will have thrilled customers. And a follow-up benefit is that they will tell their friends about you too. They won’t just tell them, they will insist that all of their friends try your business. They will become raving fans and your true advocates.

How great would it be to have all of your best customers out there selling for you?

Word of mouth is the cheapest and most powerful advertising for your business.

Just remember this, you need to keep your ideas fresh. What was once a WOW factor will eventually be yesterday’s news. Make it fun by getting your team involved. Have regular contests for the best WOW idea. Implement one at a time.

It doesn’t matter if you are an art gallery or a hair salon. There’s always a WOW factor in your creative business. All you have to do is to find it.

If you don’t, your competition certainly will...

So what's your WOW Factor?

The Finders & Keepers Melbourne Market Will Be On This Weekend

 Melbourne Market

The Finders Keepers Designers Market will be on this weekend  

WHERE:

 Shed4 in Docklands 
Victoria Harbour
North Wharf Road, Dockland

When:

Saturday 26 th - Sunday 27th March 2011

Time: 
10am- 4pm 


Live Music, Cafe & Bar will be available at the market

If you do get a chance this weekend please go and check out the market.  You will be impressed with the quality of our Australian Young Designers  and artists who will be showing their arts, designs and products at the market.

So bring along your wallet and  support our  artists and designers at the market.

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

For More Info visit:

www.thefinderskeepers.com

Close Up Interview with Designer Lisa Boerma

 Lisa & Jay

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I’m Lisa and I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  I studied graphic design. Now I’m a full-time designer and work for a beautiful Dutch label. I work in a studio within a small design team. When I come home I start to craft and make my own things to relax.  

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?

The energy that I get when I’m creating something new, that is such a good feeling.

You can work for hours and totally forget the time.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you design?

Travel, everyday things, chatting with friends, flea markets, music, blogs...

 

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Independent, creative, collector, smart, curious.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My first job was playing as an extra in television-series and movies during my schooldays.

Very excited! I did not make that much, but every week was different.

Describe a typical day in your studio space?

In daytime I’m working on new designs, prints or working out design-manuals for the factory.

When I come home, I have dinner, after that I read a book, watch a documentary or create something new.

 

As an Art Director/ Designer, what is your biggest frustration?

Not having enough time! There's only 24 hours in a day.

Can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers?

Online via blogs and crafty-websites. I also visit festivals and designer markets.

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?

You only live once, go for it! Anything you really want, you can attain if you really go after it.

What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?

Ohhh so many, travel around the world, read a lot of books, riding a bike in the sun,  having a garden full of flowers, having a small summer house in the south of France close to my parents-in-law...

What is your proudest moment so far?

That i’am independent now and free to make my own decisions.

 

Who do you most want to meet and why?

If Frida Kahlo were still alive I would have wanted to meet her.

A strong woman and a flamboyant personality.

I’m a fan of her work ever since I saw her paintings in the MoMa in New York. 

 

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

That you really have to do to it yourself when you want to achieve something.

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?

I read a lot of (interior)magazines and Dutch novels.

Where do we find you and your creative services?

Handmade Papergoods, Jewelry & Special Vintage Finds.

All my items (except vintage finds and supplies)

are handmade with love in my little studio at home.

http://www.atelierdupapier.etsy.com

If you like to read more please visit:

http://atelierpapier.blogspot.com/

All images copyright

Courtesy of Lisa Boerma

Inspirational Quote Of The Week

"Fate knows where you are going, but it is up to you to drive there"

                                                                                      - Michelle keeling

Top 10 PANTONE Colours for Men’s Fashion Spring 2011

Here are the top 10 Men’s Fashion colours chosen by New York  top fashion designers at fashion week.

When I asked my partner Stuart if he liked any of the colours for this Spring 2011. He would only consider Flint Gray, turf green, and russet and beeswax.  They are basically the same colours from the women’s spring 2011 choices only they are a little  bolder. Infact I have also asked my sister and she actually like the Men's colour than the Women's one, especially Blue Curacao, lavender and fire cracker.

Myself I personally like the bold and bright colours Regatta, Blue Curacao, Beeswax.

What do you think about the colours?  

Would your partner like or dislike any of the colours?

Please tell me your thoughts and leave a comment

source: www.pantone.com

The Pantone Top 10 Colours Revealed for Spring 2011

Here are the top 10 Pantone Colours for Women's Fashion chosen by New York top designers for Spring 2011.  Let's go through the colour together and find out what the New York Designers said about each of the top ten colours.

Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette. This vibrant pinkish-red for both apparel and cosmetics makes consumers feel alive, and is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up.

Spicy, gregarious and persuasive describe Coral Rose, a sophisticated orange that, much like Beeswax, a warm, honeyed yellow, conjures up feelings of faraway lands and locales. Pair either of these piquant hues with a cool, refreshing color-wheel opposite like Regatta for a vibrant color combination that will add zest to any wardrobe.

 Romantic, fanciful Lavender implies sensuality with its subtle hint of red undertone. Combine it with Beeswax or Coral Rose for a unique counterpoint.

Alluring Blue Curacao evokes thoughts of tropical destinations and pays homage to the 2010 Color of the Year, Turquoise. Practical consumers can continue to incorporate enticing Caribbean blues into spring by pairing Blue Curacao with warm, complementary colors like Honeysuckle or Coral Rose. 

Peapod, a fresh yellow-green, brings an organic element to the palette and is reminiscent of the green shoots that signify change and new beginnings traditionally found in spring.

Trans-seasonal neutrals ground this season’s palette and provide a stable backdrop for all the other colors. The so-called “nude hues” are represented in the range of ethereal Silver Peony to dramatically deep Russet. 

Another dependable background color, Silver Cloud, is the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet.” 

Source: Pantone, Inc.

What sort of leader are you?

 Great Quotes From Great Leaders

Now don't worry, and don't get too stressed. We're not going to go all "business book" on you. Let's keep it simple, and look at some key points that we can learn from ourselves. Some key points that we can model in our own Business LifeStyle.

As we see it, there's really only three types of leaders... So let's call them:

* the Good,

* the Bad, and

* the Ugly...

The Good:

Great leaders of our time have always led by example. Great leaders lead through inspiration. And they're most definitely great role models too. A great leader will empower people to think for themselves rather than tell people what to think. A great leader creates the environment where people can assume ownership, and feel supported in their decisions. A great leader creates context and reasons for doing things. This context comes from the fact that great leaders have a clear vision... they're inspired by that vision, and they allow others to join them on that journey.

The Bad:

Mediocre leaders think it's their responsibility to "spur" people up the mountain of success... They try to motivate people to get out of bed in the morning, shower, brush their teeth, and get on out there. Mediocre leaders try and "be inspiring" rather that just being inspired by their own vision. For them it's about   "making things happen".

The Ugly:

Worse than the mediocre these leaders actually think that people are no good, and not up to the task... These are the leaders who fully intend to drag people, kicking and screaming, up that mountain of success whether they want to go or not...

What sort of leader are you?

Close Up Interview With Industry Expert Fleur Allen from interactivearts

Tell us a little about your business interactivearts  and your role?

Interactive Arts is an online art gallery representing 30 Australian contemporary artists. I am the founder and director of Interactive Arts and my aim is to create a community of artists for them to share, network and support each other and a network of art lovers to likewise share, network and support each other in their quest for knowledge and appreciation of art.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you and your business?

Passionate, Creative, Determine, Persistent,Authentic.

 Fleur Allen

What was the purpose on starting interactivearts?

I was working in the performing arts when I was pregnant with my son and I knew I wanted flexible working hours and to be able to work from home so I canvassed all the creative people I knew, artists, musicians, writers, dancers and visual artists overwhelmingly said they needed someone like me to assist them marketing and promoting themselves. Thus Interactive Arts was born.

What are the most common issues that relate to artists who come to see you in your business?

Not having either the experience or understanding of their client base or art buying public.

The confidence to sell their work and to not underprice themselves.

Tell us more about your services that you provide to the Art industry?

We provide a range of traditional services such as art consultations which we call Art Check-Up but we also have a very successful Art Rental Service which the majority of clients use as a ‘Try before Buying’ service and has been very popular, resulting in 50% of the work rented selling to the rental client. We also run art seminars and workshops to provide people with a better understanding of art in a social environment.

All these services we have recently combined into an Art Club membership which is a monthly or annual subscription providing access to all these services:

 Pistachio

Tell us about your process for working with clients?

We are committed to developing long term relationships with our clients and to understand their needs. We meet 50% of our clients via our website after they have searched us on google, normally searching for art to buy, buying art or contemporary art and 50% via networking events. We then respond to their immediate needs and invite them to receive our monthly Art Notes newsletter list and to friend us on LinkedIn (business clients) or Facebook (personal clients). We have recently created an Art Club to create a committed community of art lovers and to bring relevant program of events and services to them throughout the year.

What advice can you offer to artists who are just starting out ?

To ensure their prices are consistent regardless of where or whom is selling it and to ensure they have an up to date professional biography and artist statement.

Savor by Myra Mitchell

Claremont Art Framers & Gallery

Do you have a book that you would like to recommend?

Yes Michael Reid’s ‘How to buy and sell art’

Where do we find your services?

Online at our website www.InteractiveArts.com.au

Address 375 Stirling Highway Claremont

Phone 0412 473 248

Primary contact Fleur Allen

Do you have a special offer to the ArtSHINE community?

Yes, a 10% discount on our Art Club membership (we will deliver our art seminars and events nationally) Use this discount voucher code ArtSHINE2011  when ordering online or contact Fleur if you wish to subscribe monthly.

Images courtesy of interactiveart