Close Up with creative workshop- Faint Impressions

 Sasha Faint

Tell us a little about your handbag workshops and your role in the business?

I design and create awesome bag making workshops that are delivered in a relaxed environment with a fun social aspect. Using beautiful fabrics we make bags of all different shapes and sizes.

At the end of the workshop you walk away with a great sense of accomplishment and your own unique handbag.

 Handbag Workshop at  

No Chintz fabric store Willoughby

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

Fun, Relaxed, Great learning environment

What was the purpose of starting handbag workshops and how did the concept come about?

So many people say to me that they’re not creative and can’t sew to save their life. That’s exactly what I used to say and now I can’t imagine my life without so much creativity. I wanted to help others discover their creative spark. It’s such a nice feeling to say to your friends “look what I made” and for them to reply with ooooooo and ahhhhhhh’s (insert image of firecrackers going off over your head as you declare this).

I believe anyone can learn how to sew; you just need time and patience. 

Who  do you cater for in your workshops?

Those who say they aren’t creative.

I cater for all levels from beginner to advance. Anyone can come along; I would love to see some more males at the workshops.

Tell us about your process for working with your clients?

Classes are kept small so that I can give everyone personalised one on one instruction related to their skill level. It’s a very relaxed environment as I’m a relaxed person and often I think it’s more like a bag making tea party than a workshop.

What do your clients learn when attending your workshop?

That one must have cake & tea when sewing Lots of useful skills, tips and techniques to become an awesome bag maker.

What advice can you offer to people who are looking for handbag workshop?

To look no further as they have found bag workshop nirvana with Faint Impressions

 

  See a workshop in action here

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

Anything by Amy Butler but especially her most recent book “Style Stitches”.

“The Bag Making Bible” by Lisa Lam. I learned a lot of what I know from her blog & tutorials.

The internet and YouTube are also fantastic resources for when you get stuck on how to do something. 

Where do we find your services?

You can find information on the next workshop on my blog here. I also post details on my facebook page here.

Do you have a special offer to the ArtSHINE community?

Sure…come to the next workshop on 12^th August & you will receive a discount voucher to spend at No Chintz fabric store Willoughby.

WEEK ONE: Healthy Lifestyles "It's Now Or Never"

Week: 1

Hello, and welcome to the first of ArtSHINE’s Healthy LifeStyle mini blog spots. My name’s Kmaru and I’ll be spending some time with you each week as we get healthier together.

With a healthy lifestyle you can accomplish anything... All it takes is a little guidance and motivation.

"It's now or never"

From today it’s our goal to help you achieve your fitness goal... Whatever that is for you.

What we’ll do each week is provide you with some information to consider. With that information you’ll be able to make some decisions about how you’ll live your healthier lifestyle, and set yourself some goals. And at the end of every blog we’ll leave you with some action points too

We’ve also set up a FAN PAGE  where you’ll be able to ask questions too.

Now, first things first...

As Vinh talks about in his OPIC model  we first need to establish where we are right now... That’s because we need to know our starting point...

So, let’s look at your Body Mass Index (BMI), Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and calorie intake.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The reason the Body Mass Index (BMI) is used for screening the health of the general population is because there’s a strong correlation between being overweight or obese and having health problems, chronic disease and premature death. People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk for the following conditions:

Hypertension

Type 2 diabetes

Coronary heart disease

Stroke

Osteoarthritis

Cancers

Sleep apnoea and respiratory problems

Here’s an online calculator you can use: BMI calculator , or BMI Gadget/BMI-Club .

And for more information about Body Mass Index you could go here:  BMI.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

You use energy no matter what you're doing... Even when you’re sleeping.

The BMR Calculator will calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

A BMR is the number of calories you'd burn if you stayed in bed all day.

The BMR formula uses the variables of height, weight, age and gender to calculate the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

This is more accurate than calculating your calorie needs based on body weight alone. The only factor it omits is lean body mass and thus the ratio of muscle-to-fat a body has.

Metric BMR Formula

Women: BMR = 655 + ( 9.6 x weight in kilos ) + ( 1.8 x height in cm ) - ( 4.7 x age in years ) Men: BMR = 66 + ( 13.7 x weight in kilos ) + ( 5 x height in cm ) - ( 6.8 x age in years )

Calories Consumed

We’d also suggest you know how many calories are being consume in your diet.

To have success with your calorie count, you need to know how many calories are in the food you eat.

Here is a basic guide:

•              Carbohydrate – 4 Calories per gram

•              Protein – 4 Calories per gram

•              Alcohol - 7 Calories per gram

•              Fat – 9 Calories per gram

Calories Burned

Activity Burnt Calculator

We’ve found that a lot of people don’t quite know how to begin with these steps.

For those of you with an iPhone you could always add the fitness application in your phone.

It has similar tools to the ones we’ve mentioned, and the best part you have it all the time.

Action Plan

Obtain the following:

A Journal for you to record your calorie intake, foods and exercise activities

A Weighing Scale to weigh your food

A Calculator to do the simple maths involved

A Positive thinking and attitude

What's on next week

Your first steps

Where to begin

Website:

Muscle activation

Facbook

Sources & Images are courtesy of :

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SxH9co1YoGMzQGbUd8-taE_EF_SQUxI5oxXj3jdmry_o-YAbZlYb_HjttwMSXUAf1rMPgV5RMkWSllXg4wUxMjHIImGIh1d3YjhGa2S8DBl0lAF5UMfihghGEdf7MdLHSpbCOhtrAA/s1600/d3d0a483de8pieee.jpg.jpg

Inspirational Quote of the Week:

"  You don't get what you wish for, you get what you work for." 

– Unknown

"Transition from a fulltime job to a Business Lifestyle of your dream"

Do you have a road map to make it happens?

People dreamed of doing the same and wanted advice from someone who had transformed. You did not just leave a company and go into Business Lifestyle of your dream like the way you left a job for another. You need a road map to make the journey.

So "Prepare Well! Plan Well! execute Well!= SUCCESS BUSINESS LIFESTYLE

From history, in any expedition there has to be a desire, the passion and a clear purpose before setting out on a journey. Therefore, You don’t just leave a company/ a career/a pay check and transform. You don’t just step out of the chorus line and onto center stage. There’s more to it. There is a passage to be negotiated, a delicate transition required to go from alone in the desert to complete in yourself. Those who dream of business lifestyle want the courage to make the same transition too:

• From dependence to freedom.
• From the security of a pay job to a new exciting venture.
• Redeem your sense of identity, being yourself
• Find the “Inner You”
• True identity is authenticity
• Pick and choose the way you want to work
• Be your own boss and work the hours you like to work
• The taste of independence
• Real money because you earn it
• Have more time with families
• Work to suite your lifestyle

You need a development Plan before saying good bye to a paid Job:

1. Find your DPP  (Desire, Passion & Purpose) for your Business Lifestyle of your dream.

•  Know your Desire, Passion and Purpose is knowing your desired destination and outcome.

2. Set your Goals/Objectives

• Identify your long, medium and short term goals
• Your goals must be measurable with milestones for their achievement, so you can anticipate their attainment.

3. Prepare in advance. Then quit your job

• Make a list of essential things you need to purchase.
• Buy only the most basic equipment and materials you’ll need to be ready to deliver finished work on the day one of your new venture, preferably without borrowing any money.

4. Understand your cash flow now.

•  Cut back on your expense now, not later when circumstances require it.
• Do advance cash flow projection so you know how it will look like in the next twelve months.
• Shape your cash flow to suit your business lifestyle.

5. Searching for your Ideal Clients

• List 5 ideal clients in 3 categories
• clients can be anyone to whom you provide a service or product:

A. The A list- certain worth of getting
B. The B list- certain worth with a little work
C. The C list-Far to reach with some effort

• Under each client’s name, write down 3 keys points you can do to lift B and C clients into A list.
• When possible, approach them and secure their interest in advance.

6. Network & Marketing

• Draft a press release or an email to announce your resignation and send out to friends and local press. (Even if you never go public with it, it establishes your worth to yourself.)
  
• Dream up 3 stretch goals, these are the goals that are out of your comfort zone:

To speak at major conference

• To publish a paper
• Do a blog on the net
• Learn to take photographs to use in presentations or for your designs or new business venture, etc.
• Any goals that enhance and motivate you to accomplish your business lifestyle of your dream.
• Create a business lifestyle network team: Find specialists in the area you need help in building your new identity. (e.g. Art & Craft supplier, graphic artist, and gallery owner or group of people compliment to your business)

7. Self Development goals

• Build in a goal for your self development focus “The Mind, Body & Spirit”
• learning yoga
• Join the gym
• Learn marketing on line
• Select an activity that you love to do but never get around to commit to it.

8. Up Skilling

• Do your very best on every job. Continually improve your skills.
• Learn new skills to enhance and compliment your business lifestyle.

9. Your Hourly Rate

• Set your rate where you really want it. Then quote only flat fees.
• From day one, set your hourly rate at the figure that you want you be making when you’re successful.
• Never mention it verbally to your clients unless absolutely necessary.
• Quotes flat fees for each job based on multiples of your hourly rate, using some common sensediscretion to offer a finished cost that will gather the work. When you bill it, break the quoted flat fee show it that way on the invoice, even if it isn’t necessarily an accurate reflection of the time spent on the job. By doing so, you’ll custom your clients to the hourly rate you really want and deserve, without scaring them off at the beginning.
• As your business grows and you gain confidence, you can bump up those flat prices without raising your hourly rate. If the clients see the hourly rate staying the same on the invoice after invoice over a long period of time, and they know you deliver as promised, they likely won’t protest.
• If you ‘re talented, if you’re delivering quality services for fair prices, and if you’re spending time promoting yourself and benefiting from healthy word-of-mouth you’re going to be very busy.

10. Do not turn down profitable work, no matter what it is.

• You can get selective later once you have established your business.
• Your goal is to get as much money coming in the door as possible, and to build a broad client base that provides a steady income.

11. Discipline with your working hours

• Have a set schedule to start, just like a normal job and if you’re done at 3 pm, do low cost email marketing, update your website, write a new blog (or something equally productive) .
• Once you can barely get all the work done that you’ve got coming in, once you’re almost overwhelmed by it all, smile... you’ll be in the driver’s seat.
• Plan your weekly activities in a week advance so you can see which areas of your business needs your attention.
• Regularly work on your business strategies
• Write down when, in the course of a week, a month or a year, you get time to reflect on:

          -The direction your business is heading
          -Your personality , your uniqueness, your USP
          - Maintaining your competitive edge.
          - The change of your industry

12. Steer your lifestyle business in the direction you want to go

• Now you can get picky. At this point ask yourself one simple question: “is my primary problem that I’m not busy enough, or that I’m not making enough money for as busy as I am? That’s the only question you’ll need from now on.
• If you’re not busy enough, go right back to step 5. If you’re not making enough money, raise your flat rate prices, which you can do without raising hourly rates for as long as you like.

Embarking a Business Lifestyle of your dream is not easy, and it’s absolutely possible for anyone with a genuinely marketable skill. You don’t need a giant loan, or lower your standard of living, and you don’t need and MBA... just confidence,commitment, dedication and talent.

So, what are you waiting for?
Take action now and make tomorrow today.........

What is Mission Statement?

The Roadmap to your vision is your Mission Statement. A mission statement is your HOW.

This requires 4 key areas:

• Who are you…?
• What business are we in…?
• What are our customers…?
• What make us unique…?

You also need some rule of the game too… This is also known as your Point of CULTURE This also requires 4 key areas?

• Values that are vital to you as owner
• Values critical to your business succeeding
• Values core to your customers buying again and again
• Values important to your team wanting to do their best.

No matter what we do there are always some guidelines around what and how we do things.

This is important in your life, and in your business. Another way of looking at it is:

“What is that you stand for?”

And that’s a great place to be…knowing what you stand for and what you want to achieve. It’s best to be clear however, so start making notes what these are…

Sole Proprietor, or Sole Trader

A Sole Trader is a person who trades as an individual, without the use of a company structure or partners.  The proprietor is the sole owner of the business and has sole control over it. Therefore, the individual bears the full responsibility for the actions of the business.  This is the simplest form of business ownership and can be started with little capital outlay.

The sole trader can trade under his or her name, or register a business name. However, registration of a business name does not make the sole trader a separate legal entity. The business belongs to the sole trader who personally responsible by law. Registration under a business name has no legal implications other than to allow that individual to use and trade under that name.

A distinguishing feature of the sole trader is the nature of any legal liability.  While the sole trader retains the profits from the venture, the liabilities with regard to claims from creditors extend to personal assets. No distinction is made between business assets and personal assets

Want to learn more about your business structure for your art & Design?

It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...
 

1: Like  ArtSHINE's Facebook page

 

2: Send an e--mail Quantum Compass: Soletrade@QuantumCompass.com.au and receive your PDF " The Advantages and Disadvantages of being a “Sole Trader” 

 

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ArtShineDiscovery

What is a Vision?

Your vision must be something beyond your reach, like reaching the farthest star in the universe. It’s not that it’s impossible to achieve, but it must be more than you know you can do today.

Another great way is to set your vision of being the best in your industry, your territory or even global.

Why?

Because it will stretch you… and that’s really what will make the difference to you and your art and design business.

So, start with a VISION of where you want to be.

Your vision is not a goal… It’s actually  your purpose or your  intention….

It’s more of a Legacy

It’s your WHY!

It should … Enrol, Inspire & Empower!

It should bring out your:

• Core Value
• Desire, Passion Purpose (Your DPP)
• Envision the Future

Want to learn more about how to create your Vision for your art & Design Business?

It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...
 

1: Like  ArtSHINE's Facebook page

2: Send an e--mail Quantum Compass: vision@QuantumCompass.com.au and receive your PDF "How to create your Vision"

 

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ArtShineDiscovery

Image Source From Essential Leadership

Are You A Rocking Horse??

Image Source: Eli treasure

Here's a question for you...

Are You a Rocking Horse?

Bit of a strange question do you think?

Now we're not asking you literally...

So what do you think we mean by it?

Are you a Rocking Horse?

We use this analogy to describe some Art & Design Businesses we know...

The rocking horse moves back and forth... back and forth... again and again... back and forth...

Staying in the same position... Back and forth...  it doesn't go anywhere.

So, let's ask again is your Art & Design practice a "Rocking Horse"?

Know what you want. Dream big and set goals with purpose. Start heading towards where you want to be.

Put some strategies in place. And build systems in your business that will take you to the next level.

Here's a few links to get you started:

            • http://artshineqc.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-set-purpose-goals-in-your-art.html

            • http://artshineqc.blogspot.com/2010/12/setting-your-goals-in-2011.html

            • http://artshineqc.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-leverage-time-in-your-art-and.html

Want to learn more about how to take your business to the next level the Quantum Compass way?

It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...
 

1: Like  ArtSHINE's Facebook page

 

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

 

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ArtShineDiscovery

Close Up with Lisa Tilse From The Red Thread

Lisa Tilse

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.

Ancient Chinese Belief

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I do a lot of different things! I've described myself in the past as having creative ADD (attention deficit disorder) because I always want to try new things and use new materials and techniques. When I started the red thread I was creating children's portraits and art for children's rooms. Since then I've created quite a few different products, including hand printed timber cards, chalkboard eggs, my signature personalised Heartboxes, a range of sewing kits and patterns and recently laser cut timber brooches and decorator pieces.

I am currently focusing more on expanding my range of sewing kits and working on fabric and surface design.

 Oh! My Deer

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

I think I inspire myself.... the creativity within! Being creative is just who I am and what I've always done. My parents were always so supportive and encouraging when I was young and they instilled in me that I could do or be whatever I wanted to. I still carry that with me and always aim high and work towards my goals. And of course I am inspired by all the other creative people out there - both the famous and the not so - people who are living their creative passion. I'm endlessly inspired by the blogs of other creatives.

Commissioned  children's portraits 

Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?

I never lack inspiration... I'm inspired by everything around me. I don't think I have an off switch... wherever I am and whatever I'm doing I'm always absorbing my visual surroundings.

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

perfectionist, calmdriven,sleep-deprived,creative

Sweetie Petites doll kits 

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

I have a BA in Visual Communication from UTS (formally Sydney College of the Arts). My first real job was as a junior graphic designer when I was fresh out of uni. I had a fantastic female boss who ran a wonderful studio and I got to work on lovely projects. From there I art directed a fashion magazine and a children's magazine. I worked as a senior designer in London, and then returned to Sydney to a similar job. From there I set up a successful design studio with a business partner. After that I went freelance and haven't been employed full time since.

I started the red thread when I became a mother 7 years ago. I have done a lot of markets over the years and I still do some corporate design jobs on a freelance basis when they come my way.

Hello Birdie pillow/cushion 

Describe a typical day in your studio space?

There is no typical day! I have recently swapped around a couple of rooms in our house and my studio/office is now a bigger room with lots of space to spread out and large windows that overlook our garden. I really enjoy working there and feel like I have more head space as well as physical space. My working day starts after the school run, although I usually check my emails before breakfast. Like everyone I spend too much time answering and writing emails. I blog, and read blogs. I do admin. I have lots of journals and sketch books with ideas, sketches and notes. I get my ideas down first by drawing, and then I work them up on the computer. I make personalised orders, and pack orders. I create prototypes of new products. I write lists, and all going well I get to tick a few things off!

As a Solo Artist, what is your biggest frustration?

By far my biggest frustration is not having enough time to design. There are so many other things to do when you run your own business that take your attention away from what you do best. I'm working on that though!

 Chalkboard Egg

Tell us about how you prioritise your studio work.

I try to block out days and parts of days in my diary and not let other demands encroach on that time. Usually things are prioritised according to what's most urgent. There's nothing like a deadline to get you moving!

Since you are working at home, can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

I have friends who are artists and designers so it's always great spending time with them. Together with Steph from Bondville I organise the Sydney abcd quarterly meet ups. abcd stands for artists, bloggers, crafters, designers - it's a wonderful opportunity to hang out, connect and exchange info with likeminded souls. I try to attend design events like Semi-Permanent - not to network, but just to feel connected to the wider world.  I belong to The Brown Owls craft group, and I have started a craft group with other mums from my daughter's school. The craft groups create a wonderful old fashioned sense of community. And I've made a lot of creative friends through having market stalls. But by far the best opportunity to be a part of a creative community has come through my blog, and from visiting other blogs. It really is an amazing way to 'meet' others. I don't do Facebook or Twiiter though because they are both big black holes that threaten to suck even more of my precious time!

Vintage Storybook Tile

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

Find what you love and what you are good at and work hard at it. Keep learning and moving forward. Be yourself and most importantly be original.

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

Personally and professionally I just want to be the best I can be... I'm working on it! (that sounded very Oprah, didn't it?!) I'd love to go back to uni and do my masters in fine arts, but I'm also passionate about doing what I'm doing now and I'm not sure I can manage both.  I have many goals - both short and long term - but for now I'll keep them in my journals!

Ooshka Boy

What is your proudest moment so far?

There are a few that spring to mind:

Becoming a mother (corny, but true)

Having my graphic design work published in a number of international books.

Creating a business that is personally, creatively and (mostly) financially rewarding.

Having my products in shops all around the world.

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

Everything comes from within.

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

I've been reading a lot of fiction lately.

In the past few months I have read and loved: 'Room', 'The Help', 'The Time Traveller's Wife', 'The Book Thief', and at the moment I'm reading 'The Master Butcher's Singing Club'.

Where do we find you and your artworks? 

website:  http://www.theredthread.com.au

blog:       http://theredthreadblog.blogspot.com/

shop:       http://www.theredthread.bigcartel.com