Looking Back at 2014 and Forward to 2015

2014 ~ Simplify
Last year I chose the word 'Simplify' as my word of the year. That was before we put our house up for sale and sold it within 5 weeks and moved within 2 months. By the middle of March, we had moved across the state.  I thought my word 'Simplify' was going out the door with many of the things that we let go to downsize. However, because of that downsize, we did start fresh with fewer 'things'. But it was definitely not Simple! There were days I wasn't sure we could do it.

Nine months later, I can say for sure, it was the right thing to do. Things have settled down and we, my husband and I, are still working to simplify our life. He has found a job that he loves and a new hobby that he enjoys.  I continue to work in my studio, at home, on my own schedule...
...Keeping It Simple.

2015 ~ Focus
I have been trying to decide what my word for 2015 would be.  I want to grow my business.  That means I need to focus on what will help me do that. In my post from last week, I wrote about focusing on Texture in my Artwork. That is my focus for my artwork. But for myself, I need to remind myself to Focus on my goals.

5 Things I Need to Focus on in 2015:

1.  Create Art that is fulfilling to my creative spirit.

2.  Find 2-3 More Venues to Sell My Art

3.  Improve Social Media Promotion

4.  Develop Relationships and Roots in our new Community

5.  Improve Business and Organizational Skills

Happy New Year! 

To 2015!

Beth♥

Do you like one flavor or want a variety to choose from?

When it comes to ice cream, I usually stick to chocolate or variations of chocolate and vanilla.  But Rocky Road is a good mix of both of those plus a few nuts in the mix for a change.

As an artist, I create things that I enjoy creating.  Because I was a high school art teacher for 29 years, I have taught a variety of techniques and media to my students.  So now I find myself wanting to work with several different media and styles.  I have always enjoyed drawing with pencils, ink, and colored pencils.   I also enjoy painting with acrylics and oils.  But I also enjoy working with clay, creating small whimsical houses, like I have often posted about here.

I really enjoy working with a variety of media.  I have been able to sell these things in all of these different media. I get requests from customers in all of them.  For now, it makes me happy to be able to create using this variety. This variety keeps me busy.  My dilemma is whether too much variety is confusing to customers.   I like a little realism and a little whimsy.  If I limit myself to one style or media, I think I limit my sales and risk getting a little bored doing the same thing all the time!

So my question to fellow artists and to potential customers...Is a Variety of Art Media and Styles too confusing?  Does this affect my 'art style'?   If you have any input, please share.  I am curious what other artists think and if anyone else struggles with the same thing.

Beth ♥