Being a freelance artist can be a little lonely sometimes. Although it rocks that i don't have to clock in, ask permission for a vacation day, and can work in my jammies, there are some days when it would be nice to have the commeraderie of co-workers. Don't get me wrong, i totally value the unconditional support, non-office-drama and wet kisses from my studio interns, Sunny and Kismet.
But, in this biz, sometimes it's nice to be able to bounce an idea off of someone who can give you some constructive feedback, and will not drool on your work. That's when i try to make time to meet up with my creative peeps. A few weeks ago, i met up with my sweet friend, Jenny Elkins. She's an amazing artist. We have completely different styles, but that totally works for us. We love to brainstorm and talk about what we are each currently working on. No matter the conversation, whenever i see Jenny, i always come away with some fresh inspiration. I consider Jenny to be my creative mentor. She sort of took me under her wing, when i was just beginning to test the waters of selling my art. She made it not so scary and encouraged me to just "jump in", feel the fear, and do it anyway. It was such a gift. She hosted my very first "show" a few years ago {revisit it here} in her own backyard studio and i will forever be grateful. This was my tent at that show...
Jenny is a mixed media artist and lover of all things vintage. I want this fun necklace from her etsy shop {found here}...
and you know how i love little houses {found here}...
Visit Jenny's etsy shop, and if you are local, stop by her booths at the Exit 76 Antique Mall in Edinburgh, Indiana. She recently gave me this handcrafted necklace she made.
I can't tell you how much i love it. It's funky, edgey and every time i wear it (or my daughter wears it to school), we get so many compliments!!! I call it my badass necklace because of the little yellow gun. Me...badass=funny! LOVE it, Jenny! Thank you! You can read Jenny's blog here and i encourage you to follow her on facebook. Good stuff!
If you are a creative, reach out to other creatives in your area. Maybe you have what it takes to mentor someone or maybe you're looking for a mentor. The point is, it's not a competition. Your work is uniquely yours and i think you will find that most creative types enjoy and thrive on being in the company of others. Just go for it and find your Jenny! ♥
Oh Lori....you are truly the best. What a nice gift you just gave me. My heart is full and my eyes are filled. thank you. xo
Posted by: jenny elkins | October 13, 2011 at 01:23 PM
I just stopped by here to let you know I posted about you on my blog and it's funny that here you just wrote about people who inspire you. Your art is beautiful and funny and creative and inspiring. I found you from Jamie's blog Crafty Scrappy Happy... and I'm so glad I did! You brought some sunshine into my day : )
http://simplycottagelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/whimsy-studios-brightening-my-day.html
Posted by: heather @SimplyCottageLove | October 13, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Love the new Halloween themed banner. One of your best!
Posted by: Erin @ Vale Design | October 14, 2011 at 12:28 PM