Why I blog....

Without quite realising it - I have sped past my one year blog anniversary and missed the exact date {it was the 10th]...this is the post I was waiting to write for that auspicious occasion [hehe], so I thought I had best catch up and make it clear why I started blogging, and why I continue to do so....

I really wanted to start writing a blog to help me with my business...give me a place to 'advertise' [for want of a better word] my work, and what I was doing. I was not at the stage of being able to {financially or technically} build a website...so I thought a blog would be the next best thing. Funny how things turn out really, because it has actually been the best thing of all, and so much more than just a website.

I began to read design blogs after I graduated in 2005 {and was in the process of beginning to work from home}...and found that they filled the art and design 'stimulation' gap that was left for me after I left art-school. I really enjoyed seeing what other people were working on, and in a base way, it made me feel like I wasn't alone...which was wonderful because, of course, in my work environment..I am. So come January of 2006, I thought that making a positive move forward for my business would be a good thing to start the year off with, so I set up the blog...and off I went. I was overwhelmed with the response I received..about my work, any links I posted about...everything. I suppose when you set up your blog you don't really expect people to read it - that it will be something, and somewhere for you alone to write, document and sort through things.

I suppose for me, the big question here is really....Why I continue to blog....which is a much more personal decision now, rather than purely a business one.

Without wanting to dress this up - or make a big deal of things....running your own business as an independent {small production} artist or maker is damn hard. Much, much harder than I ever thought it would be. As well as doing all the things a person has to do within a normal job or role as part of business {ie; books/accounts, dealing with internet orders, ordering materials and stock, balancing money, being the post-room person, dealing with all office admin, invoicing - chasing money owed} you also have to find the time to MAKE, DESIGN, and SELL the things yourself, a hugely time consuming act in itself - deal with and juggle many things, like galleries, stockists...securing future venues.....thinking and planning along the line a bit. It is a lot to worry about, and I do - worry. Maybe that takes up most time of all? For me, it is very financially challenging. I make next to no money...which, is to be expected I guess at this stage...but it can dent your morale. It is wonderful to have people there to pick you back up again, and confirm to you, on those days you can't quite remind yourself - that what you are doing is worthwhile!!

Blogging is the most wonderful support network. A family of artists, designers and makers who KNOW what you are going through, and what your contribution is worth...people who appreciate, and take the time to understand what you do. What I love about this online space is, that unlike many other online communities...there is, and shouldn't be, quite rightly, any space for negativity, undermining or insults. We stand up for each other, and support {through words, links and sales} each others work. There is so much criticism and justification of yourself and your work to be had in the 'real' world...blogging should be, and usually is, the most wonderful sanctuary from all that. Where you can put your work out there and just have it be. I have made so many truly amazing friendships from doing this, I am continually stunned and thankful at what a huge impact it has had on my life....and in turn, business.

I hope to be here for a good long while to come. Thank you all *so* much for reading, supporting, contributing...and buying! ;)).....I so, so appreciate it every day.

'till tomorrow, when I will have some new things to put out there {!}.....hugs to all, xox