My entire life, I’ve heard people say to me, “You worry too much.”

So, my journey of being an artist and owning a small business in these economic times comes to no surprise that it can push me over the edge with stress and anxiety.  The biggest fear I’ve had since September 2008 (when the economy collapse was heard all over the world) is, “How am I going to pay my rent?  My bills?  My student loans?”  I went from making $2000-$7000 a month from 2006-2008, to making only $9000 in 2009.  Yup!  $9000 in ONE WHOLE YEAR…  and with that comes the nagging fear of the future. (more…)

Laura Hollick – soul artist, model, dancer, radio personality, writer, owner of the Soul Art Studio, spiritual teacher, featured on the cover of magazines, vibrant soul, inspirational… and so much more!  This is why when she asked to interview me, I was so excited, honored… AND NERVOUS!!! (more…)

I sell original paintings on eBay, and every once in awhile  I get an eBay buyer who sends me an email saying how disappointed they are in my services; and every time, I feel horrible.

I care about my customers.  However, at times, I think I care TOO much. (more…)

The Orchid and Patience

At the end of its blooming cycle, the orchid is less appealing without its stunning flowers.  However, with continuous nurturing of the orchid, one day it will unexpectedly bloom again.  Your patience is rewarded.

My Impatience

Although I’m a Canadian artist, 90% of my customers used to be Americans buying art to furnish new homes and buildings.  By early 2008, I could feel the economic crisis begin to sneak up on my business.  However, in September 2008, it hit me right in the wallet.  I lost about 80% of those customers within a few months, and my struggle as a self-representing artist began. (more…)

I just recently read The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money (incl. audio interviews), by Chris Guillebeau and Zoë Westhof.

My review of this guide is:

“WOW! BRAVO on writing such a GREAT guide! I wish that I had read this when I first started out as an artist!”

(more…)

View all of my free Japanese lessons! … or read below to see how really crazy I am.

I hardly have enough time to breathe as is. I work 80-120 hours a week just to make ends meet as a contemporary Japanese artist.* I spend so much time in my art studio that I frequently get emails from my family and friends to see if I’m still alive. Every second of my life is pretty much booked solid and I just decided to start learning Japanese again. Wait… what!?! (more…)