If you don’t live in earthquake city and your art won’t get bumped by kids or drunk people…. then continue reading.

Push pins. That’s right. Push pins are your friends.

The original Japanese paintings that I sell on eBay are so lightweight that hanging the paintings can be as easy as having each canvas hang on two push pins! That’s how I personally hang unframed artwork in my home. Done, fini, easy peasy!

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

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.

I’m writing this, not to complain, but to share with you what I do when anxiety creeps up on me.  I watch two specific videos (below) from Byron Katie to calm me down, and then I keep working.  When I start feeling anxiety again, I watch the videos again… and again and again.  It would be too easy to ease the anxiety with things like food or alcohol, but I’ve decided that these videos work for me and hopefully you can find some peace by watching them too.  It’s worth a try.

I get a lot of emails from people resistant to making their first move to buy or sell items on eBay. This gigantic site can seem a tad overwhelming.

Have no fear, eBay tutorials are here!

The online eBay University Learning Center provides a lot of easy to follow tutorials that will teach you how to become a member, buy and sell items on eBay, and show you the basics of how to increase your sales!  Go to the eBay tutorials and see what you’ve been missing!

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!

2. Do not use wire. Brackets are best: Wire hangers are imprecise and you have to play with it to get the painting level. It also makes it hard to know where the center of the painting will be on the wall. I prefer brackets because they keep the painting level, even if someone bumps into it. My favorite brackets are D-rings or triangular hinged loops. I usually use two brackets per painting/canvas, but I sometimes use more than two brackets for a larger painting.

3. J-shaped hooks: These are hooks that lie flat against the wall. I love the ones with the pins that go into the wall at 45 degrees instead of 90. Your local hardware store should carry a variety of picture hooks.

4. Multiple Paintings: If you’re going to hang more than a couple paintings, I suggest a Stanley S2 Laser Level and Square. It projects a horizontal (or vertical) laser chalk line on your wall and makes hanging paintings so much easier. I don’t know what I would do without my Laser Level!

5. The above tips are the basics only. If you’re hanging an unframed painting that’s very expensive, has incredible sentimental value or is extra large in size, you might want to ask a professional for some advice (like a head preparator at a museum or gallery).

6. If you don’t live in earthquake city and your art won’t get bumped by kids or drunk people…. then read my other blog post: How to Hang Unframed Canvas Art – The Easy Peasy Way

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Air Conditioning or Heating Vents: Avoid placing your paintings where temperature fluctuations are frequent, since the continuous expansion and contraction of the painting can cause cracking of the paint or sagging of the canvas.

Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fading of the paint, yellowing of varnish, extreme temperature fluctuations and condensation.

Air Circulation: Rubber spacers can be placed on the back of the frame or painting to increase air circulation.

Lighting: Try using indirect lighting, such as natural light and recessed or ceiling lighting. Attaching a light directly on top of a painting can heat it unevenly.

Fireplaces: Remove any paintings above a mantel before using a fireplace so the paintings will not be affected by soot and heat.

Conservator: If your painting is cracking, flaking, has a tear or mold, a conservator can guide you in how to preserve your painting.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.