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!”

Even though I’m featured as one of the artists in this guide, I have to say that I’ve learned valuable tips and tricks that will help me in my business. This guide is definitely perfect for all stages of an artist’s career, especially for visual artists (painter, photographer, sculptor, illustrator, and other crafts).

One last note before I stop writing and go paint: 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.

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

Here’s a video of the other author, Zoë Westhof, talking about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money.

I’m so excited to announce that I’ve been picked for the Fine Art Registry’s (FAR) featured artist of the month and got another article written about me!

The article, Serene Inspiration by Georgianna Lane, is about how I became a full-time artist, where I get the inspiration for my paintings, how I use the FAR system and different websites to market myself, and much more!

Artists should definitely consider looking at www.fineartregistry.com to see how it can help market and protect their artwork.

To Georgianna: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful article! You are so kind, patient and understanding. I’ll never forget when you wrote to me in an email and said, “… hang in there. This planet is not rigged to nurture artists, when artists are the very thing it needs”. I felt such a sense of validation for all the sacrifices I’ve made, and those that I’m still making, just to be an artist. Thank you for those words.

FAR Article:  http://www.fineartregistry.com/featured_artist/soniei.php

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!

I want to thank Michael McCrea, from sohohelpdesk.net, for writing such a lovely blog post about me and my roommate, Peter. It’s so sweet!

If you want to get an idea of what I was doing before all this Soniei’s Contemporary Art business, and where I met my boyfriend Peter over 5 years ago (CDI), you must read this blog post called “Soniei’s Contemporary Art and Information Technology“.

Michael, you’re the best! I do miss the days when we used to hang out at CDI* College!

PS. For those who have bought my art for the past few years, you might be surprised that I used to be an Oracle Developer (relational database management system… say what?).

PPS. For all of you out there… if you can’t pronounce ‘Soniei’, you can always call me Melissa. Or Jimmy, or sexy nerd girl, or whatever you prefer.

*CDI College of Business & Technology, where the IT peeps chillax yo.

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.

Mr. Cyr, I still can’t believe how generous you are! Thank you so much for believing in me and my dream!!

Oh, and thank you for helping me out every way that you can. Seriously… MERCI!!!! My goal in life is to someday become your sugar-mamma.

Also, a big thank you to my parents. How many times did I call to say, “Moooooom, Daaaaaad” and they said, “How much do you need?” My financials haven’t been the greatest in the past year (do I really have to mention the economy?) and they never once told me to quit being an artist when my business went from bad to badder to badderer to badderest. I’ll pay you back every penny, and more, someday. I’ll be your sugar-daughter.

And Delia Comeau, she’s the reason I’m not naked. Seriously, everyone should thank her for this!! I’m on a super strict budget and she gives me awesome hand-me-down clothes. Also, thank you for understanding that I never have the time or money to go out but you keep being my friend. Hopefully, someday I get to be your sugar-friend.

You guys are the best and I love you all very much!!!

Also, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of those who have bid on my paintings on ebay in the past!! You keep my dream alive and strong!

*2 full weekends included… plus working a full time job!

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!

Times are very slow, the economy is ROUGH, and now I understand the meaning of starving artist.  I’m so touched by all the people who STILL believe in me and support me as an artist!!! I only wish the student loan people would support me just as much. lol

For all those affected by the economy just as I am, stay strong!!! Let’s hope that things will look up sooner than later!!

In order to help myself, besides working 80-112 hours a week, I decided to market more on the internet. I just joined Facebook for the first time, Twitter and Flickr. I hope it helps a little!!

PS. Twitter is fun! It basically answers the question “What are you doing right now?” I get to stay in touch with friends even though I’m always working. It makes my days a little easier.

PPS. If you really like my art and you’re on Facebook, go ahead and join my Facebook page. Do it if you REALLY like my art, and not out of pity. .. … …well. .. … … I’m at the point where if you do it out of pity, I’ll take that too. Lol :p And, THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES if you join my facebook page. Again, I’m so grateful to all the people who help me out in anyway they can.

PPPS. I feel like I just went to a therapy session. Being honest about being broke is very freeing. Lol Now you know about my situation. I have nothing to hide. It’s all good.

Peace and Love!!

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!

I remember saying to myself several years ago, “If this is what working is all about, I can’t wait to retire”.

I then decided to take the time and invest in a relationship with myself. I got to know who I am (and believe me, I’m still learning) and what I’m passionate about. I wanted to be an artist ever since I could remember. I knew I’d be happy painting but tremendous fear was in the way of that career move. There was no promise of a steady paycheck and I had bills and student loans up the wazoo. That’s why I kept on taking jobs that were emotionally unrewarding but would provide me with a great paycheck.

One night, about 5 years ago, I reached my ultimate low point. I think the fact that my boss at the time was a bully, always yelling, belittling me and my coworkers, spreading office gossip and providing an emotionally toxic work environment had a lot to do with it. I had a level of stress and anxiety that I never knew one could have. Something had to drastically change in my life and there was no way I was going to let myself be a victim in my own life anymore. My frustration of my current circumstances fueled my longing for a better future and gave me the boost I needed to find the courage to pursue my passion.

So, with 110% support from my friend, Peter, I made the decision to do everything that it took to become an artist because it really, really, really, really was the only thing I wanted to do. I quit my job, moved into a small two bedroom apartment with two other people, ate on an artist’s budget, hardly ever went out, learned how to run a small business (started with the book Canadian Small Business Kit for Dummies, no joke!), learned simply accounting, went to the bank for advice, worked what felt like 16 hour days/7 days a week for the first 2 years, etc. etc. etc. Was I exhausted? YES. What I scared? YES!!! Was it worth it? A big fat YESSS!!!!! It was so worth it that I would do it a million times over!

Now I don’t care what day it is. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, it’s all the same to me. 99% of the time, I view work as play time, especially now that I don’t do custom paintings anymore. I’m creating art like I used to do as a child, freely. I’m truly grateful.

I hope that you have found your passion. If not, believe me when I say that your happiness is worth all the time and energy it takes to follow your dreams.

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.