Understanding How to Frame Your Creative Expertise.
Carrie, our daughter, posted THIS link on Facebook yesterday & asked what are YOU?
I posted that I think I am a Cross-trainer. I will explain why I am thinking that and it will give those who wonder why I talk about Positivity, Creativity, Journaling, Teaching, Coaching, and also Quilting. To ME, its all me!
I started out sewing when I was 4 or 5 years old, Mom taught us to sew by hand and then when she got her first electric sewing machine, us girls were able to then use her treadle machine. We knew how a gathered skirt worked before we even went to the sewing machine.
Learning how to do something very well can be transported into other parts of your creative life (or life as a whole). Once, I knew how to sew on the treadle machine, I bought my first sewing machine when I was 19 – one of those 50 pound ones. I made clothes for Carrie and myself. Going back to hand sewing when I started quilting, taught me the quarter inch seam precision and how to piece those corners together perfectly – so that when I did start machine piecing, it felt a natural progression and easier.
When I started doing Art Quilts, I started with Journal Quilts (8.5 X 11 inches). It was a size that I felt comfortable experimenting with and if I didn’t like what developed, I could toss without feeling like I wasted fabrics.
Every time I started something NEW, I just took the beginner steps and played around with what developed, learning with each step and each mistake.
I, then, started integrating altered art into my art quilts, art journaling into my altered books, etc.
Teaching is the same. I explain all the beginning steps and highly encourage experimentation from the students, to do it their way.
Coaching has developed from people asking for help, first it was just free skype calls, emails, etc. and now has developed into regular weekly 30 minute calls. In my coaching, I incorporate the methods I have used to help me grow from being overwhelmed, unhappy, depressed – journaling, is a big part of that and I encourage my clients to start journaling if they are not presently journaling.
When someone asks me how being Positive and talking about Positivity integrates with my Art life – I tell them in every possible minute of everyday. Its part of who I am anymore. Every journal page, every art quilt I work on has POSITIVITY in it, you just may not see it, but its there.
When I say I am “Spreading Positive Creativity” I really mean it! In every vein of my body, I try to EMPOWER everyone I meet with the feeling and I no longer worry about losing a friendship because I am “Too Positive!”
Sorry, its who I am
and
I LOVE who I am.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the timely post, Dale Anne! Currently working on a big project and constantly worry about the lack of being a “specialist”- at least in my eyes. Sometimes need to look at all I’ve accomplished and see myself through other’s eyes
BTW, thanks for the 2013 Planner/Calendar. Have printed out several pages and am thinking about my goals for this upcoming year.
Thanks Kim for stopping by & commenting. Glad it helped you! And, Thank you for purchasing the calendar – there are 3 videos where I go deeper on some of the parts of it, back on the purchase page.
So how did you initially offer coaching?
Hi Sandra – THANK YOU for taking the time to stop by & comment. I started coaching when people started asking for me to help them, I did it for free then, and more people were asking. I offer an hour of coaching as an introduction – click on the Coaching Tab. I will be taking even more training this year so I can help my clients even more.
I guess I was more curious about what the turning point for you was when you realized that coaching was something you needed to incorporate into your business, and what did that transition look like?
I also took a look at your coaching tab. What type of training are you planning to invest in?
The turning point was when I had almost weekly requests….The only transition I had to make was to allow time for the calls, instead of being in my studio making art. I not only like to help but receive so much in return as they each develop into where they want to be. When they SMILE & CREATE freely, I say I’ve done my job.
I will be taking Eric Maisel’s Creativity Coaching Training this year and then hoping for Expressive Arts Teacher Training next year.
Wow! Weekly requests. That is phenomenal. I can just imagine the state of abundance that you walk in.
YES, weekly but I only took 4 clients in the beginning, then added one per month. I want to have time in my studio so I only want 3 hours per week for coaching – one client is still thinking things over for the weekly sessions, otherwise I am only taking 2 of the 1 hour coaching calls per month from now until Sept.
I see. The thing is I see myself in a coaching role as I develop as an entrepreneur and I have heard that good coaches have coaches themselves. It’s good to see how this has been working for you. It gives me an idea of what I can start planning for now.
I’m here if need a coach!
You are definitely in mind, Dale. Thanks. I enjoyed our conversation!