Eating Bon Bons

From May 2012, "Sweet Spot I," 8" square, a little portrait of my studio muse Mona Lisa which is still awaiting a home of it's own - she can be yours for $399. Inquiries may always come to me.   The glamorous part of my job is painting (it's even amazing to paint in my jammies, that's how marvelous painting is!).  Painting is also the most fun bit of my work day. I am so very lucky to be able to support my family with my passion.   However, don't buy the misconception that artists sit in their studios and paint paint paint, our work sells itself, and we kick back to eat BonBons and watch the paint dry.    Here's a handful of just a few studio tasks I complete, in addition to painting:   Inventory management - of paintings and materials Marketing strategies - development and implementation Web design  Materials design Client communication Budgeting and paying bills/taxes/etc Continuing education - ensuring my own personal growth Teaching - mentoring, leading, and encouraging others in creative endeavors Volunteering - with various groups, sharing my talent and helping others discover theirs IT Dept - keeping my equipment in working order, updating software, researching and implementing new technology Shipping - packing and sending purchases out into the world Exhibitions and demos - planning and preparing for opportunities to share completed works and my painting process Research - explore a variety of business practices, exhibition opportunities and educational options Archivist - photograph and catalog all work   For those contemplating quitting day jobs to become artists, be prepared to spend 80-90% of your time doing the above tasks, and the remainder creating.   Otherwise hold onto that paycheck. You might get more painting time carved out of off hours!   Fondly, Kim, who spent the majority of today on the majority of above tasks ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com