Following your passions

TTC stuff aside. It has been very hard to over the past year get into a routine that allowed me to work full time while continuing with things that were a passion of mine. In truth I've been afraid of just over working myself and not deliver on time. With that I slowly started taking on photography clients, doing newborns for people at work, weddings that were more or less last minute (because of treatments it's so hard to know a year out just what life has in store for us)

 

So with getting my feet wet I'm realizing that so long as I make the time I'll have the time. My problem has always been. MODERATION (there's that word again ;) ) . Normally I say yes to everyone and every project that I neglect to give myself a breather. So I'm dipping my feet back into the invitation world where I mainly made program fans. Suffice to say I've been shocked at having my shop open for no more then a week and already I have orders to fill. I don't do it for the money I do it because I know how much people loved my work, and I in a way felt guilty that other brides couldn't get the same stress free experience if they went with someone less experienced with this kind of work. I love customer service and there's something to be said about working for yourself and building a business from the ground up. I do get worried that I'll over work myself but I now have a system where I speak it over with Paul and get his complete input on if I should pursue a client or not. Thing is now that I'm working I don't have the luxury I did before with just working away during the day on the fans. So I've set things up so I can work slow but steady. With most orderings needing a 2 month turn over. Which is ok because most brides contact me with more then enough time.

I'm happy and nervous to get back to where I was before I took on my current job. I know any extra money we get right now will also go towards our debt helping us climb out of it faster.

I'm proud of myself for just sucking it up and saying 'yes' to projects again. I love being able to be apart of someones very very special day be it in taking photos or giving them these program fans that their guests often rave about. This is not me being cocky but I take pride in my work and I work hard to get the results I do.

So I guess yay me for taking that step. Sorry for the shameless bragging.

If you'd like to ever check out my work feel free to do so at

Photography: www.barnhartphotography.net

Invitations: http://www.etsy.com/shop/impressioninvitation

Inspiration, a quest for the hungry mind.

Over the past 6 months I have been searching for some kind of inspiration. The inspiration to just get creative again, and feed those creative desires. While I know many would say. "Well then Create!" If it were that easy trust me I would.

My search for inspiration made me truly evaluate the meaning of inspiration for each person. For a creative mind it made me wonder of the multitude of mediums and styles a person could choose from.

My search for inspiration seems to be driven by the need to find the jewels less viewed. There's something to be said when you find a true gem that has yet to be fully discovered. It's like delicately opening a rose petal by petal. Soaking in each petals unique design and texture.

I have found some of these jewels I speak of and the effect it has on ones drive is mind boggling. TO understand what it's like to play a part in giving or receiving inspiration, is in my mind such a beautiful thing.

I know without a doubt Photography is my #1 creative passion. Sometimes it doesn't feed the hungry monster though. At times graphic design sates it or even my quilting.

My husband will make fun of me because at times I could have 10 projects going on at once none of which pertain to the other. One will be with my camera another with my jewelry making kit, back to my computer to write a verse or two, to photoshop to draw.

I have found to be the most sated when I am able to finally finish one of those 10 projects and fan my peacock feathers in delight.

There's something to be felt about a beautiful work of art.

To all those artists who have inspired me over the years thank you.