Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 42

here's to new horizons

Yesterday's one day only sale was a big success (thanks you). All day, it felt like I was at the virtual registrar's desk at the Dept. Of Creative Business Dreams. It was thrilling watching so many people invest in their whispers, their inner Possibilitarian selves. I was rooting for them, all of them, all day long.
I deeply believe there is room for all of us. I deeply believe in tapping into the thing that is calling us - that thing that makes us afraid, a little bit uncomfortable. For me, not too long ago, that thing was making art and then selling my art and then writing a book and then licensing my art and then leading an ecourse and then writing some ebooks and on and on. Every whisper answered led to a new edge with new fears and new horizons. I deeply, more than ever, believe in sharing my story of what's worked, what hasn't worked, and all the in betweens. Because sharing our stories about art, about spirituality, about courage, about parenting, about marriages - all of it - inspires me to reach toward all my edges where being afraid usually means it's a horizon worth reaching for. 
Thank you, so much, for being a part of my community, and for supporting my work. I'm rooting for you, your dreams, and all of your gorgeous horizons that are beckoning.

XO
Kelly Rae

TODAY Only: Major treat for you, and your dreams

(photo credit: Viv McMaster)
For the last two years, I've hosted a ONE DAY ONLY sale for The Whole Shabang for a seriously discounted price. For both of those one day only sales, you guys went berserk scooping it up. I love a good, well received sale. So much that I've decided to make it a full-on, possibility-fueled tradition.

So, today, friends, is THE DAY.

Even better news? The Whole Shabang has been completely updated and redesigned with the latest and greatest. I am so proud of this book. So proud.

Let's make 2013 the year your creative biz will soar. Let's start with everything you could ever need to make that dream real. Let's simply begin, one small step at a time.
I WILL NOT be offering it at this price again this year. Today is the day. Get it while you can. You will not be disappointed and once downloaded, it's yours forever. 


Ever wonder....

: How to build a devoted following and online presence?
: How ultra-successful artists sell, price & package their work?
: How to create a visually stunning website + blog, without spending a lot of $$?
: How to effectively organize your time & energy, and deal with all the outrageous fears that pop up, when you “go public” with your heart’s work?
: How to get published, licensed, and accepted to art shows?
: How to diversify + expand your income with possibility-drenched revenue streams?
: How to stay engaged with your heart while managing the business side of creating a business?

You aren't alone. It took me half a decade of wondering & wandering (and very hard work) to find answers that worked for me. And now, I’ve bundled up my very-best resources & how-tos … for YOU.



Flying Lessons: The Whole Shabang is a beautifully designed, highly interactive + functional e-book.

Did I mention it's 223 pages? Yes, yes it is. It's parts one, two, and three combined, which means it's packed with information, personal stories of what’s worked for me (and what hasn’t worked - lots of wisdom in those hard earned lessons), links, informative interviews with some of the most knowledgeable people I know, and resources that will save you boatloads of time and money in hours spent researching. And that's just the super short, skinny version. More meat (ahem, fat delicious details) below.

“I cannot believe how much you have covered, the depth and quality of each lesson, and how many ‘tools’ I now have to enable me to soar! Thank you so much Kelly for your generosity, for gifting us with your wisdom.”

It's for anyone who wants to start, grow, or enliven their creative business with smart, soul-based growth strategies.

Whether you’re a beginner, or an accomplished crafter, coach, photographer, artist, writer, or anyone with a big message to share, this e-book will give you concrete information and and empowering inspiration to get you moving toward the direction of your soul-filling mission.



“I’ve taken many workshops and without a doubt your content has far surpassed any of them...you've helped me realize “What am I waiting for?” I’ve got a logo concept going, next is a website redesign and finally to get a blog going. I now know I can do it to. I feel ready. Thank you!”

The Details:

Top-notch design: Highly functional and interactive with internal links, external links, and a super loaded appendix dedicated to resources just for you! Once downloaded, this e-book is yours forever.

Blogging: Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about how to create an effective, fulfilling, soul centered blog, including how to create, how to improve, and surefire ways to get more blog traffic.

Websites and social networking: The specific ins and outs of how to create, how to improve, and the secret ingredients to using them effectively.

Fear Wrangling: We all have them. In fact, being afraid of a big dream usually means it’s a dream worth pursuing. In Flying Lessons, we dive into effective strategies on facing our fears with the utmost care and intention.

Community: How to build long lasting creative allies inside a nurturing community that will have you counting your lucky stars, daily.

Marketing: Effective soul-based marketing strategies that will build traffic, buzz, + joyful momentum, including detailed information on how to use print media, newsletters, advertising, social networking, and more.

Selling Online: Specific strategies for successful selling on Etsy and other online marketplaces, including tried and true tips on how to get more traffic to your online shop, and effective ways of styling, photographing, and packaging your goods.

Selling Offline: Detailed information on how to sell your work at boutiques, and craft shows. You want to start wholesale accounts? I cover that, too.

Making Prints: I share all my secrets and how to’s, including scanning, printing, which paper to use, how to ship prints, etc. I share which mattes I use, which mailers I use, and more.

Press: Everything you've ever wanted to know about how to get good, solid press that will build your audience, build your credibility, and create effective, lasting momentum for your business.

Publishing: The ins and outs of how to get published, including in depth interviews with industry stars, Christen Olivarez (Editor-In-Chief of Stampington/Somerset Magazines) and Tonia Davenport (long time Acquisitions Editor for North Light books).

Licensing: In depth discussion on everything you need to know to get started, including finding manufacturers, attending licensing shows, + considering agents. Included is a revealing and informative interview with Ingrid Liss, Creative Director for DEMDACO. Also included are detailed interviews with three highly successful licensing artists who share what’s worked for them. I also share my own licensing story and everything I've learned along the way. This section is a big licensing round table, and there's a seat just for you.

Money (!): The skinny on how to diversify your income with several smart, often easy and soul-filling, income streams. I believe in inviting abundance into our lives. Consider yourself invited into the world of abundance, too.

Time management: Your super big, seemingly unreachable dreams? We'll break them down into doable steps and whip up a doable time management plan complete with breathing room and time to celebrate all the goal reaching that will be reached, often.

The Journey: The creative business journey is a unique one. We'll discuss ways to wholeheartedly and bravely embrace it, including recharging wearied souls, handling competition, burnout, as well as everyday ways to celebrate the journey.

Personal Stories: I share my best mistakes, my worst mistakes, my secret tips, and lots of personal and true stories about what it looks like to start, grow, and nurture a successful creative business. Kind of like we’re sitting together on a cozy couch, having some tea, sharing stories, side by side. Yes, just like that.



What is calling you? (Truly)
Because it's not just about building a web presence, marketing like a pro, and building a successful, sustainable income selling your goods. All of that matters, of course, but it's more about answering the little nudge of the whispers that have been calling you. It's about tapping into what is possible when you face the direction of those whispers and begin to create a more brave, full, inspired life. Flying Lessons will help you answer the call. Promise.

“I describe it as my business bible. Not only is it filled with tips + tricks, but it's filled with heart + soul. It's as if you're sitting with an old friend who believes in you and gives you the courage to believe the same. Love it!"

Download it now. It's fast, easy, and oh so satisfying.: Click the “buy now” button below. You will be redirected to Paypal to pay for the e-book.
: Once you’ve paid for it, an email will be immediately and automatically sent to your email address (the same one you used at Paypal) with a link to download the e-book/PDF (it’s about 26mb and will take less than a minute to download).
: I recommend reading it with Adobe Reader which is free to download.





Once downloaded, you will have it forever to refer to as your creative biz continues to grow and grow. Because of the nature of e-books (once you download it, it’s yours forever), all sales are final.




 Prefer to purchase it in smaller chunks? We've got you covered. Other e-books in the Flying Lessons Series include:







More love for the e-books:
“This content has been a catalyst in helping me to see exactly where I want to take my creative business. Before I felt like I was floundering around in uncertainty and fear. Now I really believe that I can make my artsy dreams a reality! You have given me the resources, tools, and knowledge to take my creative business to places I thought were only open to a chosen few.”

“This information is SO, SO helpful. I feel like I’m reading a letter from my biggest fan / supporter / friend / mentor – I can’t thank you enough.”

“The content totally exploded my mind and continues to push me into all new places…Kelly is generous beyond belief. I wish I’d “met” Kelly when I was a fledgling business woman and yet there were still volumes to learn from her rich content. What I have learned is helping me to prioritize my creative business and stay true to my creative spirit.”

“You’ve covered topics that I have long wondered about, but didn’t know how to do or where to go for answers. Thank you for your generosity in sharing.”

“This content has helped me with so many things, from mental clarity, to organizational skills, to technical details to reconnection with my spiritual path and growth… This was worth SO much more than what I paid in terms of the growth it inspired in me.”

“Flying Lessons was fantastic. You went above and beyond. I have taken many classes/workshops but not one of them could even come close to the information/content you shared.”

“I am in possibility heaven!”


“Kelly Rae, this is generous…. and I mean GENEROUS amount of info and insight you are showering upon me! Thank you!”

“I am blown away by all the work you have put into this Kelly. WAY BEYOND what I expected.”

“I am absolutely floored at the empowerment you are giving me Kelly. I dont think I have ever felt as confident as I do now.”

“This content has been beyond helpful. You’ve answered every single question that had been circling my brain for months, and now I feel so much better prepared to get my creative biz up and running. Thank you!”

“I have struggled so long on my own as an artist, succumbing to the fear over and over. Marketing, follow through, and consistency have been the biggest challenges. Now I feel as though I have a mentor, cheering me on and laying out the steps one by one. There’s only one direction to go from here!! Thank you Kelly Rae for your generosity of spirit!”

“Holy Moly, Kelly! Thank you for being so generous and thorough in everything you are covering! I’ve taken several e-courses and read many e-books, but this is by far the most practical and actually makes me feel like I can do it. Awesome.”

“I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful content and the fact that it was not just informative, but that you, yourself, Kelly Rae, came shining through, making it all so personal. This is the most amazing, WORTH IT content I have ever read.”

“Holy Camoly. Where in the world could we find all this info in such a short time, from someone who KNOWS? It would have taken me a LIFETIME…thank you so much Kelly Rae!”

hospital love

(signed print available here, wall canvas available here)
The other day my sister was at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Michigan. She was with a friend who was having a suspicious lump removed. Hearts were heavy. As they were walking down the hall, they saw my canvas reproductions (including this one) hanging on the walls. My sister sent me a text. She said my art was on the walls, that is was an inspiration to women who were scared, hurting, uncertain.

Having worked many many years as a medical social worker in hospitals before becoming a full time artist, I always love the full circle moments that come when I hear stories of my art being found in hospitals. Hospitals are where I grew up in my 20's, leaning into the burdens and lightness that illness or uncertainty can bring to families. It's where I found life, and stories, and courage in every room, in every medical chart. It's where I learned that Hope was as strong a medicine as any other life saving treatment.

As I read the text from my sister, I felt that full circle blessing again. I cannot tell you how much I love that hospitals are supporting my work. I cannot tell you how much I love that it's giving patients and families a meaningful way, even if just for a brief moment when they pass it by in the halls, to be centered in their courage, vulnerability, and hope. I love the full circle-ness, too, that creating art is healing and nurturing and joyful for me and then, like the best of serendipity, it goes out into the world to become a small portal for someone else's healing and nurturing and joy when, against all odds, they find it staring back at them in a boutique, a hospital room, or office . I cannot tell you how it warms my heart to be a part of that full circle.

Art heals, saves, and inspires.

Thank you, hospitals. Hearts. Friends. For being a part of this most important journey with me. I'm so glad we're in this circle together.

XO,
Kelly Rae

Delight

You know that moment where you can feel your heart do a little jig, a little heart happy dance, a little lift? I call that delight of the best kind. Here are a few things that have caught my delight lately....


"Whatever you do in life, remember to think higher and feel deeper."

I watched an Oprah interview with Elie Wiesel recently and he said the above sentence toward the end. Stopped me in my tracks. Love, love, love.



I've been up to my eyeballs in art deadlines. Recently, over on Facebook I was complaining about how "deadlines" is such an ugly word for something that is soul-filling. Lu suggested I start calling them alivelines. Perfect!

Loved watching friend Brene on the Today Show. Did you guys see that? It's 4:22 minutes long and worth every bit. It's sort of fun/bizarre/awesome having a famous friend, but mostly I just love that more and more people are learning from her, and her books.

I am so inspired by this sweet woman, her community, and all the ways she is showing such courage and grace through the battle of her life. I was delighted to be a part of a super covert mission to surprise her with a signed couch - all organized by her friends. She tells the whole story here and here.

(A delightful surprise, found under an overpass in Atlanta recently)
It's amazing what just one person can ignite. I am so proud of her!

His voice makes me swoon. But when the kid chorus chimes in? Soul soaring.

Super inspiring. 

Girl + art crush. 

Etsy love: Adorable.  Well curated. 

This class, called INTERWOVEN, starts today and I highly recommend it. Katrina is an old friend of mine and I love everything she does. Her co-teacher is Lisa Solomon whose work I've long admired as well. A class all about crochet, soft sculpture, embroidery, and mini quilting? Sign me up! Katrina forwarded along a 10% discount code for you guys - how sweet! The code is 'JOINUS' - thanks Katrina! Although class starts today (Monday), looks like you can start anytime this week and still be able to catch up. 



(This little guy was so perfectly perched, so satisfied in his delight, that it made me delight, too.)
What's been catching your delight, lately? Any moments, links, or stories?  I'd love to know :)

Nourish Your Soul

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.   May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.   Click here to see all the posts in this series. 
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop. 

PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them  at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.  



These are all the new wall canvases that we introduced this season - so many! Love that these continue to be best sellers, but most of all I love how affordable they are yet look stunningly like original paintings.

This is the largest of the new bunch, at size 18x25. Big and beautiful.
  Choose hope here.


Friends, this tiered tray is so happy making! From cupcakes to ribbons the BRAND NEW 3-tired tray is sturdy and sweet with endless possibilities. I currently have it in my kitchen, holding fruit and veggies. Love - one of my favorite new items.

These are the newest hanging angels we've added to the collection. Aren't they sweet? These have had a special place in my heart since the first moment I saw the very first ones, back in 2009. Each comes with a ribbon attached to the back or you can place them in this nifty little display stand. 

This is my favorite of the newest release. Her chest reads, "everything shapes us" - something I wholeheartedly believe and embrace. She's available here. See the full collection here. 

Thanks, friends. Would love to hear your suggestions about what kinds of products and messages you'd like for us to consider - we're always open to new ideas! Our mission is to continue to create soulful products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. All ideas welcome!

Warmly,
Kelly Rae

trainwreck

I received a recent email from a dear friend that was signed, "I'm a trainwreck. And I love life."

Sigh.

I can so relate. Lately, the days have been long, filled with lots of life practice: courage, boundary setting, gratitude. Sometimes we lose our way. Just a little. Or sometimes a lot. Yet, there we are in the the center of our dreams, of our beautiful families, loving every square inch.

The lovely thing about life is that we have full permission to simply be alive. And sometimes that means being broken and whole all in the same breath.

I'm a trainwreck. And I love life.

Brilliantly said. And lived.

Thanks, friend.

Ask Kelly Rae: Tilted Heads

YOU ASK. I SHARE. WE TALK.Ask Kelly Rae is your chance to prompt me with your thoughtful, soulful & beautifully complex questions about just about anything! Art, love, relationships, friendships, business, creativity, home decor, where I got my cowgirl boots — the doors are wiiiide open. 

Click here to submit a question for a future post. And enjoy today’s conversation . . .



Q: Kelly Rae, why the tilted heads??? Is there a significant meaning or difference between the girls with the tilted heads and the girls with the non-tilted, more straightforward heads?

Seeker of light, print available here.
I get asked this question all the time! The titled heads is a classic pose that is found in figurative art everywhere, of all time periods. Ever notice that when you're really listening and involved in a conversation that your head is slightly tilted? To me, the slight tilt of the head represents a listening posture, a posture that says I hear you. It feels conversational and engaging. 

Surrender: Whatever yo may be celebrating or grieving, may you practice courage every day and let it nurture your spirit however weary or uplifted it may be. There is hope in our celebrations, and strength in our brokenness. May you embrace your own sweet surrender with faith and courage along the way. Signed print available here, wall canvas reproduction available here.
The tilted heads combined with a longer neck, for me, represents a vulnerable pose - not to be confused with weak - but rather, open, accessible, available while also listening and engaging. 
Be present, print available here. Or full wall canvas version here.
On the other hand, the girls with more of a straightforward posture, for me, feel a bit more grounded in their power, a bit more resolute in their offering - all in the best of ways. 
Thanks for the great question! Keep em' coming,


Click here to submit a question for a future post.
Click here to see all posts in this ongoing project series.

Art in Motion: You are the one

With Art in Motion, I share the visual journey through the life of one of my paintings — from the blank canvas, to the first splash of inspiration, all the way to the finished piece. Enjoy to the fullest!

Click here to see all the posts in this ongoing project series.


Blank canvas! Actually, it's not canvas, but rather a canvas board (links below) which I use just about exclusively as I love the hard surface.

Add in some paper and fluid acrylic paint (Titan Buff, in this case).

I wrote a little love note/ reminder to myself as I began to work on this piece. Always helpful. I used Pitt Pens for her facial features (again, links below) which I love using. 

Using stencils, dear girl emerges. 

Detail of her face and hair and more collage bits.
(Finished piece. Signed/matted prints available here)
Added in some paint, texture, and the soul of the piece: the words. The words, a derivative of the Hopi Proverb, "We are the ones we've been waiting for." I think it takes a lot of courage to begin to meet our own power, to declare that all that we long for is inside us, not outside of us.

A little peek at what the studio looked like during its creation. I love love love a good painting mess. 

I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art  (with descriptions) over here or if it's easier, I've put some easy links below for you :)



Tabletop Easel Canvas Boards Golden Fluid Acrylics Spray Bottle Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics Brayer Gel Medium (Gloss) Stabilo Pencils (Black) Gesso Shiva Oil Paintstiks Alphabet Stamps Alphabet Stencils Face Color Pitt Pens White Sharpie Paint Pin (fine tip) Black Pitt Pens Ott light Heat Gun Stencils My Book (Taking Flight)InLinkz.com

Thank you guys. I hope you enjoyed a peek into the process!
XO,
Kelly Rae
PS: I'm working on a few art e-courses which will launch later this year. If you're interested in getting messy with me during a fun art ecourse, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for upcoming information. It's gong to be great. Promise.


Also, I have fully updated my ebook series! New look, updated information, and all the same life changing information! The world wants you to FLY. Go for it! 

Introducing Lacy!

"Organizational effectiveness does not lie in that narrow minded concept called rationality. It lies in the blend of clearheaded logic and powerful intuition." - Henry Mintzberg, Researcher McGill University



Friends, I had a moment. A big intuitive, potentially life changing moment that was all bright lights and clarity. Dramatic, right? It was a moment where a few particular lessons I've been learning collided while I was having breakfast one morning at a local cafe over emails. One lesson had to do with creating more support in my home life. One about more support in my work life. Another about asking for what is needed. Another about standing in my truth/power even after I ask for what is needed and don't receive (we have to ask again or perhaps create/give it to ourselves). Another about letting go of the glory of being busy. That kind of stuff.

The moment led to a full circle realization that while I've been slowly welcoming radical support into my personal life (hello, stay at home Papa John!), I hadn't yet learned the lesson of welcoming it into my work life. Friends, I think I got it.


(ps: laptop skin available here)
With lots of careful consideration, undeniable intuition, and major confirmations from the universe at every turn, I am so excited to introduce my new full time Business Doula. Her name is Lacy. She is awesome. And hiring her many many weeks ago was one of my best moves. I've had part time interns and assistants here and there, but never a full time employee and certainly never anyone with job duties that include things like task mastering and holding space, detailed doer and dream weaver of new offerings, biz soul mission supporter and project manager, hopeful spirit and meticulous organizer. It's like having a business manager and doula all in one. And if she couldn't be a better fit, she's also a skilled health coach who has already shown me how home juiced carrot juice doesn't have to taste like carrot juice at all (a good thing, if you're me).

Full time, friends. I am excited. Lacy is excited. And we're excited to see what can unfold when two hearts and two doers tackle what is possible for Kelly Rae Roberts LLC! Come say hello at hello@kellyraeroberts.com!

Here's to genuine unleashing! Welcome aboard Lacy. You are going to love this community!

around here lately....

He's growing impossibly fast. His loves at the moment are anything scooter/balance bike related or musical instruments. My loves at the moment are watching him explore, and find his way.


I posted a big piece of paper to the fridge. A gratitude list. I will love watching this grow as the year progresses. Makes my heart happy. 

Got a fresh new pixie cut. The gray is really starting to come in now. I wonder if I'll dye it? I've been considering the why nots? of perhaps red or blonde. We shall see. It's only hair, right?

The other day I was having lunch with True. Just the two of us. I was having one of those mama moments where on the inside I was feeling a little bit maxed, a little bit pulled in a million directions, but on the outside I was doing my mama thing, engaging my sweet little guy, playing games, singing, chatting, listening. We sat there together like that for about an hour. As I scooped him up and began to gather our things, I ran into a construction boot wearing, thirty-something, shaved head, sporty looking dude at the bussing station. He had been sitting nearby eating his lunch, too. As we were clearing off our plates, he looked over and said, "You're a good mom." Surprised, I looked over and sheepishly replied, "Awe, thanks for that." He went on, "No, really. I can tell that you're a really good mom and I think that little boy is lucky to have you." Enter stinging eyeballs, throat clenching, gobs of gratitude. I almost cried.

It's not everyday that someone, let alone a stranger compliments us on our parenting. It was one of my most beautiful moments and I will remember it always. I beamed as I left, True on my hip, mama heart beating proudly.


It's been quite wintery around here in Portland. Feels like it's a time of regrouping, getting organized for the new year and getting ready for our new routine now that John will be a stay at home papa? Did I tell you we've decided to make this move? We are all thrilled beyond, beyond, beyond and it falls into the realms of radical support for me, for him, for our sweet little family. We are creating a life that suites us beautifully. Feeling grateful...