Since blogging about calligraphy and offering my services via the internet I have learnt an awful lot about myself and others. It’s been a very steep learning curve. The thing is I’ve always liked doing calligraphy for myself; if other people saw what I was doing and liked it then all well and good…. BUT…. through doing this calligraphy online malarkey I have gone off it a bit. I think it’s because I haven’t made time for me just to sit down and play around with what I’ve wanted to do. There was one commission in the middle of last year that I loathed doing…. internally I was gnashing my teeth, but I did do it, and it did look very pretty…. but it wasn’t me; I probably wouldn’t have found a space for it on my wall; so should I have done it? These are the questions I’m asking myself at the moment.
The thing is I’m actually not quite sure where I’m heading. I have turned down a couple of jobs recently because I want to make space for my own ideas – yes I do have a couple… and at least one of these ideas will be time consuming if I want to do it properly. Anyhow, here I am at the beginning of a New Year and slightly later than everyone else I’m doing the New Year, new thing… thingy…[?]. I’m no longer going to put commissions on this blog, there will be no shots of wedding stuff, no invitations, no place cards… just stuff about me floundering around with my pens and supporting other calligraphers. I think this is more me… although there maybe a few nicely addressed envelopes cos that’s part of a personal project I’m doing…. if I stick to this way of doing things I think I will be happier.
Look, no pics!!
63mago
/ January 22, 2012Yes – I can see it too!
Scarlet
/ January 24, 2012Hello, Mr Mags, apologies, I have been tardy in my response, but yes, I believe I have suppassed myself!
How are you, anyhow? I will be back to mainstream blogging asap. I miss it.
Sx
Kevin
/ January 29, 2012Coo – oo – ol Ms B.
‘Look! No hands’ no pics neither.
I like malarkey well enough . . . can relate to malarkey though doubt if I could have spelt it. Listen, fi uoy paint just for yoursell, you no a painter.
Do the stuff you loath if you have to and sell it high, it’s not for your wall so why worry? Take the cash, bless your hands and do something you want with them. Post everything up, let the audience its due.
Scarlet
/ January 29, 2012Spellcheck, Mr Kev, spellcheck…. the wonders of modern technology.
Anyhow, I was in diva mode when I wrote this post and I have realised that I have the option to pick and choose… I have the ability to say no! Saying yes to everything can land one in a whole heap of trouble!
I am happy now and beavering away on a commission I’m enjoying, so all is well.
Sx
Janet
/ February 5, 2012Hi Scarlet – I think many calligraphers will recognise your dilemma. I look forward to hearing how you’re getting on with your own ideas – but make sure you keep talking to people about it otherwise you might just go mad, you, your pen and a bottle of ink alone together!
(And remember even stuff you don’t really like can still delight your customer AND paya bill or two!)
Scarlet
/ February 6, 2012You’re right Janet, about the stuff I don’t like delighting a customer… and last year I did treat myself to a very nice blazer from Jack Wills, which I probably wouldn’t have done without my calligraphy fund!!
I have been busy this year, with calligraphy and personal upheavals… I think it’s the calligraphy which is helping to keep me sane at the minute.
Sx
Princess
/ February 12, 2012Scarlet… I know what you are saying… I’ve always turned down doing garment alterations for people that ask… I much prefer designing a garment from scratch and making it. I love the process and the creativity it involves. But… in very recent times have just done one or two alterations and people are prepared to actually pay me for it! It seems that in this disposable age there are not too many opportunities to get your favourite clothing altered by someone that is a) willing and b) skilled enough to do the job! This is on top of the voluntary costume making for the theatre company… Finding time to scratch myself difficult!
Scarlet
/ February 14, 2012Hello Princess, it is finding the time that’s the hard part. But I am determined to find the time this year and I’m going to whack myself over the head with some discipline – this blog might help me!
Sx