Jamie's Blog

Closing of A Business....no wait NOT Mine

November 21, 2012.

"At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal.  You will regret not spending time with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent." ~ Barbara Bush

I have had some good & bad times running Jamie's Painting & Design.   I tend to like to focus on the good times (like most everyone) instead of the bad times.  However, the bad memories, or bad times are just as much a part of my ten years in business as are the good times.  Sometimes when things get really bad I start to consider closing Jamie's Painting & Design.  Luckily, I never get past the question, "What the hell would I do?"  As I hit my ten year mark this November I just can't imagine not working on and in this company.  Next year, I may have a different take on the state of Jamie's Painting & Design, but for now  all is good.

Sadly, that is not the case for all of my counterparts, competitors and friends.  The last few years have been tough on the small business owner that makes children's products.  I would say the problems started about five years ago, but I already touched on that - and who wants to go there again?  Some companies weathered the storm, some closed, some licensed their work and some of us stuck it out.  I don't know if it would have been better to close before the storm, or weather the storm only to close after surviving it - but we did what we thought was the best for our company at the time.  Just this past week I have spoken to two other partners/friends that will most likely be closing their doors at the end of 2012 or early in 2013.  This will probably not be my last post of this nature:

Say Goodbye to My Little Dish

It is with a very heavy heart and much sadness to report as of November 9, 2012 My Little Dish has officially stopped taking orders for their very popular Personalized Prayer Plates.  Once those plates are painted and shipped to customers, the doors will be a closing and closing for good.  

This was not an easy decision for them to make, nor was it one they ever thought would actually happen.  After an incredible partnership with a large company ended, London Edwards was left with hefty obligations and wasted inventory.  Her existing sales were not going to be enough to keep My Little Dish profitable.  

London started My Little Dish late in 2001.  It was soon after the 9/11 when like many Americans were craving traditional things in their lives, so was she.  She wanted to find a way to appreciate the small things and create special memories for her children.  It all began with an idea for a dinner plate.

London’s husband. Patrick, had received a set of hand made, personalized plastic plates as a child from a very dear aunt. The plates were being used by her boys and began to show some wear and tear. London adored the idea and decided she wanted to make them their very own plates to use and pass down.  The original Prayer Plate TM was born. The hand painted adorable children's dish had a prayer inscribed around the rim.  It was meant to teach children a variety of dinner prayers.  The company’s original line proved to be a big hit among retailers and even launched a major licensing program with a national gift ware company.

Sad to See Another Business Go

I have written about London and our unique friendship in the past.  I have written about our 
numerous trips to Atlanta, when we attended for fun and when we exhibited and worked together.  I have blogged about her success as a Mompreneur and I have even discussed her incredible luck (and talent) that landed her in the most coveted catalog of the Children's Industry.....Pottery Barn Kids.  Ironically enough, that is one of my popular blog posts and every few months I still get a few random emails from small business owners asking me for the connection to get them into PBK (Connections I never had....it was London, not me with the connections).

"Sometimes when we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open." ~ Alexander Graham Bell

I started to write this post a few weeks ago, as I was in contact with London as she went through this major life transition.  I have had a hard time trying to write what I felt and how I am guessing she felt during this tough transition.  I hope I was able to help her as she set off on a new chapter of her life.  I don't think this change will alter our friendship, as in the last few years we talked less 'shop' and more life.  Our IM and texting conversations are less and our phone conversations are almost non-existant.  But that does not mean that we are no longer friends, or that I do not think of her constantly and all that she has to wrap up.

As I was writing this post I was able to go back over my posts, her posts and smile remembering happier times.  I also tried ot link to her website, but it has been pulled down already.  For some reason that made me sadder, that made it real.  So it is, one of my competitors, yet one of my best friends in the business is no longer making personalized ceramic plates with me.  We have not spoken in a few weeks but word on the street is she is good with her decision and happy with what her future has in store.  This makes me happy for her and hopeful she is satisfied with her decision.  So, when we talk again we can focus on other things....like life and gossip and where are we going to meet in 2013. 

February um....Where Did You Go? And can You find March?

March 20, 2012.

I swear I have no idea even where February went, and now March is more than half over.  I feel like Rip Van Winkle and I just woke up from a long winters nap.    I mean, I know what I have been doing and spending all my waking hours on, but it is like Spring already!  How can that possibly be when I am pretty sure that I missed Winter, you know while I was sleeping and all.  But in all seriousness this is a list of sorts of what I have been doing:

Traveling The Globe....actually just the State

I swear I have never traveled this much in such a short time in my life.  I feel like I have been living out of my suit case since around October, with trips back and forth to the Bay Area to trips around the state.  I am not complaining, I just keep singing the OneRepublic song Good Life:

To my friends in New York, I say hello 
My friends in L.A. they don't know 
Where I've been for the past few years or so 
Paris to China to Col-or-ado 

It has not been all fun and exciting jaunts around the country, many trips have been soccer tournaments and a business trip (oh wait...that WAS all fun!).  I have found just packing alone takes a lot of time, and some of it has been time away from my family.  So, with that...blogging took quite a back seat.

Lots of Research & Little Remodeling

We have lived in our  home for a little over seven months, long enough for me to know what I like, what I don't like and what I "OH MY GAWD I can't live with for one more day!".  I won't bore you with the laundry list of remodeling projects, but it has turned into an overwhelmingly long list.  The hiring takes time, the purchasing takes time and more time is invested in convincing my husband to PLEASE help takes even more time.  

But most of my time has been doing research on what, when who and how we will do all these projects.  Not shocking to anyone, but the getting bids alone takes a small village to coordinate with schedules.  I am not one that enjoys that much research.  I kind of, no wait I KNOW what I like and that is all there is.  I am enjoying poking around Pinterest for ideas, but really the site is just a plain time suck until I decide to make a cupcake tower made to look like a Disney Princess.

The other problem I have is I am....wait for it...very impatient.  Everything takes twice as long as expected.  Everything. I have a soft spot for little Ms. Verruca Salt in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factor, "I want a pony NOW Daddy!"  No, seriously the worst part is waiting and then waiting some more.  I am trying not to get too impatient though....that would be the old me, the one who just started tearing down parts of my house without a plan or a prayer (true story).  

Licensing Art.....Best Part of Being Busy

Most of my time has been spent on this larger than life....well not that big, but still big project.  I mentioned earlier that I met a wonderful woman in Atlanta and came to find out we could collaborate on a project together.  A five minute conversation on the bus to the Atlanta Convention Center has resulted in her signing me to create a large number of product lines for her company.

I designed a line of products for her company, frames, mirrors, wall art, clocks - all new and all very very tough for someone who has beeen working on 6 x8 tiles for the last 9 years.  I think in terms of "Jane's Room" and how can I wrap my designs around the tile.  It took a leap of faith for the company to take a chance on me, but I am super excited too see the final results.  Samples are being made in Shanghai as we speak and I am soon starting another line of products.

Of course with licensing (like I know what I am talking about) these won't be available till 2013, so as excited as I am I need to just sit back and wait and see what happens.  I am optimisitc, but more realistic.  I have listed or blogged more than once things that never came to fruition and almost amazing opportunities.  I have a really good feeling about this opportunity, which means either I am getting less pessamistic or I am too old to worry about it. 

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere. 

                                                                                                                                                        ~Glenn Turner

Expecting (or hoping) to find at Atlanta Gift Show 2012

January 11, 2011.

The last two times I walked shows (San Francisco Gift  Show, New York Gift Show, Stationary Show & Surtex) I did it alone....with a capital A for the most part.  I hated it.  I mean not the show or the walking (though my feet were killing me because I wore heels), I hated just being alone.  I hated eating alone.  I hated walking alone.  I remember walking up to a booth that licensed children's art and trying to talk to them....I was so green I thought they were the actual artists who created the art.  The looks and eye rolls I got from the Blonde Marketing Gals in Skirts would have been humorous if I were not....alone.  I slinked away and licked my wounds all the way back to the hotel.

This Time It Will Be Different

This will be my third trip to the Atlanta Gift Show.  The other two times I was exhibiting at the Gift Show.  This time I am just walking the floor and attending some seminars.  I am beyond excited to be staying with three great like-minded artists/entrepreneurs also.  Shelly Kennedy, London Edwards & Kelly Rightsell will be in my wolf pack this coming weekend....hope things don't go all "Girls Gone Wild" or anything.  I don't know, but having only traveled with London in the past I know how crazy thinks can get when everyone is punch drunk tired.....

What I Hope To See at the Atlanta Gift Show

• I would love to meet or see other business owners & artisans I have worked with in the industry.  It would be great to meet face to face with some of the business owners that have sold my products for the past nine years.  It would be refreshing to also possibly meet up with artisans and manufacturers that I actually exhibited next to or talked with at previous shows.  
• I really want to see the trends and not just read about what the next color or new gimmick everyone is hawking for 2012.  Reading about polka dots and vintage patterns is one thing, but to see it used in bedding, ceramics, wood or even decopauged on actual products is exciting.  I hope to get tons of inspiration on new color combinations and Industry trends.
• To be able to walk the Children's Section, The Home, The Textiles, The Garden, The temporaries & the Permanent Show Rooms will be fun.  Exhausting and pretty much impossible to see everything, but good to do.   For the first time I won't be hiding my badge or taking a quick trip to the restroom before going back to stand for 8  hours straight in a booth.
• Since I won't be wearing the exhibitor badge I won't get the evil eyes from competitors, or catch competitors sneaking into our booth after I left.  The buyers are treated like kings and queens at Trade Shows.  Buyers get schmoozed at the permanent shows, catalogs shoved in their faces in the temporaries and they get free food and cocktails with just a snap of a finger.
• Seeing what (if any attend) my competition is doing.  NO one wants to admit it, but that is something you do at a Trade Show.  It is smart, it is good business and it is what other business owners do.  I won't be taking photographs from smart phone or stealing samples, but I want to take it all in.
• I would love to meet other artists, or like minded people that are crazy....like me.  Some shows I have met some great people, others....not so much.  I am going to enjoy just going under the radar and taking in the sites and the products.

Almost in Atlanta Baby

So, in a nutshell I have a very, very long list of things I would like to accomplish while in Atlanta.  I am so hoping that it all goes smoothly and there is no drama or....wait I so want me some drama!  That makes great blogging, great reality TV and fabulous stories to relive over cocktails, and snorting while laughing.  I can't wait to feel inspired again.....and I hope my inspiration is coming from Atlanta.

 

 

 

 

I Can Do Anything (well almost) Better Than You

December 6, 2011

Growing up my sister and I were suckers for Musicals,but only those that were on TV that is.  A little Shirley Temple on Sunday morning, Wizard of Oz at Easter, Musicals on Sundays and every single Christmas Cartoon, Movie or Claymation/Stop motion ever made during the month of December.   And if I liked the Musical, then I had to memorize the darn songs.  So, late last Thursday when a RUSH order came in this song was a playing in my ear:

Anything you could do, I could do better
I can do anything better than you!
No you can't!
Yes I can!
No you can't!
Yes I can!
No you can't!

Yes I can!
Yes I can!

These are the only lines I know of the song from Annie Get Your Gun, but pretty much I think that is all I need to know.  I think the rest is about shootin' varmints or doing cowboy-like things all the live long day.  Anyway, so I was singing this song because there are things my company, my manufacturing canand pretty much I  do better than any of my competitors.  I hate sounding like a braggart or an egomaniac, but there is one thing I can do better: I can always win on turn around times for my products.

Handpainted is Great But....

I used to hand paint all of my ceramic products, after a few months I realized it was very time consuming, messy and exhausting.  I hired one artist and then soon many more to help me paint my large number of products I sold.  After the now infamous Gooey Messy Glaze Gone Wrong Christmas Season of 2003 I caved (okay my husband helped me come to the conclusion).  In 2003 I was spending all of my time and money painting instead of growing my business.  I even wrote some lists of what sucked, or was a time suck when I hand painted every single frickin' product:

1. Each item was unique, meaning no two products looked the same. 
2. When a customer sees an image on a website or in a cataloge they want to get something that looks JUST like that image.  
3. Colors can vary when hand painting items (mixing of paint is not an exact science).
4. Taking the time to hand paint something over and over takes countless hours.
5. The turn around time is 3 to 4 times as long as a non-painted product.
6. Artists are expensive to train and charge a lot of money (As an artist I know they totally deserve that, but as a business woman - ouch).

Hand painting (in my opinion) was not a scalable model.  I spent all my time and money on painting products and paying artists to paint my products.  It was great in the beginning, when I was trying to figure out if these products would sell, but after a year it was, again not a scalable model.  We quickly slowly changed our manufacturing process and stopped all hand painting.  By the end of 2004 the paints were used for developing new designs and a new era in production was born.  Turn around times were greatly decreased, errors went down, customers were happier and all was good in the world.

Hand painting Takes Time 

A few years ago I realized that a number of my competitors were also using the same manufacturing process for some of their ceramic products.  What I once touted as an ancient secret or a proprietary manufacturing method, soon became the norm for other ceramic artists.    However they don't maufacture their plates like I do, the companies that I compete with hand paint their plates.  

I manufacture everything the same way, my competitors - not so much.  After doing some online research I found out the difference with my plates vs. their plates:

Competiton: Average turn around for a ceramic hand painted 8 or 10 inch plate is 2 to 4 weeks, possibly six weeks during the holiday season.

Jamie's Painting & Design: Average turn around time for a ten inch plate 1 to 2 weeks.  Never a problem with holiday season.

Competition: To RUSH a plate you pay an extra $10.00, plus possible expedited shipping.

Jamie's Painting & Design:  Each order was taken on a case by case basis, however there is seldom a RUSH fee needed because the turnaround time requests are within my normal service level. 

Competition: A plate that is RUSHED ships in 10 days

Jamie's Painting & Design: We can get a plate shipped in less than 24 hours if needed. 

What Can I Do For Our Customers

So, back to my sing fest....last Thursday night, I got a phone call that one of my sales channels needed a plate made for a first birthday gift.  The customer needed it by December 14th.  Could we get this to the customer in time?  Could we RUSH this order?  The answer was yes and yes.  I was able to make the plate within an hour, it was produced last night.   Turn around time 2 to 5 business days.  

I know for a fact that not one of my competitors could compete with my turn around time.   In fact sometimes we compare notes because we are all sold in many of the same channels and we get the same requests....sales channels sometimes try to find who can do what, how fast and sometimes which of us artisans will give a discount.  We share notes, we talk.  Whether or not the plate was shopped around or not, I was able to get it done and done quickly.  And this time quick equals a very, very happy customer and sales channel.

Take it to the Next Level

To any other like minded Entrepreneurs I say figure out what you do best and do it.  Do your research, know what you are up against.  Can you beat the competition on pricing?  Can you make a better product?  Can you beat them on quality or packaging?  Figure out what makes your product better and do that.

But most importantly brag a little about how you can win the customers business.  It helps you and your business build a good reputation, and that is very important.  So, brag a little, stick your chest out and pound it.....I think every company deserves a little pat on the back once in awhile....or just sing a silly song around the house until your family goes a little batty.

Big Bedding Companies Should Take Advice from the Little Guys

I don't enjoy failing or falling on my face.  First off it hurts my pride, second of all it hurts my darn face.  I hate to have people to know I have failed -I like to succeed.  I don't know what the big deal is - everyone fails, it makes us who are....blah, blah I get the positive spin on it.  I don't  know who says it but I do believe that as awful as failure is, it is part of growing , changing and learning from my mistakes.  That being said, even though I failed....I turned this failure into an opposite of failure?  A success after a failed attempt?  Oh hell, I made lemonade out of lemons.  Read on;

Submitted Products to Pottery Barn Kids

In January of 2010 I took the advice of a dear friend and I sent 4 product samples to Pottery Barn Kids.  I spent an entire weekend on 6 or 8 designs, painting, researching and looking at trends.  I spent a great deal of time on their site, trying to figure out what their designers wanted, comparing my ideas to their bedding and pretty much immersing my self in Pottery Barn Kids 101.  I wanted to design Nursery & Kid's Room Decor products that complimented their products.  I really felt I had one chance to make a good impression and I wanted to make a great one.

Of the 8 designs I created, I felt that four of them were good, no not good - really good.  I got feedback from friend's in the industry, I made the tiles and shipped them off.  I spent the next two weeks checking my email and voicemail almost every 5 minutes to see if they loved my stuff....I knew they would love it.  After no response I sucked it up and I called them.  The Head Buyer lady said they would review Jamie's Painting & Design at their next Design meeting, and I would hear from them.  I never heard from them. 

Rejection.....Sucks

I waited for weeks that soon turned into a month and I did not "hear from them".  After countless phone calls and emails I finally got the Buyer on the phone.  When I re-introduced myself and asked if they had made a decision on my products  her reply was, "We are not interested."  Ouch!  She did not let me down easily, she did not sugar-coat it.  Pottery Barn Kids did not give a reason and they did not apologize for their (her) short and to the point answer.  I was so shocked I did not even rebuke her or ask what they did not like my products.  I am usually pretty good about asking the right questions and where do we go from here...this time, not so much.

I spent the next few days, okay weeks feeling very bad.  I could not believe I had it so wrong - I always got it right.  Well, not right, but the chances of 1 our of 4 of my designs being what they wanted, or liked - I had done my damn research!  Most times after tons of research I got the design factor down.  I felt I was like Austin Powers and I had just lost my mojo (is that even how you spell it?).  I know it was not the end of the world, but I just felt crummy about the designs and my ability to make good products.

Making it Work

By summer I decided fu.........um, I mean screw it they were still my designs.  I really liked, dare I say loved the four designs that would forever be known as PBK rejects in my mind.  I dusted them off sucked in my pride and I added them to my 2010 line of new products.  I figured they did not own me, they did not own my designs....I did.  I did not hold up much hope of them being best sellers, but I thought maybe somebody somewhere would like them.

Within 24 hours of the Butterfly & Flower Birth Announcement going live on numerous websites we sold 3.  This may not seem like such a huge deal, but it takes awhile for Google to crawl sites, it takes customers a while to purchase new designs.....this was odd.  The Zoo Animals Birth Announcement has also had the same success, we sold 10 and it has only been out there for a short time.  The Butterfly Garden Name Plaque & The Space Name Plaque  sold for the first time last week a few times for both.  A few of my other designs have had limited success, but right the gate these four, the PBK Four as I have re-named them seem to have some legs.  Week after week these four designs are selling.

With new designs and even with old designs sometimes we don't sell a design till it has been on the market for 6 months to a year.  It may take a good customer review, press or just word of mouth.  We have been ahead of the game on designs and then when a bedding design has come out our product has sold like crazy.  We have been known to go week after week selling one design over and over, for months sometimes years and then see the sales stop all together. 

Am I Gloating?  Why, Yes....Yes I Am

So, even though I am disappointed that Pottery Barn Kids did not select my products I sort of feel vintigated with my artistic talent.  I am Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.  The scene where she walks back into the exclusive Beverly Hills Boutique that refused to sell her clothes with bags and bags of clothes and she is dressed up in her new fancy shmancy outfit and she asks the woman if she remembers her, tells her what a big mistake she made.  Ya that is me.

[Jamie, smartly dressed and carrying many tiles, stops into Pottery Barn Kids Corporate Office.]
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100405/Jamie: Do you remember me?
Pottery Barn Kids Buyer: No, I'm sorry.
Jamie: I sent you plaques and birth announcement designs. You didn't like them?
Pottery Barn Kids Buyer: Oh.
Jamie: You work on commission, right?
Pottery Barn Kids Buyer: Ah, yes.
Jamie: Big mistake. Big. Huge! [turns away] I have to go make tiles now!

Getting into Pottery Barn Kids

My very, very good friend London Edwards has done the impossible.  She has her products for sale in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog and website.   There were ups and downs, good and bad days.  It was a very long process that started last fall and just finally came to fruition last week.  Her products debuted on the Pottery Barn Kids site late Thursday, July 22, 2010. 

If you are like me and wondering how the hell...er heck did she do that - well I found out.  Actually, I lived through it with her most of the past year. She was nice enough to answer a few questions to help others that might (like who wouldn't?) want to get into Pottery Barn Kids.

Can we get a little history about your Company, My Little Dish?

London - I started My Little Dish in 2001.  Began wholesaling immediately with local stores, I never did any local shows.  We did our first trade show in the first few months and again 6 months after that.  Even though now I think trade shows are a waste of money, but I did learn the term "Licensing" from a neighboring booth.  That turned out to be helpful in 2004 when I licensed some of my products.

How did you get into PBK? Did they contact you? 

London- They called late one afternoon. I didn't answer because it was after hours and normally don't even check voice mail until the next day. Something told me to check right away and when I did, I about fell out of my chair.  (I still have that voice mail saved on my phone.  I also have the voice mail from when she called to confirm they were adding them to the new line.)  I called them back and spoke to the senior buyer, who said they needed samples immediately could I overnight them!

I guess I should have asked her how on earth they found her, because I still do not know.  I am guessing that if the buyer was searching for personalized dishes or plates, My Little Dish would be one of the first to come up.  Something I wish I knew when starting a company, it helps to have the product name in the company name.  I can not tell you how many times I am called to paint a house, paint a sale sign at a Burger King or ask if I am hirng contract painters.

What was the process like?

London - The process was long. Actually that's an understatement.  From conception to the finished product it was exactly 8 months.  With a lot of back and forth, design changes, many more samples and dealing with dozens of different people. Everyone I dealt with was very nice, but big companies can be interesting to deal with.  Everything has to go through senior designers and buyers and they change their minds more than a teenage girl changes clothes!

Ahhhhh, like I said in the intro, I was going along with her on this entire ride, getting emails, texts and phone calls from her weekly and sometimes daily.  I know for a fact it could be very frustrating sometimes for her , especially if you are not used to collaborating with so many people on your designs.  When working with big companies (I have done it) you take the good with the bad and learn that it is not just you but an entire design team that is helping (or hindering) your designs.

How did you come up with your designs?  Was it a collaborative effort?

London - They asked me for my top sellers and told me what they were looking for (sort of in a very vague manner) and I painted all 12 designs in both girl and boy colors.  After they looked them over and told me they loved them, they started to pick them apart.  They didn't like the black, could I change text color? This pink was too light, but that one was too dark.  So after a few more batches of samples, we finally narrowed it down.  Then they sent me a few bedding samples and asked for designs based on that.  Voila! Done, sent the samples. They loved them and were going to take all of them.......then they weren't going to take all of them.  Indecisive definitely, but with so many cooks in the kitchen, I got it!  They were always very polite and very appreciative of everything, so it made the changes very bearable.  I have been very appreciative of how kind everyone has been there. You hear stories about big companies. I have stories about some big companies.  But this company has not disappointed me in the least, yet.

Was there anything crazy or funny that they asked you?

London - I can't remember anything they asked, but I can remember a comment that blew me away when talking to the first Buyer.  She wanted a price break, because (of course) they are a profit driven company.  When I asked her for the volume they thought they would do so I could run numbers, she said a similar product sold 10,000.  10,000 units? 10,000 dollars?  For a quarter, for a year what?  She said $10,000.  I assumed she meant in a year. (Which my accountant informed me that plenty of my accounts sell that much in a year, so a price break might not be worth it.)  Sooo.......I emailed her as much.  Within seconds she shot back an email saying "No, that is $10,000 a week!!!!!!!"  I began laughing hysterically.  I'm not sure why, if I found it funny, or if it scared the hell out of me.  But I couldn't stop laughing. All I kept thinking was OMG, that was for one product and they just took 12 of my designs. 

Something to keep in mind is that many companies (large and small) always give out these huge projections for what they think they will sell.  I have been doing this for eight years and never have they been correct.  Almost always (except for one Halloween Plate) they were way off.  It is very exciting and I hope that PBK is dead on, but just keep in mind that projections are not facts.

Anything else you can share for someone hoping to work with big Company?  Bit of advice? Or something you wish you knew?

London - Ask a lot of questions, kill them with kindness, don't turn down additional products they want to add, because chances are they will narrow down the line eventually after numerous meetings with other buyers.  I wish I had agreed to do the melamine, ornaments, frames and any and all they initially asked instead of being cautious.  Some problems are good to have, so take them on and worry about how you produce them later.  That's easy to say now, because I haven't started producing yet.  So ask me again in a few months, in the middle of Christmas season!

Well, actually this is only half the story, I can't wait to see how this plays itself out.  London is a hundred percent right about asking questions.  Also I would add if you are itty bitty and run your business out of a closet....maybe do not share that.  I never used to let on how small my company was - as long as I could deliver what they asked, that was good enough.

I have worked with some large and very, very large companies.(psst...Nordstrom, Target, Warm Biscuit Bedding when I was a newbie, Home Goods, Favorites Catalog, Femail Creations Catalog, The Right Start).  One store even took an entire year to pay me.  A. Year.  I am not saying that will happen here, but if you choose to work with a large company know that you are doing everything on THEIR terms.  Also, you may need to hire additional employees, rent more space, buy more supplies, purchase special packaging - added costs that you may not know when you get wined and dined by one of the big guys.

Running in Circles

January 14, 2008.

So....ya um I am a bit behind on blogging, posting, eating, bathing  basically even cleaning my house.  I have had a crazy week and it is only getting crazier....and you know a cold is a comin'.  I am seriously having a real hard time concentrating because I seem to have so much on my list.

Scrabble Dabble Do

I think I have mentioned over and over how hard it is running a business, let alone one in a down economy.  Sales are down for us, and we still chug along.  I am faced to really go hard after sales right now and find some great partnerships for Jamie's Painting & Design.  

Last week I had a great meeting with a catalog about designing some exclusive products for them.  We started looking at 6 name plaques, 6 birth certificates and 2 of our brand spanking new products.   It was so fun to start the year off with a great new partnership.....then I got the deadline.   Today.  Excited - yes, almost impossible - yep!  Good news is I work great under pressure - I work fast and I will finish.....

What Else Can We Do?

I am starting this Fund-raising project that I think will generate some new business for us.  I also think it gets our name out there, and it is good to be involved in the community.  I have talked with a few friends at different schools and am feeling really good about some projects we will be able to do.  Also I am doing my very first "In Studio" class if you will for a Girl Scout Troop.  I have taught art before, I teach it at my son's school - I should be okay right?  

With the Economy down I find that if I am not busy - well I will go crazy from stress.  So this little project is going to not only help with the bottom line but more importantly it keeps me busy.  The plan is for them to go through all the same processes that I go to to design a product, however I will use an artist as an "Inspiration" and teach them about a certain way of using paint, pens or crayons.  Then let them make the product, tie the ribbon - do all the fun things we do at Jamie's Painting & Design.

Twits, Tweets All on Twitter

I don't know what it is about 2009 but I can not seem to get enough Twitter.  I find I am checking it all the time - a bit obsessed, maybe?  It is interesting information, interesting people - I try to follow people that interest me, ones that follow me - reporters, etc.  Not sure what I did right (or wrong) but I am picking up followers like every ten minutes - really, no idea what I did to get them following me.  But like I said - totally enjoying it.  If you want to follow me and think I have something interesting say (don't laugh some days I do) you can follow me here.

A Little Press is Good for the Soul

I have mentioned before that I subscribe to HARO (Help A Reporter Out) for queries that reporters, magazine editors, TV Producers and Bloggers subscribe to.  You get three emails a day with a list of subjects and what the reporters are looking for.  Most times they do not pertain to me, but some days they do.  I have pitched a story, or two - maybe three.  I finally got a bite.  

Next Saturday a local magazine is coming over to photograph my two children's room, and my garage/play room (that was once my studio).  They originally said they were coming in April....I thought great, I can tidy them up by April.  The date was wrong  - it is NEXT SATURDAY!!!!

I am trying not to have a nervous breakdown, not to mention I have picked up a cold.....I know the room(s) will look great.  I am also thinking I can direct them in the right area for a photograph....("uh ya no not that section, that is where the dog ate a portion of our carpet, hey look at those great tiles on the wall!")

  

When Going Tough The Tough gets A Cold

Yep, I have a cold, and it is a doozy.   On top of everything else I get sick - and I know, I know, I got it because of the stress.....oh well.  I am going to keep chugging (Orange Juice that is) and try to work through this one.  No time for a sick Mom.  

Keep You Posted

I will take before and after pictures of my children's rooms (these are from two years ago when we were on View From the Bay, a local TV show exactly two years ago)....I don't have much work to do but I do have to do some spiffin' up, cleaning up and touching up of scuff marks.  The garage is another story all together - too many toys to count and I am always shoving stuff in corners, or moving items around they no longer play with.  Not to mention the laundry that is out there....

I will keep you posted.  I am hoping 2009 continues to look up..or out, or uh better?  Whatever it is, it has got to be better than the end of 2008.....right?

Information for Artists Licensing Art

October 5, 2008.

About a year ago I joined a Licensing Group.  I heard about the group through Cheryl Phelps, who I consulted with a few times regarding licensing my art.  The group meets once a month to review our goals, share successes, failures and pretty much support each other.  I say the "group" instead of "me" because I have a hard time making it each month, it is an hour away and we meet on Saturdays and well, two kids, two dogs and a business....not much free time.  However, when I do go it has always been helpful, insightful and well really inspirational.  I don't have art classes, art critiques, or an art professor to move me along.....just lil' ol' me and some artist friends  and ceramic friends on the Internet (oh that sounded kind of dirty, but you know what I mean, right?).

Yesterday it was a full house (literally we met at one of the women's homes) with excitement.  You could feel it in the air, and you could also sense the nervousness - yesterday an Art Licensing Agent and a Creative Director from Mossaic were speaking.  They were also going to review some of our art.  And like the super-good honor student that I was (sometimes, in Art & English of course) I took me some good notes, so in no particular order:

1. If you are going to contact an agent you must have your website in order.  Do not make it  hard for them to click through to site.  They also do not want to read how you started painting in the third grade and your grandmother taught you how to sculpt and you and your 4 cats live in a van down by the river.....  They look at art first, and your information second.
2. The colors you choose are sometimes more important than the art.  If you are using hot color combinations from ten years ago, they may never see past that.  Know the trends, pay attention to what is hot now, or what is "going to be hot". 
3. Don't be paranoid about getting art copyrighted before sending, the agents are professional and are not going to steal your art.  Some artists are so freaked about showing they end up not getting in front of anyone - show your art.
4. Only show recent art, art from two years ago - forget it.  You are trying to get them to represent you - show your BEST and NEWEST designs.
5. Before pushing send on that email - do your homework and check the agents website.  If they only do Thomas Kinkaid and Country Folk Art......and you design tattoos, um maybe pick another one.
6. They also recommend submitting between 10 and 15 pieces.  One piece - does not tell them anything and 456 pieces.....eh over kill.
7. Put your name on everything you send.  And if you are smart add your phone number, email, website, name of your parents, first pets name, social security number, driver license.....okay maybe not all that information.  Do know, they look at hundreds of pieces of art and will not remember what you did - put your information on everything - create a stamp or something.
8. You need to have about 50 to 100 images in your portfolio. 
9. These agents are looking for more painterly work, not the graphic look that is so popular today.
10. Make sure your line is consistent and that it can be easily recognizable in the same family, people should be able to tell it is all by the same artist.
11. They are always looking for floral designs
12. They are always looking for Christmas designs, this is the most popular art.  Halloween is a close second, nd then Thanksgiving and Fall.  Valentines day is fourth.
13. When contacting them get to the point quickly, only time to write a detailed letter or email is to list your successes in industry or other licensed agreements you have.
14. If you get the hand....er if you get rejected, then wait 4 to 6 weeks to re-submit.  Do NOT send same images, send something new you have done.
15. The word for next year is "Comfort", figure out what that means....but know it.

Do Your Shopping Homework

When looking for new styles, new look, new color combinations do not shop at Target or TJ Maxx, those are years after the fact.  Go to Gump's, the trendy boutiques near your home or Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie - shop at the top.  No time to shop go to Print & Pattern's blog and read it.....religously.  Restoration Hardware - nope, already watered down.  This will help you identify where the art is going, the styles and the colors are going.  Watch trends or colors go through the channels - starting with fashion, high end art, color combinations in the home - be aware of this.  When it hits WalMart - that trend is over.  Look to Europe for next year's themes and colors, they are about one to two years ahead of us.

Get the Facts

Do know that whether you go with an agent or try to get contracts alone - this is time consuming work.  The ones that are successful are able to paint quick, and turn around a LOT of art.  Also, if you know Photoshop and can manipulate your art - that is a good thing too.  Now, there will be some that buck the trend and be able to create their own "trend or color combinations" - those are few and far between.  Watch what is going on and this is not copying or plagiarism - take your own spin on the trend.....own it, make it your own.

Where are we now? We are in the re-birth of the 70's and 80's, notice the looks the colors.  Where  will be next - the trends are always 30 years out.  How can you (or me) take the next trend to the next level?  What was hot 30 years ago? What color combinations do your remember from way back in the day?  I don't know about anyone else reading this blog but 30 years ago I was in second grade, watching House on the Prairie and sulking cause the boy I liked did not like me.  Colors and Style?  Gaucho's, knee socks and clogs?  Holly Hobbie??  I may have liked rainbows.....?

What I Learned from the Meeting

I have old art in my portfolio - all the new art I just designed, should have put it into tear sheets.  I need to be watching what is up next, following color trends - even if I don't particularly like the new look.  I also need to realize that the companies I submitted to that never emailed me back or kindly declined (or not so kindly) I need to re-submit.   And, sheesh I need to paint, draw and sketch more - oh ya I am hoping to find time to do that.

Anyone else have other thoughts, facts or questions regarding licensing do's and don'ts - feel free to comment and share.  Information is golden and I am always happy to learn from others.

 

Being Good to Employees

May 17, 2008.

As I ran through my list of things to do for my trip this past week, this children's rhyme ran through my  head:

The Cupboards Were Bare

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor doggie a bone.  When she got there, the cupboard was bare, so the poor doggie had none.  If you read here you can see where the song really came from....not what I was actually um thinking but interesting.   Anyway, maybe it is because I have had puppy on the brain, but I think it has more to do with my work environment...working so hard I have um neglected the cupboards.  I was looking for a snack, a soda, a water the other day.....I found an old piece of candy from Christmas.

I filled the cabinets in the break room, or well maybe not totally full (I gotta eat too you know), but stocked them with snacks, drinks and some treats.  I cleaned the office, I got flowers for the table....made it perty.  We moved into this space almost 2 1/2 years ago and I think it needs an update.  I tend to get itchy with decorating my home, gardening, table settings - the same thing every day bores me to tears.  I think when I get back I will spruce up the place a tad.

Small Tokens of My Appreciation

We had no Christmas party in 2007, it was not in the budget, or more honestly we could not pull it off.  The end of the year was tough and well I think have been pretty clear about how 2008 has been.  So I went and got gift cards for everyone - left them a little gift while I am out of town with apparently every other artist in the country.  I am pretty sure life at the ol' JPD office will be just fine without me.

The Ad Was Chosen

I know I posted about this ages ago, but thought you would like to see the one that was chosen.  I think the colors are bright, cheery, hopefully it gets me some business.  The Jungle one we used for the press release, so all in all - I think we used the best art.

I am furiously working on new art for a company we license with....and a few other surprises.  I will keep you posted on how Surtex was, who I saw, any other artists that went....and my over all thoughts, observations and you know any snarky comments I may have.   

Once A Sell Out....Always?

May 13, 2008.

I am not dumb, I am not stupid and I do not run around with my eyes covered refusing to acknowledge design trends.  Sometimes though, I like to sit back and watch and wait to see if it is a fad or just a trend.  Othertimes I realize that if everyone is doing it, maybe I should not.  The fact still remains - I watch trends, whether I act on them or not I get it.

I knew the brown trend was here to stay - I love brown, I have brown all over my home - and with the pastel colors, fabulous for baby.  I love me some brown, I just had no need to add it to my line, and it felt everyone would think , oh there she goes, just like everyone else.   I assumed my work was classic and it was like the canvas art - everyone was already doing it, and doing it well, so why bother?  Until today that is:

Brown is the New Black

Which brings me to a few new designs......designs that were asked of me by others, um maybe more than once.  And, if I am getting paid to paint new designs for people, you better believe I am going to paint the colors they like.  My product is an accesorry, an add-on if you will - so I really should consider taking their suggestions.  A certain person I um, shared a booth with last July also was pushing for this color combination.  Again, I am not dumb - just stubborn.

Not Bucking the Trend

So here is my version of "Pink & Brown", I had to add some butterflies.  I also could not just do polka dots and stripes, not my style or my thing.  Wait, let me rephrase that - I don't draw those things, not my strong point.  Sounded like what my graphic desinger started calling me after she designed our ad last year "Jamie Hates Polka Dots". I don't know what it was, but the polka dots were not working for me.....yet they were for another person.  Anyway - here we are today.

I give you my first sample.  I like the colors, sort of kicking self for not doing this sooner.  However, I have NO idea what the Just Because Plaque should say or if it should be a new Name Plaque?  Thoughts? Advice?  Stuck in a pickle, so to speak.

Second sample with a brown ribbon you can see below.  Again, I can not decide which one to go with.  I always want to try a new ribbon color, however anyone in this industry knows pink sells, and pink sells well.  If pink is the predominating color in a product we know it will sell better than any other color combination.  Even though I continue to try other color combinations from time to time, anything with pink trounces the others.  Thoughts on the brown or pink ribbon

My Art History

When I was in one of my beginning art classes I made a self-discovery at one of our critiques (critiques are common in art classes, where you show the class your piece or work and they pick it apart).  I have found that these critiques (that were nerve wracking at times) have helped me to develop a thick skin when someone does not like my art.

Anyway - what I announced to the class as they were dissecting some piece or work, was I hated to have the art fall off the edge.  I could not stand it over to the side, not centered - made me crazy (can you say I had some control issues? Or have?).  For the rest for the semester I was forced to push my drawings, paintings, anything to edges.  I hated it.

So now that I am the boss of me I hardly never, ever push the art to the sides.  I like it pushed to edges, but not off the edge.  Oh well, now that I am on that I jumped on the brown train, maybe I will attack my "edge" issues.  I am feeling like a sell-out with the brown and pink color combinations for sure....oh well, takes one to know one, right? 

Painting, Working & A Request

March 17, 2008.

I am seriously so behind on blogging and so far removed I am not sure where to begin.  My posts are down, my comments are down, my visitors are down and my readers are waaaay down.   In fact I am not sure anyone is reading this now....anyone?  No, seriously, I have just been super busy on way to many projects.  I am NOT having another pity party for myself, I just may have to admit I have bitten off more than I can chew - and I have a big mouth you know?

Painting New Designs

Maybe if I can get it together I can show you a little of what I have been working on.  It's not that exciting, and I have some more paint stained shirts, but it has been a ton of work:

That is one of like 20 new painting that I am trying to figure out how to put them on....well everything.  Licensing is a full time job in itself, not to forget the other 45 things I do (or make that 78 if you are a mother too - you know what I mean?). 

I am so used to working on ceramics, with lots of white space and no borders.  Licensing opens up so many avenues, possibilities and options it is, at times very overwhelming, oh and they loooove borders.  This past week it took up all of my time at the office - only to find out after a consulting meeting I needed to do more. 

Yep - more.  Well - more work is good, it is a must and I like to know how to do things perfect, or close to perfect.   I hate coming to the game (meeting) unprepared, unsophisticated and looking like a total hack.  I swear by the quote.,"You only get one chance to make a first impression."

So, since I am in a blogging sort of um vortex, and totally busy with other projects, I am hoping to help some other entrepreneurs out there, I got this email a few weeks ago and I apologize to Rina for not posting it sooner:

An ABC Exhibitor Requ

Dear Jamie,

I've enjoyed reading your blog and your insights on the ABC Kids Expo.  I am a new business owner and I am still in the manufacturing process of my product.  My product is a handy clip that keeps a blanket or stuffed animal from falling from a stroller. 

I will be a first time exhibitor this year at the ABC Kids Expo.   I am new to the children's industry and am looking to find someone to share a booth with.   I believe that sharing a booth with help defray costs, since I only have a single product.

If you know anyone interested, please have them contact me directly.  Again, thank you for helping a total stranger!

Rina Yano

Serial Entrepreneur

So, not wanting to just put somebody's information out there without know anything about them, I googled Rina (I am still amazed when I meet people that don't know how or refuse to use a search engine to find out information).  It really is an invaluable took for a small business owner, especially if you work alone or you want information fast.

So as I was saying - I found Rina and she is a successful entrepreneur already - her and her sister started a company called Omma Yoga, they create stylish, yet functional yoga bags.  Being the yoga novice (um, actually read totally ignorant, never did it but EVERYONE says I should) I had no idea what this product was.  After closer inspection they seem to really be on to something, it is a great looking bag they have designed that all of your yoga (or Pilates) stuff (again, I have no idea what that would be).  See how that google thing worked out, took two seconds and I have a plethora (love that word for some reason) of information.

If anyone is interested in sharing a booth with Rina, or speaking with her please feel free to comment on the blog (you know how I love that!) or send me a direct email and I will forward your information on to Rina.

Searching the Internet

The funny thing about this 'request' is that The ABC Kids Expo is one of the most frequent searches for people finding my blog.  I have not even attended in 3 years, yet my recent posts last year show up soon after the actual ABC Kids Expo site. The second most frequent search is my post on "What Happens in the Garage Stays in the Garage", just in case you wondered - and here is that post. 

That's all folks....I swear I have a Saint Patrick's Day post for tomorrow, or tonight, um okay give me till Tuesday and I will post on Wednesday, I promise.  I hear they might revoke my ol' blogger badge (that I have been wearing so proudly for two years) if I don't post more frequent, and relevant, and more pictures, and links...and how I need to update my flickr.....better yet if you have any more questions I am happy to answer them, Wednesday, yes I will get to them Thursday, or Friday? 

 

Art for Art Sake

March 3, 2008.

Um, Top 'O' The morning to you, Erinn Go Brach, Don't touch my lucky charms.....Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Yes we are all enjoying some corn beef and cabbage and some potatoes over here.  It is March! March is here and we are knee deep in Leprechaun Traps, four leaf clovers and lucky for me the kids are too young to know what green beer is.  And, yes Abby and I did us some painting this weekend.....

Painting for the Irish

I did an anchor man for the blog and a stress monster, but that is it.  How sad is that?  2 drawings in 4 months just for fun?  I started to realize, I never just paint to create, just for me.  I never, ever just paint what I feel like painting.  I don't know if I lost that desire, or I just don't have the time like I used to.  I usually paint due to deadlines, exclusive designs, new products that customers have asked for or a bedding designer needs something to compliment their products.  Last July I created 20 or so new Christmas designs because our line of products was so limiting, and did not have a lot of diversity....this was lots of research, and lots of painting.  I enjoyed doing it - but it was to sell the ornaments, not to just make art for me.

I think somewhere between 2002 and today I lost the ability to just paint for the heck of it - just for fun.  I never ever draw for fun, I never sketch for fun, I never paint for fun.  I doodle with my daughter, I show her how to draw things, I give examples, I sketch....I do not create.

I Am A Sell Out

Years ago, when I was in college (okay not that long ago but I did graduate in '93) the mantra of the SJSU Art Department was something like this:

• Don't go work for the man
• Do not ever do what the industry wants you to do
• If doing an installation, do it naked
• Come out of the closet some artistic creative way
• Never be a sell-out

Now, dont' get all upset with me, these were not the rules, they were unspoken but Iwas not the  most popular girl in the art department.  I did not color my hair purple, I did not have a nose ring, I did not wear black leather and I uh, did not fit in.  We are talking the start of grunge, the heart of Silicon Valley - before the dot com boom.  I hate to say it, I always knew I would sell-out.

I liked cartoons, I liked animation, I enjoyed cutesy (not a real word, I know) characters.  I majored in Computer Art but I focused my time on cartoons, t-shirt designs and posters.  I used "bubble letters" for every "project".  Not sure if other art departments across the country were so dark, goth and non-conforming as mine was, but I am guessing they were. 

The Children's Industry

I love this industry, I do love creating art for children's rooms.  I create art though, I do not create themes.  I know my strengths and weaknesses.  I create accessories, add-on's, nice to haves - I compliment the popular bedding styles of the day.  I mean who would have thought 5 years ago Pirates would have been popular? 

Sometimes I create themes, tile designs that I think will sell, sometimes I am right.  Other times I am wrong.  I now (only took 5 years) know what my job is - to make accessories to help accessories a child's room.  I love my job, no really I do.  But I am not going to cure any diseases, I am not going to re-energize some long lost over-looked design.  I sort of go with the "there are no original ideas" theory on this one.  Whether I change the industry or not, I know that until I get to design bedding and wall paper (no I am NOT doing that....yet) I just have to go with what is popular.

When I started a popular store told me to "NEVER, EVER do Dinosaurs, because they are so 1980's".  Yes....well, I did "dinosaurs" a couple of years ago and our Name Plaque and Just Because Plaque are both best sellers....thank you very much.  Sometimes I do choose to buck the trend, but for the most part I just do as I am told and I follow the lead of my large accounts.

Just Paint

So, yesterday I got to paint just to paint.  The blogs header is just for fun, it is just for me - I will not use it again, wait I may use it  again - don't quote me.  I designed the cute little guy, I actually got to paint a rainbow, I have not painted one of those since 4th grade - I LOVE rainbows!  No one told me what the new "hot" theme was, no one demanded I do a <in the blank> product.  I just got to paint, with my daughter - just paint.  She painted a birthday card for her Papa - I painted St. Patrick's day art.

I have been reading many a blog for about two years.  At first I laughed at all the "art for art sake" and the old "just create" days.  I mean, I am not able to dilly dally with my acrylics on a Wednesday and bake a cake, sew a skirt, plants some flowers and um well fool around.  Don't get me wrong, I love these blogs and I wish I could just paint somedays.  So, I digress - it was nice yesterday, even it was only for a couple of hours to just paint to paint.  I hope you enjoy my little March Madness header....because you know in about two weeks I'm going to have to switch to Easter.  I know, I know I have a real problem, I am working on it. 

Licensed Artwork by Jamie R. Lentzner

February 29, 2008.

It's Official

Well, well, well - it really is not a big deal at all, but I am excited.  I was told back in December two of my licensed designs would be available at a large department store the first week of February.  I am lucky because we have one store about 20 minutes from my home.  I don't have a problem or anything.I mean I only went to the store once like the end of January......I mean twice, okay four times tops, if you count the first three weeks of February.  And, I may have um, sort of asked some family members, friends and anyone that had one of these stores in their vicinity to go look and see if they saw my products.  I finally saw them (on my fifth trip maybe?) at the store.  I am not proud of it - but it true, I have been sort of stalking this store just so I could touch and see , my "licensed products".  For whatever reason it was not real until I saw them at the store - until I touched them and got to see my signature in the corner.  I will now be able to add Licensed Artist to my long list of things I am (it will be number 47, right after Martha Stewart wanna-be)

It is Different

Licensing artwork is different than producing products, manufacturing them and selling them to stores (and a lot less work ).  I actually license my artwork to companies that then give me a percentage of any products they sell with my "images" on their products.  This has been a goal of mine for 2007, and more importantly for 2008.

So, I sort of kind of need to eat my words - no it is okay, I am doing it gladly.  Not sure if anyone recalls my rant, well it was more than one, it was a number of posts about  success (or not) regarding  the Atlanta Gift Show.  I went on and on about how bad it was, how I did not do well, blah blah blah.  I must say months later, looking back at the experience - I only focused on the negative. 

Something positive did happen, I did get something good.  A company approached me about licensing my artwork for their wood plaques.  I did a few designs....and they pretty much sucked (no it's okay, they did), and then I did some more - and well, two (that did not suck) sold to a store.  They are now available to the public at this specific store - only these two designs.  I have worked on more, we will see what happens - I am optimistic (now I am).

It just goes to show you that you can not judge something right after the fact - you (me) needs sometime to let it settle, chew on it and wait and see the outcome.  This is just the start - not a huge deal, but a start none the less - I am finding this "owning your own business thing" is about the long haul, baby steps.  I am still not going to spend all that $$$ and exhibit - but I am thankful I got something good....something really good from the show. 

Your First Time

Oh my first time, I remember it so well.  My palms were sweaty, my heart was beating rapidly.   I held my breathe as I walked into a store looking around, but trying not to be to obvious.  There they were I finally saw my ceramic birth certificates hanging on the wall, and in the cabinets.  It was pretty amazing, it was humbling, I loved it. 

One time it even happened by accident, my husband and I were on vacation and we found a store that had my products - I knew there was one in the city, just not where.  I still remember every store's name, every website and every catalog - not best use of my brain, and I am not sure of the city every time - but I know the store name.

We were walking around downtown Napa and happen to find the store.  So, anyway I walk in, see my stuff and I am all giddy (yes geeked up for sure) and I tell the woman working that I am the artist that makes the ceramic art she has.  The woman was busy folding blankets, she looked up from what she was doing and then she grunted at me.  To my husband's credit he did rush me out and take me to a nice romantic lunch (with drinks).....I mean she grunted, she actually grunted at me.

Put it in Perspective

Looking back now, over a year and a 1/2 later the fact that she grunted is pretty funny.  Anyone who makes anything, or creates art - it is just cool to see it for sale.  It is not that I am a legend in my own mind, I just enjoy seeing my products for sale. I guess I can not be too impressed with myself when someone who sells my products grunts at me.  It isn't a big deal, it is just what I do, and to quote Popeye, "I am what I am."

Oh Etsy, Etsy, Etsy....Ah, Ah, Achoo!

February 20, 2008.

So....if you have noticed my posts have been, um a tad bit "lacking" and not as frequent as they used to be.  What you did not notice?  You did not wonder what happened to me?  Well, if you are interested, hold on uhum, uhuuum (clearing throat), "I AM STILL FRICKING SICK!"

That is right two weeks and three days after attending the infamous Crab Feed with many a friend, many a dancing and many a (um maybe just two) margaritas I am officially still coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose, coughing fits, blowing nose, more sneezing...and lots of whining, and a double ear infection.  I went back to the doctor today (with another $35.0 co-pay thank you very much) to have them finally give me some antibiotics:

I am Watching You Etsy....Now

I think I have mentioned before that I had sort of ignored Etsy, not given it much thought, then one Sunday morning I woke up to a fire storm of emails that had my heart racing and my fingers a typin'.  Etsy was brought up in the frenzy, so I started to poke around Etsy, and quick like and I kept on poking, and listening to what others had to say about Etsy.

From my very technically sophisticated research, or you can read: me on Etsy for two hours this morning waiting for a doctor's appointment....I found the following out:

• Etsy let's your customers list you as a "favorite" (now this time not me doing air quotes, my on line friend who has been very successful on Etsy, gave me some information), and this helps with your listings and your standings.  Etsy shoppers are like Ebay Shoppers, they are loyal and they shop all the time.
• Etsy is a community of crafters and artisans that seem to loathe (watch the video) Wal Mart and products not handmade.  They make everything themselves (though this is open to interpretation).
• Etsy is international and products can be sold to people in countries all over the world.
• Etsy's sellers charge about $2.00 to $5.00 for shipping ANY WHERE in the country - GAH!
• Etsy uses PayPal and takes a percentage of every sale, as does Etsy - it works out to only about 2-2.5% per sale for the two companies, combined.
• Etsy does not follow up on copyrights (oops how did THAT one get in here?)     
• I am actually considering using Etsy....there I said it, I might.

Let me dissect and explain every "bullet point" for you.....um kay?

Etsy All Naked and Exposed (well gosh, we hope not literally naked)

• Etsy seems to have figured how to get customers to an international Craft Bazaar if you will.  They use key words, RSS feeds, blog rings and get a ton of visitors, buyers and sellers.  The place has tons of original product, beautiful artwork, jewelry and looks like some very creative people.
• Why I wonder are they so angry and hateful of big box stores?  I mean I am not a fan of Wal Mart (really can't stand the store), but I don't have to bad talk it every chance I get.  Why be a hater?  Can't you just make your nice little drink cozy or knitted pot holder and be happy?  I am a sometimes closet crafter and I am an artist, but I don't despise either sector.
• Okay NOT a fan of shipping over seas - it costs me roughly $20.00 to ship to Alaska and Hawaii, must I ship to Italy for $46.00? I found almost all artisans charging $3.00 or $5.00 for shipping - who do they use?  Pigeons?
• The post office was $6.75 for the coasters I shipped, Fed Ex is $10.95, and don't even get me started on my UPS charges.  Who makes money on shipping when they charge $3.00?  The customer saves, this is good - but those of us that have overhead costs like rent, employees, insurance - I personally can not afford to lose $8.95 on shipping.
• Not a fan of Pay Pal myself - but I guess I could use it.  The fact that they take such a small percentage is great, and seemed like a good deal.  Then I noticed you pay a fee to post every new product - not a big fee at all, but a fee.  I found artisans on some blogs a bit peeved at the fee they were charged, claiming Etsy did nothing.  I just had to laugh out loud - come on they host the site, they advertise, they get publicity, they drive traffic to your site, they process the order, blah, blah, blah.
• I happen to know they do not follow up on copy rights when you send them a nice email that someone is copying you.  Oh wait, they do but you must jump through 14 hoops, send 32 emails and prove to them beyond a reasonable doubt that it is your design before they will pounce on someone.  Then they have the gall to suggest you contact the artist direct - okay?  This would not be such a big deal had they not um stood behind copyrights, and had it all over the site....Psst, the one on the right is the real one, the left - copy cat lady on Etsy.

   

• The ceramic community I call "my industry or my peeps" is all up in arms, and Etsy has some serious offenders(um look at the photos).  They are a very, very close rip-off of our designs that are copyrighted.   I wish they would be a bit harder on these culprits - yes, they are the few and far between - but still frustrating.

Could You Etsy?

Don't shoot the messenger, I have a line of products that does not kill it, really I don't give it any attention.  I would call it my red headed step-child, but um I have a red head at home, and she may read this some day.  The pet line started two years ago, Posh Pet Gifts by Jamie has never done much in revenue.  We were even featured on The Ellen DeGenneres Show late last year - and to use my favorite word, this division is not making a bunch of money.  So, I figure what do I have to lose if I post the pet products?

I think the traffic is good, I think the "concept" (somebody STOP me before I hurt myself with these air quotes, I am getting a cramp in my right pinkie) is great, and some success stories are hard to ignore.  I do not have the time or energy to focus on Pet websites and stores, really I have to draw the line somewhere.  I want the pet line to succeed, I really do and I feel like it may succeed in this venue. 

I am thinking that I can approach it like an experiment, and post on it (well duh) to let you know how I am doing.  I am very curious to get in there and really embrace the community, like I stated earlier there seems to be some great things going on there....minus the copyrights, ripping of Walt Disney and the uh $3.00 shipping charges.

A New Copy Cat On The Fence

Which, brings me to a real "gem" of a find I found today.  I found someone using my artwork, I did, I did.  It was not actually on Etsy, it was on her (you knew it was a her) site that was linked directly to Etsy.  She took one of my copyrighted pieces (from 2004 none the less) and put it on a light switch thingie plate. 

She even listed it as "new products" - come on now, be smart and list it as old from 2003 if you want to copy me!  She even had the gall to do my lines I use - you know dot, line, dot, dot line thing...my signature, she did do it.  I would not be so concerned, well ya I would, but I would not be so ready to send a letter had she not listed her sales channels on the site...um 5 of them that I am on, and I am ALL over these sites.  Gee, wonder where she got the idea?

So readers I would love, love, love (willing to pay even) for some advice, thoughts? Comments?  Etsy good or Etsy bad?  And go ahead, you can tell me if I am crazy and that carriage does not look a thing like mine.....really, I swear I will listen.  Right after I finish painting light switch covers, I am almost finished with them....

I am still not sure about Etsy, I do know I am very intrigued by it and would love some feed back from others that used it, liked it, hated it - any information.  I only have so much free time to poke around on these sites, and this one has me scratching my head and saying....maybe I could join this site, it could be a good thing.

 

Lack of Communication

February 11, 2008.

I am sort of in a blogging tunnel, or I am blocked on blogging, or for black of better word (oooh too many B's)....I am bummed 'bout not blogging.  I don't know when it exactly happened, somewhere between yet another blog with no comments and my fall on the ground coughing fit...ya that must of been when it happened, I got seriously down on the blog.

I either made the mistake or had my eyes opened by reading other blogs, lots of other blogs that is, and that got me more down.  Maybe it was blog envy......well no, I know it was not that - having read one more "look at my cute kids cupcake" post I might just choke on the damn cupcake - no really your photos are amazing but GAH, I can not handle the saccharine.  So, um forgive me while I digress - it's comment envy, really it is.  Some blogs get 72 comments when they post - I am trying to figure out why.

The Girl Can't Help It 

Not to worry, I am sure I can pull myself up by my very lady like bootstraps and come up with something worth reading again soon....I have been over concerned that the blog was becoming too polarized and too "industry specific".  So that got me thinking, and I started toying with the idea with more "real life experiences" and show you the day in my life, but that is not a pretty picture people. 

So, as I was doing much research and I about fell off my chair reading about potty-training, eating chocolate, husband troubles, craft Tuesday.....too much for this girl to add to her blog, I think that is when I started whimpering and mumbling and my husband pulled me away from the computer for a few days of R & R.  I have been toying with a few hot topic and a polling device, that way you can give your opinion without you know, letting me know who you are.

So, just so you did not think I totally lost it - just so you can see what I have been up to: Back in the beginning of January Darin and I well, we split up.  NO, no not like that - we finally after 13+ years of sharing an office space, we separated our space.   I got a pretty studio to paint in with light green walls and my collection of urns and roses.....he got the extra room in the back of the house.  He did get the couch, the TV and stapler (damn I need the stapler) but I think I got the better deal. 

New Work Space

The first few weeks of January were a lot of us stomping (well mostly me stomping) down the hall to give back or re-claim items from each other's "new work space".  I was real sad at first - missed him, and kept yelling down the hall when I worked at home to see if he was okay.  Now, a month later - I am lovin' my new space!  I can spread out, I can have Abby in here to paint with me, I can email, blog, paint and do my make up all at the same time......well I could you know!

The New Studio

It really is quite girly, with the green and brown walls.  Yes I did go out and buy fresh flowers, and as my husband said, "that was necessary" - no it was not, but it looks purty.

The room is still this clean, and I have tried to not mess up the pretty painting table, but I have been putting it to some good use.  I have been painting for some exclusive designs I am working on for some companies, and I have been working on some new projects.  I will keep you posted - I have been dying to show you show you some products in a particular store....

The dresser to the right is one of my favorite projects, it was free.  I painted it green, then white then I sanded the heck out of it.  I got the new handles on it and it is by far one of my favorite pieces in the house.......and it stores tons of my crap...I mean art supplies.

Moving On Up

So, that is where I have been....literally and my frame of mind.  I apologize for skipping out and not telling you where I went (my mother would lead me to believe that is just rude, and she is right).  I did not plan on going on a "blogging vacation" or a "sabbatical from blogging" I just got bogged down on blogging.  But I am back.... I swear, I am listening to some Fergie...sorry! 

Where in the world is Wald....Jamie?

Okay, so I have not been blogging and I have actually been at home or holed up in my office - painting and researching new products.  Instead of taking a sabbatical from blogging I am going to let you see what I have been working on.  I have been painting my "you know what off", see the new Birth Plate to the left there (hint, pst there is one right there).  I kind of like him...or her!

I have been working on some new door hangers, new ornaments, new name plaques, new products.....um, painting new tile ideas.  Even a new product that I am so exicted about I can not stand it - it should be great, the "frame work" is all set to go....

I have been painting my fingers to the bone and I am pooped.  I need to get all this done by the time our ad drops for the Atlanta Gift Show, which we will be attending July 13-18.  The ad is supposed to be dropping last week of May and hitting buyers first week of June.  If, ah you can do the math that leaves me very little time for the last 8 paintings I need to do....by tomorrow!

Here is a quick gander at my little penguin.  I have wanted to do a penguin ornament for quite a while.  Last year we got so caught up doing exclusives for other companies that we (me) had no time to paint more than like 4 new ornaments....that is why I have been painting, and painting and painting.

So, should be done soon and then I will post my normal, cranky, amusing, sarcastic, voyeuristic view of my crazy life!

Organization+Throw Away = Inspiration

IMG_0653
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

So...this is my latest "project" at home. Our garage, became my studio for the company, then it went back to being a garage, now it's a play room. I took control over the garage for....um, my kid's sake. To be honest, they love to play out there. Most of the big bulky LOUD toys are out in the garage, and during the winter I am willing to let them (gulp) throw balls around the garage.

Then I got this brilliant idea from Pottery Barn Kids.....they had these old fashioned candy jars with toys in them in their latest catalog. I thought to myself:

a. I know I can buy those at Target
b. Why not put arts and crafts in those candy containers?
c. Husband is out of town on business....
d. If I can't find the cute containers I will just throw the craft supplies away (this would have been hard for me to do)

Our problem is I am so organized no one can actually see what they are looking for. I had all the art and craft supplies in bins, in drawers, and in cupboards....and they were never used. No one could find them, no one knew what we had.  I know I have a problem...I am just not ready to admit it out loud.

So, I have been organizing and dividing...and throwing stuff away. My children have been in the garage every day since the big 'Craft Organization Separation Put-in Jars' night. We even had friends over last night to make Easter Egg Bunny Rabbits...with all of our un-used craft supplies.  Now they can see what we have and they can bug me to get it down....

Don't know why, or how but this one act has brought me some inspiration, and some changes:

• Started planning our booth for our next trade show (July Atlanta Gift Mart)
• Finished a new painting for distribution or submission
• Ordered 3 amazing marketing books
• Found two new possible ceramic items to add to our product line
• After interviewing Independent Sales Reps need to send out an email with job offer
• Figured out a way to let everyone in the office recognize a special order with customer requests or changes
• Started actually thinking of new Christmas Products and Ideas (oh gosh, that is not right!)

I don't know why when I focus on something other than the business, it always sparks great creative ideas, and inspirations.  I do know yesterday I had to pull myself away from my painting to get the kids from school and sitter.  Making a mess is fun....creating stuff is fun....getting organized and cleaning up the clutter....is productive, for me. 

My Little Duck Distraction

IMG_0585
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

I have three ducks, male ducks to be exact, that come by my office for a little bite, or a snack. They visited us last Spring also. Not sure where the girl ducks are (I don't ask) but they come every day to visit.

They quack when they see me drive up, they circle around the door when I am there. They even rap the door with their beaks when they are irritated with me for not feeding them quick enough. Oh....and they leave the nicest 'droppings' for me right in front of the front door.

I look forward to them coming by in the morning...they even take naps after their snack time with me, under a tree right near my office. I get to run from place to place and they take nice little naps...the ducks are a nice little distraction when you don't want to work.

Maybe it's spring fever, maybe it's a real fever, but I find myself easily distracted these days at the office. I am at 4 1/2 years in business....and it is seriously starting to wear on me.

Now, don't worry I am not becoming Debbie Downer, however I am starting to wonder what can I do next? What should I do next? What do I want to do next?  I literally can visualize Anthony Michael Hall from the Breakfast Club with a pen clipped to his lip mumbling, "Who am I?  Who am I?  I'm Wally the Walrus...." I love that movie!!

Burn out hits every January, I have come to expect it. March? Still burnt out at the end of March? Maybe it is not burnt out so much as easily distracted......it's like I have senoritis (remember that? it was like your given right to cut school and go to the beach or prom dress shopping....or drink beer at the tanks, oh sorry that was MY senior year) Or it could be that my daughter is nearing the end of nursery school, I had to refinance the house to pay for two sets of summer camp for the kids.....and the weather here is gorgeous, maybe I just want a vacation.

Well, at least we are doing an 'upgrade' to our web sites, that ought to cheer me up. Something new and shiny (preferably diamonds, but this will have to do) always makes me happy. Don't get me wrong, I am not unhappy....just not sure what to do next...

There was a song that was out when I was pregnant with my son ('99) and it was about a bar closing and drunks going home with someone....but it resonated with me, uh maybe because I was not drinking and an emotional basket case, NO, NO it was this lyric....

Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end....

Use Your Imagination....Get Creative

IMG_0613
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

Grant and Abby made a Leprachaun Trap, but did not catch one, whew that is all I need is Leprachaun to take care of! Anyone with children in school know that Leprachauns can cause havoc on the classroom.....That little bugger made a mess of my family room and boy were the kids excited. He was a creative little leprachaun leaving green foot prints all over the place....and um THOSE were tough to clean up!

I love my children's creativity and their ability to use there imaginations. Without any outside influences it is amazing how creative you can be....When you are not afraid of what others will think, or the "Ya but...." questions, it is amazing what you can accomplish:

Which made me think of some challenges I have faced and I see others face, running a business:

The Band Aid
Do you ever have a problem that you just keep adjusting and making small adjustments to? Not addressing the problem and finding a solution? In a sense you just keep adding more band aids....

This was me after our first year in business, painting all tiles and cooking them in my oven. I was even ready to put an oven in my garage, add more artists, farm out work, babysitter...leave more time for me to paint, but I could not grow the business.  My husband is the one who found out a way for us to press the art into the tile....and I did NOT believe it would work. We spent an entire year researching and preparing for the change, before finally jumping on the band wagon and changing our process.

I was scared and I was convinced our channels would balk at the new products, even sending samples to our largest channels. Well, you all know how THAT worked out.....

I took a risk, I had to or my company could never have grown to what it is today. It was honestly sink or swim....I ripped off the band aids and started new, problem solved.

My Way of the Highway
Being an entrepreneur (and a mom for that matter) I have had this philosophy one um, time or another...okay three times tops!!!  Being the entrepreneur this is an easy thought process, you have been the one from the begining you way SHOULD be the best....but sometimes you get so deep in the minutia of running it you lose track of what is really important.

I especially had this philosophy when we were processing orders...I was convinced we did not need a system (December of 2005 proved me wrong) for processing our orders. With upwards of 100 different themes for five different products my system (chicken scratchings on binder paper....stop laughing!) was not working. So, we had meetings we discussed....I thought NO way would we change..it could not be done...it should not be done.

I finally just threw my arms in the air and said fine....(or my husband pulled me aside and said do you want to paint designs or do you want to run the company?)....not um sure which happened. But we started processing using Excel, SKU's, specific product names....again you heard the story.

I now have a office that runs itself.  I no longer have to manage the processing of orders, the making of shipping labels, the shipping of orders, the ribbon purchasing, the purchasing of tiles, I have fabulous employees to do this!  I get to do...other things.

As the business owner you HAVE to make the tough decisions, even when they are not popular. When a problem keeps coming back and coming back and coming back....you need to find a solution. I would think your goal would to succeed....and grow, and with growth comes change, it just has to. You are going to see your competition start to take over your space if you don't.

If you aren't willing to make changes, or grow you don't have a business....you have a hobby.

What do you want to be?

IMG_0434
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

February 7, 2007.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

"....an Entrepreneur."

Uh, what honey?  What did you say?

Well, I am pretty sure that was not what I said all those years ago, however it is what I am.

I have a really hard time filling out those questionnaires to 'define' what it is I do: Artist? yep Designer? ya  Manager?  uh huh Home Maker? sometimes Mother?  all the time Wife? yeeess Business Owner? absolutely Wholesale Business? check Manufacturer? mmm do that too  Arts? yesirrree Children's Industry? ya Pet Industry? okay sort of

AHHHHHHHH!! Too many answers, not enough space for my answer.

I read this book earlier this year , "How to Start a Creative Manufacturing Business" by Pamela Barsky (http://www.pamelabarsky.com/books.php?). It really put everything into perspective for me, and I so wish I had found this book, one, two, three, even four years ago. It would have saved a lot of head aches for me. The quote to describe her book, "it is the toughest job you'll ever love..." ya that is it. Anyone that reads this blog that wants to start her own business or his making things - it is a must read!

Today was NOT the mostest, bestest day by far, we had a few snags to say the least. Thank God, not all were our snags - some were just life, some were other people, and some were two people I work with (yes two) getting called to jury duty.....

• Three tiles need to be re-done
• We ran out wheels, screws and brown suede, oh and stamps and paper towels
• Kitting, gift wrap and gift cards were not done before shipping started
• UPS and Fed Ex had not yet come when I left the office
• A company kept me on hold for 22 minutes regarding a lost order (they lost the order)
• I spilled hot pink paint on the carpet in my office (um yes we rent)
• My daughter uttered a word I can NOT repeat here while playing her brothers gameboy
• Snafu with flight to trade show that I thought was cancelled

However, while driving home today my daughter stated out of the blue (minus the profanity used earlier in the day), "Mommy when I grow up I want to be an artist, like you.  That way I can work with you and help you make things"

Ahhh...to be 4 1/2 again, and the fact that she wants to spend time even work with her mother, "Don't cha just LOVE it?"  Things aren't so bad after all.