michele's website: www.michelemaule.com
michele's blog: www.how2drawacupofcoffee.blogspot.com
michele's shop: www.michelemaule.etsy.com
Why did you decide to start a blog?
Well, after moving to Michigan, and once Michael started his graduate studies, I had a lot of time to spend by myself. I also wanted to be able to let my friends knew how things were going here without having to call all the time. It was also a good way to communicate how my day was going, what I was working on, etc.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
Michael, my partner did, actually. It’s the name of this quirky little book I found several years ago. He started a blog before I did, and I wasn’t really too sure about it at first. I kept asking him questions about it, and he finally just sat down and started one for me. He asked me what I wanted to call it, and I hadn’t a clue. So he saw the little book on the shelf and the rest is history.
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
I think it helps me stay focused. I like showing people what I am working on, and my work in progress. One of the greatest things about being a visual artist and having a blog is that people can really get to know the artist behind the work on a much more personal level.
What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?
Decor8 – I love Holly’s finds and I love her insight on the indie art scene.
MeganChapman - She is a working artist from Arkansas who writes a weekly blog on her work, art in general, and gives lots of helpful advice too.
3191 – Beautiful photography by two friends who live 3191 miles apart.
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
Have fun with it! Don’t think to hard on what you are going to write about. Just be yourself. Oh, and include lots of pictures!
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
The people who read my blog.
They are such a great support system for me! I love hearing what they have to say about a new piece of work, or if I am having a bad day, they always know just the right words to say.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
The uncertainty of it. You never know if it’s going to be a good month with lots of sales, or a slow month, with very little sales. Thankfully, I always seem to pull through. There are just too many rewarding things that outweigh the difficult things. Having my own schedule is defintely a plus, and I love being my own boss. I worked retail for a number of years, and was really unhappy. I wanted more than anything to work for myself making art, and now I do, and I seriously couldn’t be more content.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
I use the Etsy forums quite a bit, and I make sure to keep up with my Flickr page. I recently discovered Twitter, and I have to admit, I am a little addicited to it.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Well, I am not really sure that I do this very well. I do work a lot. Getting your name, and work out there, is a full time job on top of making art...
I do try to excersise regularly, and I always take breaks to play with my dog, Chloe. She really helps me relax, and reminds me to have fun and not be so serious all the time.
What are your main goals for 2009?
I’d really like to just keep working and expanding my shop.
I would love to get a studio space.
I also want to line up some shows in Portland (I’m moving there in May) for 2010.
Oh! And I would love to design my own blog.
Thanks Michele!
