So last year, there was Confessions, and now the Updated version. This year I would like to share with you a few things that I chose to do a bit differently after my first time experience of 2010
1. Enlist Help!! I did. I could not have reached all my goals this year without the fabulous Niki. Let's face it preparing for a show is a ton of work. Add to that one (or in some cases all) of the following: maintaining current clients, creating new (tons) work, working a full-time job, raising young children, etc etc., and one can very easily and quickly reach a boiling point. Luckily for me I am doing this full-time, and have no young children. Yet even still - the lists spawn lists in the early spring, and it is really difficult to keep up. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Husband, brother, kid next door, an intern. If there is anyone available and willing to help, take them up one it! You don't have to be Shiva or a martyr. The people around you love and support you, so take advantage! You can always hire help as well. Maybe this is not feasible yet for your business long term, but think about swinging it just for a couple of weeks before the show. Just thoughts...
2. Don't under estimate the power of physical collateral. I know it is an email, paperless world, but we are all still human right? There is nothing, and I mean nothing that beats getting a hand written personal note. Along the same lines, it really can make a big impact to get a physical piece of collateral into an art director's hands. They then have something to show others, take to meetings, put on a bulletin board to remember. You want them to think - "we MUST be sure to make it to this one". I did not have the time to execute this last year, and I am so happy I did this year.
3. ABC is good, but ABL is better. Have you ever heard about the number one rule of selling dubbed ABC - Always Be Closing? This is a great rule for sales, but we are in the relationship business, and ABL - Always Be Listening is a much better rule. Although I am very proud of my first showing last year, there were definitely some holes in my catalog. I listened well, and made sure to have these bases covered this year. My collection was much more complete for the types of manufacturers who are interested my work. I took the constructive suggestions, and made it work for me. AND, it dosen't stop there. This year I learned even more ways that I can stay true to myself, and continue to push things forward. I already have tons of ideas for new work. Listening to the client and really hearing their needs is one of the most important things you can do to take advantage of the face time you get at the show.
Well, that's that. Whew! Until next year...happy creating!
***All images courtesy the always fabulous Tara Reed!
That's Khristian. I have my invisible cloak on, so she can't see me. Or can she...
Little labors of love for our wonderful booth stopper-byers; giveaway swatches. Yes, they were all assembled by hand with minimal casualties.
One of Khristian's friends made some really awesome boxes out of Ivory Coast, a 
Many many thanks to everyone for a successful second year [first for me!] at SURTEX.
Have you heard about the update to Confessions of a First Timer?? Well 
Artist and graphic designer Alex Sanso found her passion in creating art for product during her nine years as an artist at Walt Disney World, creating art and design for theme park merchandise such as stationery, home decor, games, textiles, apparel and more. As chief artopian at 
Big thank you to 
So just to get an idea of what the days were like...PACKED with goodies to say the least. The handmade market was open daily (and open to the public as well). There were also a wide range of classes throughout the day from painting folk art to jewelry making and everywhere in between. Lunches and dinners were provided and included a keynote speaker (Amy Butler, Ree Drummond, etc) or a panel on great subjects like the ins and outs of the editorial process (ie getting published, press etc). The dinners were great because they provided another great time to meet other fabulous creative women (especially if you were traveling alone like me).
I'm so excited! I am heading to the first annual 
Happy Friday everyone! So a few weeks ago I blogged about a great new event happening in September called the 
This past May at 
EEEK!! I'm a officially a trend setter! My good friend Anna (who is an amazing art director over at Eddie Bauer) emailed me (well facebooked me) the other day to tell me that she had spotted me on one of the top trend reporting sights 
Hey guys, the fantastic print show 
This rug called gyraffe from 
I've been a huge fan of 
There is nothing that can compare to the streets of new york (soho here). The pace, the sense of strength and confidence in the people, it is all just intoxicating! I have to start making my evil (ok not so evil really) plan to make new york a bigger more permanent part of my life.
Here are shots from the set up on Friday (5.14) My partner in crime for the week 
Dinner on Friday night with the old Nordstrom crew! The most talented Mary Beth Freet of 
Booth all ready to go on Sunday!! This was such a fantastic moment seeing it all come to life! This process was truly life changing as an artist. Going to this show really just puts it all out there for the world to judge. I've walked away with a new sense of confidence in what I do and where I am going. As far as SURTEX as a show goes, it was over the top fantastic!! There were very few times in the day that I did not have someone in my booth. There was a great energy at the show - it was busy, busy, busy! I truly can not wait to do it all over again! (I know you won't let me forget that line when I am knee deep next april he he)
My books and presentation got an amazing response! I already have some ideas up my sleeve for next year!
What would have done without 
Gang's all here! I got to meet fellow