A business mind and a bleeding heart are often an incompatible mix…

But I should back up.

Don’t we just EAT UP the idea of an overnight success story?

Like the 2 a.m. infomercials - Lose weight without any effort whatsoever, enjoy extreme wealth working just 5 hours a week, and get smoother, wrinkle-free skin with this amazing wonder cream.

Who doesn’t want the quick fix? Yet, true success in, well, pretty much everything…doesn’t happen overnight. For artists, if it happens at all, it’s usually after we’re dead.

So, for those who hope that fortune will fall in your lap - then by all means, click here.

Know better? Then keep reading.

• By nature, I was born a bleeding heart. It’s a fact - and it’s a double-edge sword when it comes to business.
• I hate to say NO to anyone - because I am wired to want to help others…and also because (see #1).

When I decided to launch Sugarluxe…I left everything behind.  Full-on risk, no side jobs, no income, no safety net.  I cashed out my tiny 401K and I was determined to build a brand name.  I didn’t freelance or take any pick up work that might have made it easier, but would ultimately, distract me from my end goal.

I don’t believe in Get Rich Quick Schemes. So, to be successful, I have to make sure that my business sensibilities prevail, or at least work hand in hand with my bleeding heart.

I understand people want something custom for their business, new website, boutique, blog, product packaging, myspace page, their new line of greeting cards, their new line of panties, their non-profit, their church group, their brochures, their banners, headers, t-shirts, and…oh my gosh - I am out of breath!

I’m not complaining or taking any of the recognition for granted. 

One day I’ll spill the gory details of the significant losses in my life, until then just know that I am someone who gets that in an instant, your whole life can change. (Did you think for a moment that my happy, colorful artwork meant that I wasn’t a tortured soul?)

Frida knows - Art is suffering.

Sacrifice, living lean and forging ahead is what I’ve had to do.  Sure it’s been 3 super fast years since I started Sugarluxe…but I’ve been working a lifetime to get to this point.

Reminds me of one of my favorite stories…it’s about Picasso:

Picasso was sitting in a Paris café when an admirer approached and asked if he would do a quick sketch on a paper napkin. Picasso politely agreed, swiftly executed the work, and handed back the napkin — but not before asking for a rather significant amount of money.

The admirer was shocked: “How can you ask for so much? It only took you a minute to draw this!” “No”, Picasso replied, “It’s taken me my whole life”.

So, absolutely…I would love to help with your project, your new business venture or develop your brand of designer boxers!  My bleeding heart wants to do it all for free, but then my business mind reminds me…

And this is especially important for women to hear because we are usually the first to trivialize our talents:

Understand your unique value.  Maybe you’ve started your own company, you’ve climbed the corporate ladder or you’re a freelance designer, writer or consultant - when you work incredibly hard for what you’ve achieved, you not only deserve credit, but you deserve excellent compensation for what you have to offer. 

And those who complain of your confidence are surely the ones sitting back their entire lives, just waiting for the chance to get rich quick.

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Less than 3% of the artists in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are women, but 85% of the nudes are female. - Guerrilla Girls

Now, I’m not saying the Guerrilla Girls would feel compelled to rally behind Sugarluxe, considering its basis in mainstream glam. But perhaps they would applaud my own unique FEMINIST pursuit to increase opportunities for marginalized female artists.

The word Feminist…or the “F” word as it may be to some - is to me about equality. Always has been. And fundamentally, those who know how to look beneath the surface of my art, already know that.

So, how do I combat the sad fact that females are more likely to be on display in museums as a nude rendering than as a talented artist? Well, surprisingly enough…it was with one little belt buckle.

Even acquaintances of mine have seemed surprised when they started seeing Sugarluxe paintings, my permanent installation at the Hotel Des Arts, or my reproductions on canvas in the gallery sections of home decor stores.

“Oh, I had no idea that you were going to do anything besides belt buckles.” said one girl.

Never underestimate the power of the inconspicuous. A bigger plan is always at play!

That’s my advice to any aspiring artist who actually wants to make a living doing what they love.

We have to move past the antiquated, traditional assertions of what art is and define it for ourselves, for our generation and for this chapter in history. Make it accessible, no matter its form. Art is Everywhere!

So, when I was asked to do a signing and trunk show at The Blanton Museum of Art, I felt I must.

Now here’s where gets a bit sticky…

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