HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and as the year came to a close you could look back with a sense of accomplishment.

But if last year wasn’t your best year ever, if it left you feeling trapped by your circumstances, it didn’t give you the opportunity to follow your dreams, or just maybe, it was a fabulous year for you, and you’re simply anxious to see what the New Year has in store – my message remains the same…

We don’t get happy because we’re successful; we become successful because we are happy.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

My newest artwork was born from this internal debate about which comes first. 

I actually began this piece more than two months ago.  I just finished this past weekend.  It took me quite a long time to explore how I wanted to convey the inverse relationship between success and happiness and how it’s related to hope.

What this exploration has taught me can be simplified by saying that I think true happiness comes from contentment for what is now with an acceptance of what was, while hope gives us the opportunity to wish for what could be.

So, before I started my initial sketches, I knew the work would be based around the beautiful hummingbird.  I’m not the type who works and watches what unveils.  My ideas usually come in dreams (or the shower – okay – mostly the shower) and I usually see the finished piece.  The extended effort for me comes in trying to make the artwork look like what first appeared in my mind’s eye.

But the hummingbird was more than a passing thought, it was based on the need to express the many symbolic meanings of this special creature and how I could portray it in a way that illustrates the personal pursuit of happiness.

It is said: 

By observing the hummingbird, we see they are tireless. Actively searching for the sweetest nectar, they remind us to forever seek out the good in life and the beauty in each day. Amazing migrators, some Hummingbirds are known to fly as many as 2000 miles to reach their destination.

This relentless quality reminds us to be persistent in the pursuit of our dreams, and adopt the tenacity of the Hummingbird in our lives.

ANTICIPATION  

The New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow.

Today is the day we have hope for our future. That’s what I love about this time of year.

Right now, most people are moved by the universal feeling that anything is possible.  And considering the fact that Sugarluxe was founded on this principle, I’m partial to this particular holiday.

Every year, I spend a week contemplating the idea about recapping all of the highlights of my past 12 months. 

Many blogs do it, and since I don’t get to write as often as I’d like, I miss the chance to share a lot of exciting experiences.  Maybe one day I’ll hire a dedicated PR person, but until then, I prefer to just keep working hard and hope I don’t need a lot of hype to keep it going.

Point being, it happens every time.  I never recap my year.  Instead, I tend to be a forward- looking person.  It’s important to learn from mistakes, and absolutely, celebrate past milestones. But all around the world, regardless of your race or religion, together, we are ringing in a NEW YEAR…

That means every single one of us has the chance to look ahead with anticipation.  No matter what happened last year, now is the time we invite opportunity and embrace optimism.

364 MORE DAYS

Here’s a real resolution I present for your consideration during the coming year:  Try to look at each day like it’s New Year’s Day. 

It’s so typical that we start of the New Year with unrealistic resolutions that we likely can’t keep.  And then the disappointment sets in, sadness ensues, and we beat ourselves up when we don’t lose weight, when we don’t make more money, when we don’t get out of debt, or when we didn’t get that new house, new job, new car, new relationship… aaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugggghhhh… the list goes on and on…

Today is NOT the only day that we can wake up with hope and happiness.  We have 364 more days a year to do that. 

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

We make resolutions with the idea that achieving them will make us more happy.  But few succeed with their resolutions and end up feeling anything BUT.

Why is happiness so elusive?

First, it’s because we’re conditioned to think happiness is something different than it really is – like you need to be bursting with joy all day long. 

But the most useful definition – and it’s one agreed upon by neuroscientists, psychiatrists, behavioral economists, and even Buddhist monks – is true happiness is more like feeling satisfied or content than “happy”. It has depth and deliberation to it.  And it takes concerted effort and commitment.

BE CONTENT AND STRIVE FOR MORE AT THE SAME TIME. WHAT?

It’s a complex emotional oxymoron, really.  How can we reconcile these seemingly disparate thoughts?

Well, I firmly believe that we must be thankful for what we have now.  Not to get caught up in semantics, but if the word contentment gives you the feeling that you don’t want to strive for more, perhaps acceptance is a better word.  Acceptance of the past and some level of satisfaction with what we’ve achieved thus far. 

Should we want more?  Sure.  Is that normal?  I think so.

But until we feel happy with what we have, how can we expect to be given more?

In other words, without the adversity that has caged us in, how can we fully appreciate when the door opens and we break free? 

So, today, the first day of this HAPPY NEW YEAR, I’m sharing my latest Sugarluxe work with hope that the coming year opens doors for us ALL and that we take every opportunity to fly high!

What will you do when the door opens for you?

BABY PANDAS

There’s no proof, but I’m quite positive that Pandas would love cupcakes.

I’m also pretty sure that EVERYONE loves pandas - what, with that classic black and white fur coat, those woefully sad eyes and their playful, incredibly cute nature - they are one of the most beloved creatures on earth. 

BABY PEOPLE

Chandyn - Baby Person

ARTIST’S RIGHTS

A contract is a binding legal agreement that is enforceable in a court of law. That is to say, it is an exchange of promises for the breach of which the law will provide a remedy…

This summer, I’ve taken a short sabbatical from the Sugarluxe Blog so that I could dedicate ALL of my creative energy to compose my newest art series.  Perhaps my early work as a corporate trainer and curriculum developer wired my brain to want to facilitate the learning process in others.

The hardest part about teaching from experience, however, is that it often means I must expose my own personal pain to impart the lesson.

So, the question always is – do I reveal the drama with the intent and possibility of helping others?  Or should I keep it tucked away and focus solely on the needs of my company?  When you’ve built a solid reputation, these considerations are always at the forefront of your mind.

Truthfully,  it’s a bit of a dilemma. I’ve built a brand based on the proliferation of sweetness and beauty.  But the reality is  – sometimes – business is just not pretty.

Today, I made that tough decision to put myself on the line.  If it helps just one artist, or one entrepreneur, designer, musician or anyone else that will ever face the challenge of what to do when someone willfully disregards contractual obligations – then it’s worth it to me to share this with you.

INKING THE DEAL

In early January 2009, I was approached by the (former) editor of Rare Magazine, Carrie Crowe.  She wrote to me to inquire about doing a Featured Artist series for their November Fashion Issue.

Despite my affection for the magazine…I had no availability.   I was already working on some new art for 09…but I would in no way have time to do 10 new pieces.

But here’s the thing:  Carrie, a highly respected editor, and her (former) publisher and the Founder of Rare Magazine, Matt Swinney, a much-loved, media savvy entrepreneur – have a way of appealing to people through their genuine passion for their own work and for those whose work they’ve selected to feature.  It’s a very symbiotic thing for businesses when mutually beneficial, long-term relationships evolve into friendships.

After some negotiating of the terms, and Carrie skillfully, yet sweetly convincing me of the many ways in which I could use the issue to support and promote my newest work, we struck a deal.  And despite the reciprocal admiration that has developed over the years…when it comes to Sugarluxe and the rights to my work…I’m all business.

Contracts are a necessity.  Defining expectations – on paper – is a mandatory part of being a professional artist.  Reading agreements, understanding the language, negotiating terms and when necessary, seeking the advice of good counsel, are as much, if not more, the duties that fill my day, as are the creative aspects to my job.

Sound sort of un-fun?  It is.

Yet, after you get through the discomfort of considering all of the what-ifs – should things go south – the anticipation is that each party will meet their obligations as outlined in the contract…and everyone WINS.

I signed my latest contract with Rare Magazine on February 3, 2009.

THE BAD NEWS

On June 15, 2009, I received an email from Carrie.  Both Matt and Carrie were no longer with Rare Magazine.  It was with a heavy heart that I accepted their departure and then went about furiously researching online to find out what went down.

I quickly learned from a local blogger that someone by the name of Taylor Perkins bought out Matt’s share earlier in the year and that Carrie was now a casualty of Taylor’s quest to “bring in fresh blood.”  Spoken like a true ax-man.

So, within an hour of hearing the news, I wrote to introduce myself to Taylor.  100% certain that Carrie handed off all the necessary documentation because she is about the MOST organized woman I know, it was more of an inquiry to find out about the state of Rare.  Would this magazine still be in existence come November 2009?

You see, I’d already invested a month of my time just working out the sketches for the Fashion Issue.  It was not the original theme or direction I had envisioned for my newest art…until I signed that contract. So it became the required foundation upon which this new work would be created.

So I write:

Hi Taylor,

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.

I’m sure you are juggling so many things right now, but I just wanted to check in with you to see how things are going since learning of Carrie’s departure.

Sugarluxe is slated for your November issue…therefore, I thought it imperative that I find out if everything is still going ahead as planned.  Is there ANY chance that Rare won’t be around come November – or for that matter, September 1st when my work is due to you?

If you could please confirm that everything is moving forward as planned, I would be MOST appreciative.  I am very happy to complete my assignment for Rare.  I just needed to touch base for clarification.

Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Chandra

An hour later, Taylor responds:

Yes, everything is fine with Rare. Nothing is changing, we’re just getting some new blood in the office over here. I bought Matt out, and with changes comes changes. It’s going to be exciting to see, we have a lot of great things planned for the magazine and the events that we do.

Um …yeah, okay.  That sounded as direct and coherent as a Gary Busey quote – “Nothing changes like changes, because nothing changes but the changes”.

As the beginning of August drew near (T minus 30 days and counting until my deadline) I thought it time Taylor and I set up a date to review the work. This way, the designer at the magazine could get an idea of the look/feel and color palette of my artwork in preparation for the layout.   I wrote to Taylor on August, 1, 2009.  The email went completely unanswered.  So on Friday, August 14th, I tried reaching him by phone.

A sales rep answered, said Taylor wasn’t available to talk, told me there was a new editor in place and someone would get back to me that afternoon.

The following Monday I receive this much more polished and professional email from the new Editor, Caitlin Ryan:

Hi Chandra,

It’s great to ‘meet’ you over email!  I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you from the staff now at Rare.

Meredith sent me a note saying that you had called touching base regarding November Fashion art.  That there had been an agreement put in place previously.  When I came in (just last week!), I combed through any documents I could find and I did not see anything like this, so I went ahead and assigned November in an effort to get ahead of the game.  I am SO sorry, Chandra.  I understand that you felt a crunch for time, so perhaps this could serve as a bit of a stress reliever.  I would definitely love to feature you, however.  Just have to check and see if you were featured in last year’s fashion issue.

Again, I really apologize.  We were left with very little guidance as far as what was promised to people, and I’m doing my absolute best to do right by all of our contributors.  I know, though, that this wont come without any disappointments along the way.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!

My best,
Caitlin

Despite the fact that I didn’t like the obvious direction this was heading (and at this point, I’d worked 16-18 hour days for the last 30 days straight in order to get all this work done, so was hardly in the mood to be placated) I still respected Caitlin’s diplomacy.

Hi Caitlin!

Thank you for your quick reply. You are so sweet!!

I read your email, but am forwarding my reply on an old email exchange with Taylor on June 15th. This is where I introduced to Taylor that I had a contract with Rare and was slated for your November issue – just in case there were any questions.  So, he was made aware as soon as word was out that Carrie had left her position.

My contract was signed with Rare Magazine on 2.03.09.

Yes, more time would have been great and I truly appreciate your offer.  However, so that I would not be in breach of our contract when I did not hear back from Taylor asking for an extension to complete (sent on 8.01.09 with no response back from Taylor)…I have worked around the clock to finish this series for your Nov issue.

In addition, it has already been promoted to my fan/customer base, so the time, energy and cost (in addition to our agreement in place since February) means I need to go ahead and do November as planned.

I’m sure any artist that you recently selected will understand when they realize you have a contract in place already.

Please let me know details of when we need to go to print and I look forward to receiving the interview questions…

Thanks so much!!
Chandra

And then another 7 days go by with no response from anyone at Rare.

Monday, August 24th, I’m asked to send in my artwork for review.

At first, this seems insignificant.  One might think…yay, it’s settled.  We’re moving ahead without things getting messy.  But never, ever send completed work to someone who hasn’t confirmed they are going to honor their contractual obligations.

Since they are local, I asked for a face to face meeting.

Hi Caitlin,

It’s nice to hear back from you.  I was concerned about not receiving a return response after my email last week.  So, thank you.

Given the fact that there has been some misunderstanding or miscommunication during the transition between owners at Rare, I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to come meet with you just to have everything squared away.

I’m happy to bring copies/prints of my artwork as all are not all scanned/digitized yet.

When are you available this week?  I just returned to town from a funeral, so getting caught up and can’t do it tomorrow.  But Wednesday afternoon works for me.  What about you?

Thank you,
Chandra

The meeting was then pushed to Thursday…enough time for me to consult my advisors and prepare for whatever was ahead.  I elected to not take anyone into this meeting with me because I don’t like to get all top-heavy when it could just be a simple, friendly meeting of the minds.  The decision to go alone is probably my biggest regret.

Three on one – for the next two hours, I faced a barrage of pointless interruptions from Taylor and although I tried to joke and lighten the air, it was heavy with disdain. Particularly when he started to talk about his former partners and associates, even recent cover artists.  In fact, the things he shared were so out of line, inappropriate and unprofessional…I was shocked.

Keep in mind, this is all while he lavished upon me proclamations of love and adoration for my work.  Never let your stroked ego get in the way of seeing someone’s true colors.

I know so many artists in this town.  In fact, I know so many artists around the world.  To insult anyone in my profession is an insult to me.

I returned to the studio.  Disgusted.

By the end of the day on Friday, I expected to have confirmation that we were indeed on track.  It was less than three days from the drop dead deadline and nothing.

I write to the entire team:

Hey guys,

Thanks for your time yesterday.

To cut to the chase, I’m pretty much done killing myself on this project – so I need an answer today.  Are you going to honor the legal agreement I have with Rare Magazine?  Regardless of the change in ownership, the contract is still valid.

What is your decision?

Thank you,
Chandra

Knowing that the law is on my side, I remained hopeful that he would do the right thing.

Four hours later,  Taylor wrote back.  To summarize:

He tried to appease me with an offer for a small editorial piece and to host my art opening in Austin (please read: a thinly veiled attempt to make more money off of my work while giving me nothing provided for in our contract).  Not the cover.  Not the featured artist with 8 interior sections and the two page picture/interview profile as the agreement stipulates…

A BAD DECISION

But here’s what absolutely bothered me the most…he thinks I’m stupid.

He has the nerve to try to appear as if he’s an artist’s advocate when he writes:

The direction of the magazine is changing drastically under the new management and ownership. One of them is to not repeat a cover artist that we have already showcased, as we feel there are so many amazing artists out there that deserve a shot.

Here are THREE problems with that argument -

First, we have a contract so the point that I have been featured in the past (Dec. 2007) is irrelevant.  Nice try, though.

Second, Sugarluxe was not showcased like many winners after winning the top spot in Reader’s Poll in June 2009 when Sugarluxe was voted Best Artist (this was a fair decision on Carrie’s part due to the fact that in November, I would have a huge presence in the magazine with the Featured Artist spot and cover).

Third, the way Taylor responded in this situation demonstrates his true motives and ethics in regards to helping artists.  He can SAY whatever he wants…but actions are everything.

Popular artists or yet unproven, you start by respecting contractual obligations with ALL artists.

He was in breach of the contract.  And contracts are in place to protect people.

So it all boils down to this…

Publicity is nice.  It’s great to be recognized and I’ve worked very hard to complete my assignment for Rare Magazine.  I’m proud of the work and I’m so thankful to Carrie and Matt who provided the direction and inspiration behind the new series.

But every situation requires some strategic analysis and if you’re anything like me, you work to minimize the brain damage.

The appropriate thing here was to disengage and to do so quickly. I will not compromise my values for a little bit of press. I will not work with someone whose true motives are questionable at best.

Dear Taylor:

Your:
1. Reputation of not delivering on your promises (think about your latest events if you’re uncertain as to my reference)

2. Lack of professionalism (by speaking so negatively and out of turn about your former associates and cover artists)

3. Poor decision making (not honoring a clearly legal and binding contract)

have resulted in my immediate need to retract all permissions or rights of usage to any of my artwork/imagery.

I will no longer take the risk of associating my brand with you.

This does not in any way make you less liable for your breach and only galvanizes my resolve to seek every remedy available to me/Sugarluxe for your actions.

The magazine, according to Taylor, has been “hemorrhaging money” and you just have to thumb through the last issue to see how many advertisers have jumped ship. In a time when the print publication industry is suffering as a whole, it’s disheartening to see someone make such a selfish, costly decision.

So much so, that part of me is tempted to dismiss him as some silly trust fund kid who just doesn’t know better.

THE FACTS

But Taylor Perkins is not dumb; he knows exactly what he’s doing. He took a calculated risk.

History seems to dictate that most artists don’t have the means, the resources, or the fortitude to put up a fight. And he assumed because I am known as being a sweet, compassionate person to work with, that I was probably a total push over, too.  Guess again Taylor.

At the end of the day – the damages are demonstrable. The documentation and law both work in my favor.

His actions present a perfect case study for creatives everywhere.  It may seem like a RARE thing to have happen, but regrettably, the practice of taking advantage of artists, writers, musicians, photographers, etc. with the assumption that they don’t have much business savvy is rampant – and it is WRONG.

So, while I determine what to do next, I need a little breather from this stress and I will simply take solace in knowing that once in awhile, and perhaps at this very moment, the pen really can be mightier than the sword.

Also, in an interview earlier this year with Sonali Vora, who writes for VectorTuts+ (an Australian based online educational community for artists and illustrators around the world) I mentioned my father’s background in linguistics.  Essentially, linguistics concerns itself with the understanding of human language.  As such, linguists often draw on the work from the field of social sciences. 

That’s why I flipped out over TweetPsych for Twitter.  But first, a few more details…

I use imagery to communicate.  What I can’t always express through words, I can with art.  (Although I worked as both a curriculum developer and professional copywriter for years – it’s different when composing something so personal).  It’s a vulnerable place because artists are always being analyzed for what “they’re really saying” through their art.

That’s why when I first launched Sugarluxe, I didn’t belong to any social networks.  My reluctance was not because I didn’t understand the need for self-promotion as a modern day artist.  Mostly, I had just hoped my work would do the talking for me. 

Online - it’s part of my job to tell people what I’m up to.  But offline, it’s very different.  Rather than talking about what I do, I prefer to ask questions, I listen intently and I truly enjoy learning about other people.

Up Close & Personal

Then my best friend Karen began raving about Facebook last summer. After 4 semesters of college interns on Facebook all day long…I wasn’t overly thrilled that my friends were now following suit. I was already spread too thin and from the looks of things, I didn’t think I could be as passive on Facebook as I’d been on MySpace. 

But working the number of hours I do, I rarely get to spend enough time with friends.  So in hopes of remaining close and connected, I created my Facebook profile.

In less than a month, my life changed.  In conjunction with finding old friends –  I finally got to see the faces and learn about the lives of people who had been supporting and buying my art since day one.  My inspiration was renewed!

Since that time, and very recently I might add, I created a Sugarluxe Fan Page.  Despite appearances from this post, I tend to be an early adopter with technology.  Plus, I’m an avid reader of sites like TechCrunch and Mashable.  But the social networks take me a little longer to get behind only because I have to find ways in which they best suit my personality.

My goal is not to simply amass tens of thousands of followers or fans or friends.  It’s just not who I am.  I need real relationships. I would rather have 10 close friends than a million people who could give a crap.  I’ve just always been that way…

Yet, I’m so happy that I’ve reached out, connected through meaningful dialogue and learned to embrace social networks as a way to build a community with those people who share in my passion. 

Over-(Net)Worked?

Which leads me back to Twitter.

Reading, studying, and analyzing a social network may not sound like the work of a full-time artist, but as someone who has spent the last few years employing different methods to remain connected with my diverse audience, it made sense for me to investigate.

I’ve spent a year watching Twitter.  Just as I did with MySpace first and then Facebook.  I needed to figure out if it was a useful tool for me. 

Some people warned me that I would become addicted. Pro-bloggers and journalists? Yes…that makes sense.  But as someone whose livelihood depends on creating, not reporting, it’s not the type of thing to make me obsessed.

But with time and a growing user base comes new applications and developments that enhance all social media.  Thankfully, there are terrific people out there improving the functionality of these tools every day.  And that’s why it takes time for me to assess the viability of it for my own business.

The Profiler

So today, two days ago, when I read about the BETA launch of TweetPsych, I immediately felt that the evolution of Twitter was upon us.

— The system had some issues at launch time and it seems to be stabilized at this point, so now, to continue…

TweetPsych, developed by Dan Zarella, uses linguistic algorithms to analyze tweets to build a quick psychological profile.  AND – any Twitter username can be analyzed.   Dan says:

TweetPsych uses the LIWC and RID (linguistic analysis methods to profile a person based on what they write) to build a psychological profile of a person based on the content of their Tweets.

I think the possibilities of a system like this are enormous, from matching like-minded users to identifying users that exhibit certain useful or desirable traits.

Do you see the potential of a tool like this? 

After the novelty has worn off (meaning: you’ve profiled yourself and everyone else you can think of) can you imagine the implications for job seekers, recruiters, employers and possibly even health insurance providers?

Okay.  Maybe most people won’t read into the way I do.  After all, I’ve always said that I paint personalities, not portraits.  So…granted, my geeky side comes out in full force on this one. 

But I think an application like this could affect millions of people. 

1. Should we be concerned how this information might be used? 
2. Will people rethink their tweets now that we know something like this exists? 
3. How will results be interpreted and should I help to write some definitions? 

Talk about possible behavior modification on a massive scale! We are literally living in a global laboratory and it’s wild to think about what it might mean. 

Regardless, huge props to Dan for such a clever idea and implementation. 

If you’re on Twitter, too – tell us – what does it say about you?

Before completing my undergrad degree in Psychology, I began considering what I’d like to study next (yes, I’m one of those nerdy types who loves to learn!)

Luckily, one day, bolting  across campus to gather information on both the LSAT and requirements for secondary teaching certification, I ran into one of my former professors.  He told me a little bit about his research in the Ed. Psych Department.

He was overseeing a Graduate Program with a specialty in Cognition.  After hearing just a brief description, I knew it was what I wanted to do next. 

 LEARNING and COGNITION
“Educational Psychologists who concentrate their work in these areas try to better understand the factors that influence performance and how to affect positive change.”  Quoting this description from the department itself, you can probably see how this became part of the foundation upon which I would eventually build the Sugarluxe Brand. 

Having spent two years prior to graduation helping to conduct research with another professor in the area of Abnormal Psychology, I was really looking to switch gears.  It was my last year of undergrad that most greatly impacted my direction.  I was assigned to work at a hospital about an hour and a half south of town.  I reported to the psychiatric wing once a week.  We were doing a study on schizophrenia.  I was the only female research assistant (and barely 20 years old) on an all-male patient ward.  I remember the overwhelming feeling of apprehension the first time I walked through those double doors.

ART + PSYCHOLOGY
But after acclimating to the unrelenting cat calls, it was a weirdly rewarding and life altering experience.  Namely because of one patient.

I don’t even know if this man knew I was there.  I sat next to him.  I observed him.  I tried having countless conversations with him.  But he never responded to me.  He wasn’t catatonic, he was just a bit delusional and suffering from severe hallucinations.  The deal was…he would draw the entire time.  He was quite an amazing artist and when he finished each sketch, he would talk to it as if his drawing had come to life.

Despite having a fairly profound disturbance, I found him to be fascinating and inspirational.  In fact, he affected me so deeply, I realized, I wasn’t cut out for that kind of work.  I was afraid I would never be able (and never want) to desensitize myself.

Instead of focusing on what was wrong with him, I wanted to figure out what was right. 

What had happened to this man?  Who were the people he portrayed in his art?  What motivated him to draw?  Was he always compelled to create?  How did it help him to cope with life?  Could we use his talents to facilitate treatment?

CRAZY IDEAS
Back then, I would have never dreamed that I would get to live my life doing what I do. 

In all honesty, I think I was a little scared that people might think I was delusional for thinking I could be an artist.  Or that I could build a company with very little money, based on artwork that had never been seen by anyone, with no connections in the art world, no formal art training and with the intent to spread a message of hope and optimism, especially at a time when that was so clearly against the status quo. 

Maybe THAT’S crazy?!

Just as I imagine it must have somehow helped my patient, creating art has helped me to cope with pain, confusion, and frustration.  The fact that I’ve chosen not to depict those feelings as part of the artwork itself, and merely as part of the therapeutic process it provides, doesn’t make it any less profound.  There’s far more there for those who look below the surface.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
That’s why I’ve anxiously awaited the opportunity to implement a Sugarluxe Girl profile quiz. Even though there are probably thousands of quizzes on Facebook now, this one actually does have years of thought, understanding and analysis behind it.  Its influence is a product of my work itself.  The personalities that are infused into the art are drawn from the very people who continue to inspire each and every piece I make.

Part of my mission has always been to comprehend the complexity of the positive characteristics that make up our personalities and how those attributes contribute to our sense of self.  The way that I’ve tried to do that is by simplifying those wonderful traits into something visually iconic.

FUN on FACEBOOK
Does that sound too lofty and idealistic for a simple Facebook Application?  I hope not.  It takes less than 5 minutes and it’s also FUN!

I have a blast meeting up with friends/fans on Facebook.  I love seeing what you’re up to, learning about your families, looking at photos and watching the massive amounts of support that people provide one another there. 

Plus, I’d bet people agree – I’m actually a lot more light-hearted than I probably sound here.  This blog is like my diary and facebook is more reflective of my daily life. I guess it just depends on where I am at any given moment.

But that’s really my whole point.  Like the pictures that I paint, we have so many layers, don’t we?

I hope you like the first Sugarluxe Girl quiz.  More importantly, I hope you will share it with friends because the profiles, although definitely fun, are also meant to reinforce how wonderful you are – to me – and to all those who know you. 

The results I’ve seen, seem to be pretty spot on.  What do you think?  Which Sugarluxe Girl Are YOU?

—————————————————————  GET MOTIVATED —————————————————————

Our True Potential?

I greatly appreciate your help in this mission:  To understand our most positive personality traits, how they affect our outlook on life and by acknowledging and owning those characteristics, we can identify, and hopefully, bring out the best in others, too.

This is one way, TOGETHER, we help people discover that confidence and kindness are essential building blocks of a better life. 

7 Steps on How You Can Help:

1.  If you haven’t already done so, START by joining us on the Sugarluxe Facebook Page.

2.  Paste this link to your profile - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugarluxe/85019116599

3.  Next, be sure to take the Facebook Quiz - Which Sugarluxe Girl Are You?

4.  Post or even re-publish your results to your profile and invite your friends to participate too.

5.  Leave a comment here on this Sugarluxe Blog post and share the results of your quiz.

6.  Write your Facebook App Review on the Sugarluxe Quiz Application Page.

7.  Discuss ideas with other creative, compassionate, kind, charismatic Sugarluxe Friends!

Ready for me to pour some sugar on you?  How about a Buy One Get One FREE special? 

I just love days like this.  Where I live…it’s 74 degrees, sunny and bright with a nice cool breeze.  Yes, this is definitely my kind of day.

So, I’m feeling good, despite the work overload.  The sunshine is spilling into the studio making everything that much more sparkly, too. Perhaps that explains why I thought it was time to take a break from my busy schedule.

Well, I’m not officially taking a break.  I don’t even really understand the word “break”.  But I am back here on the blog to share some Sugarluxe-y goodness again.

Since it’s my favorite time of year - I just had to come up with an idea today to spread a little of this beautiful sunshine.

In fact, I couldn’t be more pleased about the Sugarluxe website overhaul we did recently because it allows us to implement so many more fabulous offerings for our friends.

Over the past few years, we would put together about 4 VIP deals a year – one per quarter at the most.  It wasn’t that I didn’t have all kinds of things I wanted to do.  It was simply that the website was so painstakingly manual, we just didn’t have the time to make all the necessary changes required to do it more often.  Now, instead of two weeks to change everything in our programming and spread the word about our specials…we can put together something sweet in as little as one day. 

Well, honestly?  A dedicated day to any project right now is still demanding on what little time I seem to have, but if it means I get to come over to the blog and do something extra nice for the people I adore…then it is TOTALLY worth it.

———————————————————— HERE’S WHAT TO DO ———————————————————

Select any size Archival Art Paper Print from the Sugarluxe Website (only) and get a giclee paper print in the same size/format for free!  YAY!

If you own a Sugarluxe Gallery Wrapped Canvas and have thought about anchoring the artwork with some smaller framed pieces – NOW is the time to do it.  Or, if you haven’t started your Sugarluxe Collection yet, but you’ve been dying to get that first little piece – NOW you can get two for one.  Either way, it’s a nice little bonus.

1. Be sure to add a comment in the Customer Comments section at the bottom of the check out page – mention that you want the Spring Art Special.
2. Tell us which ADDITIONAL print you’ve selected and would like to add to your order. 
3. Complete your purchase and your TWO new prints will arrive together. 

It’s that easy!

Please note:  This special expired on 4.31.09

—————————————————  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  ——————————————

What is an Archival Giclee Paper Print?
Unlike posters on thin stock paper (oh, and by the way, I love posters so not knocking them – these are just not posters). Our prints are genuine Sugarluxe painting reproductions created on premium archival Museum Grade Fine Art Paper. This paper has been made since 1819 by the oldest paper mill in the country.

What is the Museum Fine Art Paper like?
This smooth 100% Cotton Rag Fine Art Paper feels thick, rich and gives a deep gorgeous color to the images.  Plus, it is naturally acid and lignin free. It is also buffered for added stability and treated with a special UV protective coating to ensure that the colors remain constant over time.  In addition, it is recommended that you mat and/or frame your Sugarluxe print in order to enhance its longevity.

Why don’t you mat and/or frame these prints at Sugarluxe?
Product line decisions are often based on the wonderful feedback and input we receive from customers around the world.  Because we do ship globally, and we have stockists in a number of countries who wanted to carry Sugarluxe Art in addition to our accessories, I was determined to find a way to maintain the integrity of a valued art print, but make it so that it is easy and affordable to ship. 

And – I also like to offer flexibility.  If we mat and frame the piece for you –  it might not work for your decor and that is limiting its potential to work well within your space.  Since we are not a frame shop, we leave that work to the professionals who make a living, matting and framing art.  That way, you get exactly what you want.

I want a bigger print, but 13 inch openings on pre-made mats are sometimes hard to find. What do you suggest?
First – that’s true.  And square mats are harder to locate, too.  But the mat does make the whole piece a bit more substantial. Plus, our prints with a mat and frame look fantastic.  We have twelve pieces installed like this in the studio right now.

What I do is go to the framing section of my local Michaels (not just because that’s my last name) or once you’re familiar with what you need, better prices can be found online at Blick Art Materials (love this place the most and it’s where I buy all my canvases, supplies, mats and they have great, inexpensive frames, too). 

Then, I just pick out a piece of “Mat Board”.  If you don’t know where to find it, the good people in the frame area will show you.  Ask to have an opening cut to fit the size (should be a bit smaller than the actual print size so that it is easier to line up if you’re framing it yourself – best to take in your print if this is the first time you’ve done this and they can make sure there is a good fit when they do the cuts) and really, that’s all there is to it.  If you just get a plain white cut mat with no fancy stacking…it’s about $5-7 (which is definitely less than the pre-cut mats!)

Why not just mount the print?
You could…but if you want me to leave you a personal note on the back, you’ll never see it again…mounting can prove to be a pain in the long run because it will be fully adhered to another surface.  In archival framing, the mats are not glued to the piece or backing, but are hinged to the backing with tape.  If you want to choose a proper mat board and don’t want to spend the money on cotton fiber museum board, choose Conservation or Archival Mat Board.  It is constructed of 100% pure high alpha cellulose (wood pulp) and treated to be inert for up to 300 years. This is the highest quality paper matboard available.

Why don’t you just sign the front of the print then?
I do.  If you choose that option when ordering, I will definitely hand-sign the piece on the front.  When you select a signed piece…I often write a private, personal note on the back for you, too.  If you want my personal note to you ON THE FRONT of your print, be sure to select the option for “White Border” when choosing your print so that it leaves me some room to write you a message.  Just be sure to make that special request in the comments section when checking out. The great news is that a white border piece saves you money over ordering a full-bleed, edge to edge print.  

Can I buy more than one print with this month’s special and still get the two for one?
Absolutely.  For every print you purchase, you get another one for FREE.  No limits on quantities…but this is for retail (not wholesale) purchases only and is not retroactive to previous purchases.

Well, I guess that’s it for now…

Spring is in the air.  So, I sure hope you have a fantastic week full of sunshine!

People are always asking me to give up my secrets. There is hardly a week that goes by that I don’t receive a question in regards to the paints I use and prefer.  Most of the time, it’s a young, self-taught artist seeking tips.  But every once in awhile, it’s a customer who wants to find out the paint color used in one of my pieces so that they can repaint a room to match.

Most people might think that those inquiries would yield totally different responses.  But in my case, the answer is one and the same.

I love acrylic latex.

Now, if you come into my studio…you’ll see a variety of tubes, jars and bottles of Golden Heavy Body acrylic paints.  You’ll also see glazing liquids, soft gels, and special varnishes – all designed to work in conjunction with standard acrylic artist’s paint to create the exact effect desired.

I enjoy mixing paint, creating the color and getting just the right texture.  There is something quite therapeutic about the process.  That is…until you realize you didn’t mix enough, you ran out of your perfectly mixed batch and now you must try to get the exact same color and sheen again.

With latex, I can create a swatch, bring it to the store, have a digital read out and then get a perfect match in a quart or gallon size if needed.  And since I use a lot of the same colors to tie my collection together, I save money, too.

That’s why…I love acrylic latex.

Many artists who have seen my actual paintings close up want to touch them to feel the paint.  The color is thick, smooth and the edges are precise.  They wonder how I eliminate brush strokes.  They often comment on my technical execution.  They ask how I do it?

Guess what I say?

You’re RIGHT!  I love acrylic latex.

But not just any acrylic latex paint.  And certainly not the cheap stuff.  You know I’m a budget-minded entrepreneur, but when it comes to choosing paint, I seem to have expensive tastes.

After years of frustration, not getting the exact look I wanted to achieve…I discovered that working with latex paints provided me with more control, less waste and fabulous results.

In the beginning of my experimentation,  I went for the discount paint.  Just like I did when I repainted rooms in my house.  I wanted the most bang for my buck…and it seemed that the home builder supply stores could give me gallons of latex love for rock bottom prices.  What a bargain!

But paint, whether it’s for your home or a canvas, is not something to scrimp on. Ultimately, with cheap paints, you’ll create more work for yourself and spend more money in the long run. I wish I would have realized this back when I remodeled my home years ago.

Quality paint has more pigment.  More pigment means less layers needed to get good coverage, less layers mean less labor…less labor means a happier painter.

Here’s how it works:

Of the three main paint ingredients – pigments, solvents and binders -

1. Pigment provides hiding power and gives paint its color and shading.
2. Solvents carry the paint to the surface, then evaporate, leaving behind a film of paint.
3. Binders are bonding agents that hold the paint together.

The material left on a substrate (wall, canvas, etc) after the solvent evaporates and the coating cures is its ‘solids content’. When calculated as a percentage of the total gallon of paint, the solids are referred to as “Volume Solids.” A higher percentage of Volume Solids is usually an indication of a better quality paint, because more binder and pigment are left to protect the surface compared to a coating with a lower Volume Solids rating.

So, if you have more coating, more pigment, and more protection…it’s easy to see why you won’t have to buy as much paint and it is actually LESS expensive to get the good stuff from the start.

That’s why when I confirmed my assignment to complete a room for the Hotel Des Arts, the first thing I did was to make sure my favorite stores were close to the hotel.

First stop would be:  Blick Art Materials on Van Ness.  LOVE THIS STORE!  This is where I purchased all my brushes, pencils, and other supplies.  Good brushes are a must, too.

Then, I needed to find my favorite paint store.  I’ve tried them all…and this brand works the best for me.  Sugarluxe loves Sherwin Williams!

At first, I thought I was going to have trouble convincing the hotel manager to pay for these paints instead of typical artist’s paints.  But I didn’t even have to explain.  One of the many cool things about that project…they totally trust the artist to just do their thing.

The even better news is that Sherwin Williams now has a line of eco-friendly paints which make the whole acrylic latex painting process even better.  The line is called GreenSure.

All GreenSure products come in 100% post-consumer recycled packaging with labels printed in soy ink. And they are using sustainable raw materials like soy and sunflower oil in their paints.

Inhabitat reports that Steve Revnew, director of product development at Sherwin-Williams says, “At Sherwin-Williams, we believe that being environmentally responsible goes well beyond the product formulation. We have established our own sustainability initiative called “EcoVision.” EcoVision is a company-wide approach to look at all aspects of our business and see where we can become more environmentally responsible.”

For our customers who need to match a color used in one of our Sugarluxe Giclees, it’s super EASY:

1. Just take the giclee canvas to Sherwin Williams.
2. Isolate the color you want for your wall.
3. Pick your paint and a make a paint sheen selection.
4. Have them scan it for a digital color match.
5. Take home your new paint and see the difference great paint can make.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Interesting Fact:

Don’t you just love paint chips?  But did you know that the little paint chip cards are the biggest production expense to a paint manufacturer and the more customers abuse those freebies, the higher the costs of paint?  Speaking of eco-friendly…we need to reuse, recycle or not make waste of these lovely paint chips.

Here is one of my favorite ideas by fantastic graphic designer, Jessica Jones at How About Orange?

Okay…I know these are Behr paint chips, but I just love Jessica’s photo and bookmarks.  What great ideas can you share?

Don’t you love cool little cufflinks? I think they’re totally sexy and for something so small, they sure can make a big statement. Huge compliments to avid cufflink collectors.  I really like accessories that provide a little insight into an individual’s personality. 

Cufflinks do that. 

So, I’ve been trying my hand at making cufflinks for almost a year and a half. In fact, I have cufflink prototypes (hundreds of pairs) strewn about the studio and stashed in drawers.  Part of the fun for my friends to come into the studio is trying to get a sneak peek at the multiple experiments I have going on at any given time…

In today’s world of manufacturing and overseas sourcing, it’s rare that a company will manufacturer and sell their own products.  It’s cost prohibitive and for the most part, I don’t know if people even care anymore about where something is made.

But I do.

I find satisfaction in doing both manufacturing and distribution. I can have control over quality and I get the opportunity to connect directly to customers.  I think that’s the best of both worlds.  But maybe that’s just me.

I enjoy taking ideas and turning them into something tangible.  I like developing the prototypes, working with so many materials, and figuring out how to perfect a process.  Art to me is more than painting or illustrating…it’s about creating something out of nothing.

But guess what?

Ideas are the most insignificant part of the process.  Millions of great ideas (or at least I think they’re great) run through my mind ALL day long.  I can’t stop them.  I often can’t sleep because of them.  Everybody has ideas…the test is whether you can successfully execute your idea.  Can you turn an idea into reality?

People tell me all the time…well, I want to be the idea person…I need somebody else to do the actual work.  What?  I sure hope you have a load o’ dough and even then, unless you’re already a celebrity, it’s kind of absurd (Don’t believe me?  Watch the episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta – with the woman who fancied herself a fashion designer, but didn’t know how to sketch, sew, or choose her own fabrics!) What a mess…

Yes, my way requires more work.  Bummer.  But its armed me with a competitive advantage.

I’m not an inventor, but I try to be pretty innovative.  That’s why, when I started Sugarluxe…I didn’t go the traditional route, t-shirts and greeting cards are the very first products to which most artists gravitate.  Why?  They are relatively inexpensive to produce and there are very few barriers to entry. 

I wanted to design cufflinks.  They are certainly unexpected.  Different.  And harder to do.

Blending in is not the goal.

It feels nice to be noticed…to stand out in a crowd.  I hope our new cufflinks make people feel the same way.  That does take a certain amount of confidence, sure.  But isn’t that what we’re really talking about anyway?

However, as with every optimistic point of view, there is a potential pitfall. I definitely understand first hand, the frustration felt by so many artists and designers today:

Do something original, create a popular style, product, or design…try to remain independent, do it yourself, be proud of your entrepreneurial spirit, and then work your butt off to make and market it…chances are, somebody will rip it.  Mostly big labels, but today, even indies are waiting to see what works and then jumping on board. FUGH!

I try to not let myself get caught up in that junk. Those worries become debilitating.  If I gave it any more thought, I wouldn’t spend this time sharing my experience. I’d keep it all to myself because as always, someone is waiting in the wings thinking not of what this post is really about – being unique – but rather, hmmm…how can I make cufflinks, too?

I have more of a problem with big manufacturers, though. The time spent on R&D makes it pretty hard to replicate for most small companies. But jeez, I’ve seen this happen all over the place. 

Etsy is the perfect example.  It’s become a virtual hot bed of crafter copycat fights. As a self-appointed social scientist, I’ve been quietly watching this site evolve (or not?) since its inception. I’m always curious as to whether my predictions will be completely off base or right on the money.  My hypothesis here?  Communities like this breed a lot of clones.

HOLD ON…just drop your glue guns and no one will get hurt.  

I’m not saying there isn’t a ton of talent there…but for cripe sakes (my mom has always said that and I have no idea what it means but it sure makes me laugh) the last place I’d go with a great new product is to a place overflowing with people who can, might, and probably will knock you off.

Ahhh well…it’s none of my business.

To the significant circle of people who always pay close attention - Here’s my next secret for you:  Stay one – or one hundred – steps ahead at all times.  Whether you choose to start collecting really cool cufflinks or you want your business to be a huge success (I, of course, would like you to do both)…start by figuring out, not how you’ll fit in, but rather, what will make you stand out.

It’s so fun to watch people walk into the building where I lease my space and find their way through the maze of non-descript hallways.  Upon opening the door to the Sugarluxe Studio…even guys, mind you…seem as if they’ve been transported to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.  *Cue the lights and the chorus*

Well, substitute Interns for Oompa Loompas, sparkly gems instead of a chocolate river, and we don’t have lickable wallpaper (yet) but the studio is filled with tasty, sexy art – it’s definitely a decadent place packed with delicious artistic goodness.

But my appreciation for PINK has far more to do with the POWER of this color than it does with my own predeliction toward it.

For years, pink products have made their way into the marketplace every October in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It’s amazing how many things are out there…pink, proud and hopefully, all doing their part to raise money for research and prevention.

From pink blenders and pink bread mixers, to pink curling irons and pink toolkits…for one month out of every year, we are bombarded with companies who manufacture Pink Ribbon Products.

This is something I’ve been doing at Sugarluxe since our inception.  And better yet, we don’t do it for one month.  We manufacture our Pink Ribbon Gift Items all year long. 

Preventing, educating and creating more awareness about breast cancer is part of my personal mission.  I might not be a big huge brand like Conair’s Personal Hair Care Products or Palmer’s with their ubiquitous Cocoa Butter Creme, but I am compelled to do whatever I can. Even if my contribution is small potatoes compared to these places…I’m in the fight to help battle this disease.

So, I’m pretty excited that Girlfriend Magazine (btw – they were the very first magazine to be printed on entirely recycled paper) and Cleo Magazine chose some of our Pink Ribbon items to feature as their favorite picks.  It let’s readers know that I, like so many other independent artists and designers, are also doing what we can to help fund and find a cure.  If we band together, we can make a difference.

If you want to create and sell Pink Ribbon products to help wage the war against Breast Cancer, let’s start with some Do’s & Don’ts to help you begin sharing knowledge and spreading hope…

DON’T

1. Don’t put a Pink Ribbon on your designs just to sell products.  Believe in the reason you’re doing this or just don’t do it.
2. Unless you are a big label or manufacturer and can sell tens of thousands of units, don’t source production.  You will likely not be able to move that much product and then you’ll be faced with discounting to offset costs, thereby diminishing any proceeds for the cause.
3. Don’t anticipate it will produce a revenue stream. Consider creating these items as part of your charity work.  Offering these goods should be a way for you to donate your time, effort and money to a cause you care about.
4. Don’t be vague about who you are contributing to. Penn sells Pink Tennis Balls and states that “15 cents of your purchase goes to a Breast Cancer Research Organization”.  That’s too unclear for customers.
5. Don’t make pink ribbon items if your products have chemicals or components proven to contribute to the disease.  Please just find a way to make safer products first.

DO:

1. Make sure to choose a specific organization for whom your contributions will benefit.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure is so large now that it’s hard to make a significant impact.  That’s why it’s good to consider other organizations too.  Like the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  They help pay for mammograms for women who cannot afford them and as the saying goes…an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
2. Decide what portion of the proceeds are going to go directly to the organization and clearly state that amount to customers.
3. Do your research.  Many organizations have local affiliates or chapters.  Big organizations even have trademark licensing requirements.  So, it’s best to start out at a local level to find out what is required of you before you start producing your own line of pink ribbon products.
4. If you sell your line wholesale, require those resellers to also contribute to a Breast Cancer non-profit organization of their choice. Because the net proceeds are decreased on wholesale orders, it’s important that both parties pitch in to make up the difference.
5. Be creative.  Do something special.  It’s not about taking a pink item and dubbing it a Pink Ribbon Product…develop something that is truly and specifically for the cause.  

A special note of THANKS goes out to Sam Winter of Sassi Sam in Australia whose hard work and savvy PR made it possible for the selection of Sugarluxe in these magazines.  Thank you Sam…you are such an amazing friend and smart business partner!!

Maybe because I’m an artist or maybe because I was a gymnast…either way, I love that The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games now lists the sport as Gymnastics Artistic.

It defines the competition as, “A perfect fusion of athletics and aesthetics, gymnastics ranks among the defining sports of the Olympic Games. Mixing strength and agility with style and grace, the high-flying acrobats have provided many of the most breathtaking Olympic spectacles.”

I couldn’t agree more.  I know because I trained day in, day out for years as a young Olympic hopeful.

One fateful night (and one heartless hit and run driver later) the course of my life was changed, ensuring that an Olympic Gold was not part of the plan for me. So when the Summer Games approach, bittersweet memories typically surface. 

After my life-altering accident, it seemed it was all for nothing. I had worked so hard my whole life, I had trained relentlessly, acquired massive amounts of self-discipline, gave up on having a normal childhood…and for what? 

Well, three years into building my business, I finally understand that it all had a purpose. 

The first thing I learned about achieving success started with competitive sports, specifically Gymnastics Artistic!

JUNIOR OLYMPICS INVITATIONAL | CIRCA SOMETIME LAST CENTURY

A quick tug to my leotard removes the annoying wedgie that always finds its way into my butt-crack. I approach the boundary line, arch my back and wave my right hand high into the air. This single-handed salute signifies to the judges that I am ready for my routine.

Two bars into Hernando’s Hideaway, I tango into the hearts of my judges and teammates alike. 

Deep breath in, I prepare for my last run. This is the gold medal moment. After all, I’m a highly-trained eight year old athlete.

Charging ahead with the fearlessness of a defensive lineman, I tackle my biggest tumbling run to date. I punch it. I’m flying high and flipping fast. Then a thud – and blood – everywhere.

Weighing in at a whopping 35 lbs, it’s sort of hard to imagine any strength whatsoever. In fact, from the ages of 6-11, I didn’t appear to have a mid-section. Lacking a definable torso and legs that looked like they were growing out of my neck, I was always told I should have been a ballerina. No doubt, I was definitely born to dance, but acrobatics appealed to the young risk-taker in me.

It seems, even as a kid, I was out to prove that I could do things people said I couldn’t, even if it meant getting a little banged up in the process.

This time? A broken nose.

In an effort to make the full rotation and not land on my head, I pull my knees in tight to turn my body into the tiniest ball possible. Most third-graders don’t pay much attention to physics, but since my face and the floor were familiar with one another, I learned pretty early on about the laws of gravity.  So, my right knee slams hard into my nose.

OMG…I feel the burn shooting through my brain and now I’m bleeding all over the mat.

But I pick myself up, finish my routine and with a blood-stained face, salute the judges.

Without an ounce of hesitation, I turn to wave to my audience.  Embarrassed, dizzy and utterly disappointed that the gold is now out of reach, my glazed-eyes doing nothing to hide my pain.

Then something amazing happens.

I receive the first “real” applause of my life.  Not the obligatory cheers from my teammates or the singular clapping sound of my mom in the stands, but actual applause from the entire crowd.

It’s not that I was the only gymnast to suffer some sort of physical catastrophe that day, yet I was the only one that pushed through the excruciating pain to place in the top three. A bronze medal doesn’t warrant the same bragging rights as does the gold, but even at eight years old, I knew that having guts meant getting some glory.

Isn’t it funny that the foundation of your whole personality can be formed at such a young age?

NEED TO BE A PERFECT 10?  NO!

After years of trying to deconstruct how I was able to translate dire situations into my dream career…I realized that it starts with learning how to give a great performance.

You don’t have to be flawless; you just have to make the most of what you’ve got — so when people are watching, they focus on the things you do well, while the stuff your not as good at (yet) can be improved upon with more practice.

Whether you’re throwing a round-off, flip-flop, full-twisting double-back or you’re brave enough to start your own business, both require you to take some calculated risks.

The first time you go for it is the scariest.  After that, you gain a little more confidence. But every time you throw yourself or your ideas up in the air, there’s a chance that you might fall flat on your face.

As kids, most of us are pretty resilient. We take a tumble, shake it off and try again. But the older we get, the less likely we are to try something new – because now we know – mistakes in judgment can be pretty painful.

But there’s just no way around it. No matter what you’re doing, if you want to be successful at it, you have to take some risks. If you are tremendously risk-averse, here are some important tips to help you overcome this barrier to success:

MY 7 LESSONS LEARNED AS AN ASPIRING OLYMPIAN

1. A public failure is not fatal. Rising above your mistake earns you respect.
2. Flexibility is fundamental to your success.  You shouldn’t bend over backwards for everyone, but in certain situations it’s necessary.
3. Increase your threshold for pain. The more pain you’ve endured, the more confidence you have in your ability to overcome it.
4. Practice the things you are not as good at twice as much as the things you are.  Is this one as hard for you as it is for me?
5. Always go for the gold – even when you know you’re not as naturally skilled as your competitors. Concerted effort combined with innate talent is far more effective than depending on talent alone.
6. Don’t waste precious energy resenting the person who is ahead of you, just focus on improving your own routine. The success of others can serve to motivate you, but ultimately, the only one you should be concerned about competing with is yourself. 
7. Someone is always judging you, but never let their scorecard affect how you feel about yourself. Judges in gymnastics, like in life, are not the ones out there in the spotlight assuming all the risk.