Bari J.

Creativity Takes Courage with Jeanne Oliver

Creativity Takes Courage with Jeanne Oliver    

Hi there. It's a busy week in this studio. All of the portfolio pieces, brochures etc for Surtex need to go to print, I just got back from a teaching gig a couple hours away, I'm sewing for quilt market and I'm readying the space for something very special to take place next week. I feel like a slightly crazy person. Maybe more than slightly, but it's all good. I can't complain... I am likely the creator of all my craziness.

Today I'm excited to share something with you. Last week, I was interviewed by someone I greatly respect. Jeanne Oliver is a homeschooling mom, an artist and a designer of clothing and jewelry PLUS she runs a free "Creative Network" which offers videos and education series. I was interviewed for her series "Creativity Takes Courage"... a statement that I heartily agree with! I hope you will go take a look. Jeanne is a joy to talk to. After 30 minutes I felt like I knew her forever. Hugs, Jeanne. And thank you!

 

A feature, a confession and a discount code.

A feature, a confession, and a discount code.

I'm super excited to tell you that I've been included in Uppercase Magazine's Surface Pattern Design Guide. Uppercase is a magazine run by two wonderful entrepreneurs who simply love design.

Ok got that out. Now the rest of this I've re-written this 10 times. I was simply going to do the standard, "hey look where I've been featured post", but I can't. I feel like I need to tell you a little more.

But I'm afraid you are going to think at best, I'm cheesy, and at worst, I'm an emotional mess. So please know that I've pulled on my big girl panties to tell you this. 

Something about being featured in THIS publication has made me more proud than just the usual feature. You see, I've been at this for a decade. I started really getting into sewing all those years ago because I loved the designs on the fabric. The ride has been so crazy and dizzy since then, I'm not quite sure how I got where I am. And some of you may think, "Come on, she's so successful. How could she feel like this?". But the truth is, it's not easy to Actually. Make. A. Living. By. Creating. I'm not complaining about how I'm paid or what I'm paid. I have several great partners who I adore and am extremely grateful to have. 

I'm just saying that to make it in surface design alone you have to reach a critical mass in the number of licenses you have and the number of surfaces that your work is on. That's just a fact. And it is NOT easy to get there. 

Does being featured in this magazine mean I've made it? No. Certainly not. But the symbol of the recognition of being in this magazine... with the company I know I'm in... it is just one more thing that is keeping me going. 

When I design, I feel like it's coming out of me from me feet up to the top of my head and out. I LOVE designing like it gives me life. There is nothing like believing in yourself and your work for getting you where you need to go. But a little recognition along the way is truly a boost.

Thank you, Janine and Erin. I'm am more than honored to be featured in your beautiful publication.

 

For a $15 discount on an Uppercase subscription, use code 'USPDG2014'.

Thanks for listening and not judging.

Have a colorful day,

Bari

 

 

Make It In Design

Make it in Design

This morning I woke to the very sweet news that I'm featured on the "Make it in Design" blog.

The site is a great place to find artists and to learn if you are interested in surface design. I encourage you to check it out. Not just because I'm featured, but it's truly a wonderful site and they even have their own online magazine and an online school too.