Look at me! I’m Famous - Deanna Chase

What? You didn’t get the memo. I know, it came as a surprise to me too. Don’t feel bad, now you know. The first time Greg (my hubby) and I went to an ISGB Gathering, International Society of Glass Bead Makers, we were both surprised at the amount of people who knew who we were. Of course, instead of gushing about what fabulous creations we made they gushed about how cool our lifestyle was. At the time we lived in an RV and traveled the US continuously, selling our beads and marbles online. We were stopped by numerous people with the, “Oh you’re the RV people. That is sooo cool! I wanna be you when I grow up.”

Okay, so we didn’t become famous, or is it notorious, in our little bead world by making fun stuff, though we think we do, we became known for our wacky lifestyle. Hey if it works roll with it, I say. So we have become known as the traveling vagabonds. Mostly people came to know us through message boards. I had a tiny 80 x80 picture of both of in an avatar and you’d be amazed at how many people recognized us from that tiny little picture. Be forewarned, when posting on message boards, there are far more people reading your words than you will ever know. So keep it positive people.

The reality now is, we no longer live in an RV. After four and a half years, I was ready for a house and a real studio. It has been almost a year now and I don’t miss being on the road all the time. I miss the traveling, but not the living in the RV part. It was great fun and I’ll always treasure it, who knows maybe I’ll do it again someday. But for now, I am happy where I’m at. So, will we still be famous? Probably not, though we have made a name for ourselves in the bead and marble world and thats all I really care about. Maybe we won’t see our names up in lights, but the business keeps the cash flowing and we don’t have to work outside jobs, and that is all the fortune I need.

Fame, Fortune and Reality - Susan Sheehan

When it comes to our art or craft, most of us would like to eventually become famous.  Perhaps not recognized on the street, but certainly recognized in our medium.  In addition to feeling good about what we do, it is bound to increase our financial intake. But how does one become widely recognized and honored?  Or simply put, how do we get our name out there? 

Let me preface my advice by saying I am not famous….. Yet. But if I keep following my own advice, you’ll see my name elsewhere. Here are a few ideas to put you on the path to great fame: 

Get published – Write a how to article on a technique that has your unique twist.  Take great photos, write a clear concise set of instructions and see your name on the cover of a magazine at your favorite craft store.  You can also stalk the call for submissions at Lark Books.  Are you full of great advice?  Write a book. 

Teach – Teaching is a great way to get you known.  Each class is a slew of new faces that get to know you and what you do.  They tell their friends and have a memory of who you are for the rest of their lives.  Think of how many you could touch in the course of a year. 

Network – I know this one is widely used, but think about how you network.  Share your work with everyone.  Wear it, give it, or talk about it.  Join art organizations and participate.  Become a name seen among the members.  Become someone others in your medium can put a face or picture of your work to. 

Make a splash on the internet – If you are reading this article I know you utilize the internet.  But instead of just reading, participate.  Have a website and blog.  Join forums and post.  Join social networks and share pictures of what you do.   

Before you know it, people will start to know who you are.  You will get anonymous emails asking for your advice.  You may even get autograph requests.  Really!  It can happen to all of us. Any other ideas you would like to share I would love to hear.

Susan