May 14, 2009

An e-course:: in the fish bowl :: Life as an Artist. ONline

Fish bowl1

Remember this statement? and this post? Well, it’s time. 

3 years ago this month of May, I started a little podcast called Creative Thursday. I can still remember the day I decided to do it. I was so excited, because I knew ~ I knew this was the chance for me to fulfill a mission that began almost the same instant Creative Thursday began, the chance to encourage others to follow their creative dreams. 

Some people are content  privately doing the work they were meant to do and some people feel compelled to take that work to be a voice in the world. I’ve always felt compelled. And believe me when I say that if you get within earshot of me, there’s a really good chance that I will start asking you about your dream and then I will do everything in my power during our time together, even if it’s minutes, to convince you to follow it. 

I can’t help it really. It’s what I do. It’s what I’ve always done. Just ask the doorman at the Improv Comedy Club here in Hollywood. I’ve often wondered if we might actually have a chance at achieving world peace, if simply more people on this planet were following their true path in life.

So, I started a podcast with the hopes of making a difference, growing a following and eventually growing that into an income. As it turns out, during the process of sharing my creative journey, my creative journey became a thriving business. The thriving art business took over the time alloted for the podcast, and in all my best efforts I was not able to make it back to that intent and mission of Creative Thursday.

I’ve been skirting it long enough, dipping my toe into the world of sharing my voice when time allowed.

But now it’s time. Creative Thursday, the art business is ready to stand on it’s own a bit more, while I revisit my other passion of supporting others to follow their dreams. Sometimes, I honestly feel that one of the reasons I was so passionate about starting and succeeding at a business I love, was just so I could confidently say to other’s, yes it’s true, YOU CAN DO IT.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s go!

This was my very long introduction to announce my e-course. I know we are now heading full force into a time of e-courses. I am not the first and I won’t be the last. And I think it’s wonderful and amazing that technology is enabling so may of us to share what we have learned with each other, all over the world. The more we can learn from each other, the more likely it is that we will begin living the lives that we truly want. I’ve been waiting until I finally felt that I had the experience, to confidently share what I’ve learned with you. 

You may know Creative Thursday from the time I started my podcasts and my blog in 2006, but Creative Thursday began the moment I stepped out of college and worked my first creative job. The drive to become self-employed doing work that I love, compelled me on a journey that brought me here. And while there were days when I wished it would’ve happened sooner, I wouldn’t trade a minute of it, because I now know that every bit of experience I have had on this path is going to serve the teaching that I am beginning to do both in person and online.

A few details about class.

 In the Fish Bowl:: Life as an Artist Online

What’s the e-course going to be about? Marketing, Making a Living and Maneuvering Online, while staying true to who you are. I will be touching on every one of these subjects. For this first course I also will be personalizing it for the group attending.

Why did you call it "In the Fish Bowl"? I was sitting outside with Sean one evening when I said to him, "being an artist online is like being in a fish bowl" and the more I thought about, it the more the metaphor made perfect sense. Being online you have to be willing to be transparent, and much like a fish in a fish bowl, you must find a contentment within that transparent world. Finding your place and comfort within this rapidly changing online world, will enable you to take advantage of all the amazing possibilities that exist within it. And it goes without saying that developing smaller communities, we’ll call them fish bowls, of authentic friendship and support within the whole is vital.

Why should I teach this course? I’m not a big fan of  long lists of accomplishments. I would rather let my podcasts, blog and business speak for itself, and let you decide. I will say that I grew a business that sold one greeting card during a holiday season into one that now sells thousands of pieces of art all over the world in 2 1/2 years. And I did it online.

This is a limited enrollment e-course lasting for six weeks, and beginning Creative Thursday, June 18. You can find all the details here as well as register. Please don’t hesitate to email me or leave any questions in the comments below. 

So, I’ll see you in the Fish Bowl!!!

Comments (24)

Honestly, this feels like a dream come true. I know it must sound kinda silly but i have been thinking about this for the longest time since the day you announced that your teaching in Squam workshop. And I'm hopeful...told myself that I will wait with patience for the day you will announce that your hosting an e-course.
Yippee and hooray!!
I am looking forward and very happy that I get a chance to walk side by side with you on this little journey.
See you in the Fish Bowl!! *jump in the air while clicking your heels together*
I'm in! :D Just signed up and really looking forward to it!
Congratulations Marissa!!
I just signed up! I have listened to most of your podcasts and love the encouragement and positivity you give to artists just starting to sell their work online. It feels meant to be and I can't wait to learn!
I love your podcasts! I really want to make it work to join your class. I think it would be wonderful. =)
I am super excited too. I just signed up. (-: See you guys in June! (-:
Hi! I also signed up and can't wait to get started! :) I wanted to go to the Squam Workshop, but couldn't get time off from my job. (Boo!) I'm so glad you are offering this online. -Laura
Congratulations Marisa -- I knew you'd go for it. I'm so proud of you. Rock on, sister.
Congrats! It sounds like an amazing course. I think everyone would be happier if they just followed their creative dreams.
I already registered and I can't wait to start the course :) It so happens that its the perfect time, just when I am beginning to set up my first online store, there's so much to still learn. Thank you for been such an inspiration to follow my dreams!
thank you so much everybody!! I'm honored. Thanks for spending part of your summer with me :) Let's go be creative & thriving!!! Yes???
I signed up and am looking forward to it so much! What a great idea!!
Hi Marisa. I hope your e-course isn't full yet because I've written about it on my blog today! Have a great weekend. Em x
hello! i just signed up! i had a wonderful experience with holly and can't wait to dive back into class with you. thanks for doing this & congratulations! *sarah
yay! so glad you are offering this and i'm looking forward to the first day of class...
have a wonderful weekend!
-heather
That's so amazing Marisa. I have to say that you're blog and your story is one I come back to again and again for inspiration to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a full-time artist. I appreciate seeing all that you do, and may see you in an e-course some time in the future!
Marisa -
You are such an inspiration.
(And on a side note, that photo of you for this post is *gorgeous*!!)
:)
Just signed up! Thanks for doing this :)
sounds awesome!!
Thank you for this space!!!
I'm signed up and very much looking forward to it!
I signed up!! :)
pve
What a great post! I resonated with so much of what you said. Especially the parts about starting a business out of college (or wanting to) and showing others how it can be done.

Keep up the great work!
If your classes are even half as good as your podcasts you will be a huge success with them. Looking forward to taking one. Congrats on all your success!