loved this today, Marisa. I am on the other end of the spectrum in beginning a real retail side of my business and today had major panic over the money invested vs. the income....you reminded me to slow down and breath and let it flow.xo

thank you Sarah! we were just talking about April in Paris days. So impressed and inspired by all you have done over these past 5 years. And can’t wait to see what the retail space will bring for you!!

The picture reminded me of the book cover of "The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level"

I love your blog and visit often. It's good to hear you podcasting again. Your thoughts help me so much and I really respect that you are willing to discuss things that other art business owners are not. It really helps to know you are not alone in these things. x

First of all, I'm so glad you started your podcasts again! I'm really enjoying them!

I think most people have shifted over to social media which can be very good for snippets and fast paced connections, while blog posts, phone calls, emails and meeting people offline give the time and space needed for a deeper kind of conversation. Perhaps those of us who enjoy the deeper conversation appreciate it more now that the landscape has changed?

Just now I’m struggling with the desire to evolve my style and the need to stay consistent to be marketable. I just wrote a blog post about it, although I don’t expect many readers or comments… At least it makes my work more transparent I thought, my blog tells a deeper story that would be hard to tell in snippets…

I've deleted my FB and Twitter, but I have Instagram and my blog. I subscribe to podcasts, visit blogs and websites now and then and I prefer to follow people who also follow me, so that there can be a mutual exchange.

You mentioned in your podcast about ebb and flow, how the internet can be frustrating in that it's constantly turned on. We're always expected to be flowing? We’ve always got the opportunity to make an online sale or fill a moment of downtime by broadcasting in our social media streams? This is something I find very draining, because I need those moments of solitude to recharge and reflect before I turn back to connecting with others… I like the idea to turn things on and off. Like picking up a book or phone and putting it down, and I try to apply that idea to my interactions online, even if one is encouraged to be hooked into the web all of the time.

I always enjoy how you often talk about art and making art in a unique way. Talking about the many elephants in the room, bringing up the difficulties as well as the joy.

Catching up and I agree that we read less and comment less on blogs, yet there's a lot of following and scanning. Personally, since my time is limited, I still want to keep up with certain blogs, but I skim and decide if I really want to dive in... because following a blog doesn't mean you read every single post.

I love hearing your podcasts... I think different mediums let us absorb different sides of you as well. Just as you liked to listen to the audiobook instead of reading it... just a different effect.

Marisa, you mentioned that people are smart about deciding whether people are blogging because they love it, or they are just "keeping it going". That I think is very true. I've seen a few blogs that got purchased by someone else and they either take over the writing themselves or hire some writer. And often you can tell that they don't actually love it for the blogging, just for the income it might generate. People can really tell, and then they stop coming.

I wonder if you would've been more aware of the ebb and flow if you lived in an area where there's more distinct seasons, rather than the sunny all year Southern California. The ebb is sort of like silences in conversations too. Some people just feel a need to really fill it.

totally! I hadn't heard of the book when I took this - but just a couple of weeks ago, I don't know if you saw my notes on the last podcast? but 'The Big Leap' came into my life and is changing it big time. Have you read it?

thanks Niki xo

Kate! such a treat to hear from you! happy to hear you are finding your way with your art and social media - and yes elephants in the room...I think it's good to see {and talk about} those fellows.

probably so Kelvin. I think more distinct seasons make a big difference and yes to your point about filling in the silence. I have to be aware of that often. to breathe and listen instead of talking just to say something.

Not yet, its on my to-read list :)