An Artist's Pay

The debate among many artists historically has been how do we price our art in order for it to a) sell and b) sell enough for the rent to be paid. If you are an artist of any type you deal with this dilemma constantly. Here's how I deal with this issue.

I pay myself $20/hr or my costs times 5, whichever makes most sense. That said, I know that new designs take longer to make than the tried and true. I take into consideration when designing, how long it will take me to make the item.

I do two types of designs these days 1) Artistic expression or items I WANT to make and lean toward OOAK or 2) best seller items that are clever in design, use less materials, are less difficult to repeat and take less time.

For number 1, I just let my creative soul take over and make what I am inspired to - a key component in a successful shop, I feel, keeping you creatively inspired and motivated. If my artistic creations don't sell, I either donate them to charities for fund raising, and they really appreciate them (and they sell for higher prices than I could get) or I put those items in galleries.

For number 2, this is where I spend the most time creating, using my skills literally (the one's I learned in jewellery school) and as an artist - trying to find that clever design that is pregnant with potential of repeat selling and simple to make. I find that within a month period I only have 3 or 4 truly creative days where ideas just flow. I don't waste those days on process ie. making jewellery. I get out the sketch book and brass wire, which I use to make proto-types, and sketch and bend until I get dimensions that I know will work or don't. Sometimes I put ideas that don't work aside and come at them again later, next month or next year. Never throw away an idea - I have a box where I put all these 'stuck' ideas that didn't work that day, but later turned into best sellers. Like these happy mistakes http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41563455 These are the ideas that turn into creations I'm happy to make again and again.

There is no time limit on creating - love what you do FIRST! I often wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, my first clue that those 3 days or so might be here, and jot down an idea. Only count the time when it becomes a job. Once you are selling regularly, THEN look at time, but until then, HAPPY CREATING. ENJOY!

All the Best
Sharon

New Tools - New Designs

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics - we in beautiful British Columbia, Canada are truly LOVING the role of playing host to the World!!

On the jewellry front, I've been having a blast!! I received some cash at Christmas and thought I'd do something productive with it other than a manicure and pedicure, which I badly needed. :-) I bought TOOLS!

I bought an awesome top of the line dapping set that will last a few lifetimes, a beautiful disc cutter and some stamping tools.

The dapping tools are used to shape metal and I had a ball making these Silver Spheres of Imperfection!! Ok, bad pun intended!! The Silvery Moon Pendant was super fun as well. Check them all out at my Etsy shop.

I haven't got the stamping down yet, it takes a bit of practice and I'm impatient so it'll be awhile before you see anything up in my shop which encompasses them. Keep watching though.

The disc cutter has been tons of fun as well and it has been instrumental in several new designs including the Silver Spheres as before I shape the sheet metal I have to cut it out. It is super easy to use and I wish I would have purchased one years ago.

I'm loving my studio these days and it's hard to pull me out of here, however the sun shines more often these days and with flowers starting to bloom here on the west coast of Canada - I'm being pulled outside. I'm sure my family will be very happy about that - maybe they'll see me every once in awhile!!

Til next time...enjoy!!!

Be Mine Valentine - Heart Felt Jewelery

Good day all! I've been in the studio creating from the Heart! After the dizziness of Christmas has for the most part passed, it's winter nesting time which brings the heart home and announces Valentine's Day. I've created several pieces with hearts, some new designs and others a heart-take on some popular MetalRocks designs such as my Silver Hammered Hearts with a Tail!

Enjoy a browse thru my shop and please comment as I dearly love to receive feedback.

Until next time, when our topic will be To Stamp or Not to Stamp - What Does the 925 or SS stamp Declare?

All the Best

Thank You for a Wonderful 2009 and Introducing New Designs for 2010!

2009 was quite the year for my Etsy Shop and I have all of you to thank. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - from the bottom of my heart! My sales increased every month in 2009 even during the summer when I closed my shop and went on holidays. Absolutely amazing!! Without the support of family members, friends, everyone at Etsy, my Twitter-mates, my blog followers and all my customers this would not be possible. I am so grateful for everyone and everything I have been blessed with in 2009!!

For the 2010 Season I have introduced 18 new designs and I hope you love them as much as I did making them. I'm really proud of the Well Healed Collection and all the other new designs plus I have a sketchbook of ideas ready to be made. I'm going to upgrade some of the 2009 designs but I will leave the Goddess Tear Falling Behind series http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37764580 and the Maria's Goddess Tear Studs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37739894 listed due to the tremendous interest these 2 styles afforded last year.

Along with new designs, logo and business cards you can expect more blogging regarding the jewellery industry from the prospective of the artist. Jewellery has almost over-taken the Christmas fairs, outdoor markets and both Etsy and Ebay have strong jewellery sellers - not to forget chain stores that can sell at a fraction of the price it often cost me to make an item. How does an artist stay in business and compete with the countless competition? As well, I hope to provide some discussion on shopping for jewellery and some simple but insightful questions and answers that I know people would appreciate.

Thanks again everyone for a fabulous 2009 and here's hoping that 2010 is the best year yet for one and all!!!

Tis the Season

Good day all! Well it's upon us, the Christmas season, and my shop is buzzing. Sales have increased substantially and my family is getting meals prepared on the weekend and frozen. I'm happy, but the family, not so much! :-)

I've done a few new things including joining the EtsyCanada team and advertising at IndieNorth a wonderful site dedicated to promoting Canadian artists. http://www.indienorth.com/

I like to buy local so my thinking floated to, why not try to sell locally. My Etsy store was already established and doing nicely, but my Canadian sales were a small trickle. I found my answer on Twitter, where I met Beth, the wonderfully creative and industrious lady who is the force behind IndieNorth. Beth is a delightful Tweeter and gave me the wonderful hint to add the word 'Canadian' as a tag in my Etsy shop, plus a placed a very reasonably priced ad on the IndieNorth site and my Canadian sales have easily tripled! Thank you IndieNorth and Beth! I recommend all Canadian artists check this site out.

This week, I was contacted by Christina of Akane Designs http://www.akane.etsy.com who has kindly accomplished all the necessary administrative work to set up a new Etsy Team, called EtsyCanada of which I am happy to say, I am now a proud member. I'm looking forward to getting to know more Canadian artists from across the country and promoting our creations together. I'm super excited!!

That said, with sales soaring, I must get back to the studio! 'Tis the Season' and artists around the world are in high production and high promotion mode. Did I mention how much I LOVE IT!!! :-)

Have a great day and remember: Today is the tomorrow you've been waiting for! ENJOY!

Artist vs Business Owner

I'm trying to focus on creating this week and the universe provided the time with sales slowed to a snail's pace. It's a double edged sword; more sales equals more administrative work and less creative time and less sales equals more creative time but the bills don't get paid. Thankfully, I don't have to sell to pay the mortgage, however our family can't afford to lose money. A metal smith's overhead is high. The equipment is quite costly and metal is way more expensive than most stones or man-made substances many make into jewellery.

For the creative soul, it will always be, artist vs business owner. My suggestion is to allow for creative days by remaining flexible. When you feel those creative juices flowing and you've sketched out so many ideas but haven't actioned them because you are busy filling orders, that's the right time. You don't have to take out days on end, but at least one studio day dedicated to filling this void. You don't have to complete the pieces, just get a good start so your creative hunger is satisfied, or at least the edge is off.

Taking out a day for creativity or to feed the soul, is also a fantastic way to ensure your work doesn't grow stagnant with repetition and your customers don't wander away due to boredom. So speaking of fresh, today is my creative day, just for me. I always feel just a little selfish, but I usually get over it once the tools are in my hands. Off to the studio I merrily go!

Fantastic Weekend and Now Back to the Studio!

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I had a fantastic weekend over in the big city of Vancouver! Always fascinating, over-whelming amounts to do and see, and a burnout when I get home. I think I slept most of Monday and when I was awake, well I wasn't exactly focussed.

I attended a workshop on the Hladina Method (see www.inlightenthebody.com) which is a marvelous body of work. I was surprised at the gentleness and effectiveness of method, plus that the results are staying with me. Historically, I'd go to a workshop and withing a few days all the work dissipates and I'm back to my same old stuff. Not so with the Hladina Method. I highly recommend it and have already booked more workshops to attend and hope to be certified within a year.

There has been a slow down in sales so happily I don't feel like I have to play catch up. Manila Tag would like more pieces and I'm working on it. I usually like to dedicate a day a week to the store, however this week I cannot. I've been away and my child, partner and the house need some attention, especially since I'm going to NORWAC (North Western Astrology Conference) in Seattle 2 weeks from today.

I did pick up a new mandrel in Vancouver and it's triangular. Totally cool! Now I'm busy making up Mind, Body and Spirit pieces. I especially like my new item, Mind, Body and Spirit meet Eternity which is pictured. Simple and symbolic.

Today, I've decided to do something nice for a stranger and I challenge you to do the same. I'd love to hear what you did for someone so please send me your story! I'll post mine too!

Lots of sports to watch while I'm in the studio. The Players Championship (golf), Canada plays in the Men's World Hockey Championship and the Vancouver Canucks play tonight as well! Phew, I'd better eat my wheaties!! Have a great day folks!!

Happy Easter Weekend!

It's been an exhausting week, but I finally got the first order to Manila Tag. I feel much better, but still have several pieces to make. As well, I've been trying to ensure my on-line store has daily new feature items if possible. It hasn't always been possible. I worked until 1:30AM last night and feel a little more caught up.

I decided to take Maria's lovely idea to make the Maria's Goddess Tear Studs with a 14K gold tail and a solid silver stud. I think the woman should design jewellery. The results are pictured and I think absolutely lovely.

I must run as I yesterday's turkey needs to be made into stew plus the Masters is on AND Canada is playing in the semi-finals in the curling. What's a girl to do but grab a beer and hit the tube. The turkey can wait!

Intense Week

I've been in my studio all week, often until the wee hours of the AM getting the order ready for Manila Tag. It's just when an artist gets going, it's difficult to stop. The first order is ready and I'll deliver on Monday April 6th. The rest of the week will be spent getting part 2 created. Rings, rings and more rings. I'm looking forward to it!

I took time out this week to make one my favourite customers a pair of earrings she has graciously been waiting for. Check them out! Solid 14K gold studs soldered to 18 gauge argentium silver tail: Maria's Gold Goddess Tears Studs - designed by Maria and made for Maria with passion for the process and geniune affection for Maria herself. I call Maria a gift as the creative inspiration she brought into my life is something I can't purchase anywhere!! Thank you Maria!!

Oh Happy Day!

What a weekend! I was feeling down due to no sales and so much effort! I am delighted to state I have sold several dozen pieces to a store in Victoria, BC, Canada. I will announce their Grand Opening as soon as the dates are firmed. I couldn't be happier with the flavour of the store or the people involved.

I have never let go of so many creations at once and as I tagged everything last night I was feeling a bit melancholy. I have sold to stores before, but never this quantity! I feel truly blessed today. AND they want more! I still have to make rings in several sizes for the second component of the order.

I now have all these creative ideas roaming around as I try to focus on a spreadsheet. The mundane aspects of having one's own business. And I must get it done as I'm going to the Lower Mainland of BC for a week of visiting, shopping and sushi!! I fully intend to get a manicure as my hands are rough and most of my nails have been gouged into by a file or just broken off period! My artist hands deserve a vacation too!!

Parent Panic - Thrilling Week of Sales

This week has been thrilling for MetalRocks on Etsy. People are finally finding me! Some of my designs have really taken off, especially the Goddess Tear Mini Studs! I shipped pieces to the UK, Australia, USA and Canada this week! If I can't afford the ticket, at least my work is seeing the world!

As well, the pendant pictured is called Imagine, as neither my husband nor I could agree with what we see in the piece so I decided not to try and lock down our or anyone else's creative interpretation. The process is one of my favourite (ok I admit I'm a melting metal junkie!!) called fusion. Suffice to say it was a satisfying fun week creatively.

On the parenting front, I'm wincing. My daughter, Kat, is turning 12 at the end of the month and I'm trying to prepare a party, sleepover, or whatever. Communication is not thriving. I'm suddenly feeling old, outdated, trend ignorant, and my daughter told me she and her friends think I have similar characteristics to her teacher. I didn't dare ask if they liked the teacher!! I can see them rolling their eyes when I try to chum around with them and of course all conversation stops when I appear, letting me know I couldn't possibly understand what they are going thru!! My feelings were smarting and then I started to remember; something that now takes effort!

I remembered ME. Me at twelve. It was more fun to look back nostalgically than realistically. I somehow felt it was necessary for me to understand a stage in my life so I could understand that stage in my daughter's. I got out the wine!

I was a head-strong kid and by the time I was twelve I was listening to no one. Luckily I was smarter than I was brave, so that helped save me at times. Back then people didn't talk about hormones or even mention 'that time of the month', these were all secrets. Remember Cathy Rigby and those tampon commercials and what a scandal it all was. I am embarrassed at what I put my poor unsophisicated mother through. I made only the most mandatory appearances at home and the rest of the time, well I don't even want to mention because my daughter will likely read this.

So after my little trip down memory lane, I realized while Kat may be changing, so are the times. Conversation may stop when I appear but I am still smarter than I am brave. I simply hide and LISTEN. Kat and her friends are totally interesting, definitely more advanced than I was, more conscious of who they are and where they are going, and very frank about hormones, boys, etc. It's all fascinating stuff and way better than TV! After all - all is fair in love and war...AND PARENTING!!!

Enjoy your day!!

By the Light of the Silvery Moon Pendant

I am so thrilled with this new piece. I posted it on Etsy on a Full Moon no less. It did seem fitting. I'm going to make a whole bunch of Moons and then start to put them together into bracelets, pendants etc.

Today I'm working on a new idea, if I can get to it. I love hoops and if you look at my site you'll see I have a good amount of them. I want to do a new take on them. My piece Refections, pictured here (along with my Moon pendant) is a design based on my love of hoops. Tomorrow post will hopefully have a picture of my new idea! See you then!!

Work in Progress

I'm super excited by my new Organic Freeform line. I love melting metal, it matter not what kind. I plan on making more nose rings and earring studs today. I usually like to melt at night as it's easier to see when things are going right or wrong, in other words, when to take that torch away!

Last night I made this totally cool new piece. I took a copper coin about an inch in diameter and melted a bunch of silver on it. Because the silver was sterling, when it was in the cooling process it cratered. Now it looks just like a full moon, which will be the name of the piece. I think I'll call it By the Light of the Silvery Moon. I'll post it as soon as it comes out of the polisher.

I just love creating!!!!!

Greetings! Sharon Dudka is my name and family, melting metal, music and astrology are my games! I'm most fortunate to live on beautiful Vancouver Island in Canada, where I am busy creating jewellery. I can't get enough.
Originally from central Canada, I've been singing, making jewellery and gazing at the stars most of my life. I also was a Ukrainian dancer from the age of 5 to 17. I even danced for the Queen of England!

I sang country music, studied astrology and the healing properties of stone, took silversmithing courses and was the Stage Manager for several plays. I had several 'day' jobs to fund my habits! :-)

I moved to Vancouver Island to get away from the hard winters on the prairies and become a true Starving Artist! I was highly successful!! I did astrology full-time and the rest of the time was spent making jewellery, singing in various bands and writing for a music rag called the Cosmic Debris. Here's a link to an article on John and Michelle Law http://www.cvnet.net/cosmic/a_law.htm

Then I got pregnant. Always play with musicians ON STAGE! I broke my own rule and life changed. Now, I'm the proud mother of a lovely daughter who's rocknroll very talented lead guitar player father, sees her often and happily lives in the next town!! :-)

I'm now partnered with a stone sculptor, Doug Lagasse http://www.sunrisesculpture.com/ and we are living in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. I'm trying to get my jewellery work out there and doing a few readings on the side for outside stimulation so I don't get over-involved in my family's activities!

I've got a profile on my Etsy shop http://metalrocks.etsy.com/ that talks about my head injury, a very painful time in my life, physically and emotionally. I was in a car accident (going thru a green light!) and along with my various injuries developed a fear of the torch. I could no longer create jewellery! Happily, I just made my first solder joint June 19, 2008 after several years. Slowly I am regaining the skills I lost. Please check out some of my pieces! They are made with love of the materials and the process!!

Life is so much better now. I'm looking forward to sharing with you my journey and many of the experiences I had along the way, then, now and in the future! I'd love to hear from folks regarding any of the subjects discussed. I'm always interested to hear what other people have experienced. What I do know is: everyone has something to contribute, something special about them, they might not even see it, but I KNOW it's there!!!

More soon.....