Sunday, November 23, 2008

Its all about networking

So, I'm learning lots of new things these days. Unfortunately some of it includes how awful the economy is right now. The show was a total bust. Over 2 days I made $30. Unfortunately the booth cost $95. Crummy huh. It was tempting to go over to the promoter and yell at her about how hard times are for my family right now and I can't afford to lose money because she didn't advertise effectively. I restrained myself, but other vendors didn't. Is it bad for me to secretly enjoy that other people did it?

Anyway... even though I didn't make money, I actually enjoyed most of the show. I've made some craft show buddies to keep in touch with, and I made an awesome contact with money making potential for the future. Let me explain... I had this conversation with someone 2 weeks ago. The exchange went something like this...

Nice lady: "Your work is beautiful, have you ever thought of illustrating children's books?"

me: " ha! I really haven't thought about it. I don't know how someone goes about doing something like that."

Nice lady: "I don't know either, but they would be adorable."

Good fuzzy feelings follow. :)



Now, at the show this weekend, I had another conversation, it went something like this:

Nice lady #2: "Your work is beautiful, have you ever thought of illustrating children's books?"

me: " ha! I actually had someone ask me about that at my last craft show! I really haven't thought much about it. I don't know how someone goes about doing something like that."

Nice lady #2: "oh, well, my husband owns a publishing company, let me get out a business card... you really need to submit your artwork, I think he would love it."


So, this was very exciting. She even bought a couple cards to take home and show him. AND, it gets better, she even emailed me later that night to say that he loved them and to submit my art directly to him ASAP. I about fell off my chair. I'm realistic enough to realize that this may not lead anywhere. But I am flattered that someone thinks my art is publish-worthy. She especially liked my fairy. :)
I'm realizing that networking is the key to finding opportunities. As Benson job hunts, the most promising leads are the ones where we have a friend on the inside vouching for him. We're trying to make and follow as many leads as we can. So wish us luck on our networking leads, and feel free to pass on any leads YOU may have for us too. :)

11 comments:

Jared Smith said...

Thats awesome Cheryl! I can't wait to buy a kids book and be like "my sister did the artwork in that book!"

Devri said...

WE need work too, I have this feling, I knkow we wil be ok, but I hate it non the less. no job, no money, no christmas. I just wish things would turn around for EVERYONE.

Rachie said...

good luck with going cold turkey! I was craving on days 3 and 4 but I am doing much better. I forgot how much I love water!!!

You are a great artist!!!

Liz Smith said...

i wish i would have been there, i would have yelled at the lady for you...ive got no kind of shame.

exciting about the children's book thing! that would be sooo cool!!!! i hope you wont forget all us little people when you become famous. :P

Kim W said...

Cheryl, that is soooo exciting. I'm so glad that people with ability to help you succeed are as impressed with your work as I am (who has no venue to help your business grow). My fingers are crossed for you

Corrine said...

i think your art is totally kid book worthy! even coffee table worthy!

Much cooler art than anything out there you know!!

Denise and Brandon said...

That's awesome! I think your work is most definately pulish-worthy. Good luck with your leads.

Generational stitcher said...

It really is in who you know...keep us posted on the books...way cool!

Kenney Crew said...

That's so exciting!!!! We're focusing on that right now too. Todd's working for the first time since his transplant, but not in the most ideal situation. At least it's something. Can't wait to see what happens.

Sean and Hillary Monroe said...

So you'll never believe...
I've been writing books in my brain for years now but haven't done anything about it because I don't know how to go about getting them published or illustrated. I think we need to get together. Have a great idea that actually involves fairies.

Celeste Christensen said...

I'll buy that children's book! How exciting. Maybe one day we could team up! I could write and you could illustrate!!