How to Organize your Artwork

March 13, 2013

How to Organize your Artwork and Keep Your Sanity!

These tips will work for any artist, whether you work in 3-D, paint watercolors on paper or paint with acrylics on large canvases. These tips are helpful especially if you are just starting your art career or if you have decided to try your hand at licensing, otherwise, you may already have a system in place that is working for you. (And if so, we’d love to hear about it in the comments)

I started licensing my art back in 1997 and over the years I have created a portfolio containing over 3,250 paintings. Finding a specific piece of art would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I don’t want you to waste your valuable time searching for art so I am sharing with you how I keep my art organized and easily accessible.

1. Number and Title EVERY piece of art.

Start with 1…or start with 100. It really doesn’t matter as long as you start from the beginning of your body of work. If you already have several paintings created, go back and write the image number and title on the back. I use a colored pencil because won’t erase or show through the paper. For my acrylic paintings I use a permanent marker to write on the wood stretcher bars.

2. Keep an "Image List"

I have an image list document on my computer and I print a new page every time I fill one up so that I have a "hard copy". I like having a hard copy of my list so when I finish a painting, I can quickly write the information down and move on. Another reason I do it this way is because I have had a couple computer failures over the years and would be frantic if I lost this important information. After creating 10-15 paintings, I update the file on the computer as well.

The image list holds all the information about the painting. I created 9 columns titled as follows…..image number, title of work, date created, description, size, medium, created for, cd #, sold.

Image number , title of work and date created are self explanatory.

Description – keep this simple, such as, Easter, spring, Christmas, teddy bear, angel, Santa, snowmen, etc. By doing this you can do a search for a specific holiday, season or character.

Size – this may not seem important but believe me you will want to include this. It seems that every time I forget to fill this in, I will need the measurements for listing the art for sale or for registering the copyright.

Medium – You may paint with watercolor, draw with pen & ink, create sculptures with clay or paint with acrylics….I would keep it all on the same list.

Created For – This is mostly for licensing purposes. It helps to remember the client you created the piece for. This is also good for commissioned work.

CD # – Which cd is the digital file stored on

Sold – It is important to know if you still have the original piece. When and if you sell your work, put the price you sold it for here and maybe the person you sold it to and the date.

3. Get Digital Files of Your Art

This is imperative if you plan to license your art! I have a digital file of all my art in order to send to licensees so they can create their products using my artwork. In order to keep expenses down, I recommend purchasing your own scanner and doing this yourself and then sending for professional scanning when a licensee asks for a digital file. You want your art’s digital files to be saved at 300 dpi, rgb, TIFF files. I have my flat pieces of artwork (watercolors) professionally scanned at Museum Photographics and my large canvas acrylic paintings I take to a local professional photographer.

Be sure your digital file name is the same image number and title as you have on your image list. I store my digital files on cds. Click here for storing cds. I number each cd and put that cd number in the "CD #" column on my image list so I can easily find the digital file when needed. Storing the digital files on an external hard drive is also a good idea so you can easily pull up an image using the file/find option on your computer’s menu bar (that is for mac users…not sure how it works on a pc) This makes it quick and easy for emailing a jpg to someone to view, for blogging purposes or to upload the .tif file to a FTP site for a licensee to download. Because hard drives are known to crash, you should still keep your digital files on cds, dvds, or compact flash for safe storage.

For 3D art, such as, clay sculptures, I photograph several angles of each piece. Number and title the piece and log that info on the image list right along with your paintings & drawings. Print the photographs and store in a binder for easy viewing then download the photos to your computer and store them there also.

4. Storing Your Original Art

Because, in some years, I paint over 200 paintings, I find the most cost effective way to store my watercolor paintings is put each work of art into an ultra-clear bag…(only .23 each for 12" x 18" bag) These are acid-free archival quality bags and come in a variety of sizes.

I then use plastic bins for storing the "bagged" originals….putting them in numerical order, of course. This method will protect the art and keep it organized as your volume of artwork increases. Once you have filled a bin, label the bin with the image numbers it contains, for example, "images 1 through 130".

For large canvas paintings, I use the same bag method. The ultra-clear bags mentioned above come in various sizes up to 20" x 30". If your paintings are larger than that, go here for bags up to 46" x 35".

When painting large works of art you will soon run out of space to store them. After I have a large painting digitally filed, I decide if I want to keep the painting to hang in my home or studio, whether I am going to give it as a gift, donate it for a fundraiser or sell it. For me, it is very exciting to have someone invest in an original painting to display in their home or office. I mean, after all, isn’t that why we paint…to share a piece of ourselves with others?? So don’t hang on to everything you create. Once you have it digitally recorded, let it go.

While you are trying to sell the originals or storing them for a gallery showing or if you just can’t let go of them yet, put each painting in a large bag and store them in numerical order standing on edge. Put a label on the top of the bag with the painting’s image number and title so it will be easy to find.

That’s it! That is my method for keeping my art protected, organized and easily accessible. I hope these tips help you and if you already have a system in place that is different from mine, please share in the comments section. I am always open to new ideas…..especially when it comes to organization.

Do you have another clever and easy way of storing your artwork? Share your ideas with us here. Thank you for commenting.

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2013 TNNA Nashville Market

March 11, 2013

The 2013 TNNA Nashville Market

bunnies, punchneedle, spring, pattern

"Springtime Bunnies"

punchneedle embroidery ©Teresa Kogut

punchneedle, booth, display, TNNA show

Room 409 at the Embassy Suites

video from craft gallery

(the video it a bit long but as you can see…it’s all about cross stitch)

cross stitch, pattern, santa bear, Christmas

XS073 – Santa Bear

cross stitch ©Teresa Kogut

Last weekend, my hubby, Kevin, and I were vendors at the TNNA’s (The National NeedleArts Association) trade show in Nashville, Tennessee selling my punchneedle and cross stitch patterns. Needle Art shops (and some quilt shops) from across the nation gather at the Embassy Suites to purchase inventory for their stores. This show’s focus is counted cross stitch patterns but there are also vendors selling embroidery patterns, painted canvas embroidery, punchneedle, as well as vendors selling supplies, such as, linen, embroidery floss, frames, needles, lighting, hoops, glasses….you name it…if it has to do with needle arts, it was there. There were 5 floors of vendors. Each vendor set up their displays in their suite….which I find very easy and convenient. During the show hours, the vendors simply leave their door open for shop owners to come in and browse.

Last year was our first year attending this market. Several shop owners loved my punchneedle designs but said they didn’t carry punchneedle in their shop and encouraged me to translate my designs into cross stitch patterns. After visiting with other vendors, I realized this market was all about cross stitch! The vendors I spoke with were very helpful in getting me started in this new venture. I learned about MacStitch from Beth Ann Seal at Summer House Stitche Workes, which is a computer program for creating the cross stitch patterns and I also found out about a yahoo group where I could find model stitchers from Erin Dekker Raatjes at Myrtle Grace Motifs. Thanks you, ladies, for helping me get started.

Well, there I was a year later at the Nashville market with four new cross stitch patterns. It was much more difficult than I originally thought it would be, but it’s a start! I am working with wonderful model stitchers that are taking my pattern and stitching the model for me to take to shows. Thank you, ladies.

The moral of the story is……Give the customer what they want!

This holds true for any business.

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10 Simple Steps in Overcoming Creative Block

March 6, 2013

10 Simple Steps in Overcoming Creative Block

It happens…..and it can be frustrating, especially if we try to force ourselves to start and/or finish a project when we just aren’t inspired. Follow these steps and surely you will break free from the shackles that are holding your creativity hostage.

1. Switch Gears

Write a blog post, update your social media profiles, write letters of gratitude to people who have inspired, encouraged or helped you in your life/career, attack that stack of papers you’ve been needing to file, etc. Get your mind off "being creative" for the afternoon by doing something constructive and the feeling of accomplishment will keep you from getting down.

2. Engage in Another Creative Medium

Take a break from watercolor and switch to acrylic, pastel, or do some collage work. Maybe you like to write. Take some time to write an article, poem or guest blog.

Do you like needle crafts? working with clay? making jewelry?

Many times when we are still using our creativity but doing something that is not related to the project that has us stumped can satisfy our spirit and keep our creative juices flowing.

3. Commitment

Commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day working on the project that you are struggling with. After 30 minutes, if the ideas and inspiration are still being "forced", walk away. Usually after a few days of doing this, the "solution" or inspiration for the project will surface.

4. Meditate

Sometimes we just need some down time…..some quiet time. Find a place outdoors (weather permitting, of course) to sit alone quietly. No phones, no ipods, no kindle…..just you (and your sketchbook). Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths, clear your mind and steady your thoughts. Do this for 15-20 minutes minimum.

"Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God." – Diane Robinson

5. Brainstorm

Take out your sketchbook and doodle; and not necessarily with your pending project in mind. Let your mind run wild and sketch, draw or write whatever comes to mind……some of my best ideas are born when I just let go and sketch random ideas and thoughts.

6. Do Some Spring Cleaning

Often times we are so caught up in meeting deadlines, finishing projects and preparing for shows that our work space can get out of control. Take a day and do nothing but clean and organize your studio or work space. Move things around, file papers, file or toss completed projects, improve your lighting, put up shelves for storage, hang some recent work on the walls, etc.

Clearing the clutter around you can also clear the clutter in your mind making room for those new ideas.

7. Get Your Blood Flowing

Take a long walk at the park, walk the dogs in the fields/woods on your property, put in a dvd of your favorite workout, gather some friends for a game of basketball, volleyball, etc., go on a bike ride, go for a swim. What ever motivates you to get your heart rate up and get your blood pumping, just do it! Get the oxygen flowing to your brain and say bye-bye to those mental blocks.

8. Get Inspired

Visit your local art gallery, surf the internet looking at art, go to the library or book store to look at magazines and how-to-books about art, get on pinterest and search art or illustration.

I am by no means telling you to copy another artist’s work but I have always loved looking at other artist’s creativity and often times get inspired by a new idea. It is imperative that you be true…be yourself….be original.

9. Enroll in a Class

Take an art class to learn a new medium at your local art institute or community center. Take a photography class, a writing class or learn a new craft.

These outlets are still feeding your creative soul and may be just what you need to overcome what is blocking your creativity.

10. Always have Your Sketchbook Nearby

One never knows when that spark of creativity will hit…….be prepared.

Sometimes a thought or image will pop in my mind; I sketch the idea to it’s fullest. It may be months before I use that idea or maybe I never will, but I can refer back to it at a moment’s notice and that is powerful and valuable.

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The painting at the top of this post was one of those "flashes of inspiration". Old Friend "popped" in my mind, I sketched it, I loved the sketch so much I immediately painted it using watercolor. It seemed to flow off the tip of my brush like magic and the painting was completed in an hour or so. Old Friend went on to be one of my best selling paintings in my entire career.

Paintings that flow freely and are created from inspiration from start to finish I find are the most successful paintings in my portfolio. I believe people can sense this when viewing an artist’s work. I wish all paintings came so easily but that is definitely not the case. I also believe paintings that are forced aren’t as successful…again, it shows in the work.

Don‘t be afraid to step away from your work and try something else for a couple of hours, a couple of days or more until the creative block has diminished. More importantly don’t let creative block consume your thoughts, cause you to worry and send you into a downward spiral. It happens to everyone at one time or another. We just have to learn techniques to overcome and conquer creative block.

How often do you experience creative block? Do you have another idea of how to overcome it that works for you? Please share it with us in the comments below or just drop me a line and let me know if this article was helpful to you. Thank you for your input.

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angel products

February 21, 2013

angel products, Coynes & Company, angel necklaces

Be True angel products created exclusively for Coynes & Company by Teresa Kogut

Guess what was on the front porch when I arrived home after picking up Ryan from school???? You guessed it! Coynes & Co Be True angel products…. totes, purses, bags and necklaces! I was like a child at Christmas. I couldn’t open the box fast enough! The angel products turned out beautifully. Kudos to Coynes & Co for manufacturing such quality products. I am grateful to be working with them and hope to continue this line of angel products in the future. The necklaces pictured above along with the totes, purses and bags are available here on my website or visit your local gift shop and/or Christian gift store to see if they carry the line.

Here is a short introduction to Coynes & Company taken from their website. Visit their site to watch a video and learn more about their extensive line of products.

"Welcome to Coyne’s & Company a leading giftware company for over 50 years. Each day we consider ourselves lucky because we have the pleasure to create products that bring joy into the lives of others. We take our jobs very seriously, because we know gifts that are given today become long lasting memories of friends and family in the years to come. As you browse our site, you will be introduced to our innovative product collections, each with a distinctive personality. We are sure you will find one or two that will delight someone you know."

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meet Grace

February 15, 2013

meet grace, mix media acrylic angel painted on rusty tin tile

"Grace"

acrylic over tin tile

Meet Grace. I finished this painting yesterday. I am really enjoying painting on the rusted tin tiles. I adhered the tin to a piece of birch plywood. Finished with sanding and crackling. Measures 12" x 12". I love how this one crackled and how the rust is showing through.

In a recent interview, I was asked, "When did your interested in angels begin?" This is my response….I have, for many years, been fond of angels. Back in 1996 when I started my wholesale business I had a collection of whimsical 8×10 prints that I had painted in watercolor called "Angel Series"….Each Angel was the guardian of something, for instance, teddy bear angel, snow angel, autumn angel, etc. Angels have always been a part of my portfolio, however, my as my faith has grown over the years so has my fondness of angels. My more recent acrylic angel paintings are inspired by scripture, but not all of my angel paintings have scripture. I have an ongoing list of scriptures that I have written in my sketch books and after sketching an angel, I will search for an appropriate scripture. Sometimes I choose a scripture reading that is exactly what I needed to read at the time, other times the choice is inspired by what may be going on in the world at the moment and sometimes it is as simple as an expression on the angels face or what the angel’s surroundings are in the sketch.

I use bible gateway to search for all the scriptures I use in my art. You can search by verse or keywords and you can choose from every bible available.

Wishing you a great weekend!

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latest punchneedle

February 13, 2013

"1 2 3 Easter You See"

Here is my latest punchneedle design…..and I think this is the last before the Nashville market. I now need to take all the finished punchneedle designs and really finish them. Some I will put on felted purses, frame some of them and maybe make a couple pillows and hanging pockets. I thought an Easter design was necessary being that it’s just around the corner…..hard to believe, right?

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a divided house

February 12, 2013

"A Divided House"

punchneedle pattern will available early March

Boy, did this one turn out differently than I had planned. I wanted the words, "A Divided House Cannot Stand" but it was too many words in a small area and you couldn’t read it so I pulled it all out and filled it in with grass. I adapted this punchneedle from a painting I did a couple of years ago by the same name. The painting was inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s "Divided House Speech" in Springfield IL on June 16, 1858 where he referenced the gospel Mark 3:25 while speaking about the government being divided. Here is an excerpt from that speech:

"A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new, North as well as South."

I believe this to be true of every house…..not just in the government. Within our own homes we need to strive for peace & harmony. We raise happy, healthy children when there is harmony in the home……harmony = peace = happy home = happy children.

Below is my original painting…..

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my latest work

February 6, 2013

"Sweetness"

20" x 20" acrylic over collage papers

Here is a picture of my latest work. I had a lot of fun creating Sweetness….especially the background. I used color pencil over top the brown acrylic paint….love the way it looks. Her dress and outer halo is made out of fabric squares that I recieved 3 years ago in a welcome packet at a creative women’s gathering. I named this piece sweetness because of the gentle, loving and sweet look on her face.

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New Punchneedle

February 1, 2013

I have been punching away!!! I taught a punchneedle class at Holly Hills Primitives in Holly, Michigan last Wednesday and by teaching these 8 wonderful ladies how to do punchneedle, I was inspired to add more new designs to my line for the Nashville Market coming up in March. I already have two more done!

This piece is called "Sweet Annie". Below you can see my original sketch. I plan to make it into a "pocket" with a handle for hanging, then fill it with, guess what????…..yep, sweet annie. It will be lovely when I get it done. The new patterns will be available in my shop soon.