Speak Life & Finish Strong

Speaking life into every situation is how I choose to live.  People are going to try and create adversity in your life.  It is the job of the imps to try and delay and discourage us.  The Good News, is things change for the better.  is in a season.  The critical thing to do is to hold on and ride out the storm.  Knowing that you are not alone you can make it to peace and tranquil waters. Several people can only stand to go through 20%-60% Why go through 80-99% of any problem and not end up with a Testimonial Victory!  The people that go that far and then give up, when they are within a few steps or hours of a breakthrough.

Speak life into you situation and everyone that you come in contact with! Having the right attitude and know what has been promised to you is key to the VICTORY!  Life is valuable, make the best of it.  If someone doesn't have anything good to say that is encouraging or building of themselves or others, "They should not say anything at all!" :)

Overcome what you have gone through.  Forgive yourself and others so you can move on with your calling.  Unfortunately people are going to be gunning after you because of what you do and who you represent.  That is ok, hold on and WIN.  Your testimony is gold to you and the world! It is evidence of you FINISHING STRONG. Copyright Carl Childs 2013

WINNING IS A HABIT THAT YOU CAN START TODAY!

Winning is a habit that you can start today!  Winning happens through persevering at all costs.  As an individual, it is not how hard that you can hit.  It is how hard of a hit or dire circumstances that you can endure and stay focused on your goal or mission.  You have to weather several storms in order to get to the zone that few enter for only a brief moment.  Everyday is an opportunity to be able to institute change and make your life, or anyone in this world better.  Encouragement is among some of the most powerful tools you can freely give to everyone that you come in contact with.  Encouragement can spread like a wildfire or overtake a desperate situation like an avalanche.  Leadership is another foundation stone that can catapult you into the success or win column!  The rate of "The Pack" is set by the LEADERSHIP.  KEEP WINNING!!!  Remember that you have gold now!  After you have WON you have PLATINUM/DIAMONDS to add to the GOLD you possess.

Happy Accidents or Discoveries! Winning is a Habit!

If you work your craft as often as you can, you will discover a "Happy Accident."  A Happy Accident is something that occurs by accident.  It would be similar to the commercial of chocolate accidentally falling into peanut butter to create a new treat!  Keep working and discovering the new limits to the mediums that you work with.  KEEP WINNING!

New Month Time to Move Forward!

Today starts a new month.  Now is the time to move forward with renewed energy and accomplish several projects!  It is not to late to become an artist or become and active artist!  It is all in the planning, timing and the energy that you bring to the table.  It is your choice for how fast or far that you are going to run.  I have been blessed to be able to set a pace for others to follow in the Military and Civilian sectors.  If you choose to be an artist, be the best at what you do!  It will lead to you winning, by accomplishing all of your goals and dreams.  Remember there are going to be those that are there for you and those that resist you being productive.  Align yourself with people that are positive and productive to position and encourage yourself towards success.  Keep Winning!!!

Friends of Artist Carl Childs

New information will be posted about opportunities to purchase my work and support community events.  I'm constantly working different events in several communities and I'm interested in partnering with individuals to reach more people with the arts. 

Support Community Events

This past Saturday was the Home Grown Music Fest in Gastonia.  I was the featured visual artist that displayed paintings, prints and ceramics.  It was a tremendous boost to my art followers.  Most important it was an opportunity to speak life into every situation in Gastonia and the surrounding areas.  It takes the will of the entire community to create as many positive individuals as possible.  It is important for everyone to know that they are not alone.  You have people that love and will help you through whatever you may go through.  As an artist, I use several mediums to communicate and inspire the world.  I choose to share my talents, build and encourage others to win.  KEEP WINNING!

SAFE EVENTS FOR CHILDREN (PART1)

SAFE EVENTS FOR CHILDREN/FAMILY: Email me at carlsart2010@gmail.com for information on how to become involved.

Event Locations:

Kings Mountain, NC Mount Holly, NC Lincolnton, NC Charlotte, NC Shelby, NC

Huntersville, NC Cornelius, NC Rock Hill, SC Matthews, NC Newton, NC

Gaffney, SC Mooresville, NC Mint Hill, NC Indian Trail, NC Hickory, NC

Appreciate the Skill of the Artist (PART 1)

Appreciate the skill of the Artist!   When it comes to being an artist, we are able to do and create things that most people don't achieve.  When the car isn't working, people complain but pay whatever the cost is to get it fixed.   When the dentist says there needs to be some work done, you pay the price on way or another.  You make arrangements, or have "jacked teeth".  When you go to your favorite restaurant and order your meal.  You pay, and you should be tipping your waiter or waitress for good or excellent service.   These are all examples of individuals, I also will include or declare them to be artist. 

I know how to cook really well.  I can out cook 2-3 generations of several families.  It does take an artist to prepare the food of the highest quality and full of robust flavor.  It takes an artist, to see what you could look like with or without good teeth.  It takes an artist, to get your car working again.  Every one's skill has value.

Visual & Performing artists', work, skill, time and teaching ability all have value.  I teach artists how to introduce, build and establish value for their craft.  It doesn't matter if your craft is paper, wood, crayon, marker, fiber, clay, ink ect.  It all has value, and a place in this world.  Everyone has a beautiful voice on the inside.  Artist take that voice and manifest it into something beautiful for others to be encouraged and grab joy.

I encourage artist at every level to continue to produce your work.  1. It increases your skill level. 2. It will bring joy and understand to you.  3. Don't cheat the world out of an opportunity to see something amazing from you. 4. You can generate a stream of income from your efforts.  5. You will eventually gain followers, supports and sponsors. 6. You will encourage others to have the courage that you show.  7. You are ensuring that the arts will be strong and alive in the future.  8. You will have opportunities to beautify your community.  9.  Your passion for what you do will encourage others to fight and overcome fear.  10.  You will have testimony to share with anyone that you choose to share the inside story with.  KEEP WINNING

AH-HA Moments (PART1)

Discovery is the results of pushing a medium to the limit breaking new ground!  Tremendous growth is the gift at the end of the investment or sacrifice of time.  Everyone has a voice.  The sooner you discover what it is the sooner you will be on a track full of wonder and endless possibilities! Keep WINNING!!! :)

Work Your Daily! (PART2)

I'm convinced! No one can get me to move off of this position.  If you want to be a successful artist, there's a walk that you have to keep.  Working your craft provides you with the skill development to be able to create high quality work.   The sweat equity pays off in you increasing your skill level, building your portfolio, increasing your sales.  That's why I'm constantly encouraging other artists to work you craft every week.  A good goal to set for yourself is to work your craft a minimum of 40 hours a week.  You can concentrate your hours on your "Primary Medium"  Additionally you should strive to work in at least 2 or 3 other mediums!  The goal of working your craft is to build and develop your skill level.  Just trying to maintain current skills will cause you to loose that skill level.   I'm referring to actual production, development and execution of a medium.  Not how long it takes you to get to the studio or gather supplies.  I understand that some artist have families, other jobs and or commitments.  Even though all of these exist. Working your craft is the equivalent of breathing.  It is that important!   AH-HA! moments occur when you challenge yourself and several mediums. KEEP WINNING! :)

Work Your Daily! No Excuse! (PART 1)

Work your craft daily!  Yes it is possible!  Most people eat at least 3 meals a day.  That is 3 reasons upfront that you should be inspired to work.  As an artist, we are supposed to be more in tune with creativity.  An active mind is constantly spinning the apple and tossing out new ideas.  Working different mediums will cover a spectrum of expenses.  It is your choice with how you set yourself up for success.  Money is the resource that keep you in a production and image building mode.  Yes, there are ebbs and flow that occur during this process.  You have to be in the arts for the long haul of self development and furthering the arts.  No matter what medium you work, you can create a winning scenario.   There are people that are in the medical field that are funding their own art careers.  Even then the goal should be for your craft to at least pay for itself, then eventually extra! I take time and work my craft everyday.  I'm convinced that it is an investment in me, my skill level and the future of the arts!  KEEP WINNING!

August 30th Last Time Chocolate Fountain at Gaston College

August 30th will be the last day to see the Chocolate Fountain at the Gaston College Dallas Campus!  I will be show the current exhibit work at another location. Thanks for all of the feedback, purchases and media! :)

Entertainers, Tams, Big Joe & the Dynaflows Awesome Success

A special thanks to everyone that came over to my table to look at, purchase and comment on my work.  As an artist, feedback is gold!  That's why I make sure that I have a plethora of mediums for you to choose from.  Acrylic Paintings, Various Prints, Ceramics, Composite Shield & Leather.

I enjoy the entire concert.  Again being the "Artist" for the event has its advantages! :)  "Thank you Jesus!"  Worked my craft over 180 hours this past week!  Keep Winning!!!!

Working on Limited Edition Print

I have been working on a Limited Edition Print for the WSGE, Beach, Rhythm & Blues event.  I have been working several ideas from original drawings to digital work.  I have been blessed to be able to get written permission from the artists to use their image.  I'm grateful for that opportunity because it has given me other options to make this project very unique and personal.  I have been working my craft for 80+ hours a week.  I have also decided to dive into a new medium for me...leather.   I have been working leather for a short time now.  I'm getting growth, tremendous experience and confidence. I'm enjoying it! :) Keep Winning!

SOLO EXHIBIT CLASS SCHEDULED FOR 22-25 July 2013

The Solo Exhibit has been reschedule for 22-25 July 2013.  Gaston College Dialpiaz Bldg.  Any questions about the course contact Instructor Carl Childs at carlsart2010@gmail.com.  This course is going to prepare the artist to complete their Solo Exhibit.  A Solo Exhibit is a graduation requirement for a AFA, BFA & MFA.  Students, parents and teachers at each level are welcomed.  For the seated class at Gaston College, there is a age requirement of 16 years old minimum.  Any junior artist should have their parent or guardian contact me to make arrangements for Solo Exhibit instruction.  Be ready for the challenge

Additionally for this class only: 
Personal Management will be taught during this class.
Limited Edition of Solo Exhibit Book available
Continued learning/meeting after seated class
Search for location to schedule Solo Exhibit
Possible media, press release

Solo Exhibit Sign Up

 Today & tomorrow are sign up days for my Solo Exhibit class.  The class will start Monday 8 July 2013.  I expect every student to bring goals, ideas and questions to class.  Contact me at Carlsart2010@gmail.com if you have any questions.  Keep Winning!

Weather the Storm

It is critical to keep the main thing the main thing.  When you make the decision to have a focus or focal point in your life, you are committed.  When you are committed, you are convinced and see the path to success.   t Staying on that path leads you to victory.  You have to also know that you deserve the best things that life has to offer.  Ironically, some people have a very hard time accepting or receiving the best.  Several people at the same time have problems doing things of excellence.  Just like a ship, set a course and plan your journey well in advance before you "Set Sail". Keep WINNING!

Stay Focused Until the End!

Have you ever run a race?  The first 1/2 mile and the last 1/4 tend to be where you really have to dig in.  Why is that?  When every you are transitioning into something new, different or a higher level is is going to create change.  How you handle the changes are up to you as an individual.  Running is having the ability to manage serious stress on the body.  The great thing about it is that once you complete that level of stress.  The body gets used to that level and demands more.  Your body and mind can be conditioned for you to soar...win!   This method can be applied to any challenge that we may face in life.  It is a personal decision to take the high road and win, instead of accepting failure.  When you are used to going through the storm, you know what is on the other side.  The journey will vary in length and you can see it through to the end.  Be patient, consistent and have a fire for what you are doing!

Extra Money Opportunities/Gallery Assistant

  One of the main reasons that I ask everyone to go to my blog is for opportunity!  As an artist, my work is in demand.  It can be challenging meeting the art needs of several communities.  I'm in the process of dividing my operational area up into zones.  Each zone offers the opportunity for individuals to be involved in hanging a show, delivery or pickup of art work.  Yes, there will be training involved in this process because you will be representing Carl's Gallery.

 Right now, I don't have the ability to hire individuals.  I can compensate, by paying a flat fee based on the time required to complete the work.  Additionally, I can pay a fee towards mileage reimbursement.  If the process takes several hours lunch would be included.   I would need to know the availability of anyone that would become part of this team.  Proper dress, business or business casual would be the uniform of the day.  It is important because you will be representing Carl's Gallery and will be going to galleries, museums, and libraries to pickup or deliver art work.  Additional paperwork will be provided in order for you to be able to successfully do your work.  Training will be available soon. 

There will be 4 levels of workers: Gallery Trainee, Exhibit Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Gallery Assistant.  Anyone interested send an email to carlsart2010@gmail.com, in the subject line put "Gallery Trainee"  All trainees must be a responsible 21 and over motivated individual that can follow instructions written or oral.  There will always be the opportunity to contact me if you have questions, even after training.  Each person selected is expected to be able to operate independently and professionally at all times.  

The cool thing is: work supporting the arts, skill builder, community building, extra money, unique opportunity, contest incentives for team.

Production Mode

Hello, I'm currently working Special Projects!  My response to emails will be a little slow over the next 3 weeks.  Yes, I'm working my craft.  I have a lot of studio time to accomplish this week preparing for several events.  Currently I have art out on the rise art website.  Follow my work!  Right now I'm in the middle of building my new web site.  I'm in a production mode so I won't be as accessible as usual.  I will respond to emails as soon as possible.  Additionally I'm preparing and recruiting people for my summer classes. Keep Winning

Leadership+Teamwork+Vision=Success for All (PART1)

The formula is simple, but getting the work accomplished can sometimes be a challenge.  Right now there are several people and organizations that are crying out for competent leadership.  Many people don't understand, that as a leader you are responsible for what happens and what fails to happen.  As a leader you are an advocate for your subordinates and a defender of your workplace.  In essence you are the glue that holds a lot together. You can be the primary problem solver or the chief instigator.  The choice is yours.  The free will is yours.  Depending on your flexibility, leadership style and a the ability to hold others and yourself to standards, defines you as a leader.  Almost everyone wants to be the boss!  No one wants to take the blame when something goes terribly wrong.  Leadership still has the ability to shine in crisis by: 1 Apologizing and informing the public of what went wrong.  2. Showing obvious improvements and policy changes to ensure problem does not happen again. 3. Show justice and fairness to the ones that cause the problem.

Work Your Craft as Often as You Can!

Work your craft as often as you can.  You know that the sun rises and sets everyday!  There are several things that you accomplish and fit into your day.  Introduce or reintroduce the arts into you day.  You will find it liberating and a fresh breath of air!  The choice is yours what you do with each day!  Each moment of everyday is an opportunity to grow, learn and improve.  The arts come from within and promote discovery of how the inner and outer universe work together.  I strive to work my craft a minimum of 86 hours during a busy week.  When the week is not hectic I'm well over 120 hours/week working. 

Yes, there's plenty of sweat equity, sacrifice and it all is an investment in me and my future.  I became convinced that working my craft develops my skill level and value of all of the work that I accomplish.  There's room in everyday to find time to eat 3 times a day.  There's more then enough room to capture your inspirations in some type of medium.  Don't let the time go by.  Days become years of procrastination if you don't watch out.  Never give up on your goals and dreams because they are worth seeing them come into fruition.

Recapture the joy of accomplishing goals with excellence and self development! You will never regret it.  One thing that the Army does teach is, if you have any fears you have to address them and push through them.  There's no excuse to not accomplish your personal mission in life.  Find what you have a passion for and race towards it as if it is impossible to fail.  After all, is it what you have on the inside that you decide to share with others?  All parties benefit from you having the intestinal fortitude to share and develop your craft.  It is your voice.  Don't let it be silent.

Shields Touring the Area

Today the shields that I created will be on tour in Gastonia, & Dallas today.  Gaston College will be the first stop today.  Thanks for the interest! Keep a look out for my new website!!!

Shields Are Available for Viewing

The 3 shields are completed!    The 3 shields have a "Through the ages theme!"  The first shield is a Spartan shield, then I move to the 16th & 17th century and the final shield has a modern time look.  I feel that I was able to rise to the challenge and gained serious growth from working these works.  When it come to producing a shield, it takes a lot of sweat equity in order to produce a quality product.  It is important to keep the final image in prospective throughout the entire process.

Personal Management Class

Personal Management
Instructor: Carl Childs
Does your world seem chaotic?  Are you accomplishing as much as you can in one day? This session will help you accomplish more, budget your time, become more productive and add a plethora of new accomplishments.  This class is going to teach several concepts to help you capture more time.  This class also will be customized to help you accomplish some of your goals.
Monday-Thursday 6/17-6/20 
9-11am  (8 Hours total)
Gaston College Dalpiaz Bldg
$62                                   

Identify Symbol on Shield to Win

I have been working on several projects over the past 3 months.  Today I'm giving a challenge for the identification of the main symbol on the metal shield.  Respond with the name and history of the image on the shield.  Correct answers will receive prizes.  The response deadline is 8 May 2012 MIDNIGHT. Email responses to carlsart2010@gmail.com.  Must be at least 21 to participate in contest.

Position Yourself & Others for Success

 Everyone has ideas, some turn those ideas and dreams into reality.  As an artist it is imperative to constantly improve and perfect your work ethic.  It takes discipline and serious time investment in order to be the best at anything under the sun.  Position yourself and others for success by increasing your education and studio time in multiple mediums.  A studio can be at home or at another location. There are advantages of both.  The at home studio can be reached in seconds or minutes.  This studio is most effective if you take a Fortress of Solitude approach.  What I mean is not have EVERYONE invading your work space!  Superman was selective of who knew or went to the Fortress of Solitude.  A home studio is hard to work if it is a common family area or frequently used room.  You also want to have the proper temperature and lighting.  I'm referring you to not having extreme temperatures that can damage your work or erode motivation.  An away studio is successful provided that you can get to it consistently to work.  You can have more than one studio! Having a studio too far that you don't have the ability to generate synergy could be a waste of resources.  A studio in France or Italy would be reduced to a storage space if it wasn't a Gallery.  Keep Winning! :)

Advantages of Working Multiple Mediums

There are several advantages of working several mediums!  One you diversify your portfolio and build skill level at the same time.  Which will equate to a better creation, joy and AHH-HA moments.Working several mediums give the opportunity to change or set up you location work spaces.  I work wood and polymer resins outside.  I work with printmaking ink indoors.  I tend to paint both outside and inside.  I work clay indoors and save any sanding for outside.  Take time to add a little variety of locations to give you even more to look forward to in your discoveries. Keep winning!

Working on HEATER SHIELD/Preparing for Summer Session

Currently working on a HEATER Shield.  Metal is slowly being applied to certain sections of the shield.  I have had several AAH-HA moments working on this project.  Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'm working a strong area of interest in the arts.  I will be on vacation for the summer.  Additionally I will be teaching classes in 1 week increments.  I will follow up with a blog later with my class details.  Here are the classes that I will be teaching for Summer 2013: A Taste of Art, HAWKS, Personal Management, Solo Exhibit I.

Work Every Medium You Can!

Work every medium that you can, it develops your skill.  I'm very big on skill building.  Every moment of every day is an opportunity to build up your skills.  You can get a barrage of Ah-Ha moments by having the intestinal fortitude to experiment with new mediums and materials.   If you have not worked with wood, try it!  I'm enjoying my journey working with wood.  So far I have created a customized table and 3 wooden shields.  One of those shields now has a metal cover and a a coating of paint.  I am currently making a Spartan shield!  My other 2 shields that I'm working on are going to feature the beauty of wood.  One is going to remain all wood to feature carving.  The third shield is going to be a combination of wood and a little metal.  I'm enjoying the growth and Ah-Ha moments that I'm receiving from working these mediums and projects.  Keep Winning!

Promote the ARTS!

A special call to all business owners, galleries and libraries.  Take time to support the arts!  Any time you can purchase, provide display opportunity or provide any positive support to an artist, you are investing in the future of ART!  When it comes to us artists, we are constantly seeking opportunitiess to present our work to the world.  Thanks for all of the opportunity that you and your companies provide!  Support that I have received: Encouraging words, sales, display opportunities, media coverage, scholarship, and materials. Thanks!

No Matter the Season...Work CRAFT!

Life does have it's way of taking us on a ride that is full of plenty of ebb and flow.  No matter how difficult things may be, it is very important to stay anchored to your craft.  I'm currently working wood in order to produce some awesome shields.  I'm also dedicating time working in the digital medium to make unique one of a kind products to support a "company".  For me working my craft as often as I can falls under what I call: Keeping the main thing the main thing.  I understand that all of the work is an investment in my future and my skill level.  I'm committed, totally convinced that my craft is the talent that I want to continually polish!  Thanks! Keep WINNING! 

BATS LEADER REPORT 18 MARCH 2013

The class is very motivated and is learning all of the necessary material in order to become more focused and disciplined in their craft.   Study the following vocabulary: Positive Discriminators, Pioneer, Craft, Market, Media, Rating, Social Media,  and write out the definitions.  Spend more time working your craft!  You should be working at least one sketch book 20 hours a week.  Develop and bring to class 12 new images.  Bring in portfolio to be viewed.  Always remember that working your craft makes you more proficient, professional and profitable to people. Keep taking steps towards your goals and dreams!  Each step is a mini victory that will lead to the BIG VICTORY! Keep Winning!

BATS Homework 11 March 2013

This is week 2!  You should be working in your craft for a minimum of 40 hours this week.  Make sure you set aside a journal and document your progress.  In this class your use of technology is very important. Go to You tube and view Origami Flapping Bird, and Origami Rose.  Tonight we talked about the importance of introducing, establishing, and building value.  Tonight we also covered Copyright. Go to www.copyright.gov and read the basics on copyright.  We will be talking about this subject off and on in this class. Bring you list of 10 goals to the next class! Make sure you check this board daily for updates!  Keep winning! :)

6 MARCH 2013 Spring BATS CLASS HOMEWORK

Everyone should be commended on their decision to take the BATS Class at Gaston College.  You are in a very unique course that is going to be the nitrous oxide that will put some of your goals and dreams on a fast track.  Your first homework assignment is 1. Write down 10 goals that you are trying to accomplish.  2. Write down 10 things about yourself that influence your image or market. 3. Make sure you take the word "can't" out of your vocabulary. You have unlimited potential and unlimited opportunities, working your craft!
4. Go to YouTube and search ORIGAMI, view how to make a Origami Flapping Bird and Origami Butterfly.  Viewing these videos will help you get into the mindset of some of the concepts that will be taught in this course.  5. Visit my blog daily, because it is the blackboard for this course.  Review all of the notes that you have taken in class so far!

Keep Winning!
Master Instructor Carl Childs

WELCOME TO BATS

Welcome to the BATS COURSE!

Establish value
Build value and awareness
Show growth
Specialize
Positive Discriminators
Take a position in media
Work Ethic

Working Craft

I have been working wood about 16 hours a week as one of my weekly chosen media to work in.  Right now I have reached stage 2 of creating a shield.  This is a first for me and is creating a tremendous amount of growth and fun!  This project is critical for me to constantly see the finished product and keep it in focus.  What I love the most about this work is, even though it isn't finished I'm looking forward to make other styles of shields.

Valentine's Day

Enjoy the day! Be kind to all that you meet.  Today just like everyday is an opportunity to live life as it was intended.  We should all take time to appreciate loved ones everyday of every year that we live.  Valentine's Day today I have witness a lot of random acts of kindness.  It is great to see that people still care for each other.  When it comes to couples, you can see and feel the energy of them being closer, walking with the flowers or balloons.  No matter the day or season, always remember that there are several people that care about you.  The mind is the biggest battleground in this life time.  Everyone has a purpose, place and a future.  Grabbing or pursuing every opportunity as if it is impossible to fail is the best way to hurl yourself towards monumental achievement.  Make 2013, the year that you decided to embrace joy.  I know that there are haters that like to make noise.  When you ignore the haters, you elevate yourself into the orbit that you are supposed to be operating in.  Keep winning. Keep the win.  You do deserve it!

The Family Wins!

There are a lot of people that have and will always root for both teams!  It was a battle to the end. Congrats to the Baltimore Ravens on their first Super Bowl win.  Awesome work by both brothers the coaches!

BATS Business, Art, Tactic, Sales(2013 Spring Semester Class)

2013 Business, Art, Tactic, Sales (BATS) Class is now available! Go to Gaston college.edu then go to Continuing Education.  BATS is the Prerequisite for attending the HAWKS  High Tech Artist Working Knowledge Successfully) class.

A Closed Hand Can Not Give or Receive (PART 1)

Set the pace. Lead the pack! The rate of the pack is set by the leadership.  When it comes to leadership, part of that responsibility is trust, fairness and honorable actions.  What's good about leadership is that you are held responsible for what happens, good or bad.  When you are a leader your though process should shift or overlap into the "whole team" or organizational thinking concept.  As a leader, I'm used to putting subordinates and other coworkers first.  At this stage being a leader, taking a look at the larger picture and upholding standards and teaching should be your watch words.  Too many people today want to be the leader, thinking that they will have considerably less to do.  Any good leader knows that your work load increases based on the amount of people, resources and time hacks you are responsible for. Leadership is giving your team all of the tools they need to accomplish the mission. The part two to that statement is to sit back and let them utilize their skills, and creative minds to surprise you on their solution to the problem or mission. Yes, it is always important to be there when needed for guidance and clarification.

Power can be economic, resources, or energy.  Money in good hands can do great things.  When I have money, those around me have money.  That has been a mindset since earning my first income as a child. It doesn't mean that anyone around me does have to work for a living or share with others.  What it means is I'm the type of family member or friend that enjoys life and you can be part of that celebration. Additionally if you happen to fall, it will be within my means to help out in some way. Notice, I didn't say if or established a condition.  Whenever anyone is in need and you have the ability to help and give comfort, that's an OPPORTUNITY.  We are all supposed to care about each other.  When we take the time to encourage one another, it creates a win, win scenario for everyone.  Whenever you encourage anyone, it is FREE.

Stay on Track (PART 1)

When it comes to success, the formula is clear and achievable provided that you are willing to make the sacrifice and commitment.  One of the first things that is hard for most people to do, is to not follow the crowd.  If you are working your craft or skill at the same level that everyone is working at you get lost in the sauce.  I always teach about establishing value, positive discriminators, and being a subject matter expert as foundation stones to success.  Working your craft requires sweat equity, planning, vision, motivation and keeping the necessary focus to win.  Winning takes intestinal fortitude to ride things out and see the win before it is near.

Work Every Medium Possible

When it comes to working in a Medium, I enjoy the growth and Ah-Ha moments!  There's so much to learn and discover in this totally creative process.  I will be working a variety of mediums this year.  I figured that I would take a moment to share.  I will be working Chocolate for several reasons that will development me as an artist.  I look forward to working metal.  Working metal will open the door to several other projects that I have been waiting to work on. Clay, I love working this medium because it has that strong connection to childhood.  Playing in the mud is something that all of us as children have done at some point.  Playing in the mud as an adult is even more fun than you can imagine.

Plan Ahead & Be Consistent

One of the keys or foundations stones to success is to always plan ahead because the future is always bright and full of unlimited opportunities.  When you show that you are consistent, you gain credibility, priority and become that anchor that holds it together in the middle of the greatest storms.   This combination is powerful, dynamic, the vim and vigor that's door opening and a career maker.  I will be putting my yearly calender out soon so everyone will be updated on what classes I will be teaching, special events and exhibits that will be in 2013. Keep Winning!