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!    

Today is the Last Day of 2012 & Still Opportunity is Unlimited for You!

Today is the end of a year.  It also means that there is still unlimited opportunity to improve, discover, change, encourage, build in a positive direction.  Previously you have heard me talk about noise.  Listening to noise instead of keeping the main thing the main thing hurts us all.  For those that are new to my blog.  Noise is the daily confusion that tries to find a place in your life daily.  Noise is unproductive thoughts, actions and statements that are manifested with a negative spiritual connection leading to contamination.  That's the short answer about noise.  Noise tries to find that last nerve or the straw that broke the camels back.  When you disable these areas of your life you become more focused on what is really important. You will be more positive and productive towards yourself and everyone you come in contact with. Leave the noise in 2012 and live liberated in 2013! :)

27 December 2012 Still Working Craft Relentlessly

Still working my craft several hours a week.  Even though school is out, I'm not fully in a vacation mode.  New work is being created and current work is being enhanced.  I strive to work several different mediums a week.  I do have special project that I am working on that demand outdoor work.  As I continue to work I   continue to encourage my students to get in 40-60 working your craft every week.  It is a realistic goal that will give you tremendous growth and credibility.  When you are operating at a high operational tempo you win in so many different ways.  Each of those ways are beneficial to you, your craft and the community as a whole.  Promoting the arts and securing it's place in the future should be on the forefront of each artist's mind.  Together we can create and discover the next wave of art that will take the world by storm.  Work as if it is impossible for you to fail.  Always work this way and maintain it throughout your life.