Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Spinning my wheels



I've been working like mad on a freelance design project this week. It's nice to have work, and I like designing, but it's hard. It's hard to try to please a client (even though this one is really great). Mostly it's my own fault. No matter what project I'm working on, there is a point where I'm up to my neck, there's no going back, and I feeel like I'm drowning. I hate everything I've ever designed, painted, sewn or crafted. Surely this person is mistaken in asking me to do something for them! In it's worst form, on my own projects, this attitude can banish a project to the top of my closet where it may or may not be picked up again. Usually, I have to sleep on it, and someone has to talk me down. Shout outs to all of you who have been called upon in this capacity. Oh, and chocolate usually helps. The artistic process that is. It really doesn't help my waist line.

Anyway, if you can't tell I've been feeling pretty creativley frustrated--so many ideas, but not enough time to work on my art, and until this weekend my studio has been totally torn up, so no space. But all of this is getting better. This weekend Jason and I put up shelves and I cleaned, (May the Lord Bless and Keep IKEA) and last night I actually finished a project!

Wonder of all wonders! This little fabric birdcage is not of my own design, and I feel immensely guilty about it. I really want to make some of these and sell them, but I don't know if it's okay. I saw it in a couple of stores in New York. I really wouldn't want someone to take my brilliant idea and make and sell them. But maybe they're different enough that it's okay. Anyone have any opinions on this?





p.s. Sorry for the blurry photo. My photo mojo is off this week. Much like all of my other mojos. (Moji?) whatever. Is it Friday yet?

Posted by Beth Howard @ 8:26 AM

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I get the same way when someone asks me to make something for them, specifically. Ya know, I've made a thousand tote bags before, but if somebody says, hey, can you make me a purple one? That's it! I freeze up completely and any artistic or creative ability in any media disappears completely!

And that birdcage is DARLING!

Posted by Blogger Lauri @ 9:51 AM #
 

Birdcage is gorgeous! It's difficult - you probably saw some pants in NYC, too. Would you feel guilty about making them if they were a bit different? Creative license only goes so far - so nobody can make a fabric birdcage ever? Boo!

Posted by Anonymous Anonymous @ 7:19 PM #
 

That's why i shy away from custom work. I can make stuff all day long but when someone asks you to make something a little different especially for them, they're suddenly the pickiest person you've ever had to deal with.

Posted by Blogger freshie (and zero) @ 11:31 PM #
 

since you asked, i want to offer my honest opinion.
it does look a lot like the artist who innovated this idea. i think that you might want to continue to play with this idea and figure out a way to make it your own.
when i saw it on your blog, i instantly thought of the original artist.
i think it is wonderful that you are asking.

Posted by Blogger Unknown @ 10:56 PM #
 

Thanks, guys. Teri--I pretty much agree with you on this one. I'm just mad that I didn't think of it in the first place. And I love the first one so much that it is hard to think of an improvement. As as artist and not a copycat, I think the best thing to do is to keep it for myself, and use it as inspiration to be more creative .

Posted by Blogger Beth Howard @ 11:48 PM #
 
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