Happy May
And
Happy Mother’s Day to all

“Opportunity Knocks”

I’m a freelance graphic artist.  Finding work as a freelance artist can feel like “Feast or Famine” at times.  Sometimes you have projects and work to fulfill, while other times there’s a lull in projects and work showing up.  It can be tough to navigate sometimes, yet one must keep a focus.

One must work at honing one’s skills and talents.  Yet that’s not all.
One must “get out there” and meet people, make contacts … yes network, network, network.  Out of the people you meet,  a client could come through,  or projects to find out about and look into, and/or events that could be a valuable place to meet people and make contacts.

Opportunity isn’t going to just show up at your door. One doesn’t get discovered just working in a studio.  Connection is very important.

Locally and online there are many ways to connect with people.
Locally there are networking groups and events.  I’ve participated in some network groups and some art events.

Another great way to meet people is being active in your local community.  I’m the VP of the PTO at my kids school.  I’ve met parents, teachers, and have gotten to know others in the community too by being involved.

Having an online presence is very good too.  One can direct those you meet to your web site/blog, or profile.  One can meet people through LinkedIn, FB, and Twitter.
I’ve had people find me through searches too.  One person recently contacted me through email because He saw my web site. He emailed me with his interest and a phone number.
I called and we talked on the phone.  His project was a mural in his place of business.  He was local so we also met to discuss the project too. I was able to do this project for him.
Now if I didn’t “get out there and do things”,  he wouldn’t have been able to see my work and be interested.

Since I do the things I can to “get out there”, Opportunities do surface.
Granted I wish it were more consistent, but it is what is.
I know that with everything I do to get myself out there I increase the possibilities of finding work and projects.
And so can you.

Feature Art:

“Noah’s Ark Mural”, this is a mural I did for my kids room.  An example of projects I do myself to hone my talent and skills and share pictures of at the places I’m online.

I’m at LinkedIn, FaceBook  and Twitter.

Check out Great Gift items at Lisa’s Art & Horses

Please feel free to contact me with questions on art/products and/or comments at lisa@lisasart.com

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family.  Just click the”Forward to a Friend”  link below.

Art  News

ICON7- Illustration Conference
June 13-16
Providence, RI

ICON 7 Rhode Show Bazaar
June 15,   6:30P.M.- 10P.M.
I’ll be among the illustration exhibitors at this event. 
Open to the public.  Come on by.

“Le Cadeau du Cheval“

Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”

For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

Here’s the mural I created for a new business- eyebrow salon.
Happy client, Happy me.