Owning a Mac does NOT make you a designer

A good designer can effectively sketch and communicate
their ideas on paper, long before they commit to a computer.

How many people do you know, who didn't go to school for art, think that they have some sort of design ability because they own a Mac and a few software programs? Or, how many clients  think their children could design their company logo because they own a Mac and few software programs? Let me tell you, way too many.

Let's be clear about this, owning a Mac does NOT make you a designer. Many designers own Macs, it's true (and for a very long time), but owning a Mac does not make you a designer. Talent is something we artists are born with and art is something we are driven to create...in our minds, first. Then, paper. And finally, Mac (or PC if you're that kind of artist).

A true test of anyone's artist skills is whether or not they can sketch, and effectively communicate their ideas on paper, before committing to a computer. For any major campaign, sketches are a must for ideas before anyone will pay you to sit behind a computer.

The bottom line is that good artwork is first created in someone's brain before it ever sees the likes of a computer.

L.A. Blogs of Note

Recently, the founder and creator of 'Curating Los Angeles' – a blog that explores the people, places and culture of one of the world's great cities – Jim Gilbert, reached out to me to let me know that he had been following L.A. Link and that he included links to the blog and wanted to know if I was interested in a link to my personal site, as well.

I thought this was nice of Jim, to hold my writings, thoughts and ideas in such high regard that he would include a link to it from his blog. In return, I thought I would post something about his blog, 'Curating Los Angeles.'

But, then I started thinking that there are a couple of fun, cool and worthy L.A. blogs and sites of note, so I decided to list just a sample here.

Curating Los Angeles

Founder and creator, Jim Gilbert, is a native Angeleno who currently resides in Orange County (we won't hold that against him). But, his love for Los Angeles is evident by the postings on his blog.

Originally trained to be an urban planner, Jim is now involved with two software companies which he co-founded, as well as working for other technology related businesses. A world-traveler, Jim has also spent time in numerous cities around the world, but holds Los Angeles in the warmest regards and appreciation. Thus, a blog is born.

A mix of useful topics, such as history, preservation, architecture, food and music, Curating L.A. is the intellectual's blog to everything L.A.

Los Angeles Is My Beat

Founder and creator, Ellen Bloom – a fun-loving, creative, out-going painter, blogger, knitter, art lover and food lover – has been blogging since 2005!

I met Ellen through this month's featured artist, Natalie Yamashita, at one of Natalie's many FABULOUS house parties and I can honestly say that 'L.A. is Ellen's Beat.'

But where does she find the time to write and produce four blogs (that's right, FOUR blogs), knit, go out to eat, go to art shows and exhibits...whew! This lady is on the go! Her blogs are fun, informative and there are lots of cool craft projects and ideas to rummage through. You'll find everything from art shows, restaurant reviews, the local stitch-and-bitch, and much, much more. L.A. Is My Beat has it all!  A must for mom's and ladies who stitch.

Urban Spoon Los Angeles

Not really a blog, but one of my go-to sites for anything restaurant-related is UrbanSpoon.com. With all the information you need about restaurants in the Los Angeles area, including actual ratings from customers online, an automatic pop-up Google map of your area and/or selection(s), a price gauge (in dollar signs) and online reservations, UrbanSpoon.com has it all!
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These are just a few of what I am sure are many L.A. blogs of note. If you have a favorite that  you think we should feature, please let us know. We want to hear from you.

In today's business market, how busy are you?

If you're not feeling the shift in the economy or experiencing a cut in your regular wages, then you are obviously doing something right or simply born into money, but most of the country is feeling the pinch. Consider yourself lucky.

In today's job market, it's more about 'making' a job for yourself than it is about 'finding' one. Most companies that are looking to hire full-time employees will offer them less to do more than you might have made five years ago. So, what are your options?

A word I hear a lot these days is 'reinvention.' People are either reinventing their careers to get more satisfaction out of them or they are changing careers, all together. But, once you make the choice to change or 'reinvent' yourself, then what?

Whether you're in the process of changing careers, 'reinventing' yourself or just trying to grow your business, here are some helpful tips that will get your business noticed.

FIVE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Be professional. If you are selling, or planning on selling, business services for money, then you must be professional. Think brand, logo, web site, message, look and perception of your company, then ask yourself, 'Am I professional?' 

Being professional and having a professional 'look' for your business tells your customers that you know what you are doing and that you can be trusted. If you, your logo, web site and business card are not professional, you are least likely to get the new client, project or job.

Get online. Whether you are selling car parts or perfume, you have to have an online presence – a place where people can go and learn more about your business, at their own convenience. 

There are tons of free web and blog sites available, so there is no excuse for not being online. A blog about your business and what you can do for your customers is a great way to sell yourself directly to the customer and it's FREE. If you are not an artist, however, I would suggest hiring a professional to at least design the home page on your site or the masthead of your blog. This also ties in with looking and being professional.

Know the right key words and tags for labeling your site. Once you are online, people have to find you. One thing I learned early on is you have to know the right key words and tags for labeling your site if you want to be found on the internet. There's no use in having a site or blog online if no one can find it. 

Network, network, network. Once you have your logo, business cards, web site and product ready to go, it's important to network. It's usually free and it's your time to shine and sell yourself directly to the client.  

How many times have you thought to yourself, 'If only they knew what I can do?' Well, 'they' can't read your mind. Tell them. Networking is a great way to share your business with other people who are interested in learning about it. There are tons of networking groups and events online, so make sure you do your research.

Follow-up and follow-through. The hardest part about getting your business noticed is done and now you're ready for new customers. Where are they? It's time to pick up the phone and call all the people you've been networking with to see what's going on. Follow-up with them to see what you can do to help them make money. 

Getting new business is only half the battle. Once you get it, it's important to follow-through and deliver what you promise.

These are basic tips for any start up business or anyone trying to grow their business. The amount of effort you put in to be successful is up to you. 

Bagavagabonds presents: 'Time' Art Explosion

The Bagavagabonds present 'Time' Art Explosion,' downtown, LA.

Saturday, February 12
7pm – 1am
at the Dietch Arts Continuum
1947 S. Santa Fe Avenue
Downtown LA  90021

Recently, I received an email from an old friend, colleague and previously featured artist on L.A. Link, Jennifer Ogren Nguyen, about an art show that will showcase 3 mixed media pieces that Jennifer has created. And, I was so intrigued by the show invite (top), that I had to visit their site and find out what the Bagavagabonds were all about.

What's in a name?

What is bagavagabond? According to their site, bagavagabonds are basically a group of individuals who do good deeds for others in a 'quality or state of being brothers.' In short, these guys help to bring awareness and raise money through art – in all its forms – to charities in need. And, in tough times like these, it's rare that people give their time and efforts to help others.

In an interview for LAist featuring FILTER Editor-in-Chief Pat McGuire in 2009, and part of the Bagavagabonds crew, McGuire introduced the Bagavagabonds, saying that the Bagavagabonds were created to make art accessible to everyone. And, they do.

No piece sells for greater than $50 which gives everyone who attends their art shows the ability to see something and take it home without worrying if they can afford it. And, the profits go to worthy charities that need help.

What is an 'art explosion?'

According to their site, an art explosion is 'a movement.' A chance for those who are talented and motivated to display their talents through art. Always themed, each 'art explosion' provides one night of a collaborative effort to make art affordable to those who love it, but can't normally afford it.

Go and see it! 

If ever there was a time when we needed an opportunity to buy inspired artwork at a reasonable price, now is the time. And, what better way to experience the process than through charity and good will.

I hope you will mark your calendars and bring a few dollars to the show. There will be music, drinks (a hosted bar), catering, live bands, artwork and more! A $12 donation at the door.

For more information about Bagavagabonds or for details about their next show, please visit their website at Bagavagabonds.com.

Featured Artist: NATALIE YAMASHITA

This month's featured artist is Natalie Yamashita – a young, talented and creative entrepreneur with a brand new space for her new business, 'Sweetie Darling Handmade.'

'Sweetie Darling Handmade' is, and will be, a sewing-based business and online 'Etsy' site that specializes in specialty baby items, picnic quilts and fun things for kids. One of the many things Natalie made last year was an adorable holiday advent calendar for her niece and nephew, as well as some fun, hand-made things to put into the pockets of the calendar days.

This adorable hand-made advent calendar was created
especially for Natalie's niece and nephew for Christmas of 2010.

Continuing with the holiday theme, Natalie made the most adorable Skellybones and Pumkinheads for Halloween, inspired by Prim magazine. She also made the cute stencils that she then applied to the baby outfits (right).

(L) These skullys are adorable and inspired by Martha Stewart.
(R) Natalie made these stencils and applied them to some baby items with fabric paint.

But, sewing is not Natalie's only love or interest. Besides having earned her Ph.D in Anthropology from UCLA (she really is a people person), Natalie is also an amazing chef, an avid reader, a professional knitter and a yoga instructor. Personally, I have tried many of Natalie's dishes and all of them were delicious and made with such care. Her philosophy for hand-made specialty items reflects in her cooking and overall presentation of her food.

Which brings me to her blog, 'Woolanthropy' – a collection of her life, art, sewing, knitting and cooking projects – that will inspire you to let your creative genes flow (yes, she makes mostly all of the food and gift items on her blog, herself). It will tell you what she is currently reading. She shares some very personal items about her life (she and her husband, Joe, recently put down their dog, Bodhi, and she shares that experience with her readers). Mostly, there are recipes, projects and always something creative going on at 'Woolanthropy.'

Thank you, Natalie, for letting us feature you on L.A. Link and may you have nothing but success in your new business venture. For more information, please visit Woolanthropy at Woolanthropy.blogspot.com.