Candace N'Diaye

I'm Moving!!!

2012-01-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

This is just an FYI that this blog has been migrated over to another spot:

Why would I do this, you ask? Long story short: I enjoy blogging, but I'm not a true writer. And I find it difficult to always have something useful to say. So, I'm migrating the three blogs that I have into one to simplify life and allow me more time to do what I love, which is create art!

Please be sure to head over to my new blog and follow along for more updates on my art and informative posts about life as a freelance artist.

I hope to see you there!!!

Candace

Tips Every Creative Should Employ

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has ever been in a creative field can attest to the fact that really hitting your stride can take awhile. For me, I feel like it took me too long, so I'm posting these tips from my experience (and speaking with other artists) in an effort to help shorten the learning curve for those just starting out or maybe not sure where they are in the process.

Experts don't hold the golden chalice. Whether it's doing research online, speaking to other artists who have been in the industry longer than yourself, or seeing the style of someone that is really successful, this is just a starting point. Don't look to others to solve your issues for you. It's up to you as the artist/owner of your business/whatever to take that information and apply it to your business and in a way that works for you. Simply copying what worked for another isn't a good way to forge your own path.
Clients will never be able to tell you exactly what they want. It's frustrating yet true. But in reality, if they knew what they wanted and how to get it, why hire you? You should listen to their vision of what they're looking for, and give it to them ... with a spin. More often than not, what you come up with is more aligned with what they are really looking for than their original idea.
You can be better, or you can be different. Striving to be "better" than another artist or business person implies that you are following down their exact same path trying to outdo them. Instead, aim to be different; show them something new that they cannot get elsewhere. Put the "you" into your work.
Challenging work is good work. Is it an easy paycheck? No. But what worth it in life ever is? Having a challenge pushes you to work in a different way than you normally would, which can help you to grow. It pushes the limits of your vision.
Be able to answer "This is good art/design/etc because ___________." If you can't answer this clearly and without pause, it's time to re-evaluate.
Don't ignore the value of simplicity. Too much information can overwhelm the viewer, who can miss the point or misunderstand your message.
Mistakes are okay, as long as you learn from them. Everyone makes mistakes, in life and business, and definitely in art. Be ready and willing to accept this. Look at the situation and say "Okay, that didn't work, but I'm not going to lose sleep about it. Let's focus on how to fix it going forward."
Value does not equal price. Trying to compete on price alone is not a good tactic. You don't want to be the cheapest out there. People associate price with value, right or wrong. So don't think that selling a piece for $15 when you know you should have charged $100 a win. You're devaluing yourself, your art, and the efforts of every other creative out there.
Surround yourself with support. Be sure those that you're around frequently are supportive, successful people. If you surround yourself with those who make excuses for themselves & don't get things accomplished, it makes it easier for you to rationalize your excuses, too. Even worse, surrounding yourself with those who can't support what you want in life can eventually start to weigh on you and your creativity.
You want to be a creative, so create. It's great to take time to think about your plan of attack, ponder your next work, etc. But if you don't follow this up with action, actually MAKING the art, you're not really creating anything.

Happy Creating!

Candace

Blogging Tips I Use

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone who maintains a blog is always looking for ways to streamline, improve, and/or focus their blog. After awhile, it can become something along the lines of "Okay, I've been doing this for 6 months, and now I have nothing to write about." Or it could be "I really love blogging and want to keep doing it, but I still have only a handful of followers". I'll be honest; I'm like everyone else and have thought about these things myself. So I'm constantly researching ways to improve this blog. So after lots of research and culling through the TONS of tips, I've narrowed them down to my favs that make things easier.

Get to the point in the first paragraph. People are all in a hurry now, & people need to be able to quickly tell if this blog article is something that will help them out. The easier you make things on your audience, the more audience you will likely have.
Be sure your blog contains relevant info. This of course will vary based on the blog you are reading and who's writing it. People come to your blog for specific reasons, so be sure you and your content are authentic.
No more than one idea per paragraph. This goes back to simplicity and making your writing concise and easy to follow.
Lists are your friend. If you are talking about something that is easily put into a list, please do so. This will make your blog more aesthetically interesting than just paragraph upon paragraph of information.
But keep it to no more than 10 items. Studies have been done showing that most people can only remember 7-10 things at a time. Anything above that is probably falling on deaf ears (or eyes ... you know what I mean).
Keep your sentences concise. No one likes a sentence that goes on and on as if into oblivion with much ado about nothing oh did i mention my morning coffee ... ?
Include sub-headings and a photo or graphic. Having a sub-heading makes it easier for your audience to scan your post and see if its something that will benefit them. Photos & graphics add a nice visual balance to a screen full of words. Just be careful to not overload your article. There really IS such a thing as too much of a good thing :).
Be consistent. I'll be the first to admit, I should probably not be mentioning this given that my personal track record is a bit sporadic, but it's still a good point. In an age of instant gratification, what's out of sight is definitely out of mind.
Have fun! If you find that, no matter how much you try to improve/scale down/etc your blog, you really can't get to the point that it doesn't feel like a blatant obligation, maybe it's just not the medium for you. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Happy Blogging!

Candace

Color Theory: Color Schemes

2011-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

When thinking about your art, it’s important to decide what color scheme you would like to work in. You could use every color in the rainbow, create a monochromatic work, or even an achromatic piece. But what do all these mean?

When using full color, this can mean anything from using two colors together, to using every color under the rainbow in one work. This is the color scheme most often chosen by artists, and has been used in everything from Impressionism to African folk art.

A monochromatic color scheme is one that uses only one hue and the tints and shades of that hue, meaning that you only use one color family. This could be a work created using just blue in varying intensities, just red in varying intensities, etc. This is something that is frequently seen in pop art and abstract art.

An achromatic color scheme is one using only black, white, and varying levels of gray on the grayscale. This is the color scheme employed in many advertisements, and black & white photography amongst others. This method is often employed as a way to focus the viewer more on the subject of the art instead of the potential color palette; color is not important to the message of the artist in this instance. It is often more about color & shape, lines, etc.

Once you decide what color scheme you want to create your work in, you can begin to create the work itself!

STUDY: Choose one of the color schemes above, and create a small work following that theme. You could also study images that follow each of the themes above if you don't have time to create your own.

Happy creating!

Candace

Color Theory: Associations

2011-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Observing the effects colors have on each other is the best starting point for understanding the relativity of color. The relationship of values, saturations, and color temperature can cause noticeable differences in the perception of your art and the transmittal of any message you may be trying to express through that art.

There are several types of color associations that tend to work well together: analogous colors, complementary colors, and those found in nature. Analagous colors are those that are next to each other on the color well, normally in groupings of three, such as yellow, yellow-green, and green. This is generally useful if you’re looking to create a work that is monochromatic or from one main color. Also, this can be useful if you really want the subject of the piece to be the only true element at play, but still provide visual interest.

Complementary colors are those that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red & green, purple & yellow, and blue & orange. By using these opposing colors, you maximize contrast and stability in your artwork. This can also be useful if you really want to create balance in your composition.

Another good source of reference for color harmony is to look at nature. While it may not fit into a true formula for color harmony, using this as a resource will ensure that the colors look appealing together, as our eye is trained to respond positively to color combinations which are naturally occurring.

STUDY: Using the Color Wheel, create three small works: one using analogous colors, one using complimentary colors, and one using color combinations as they would appear in nature. These don’t have to be large or perfect; you’re really using these for study here and to get your brain thinking about how you can use these in your art going forward.

Be sure to subscribe, as the next post will be dealing with using color schemes in your work and how to maximize the effects on your art.

Happy creating!

Candace

Using Color: Color Temperature

2011-11-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! Now that you understand the Color Wheel and how to create each color, let’s talk about color temperature and how it can affect your art.

Colors are considered to be either cool, warm, or neutral. Cool colors, such as blue, green, and most purples, are considered to be cool because they remind us of water, the ocean, and often, winter. Reds, oranges, and yellows are considered to be warm colors as they remind us of sun, fire, and heat. Neutral colors are brown, black, and white. These are considered neutral because of their absorption of light, in that they absorb either none of the color rays (white), or all of the color rays (black and some browns). Thus, they have no temperature associated with them.

How can you use this information in your work?

Color temperature should be taken into consideration when you’re looking to evoke a certain mood or feeling in your images, because certain colors are associated with specific emotions and messages themselves. Cool colors tend to be considered calming, warm colors exciting and vibrant, and neutrals to be, well, neutral. For example, if you want to create a painting that evokes peaceful feelings, you would probably rely heavily on cool colors. However, if you create a piece that you will use to make a statement or grab attention, red or orange would be a good choice. To take it one step further, you can consider whether to use full vibrant colors, pastels, or more muted tones such as tan or beige. Pastel colors tend to be associated with spring, flowers, and lighthearted images. In contrast, bright & vivid colors such as red and pure green tend to be associated with summer, energy, and vibrance. Finally, muted tones tend to portray winter, a slowing down, introspection, even sorrow and loss.

Keep in mind that these color associations are more directly associated with a Western perspective. If you view Asian or Middle Eastern art, you will sometimes find different associations to color than would be found in the U.S.

STUDY: Look at colors in the spectrum, and note how each makes you feel, what you associate with it. Then, consider your feelings of the various intensities of colors (pastels, vivid, muted, neutral, etc). Finally, do some research online, viewing different pieces of art using different color schemes and see if you can tell what the artist was going for, what you think they were trying do to with that piece.

Be sure to subscribe, as the next post will be dealing with how to maximize your use of color combination in your artwork.

Happy creating!

Candace

Basics of Color Theory

2011-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

All color theory is based on the principle “color is light”. An object we see as red contains pigmentation which absorbs all of the colored rays of white light except the red color, which it reflects to us as red, thus we see red. White pigment absorbs none of the colored rays, whereas black absorbs all of the colors of the spectrum.

An artist can use color to evoke an emotion, a feeling, a memory, or tell a story through their art, so it’s important to know what the basis for these colors are and what you can do with them. The most basic colors are known as primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These are the colors that, if broken down to their most simple basis, every other color comes from. Secondary colors are the colors that come from some combination of primary colors: orange, purple, and green. Finally, you have tertiary colors. These are the colors that come from some combination of a secondary and a primary color. Examples are: yellow-orange, eggplant (or red-purple), and plum (or blue-purple). Here’s a visual of these terms, also known as the Color Wheel:

I know this is really basic, but I want to start with the basics so that I can build upon that and know I’ve given you guys complete information.

I would encourage those interested to use these next few posts as a starting point in your study of color theory. For example, following this post, you could sit down with the three primary colors, and create the secondary colors, and even the tertiary colors. This can really help you in your art! Be sure to subscribe, as the next post will be dealing with color temperature and how to use this to your advantage in your artwork.

Happy creating!

Candace

Gettin' Back in the Blogging Game

2011-11-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

I figured since I'd been away from the blog for an entire three months, it might be nice to stop by and put in an appearance :). Lots of things in my life have changed since I last posted here. At the beginning of September, I moved from Seattle back to the East Coast. It's been time-consuming getting myself settled as well as my business. Since moving back, I'm helping my father start an antique shop in addition to my own businesses. I'd also noticed a change in my motivation over the last month or so, in that I hadn't been in the mood to paint when I had the time, and when I had the time I wasn't in the mood. I love art, and this is what I want to do with my life, so why was I suddenly such a procrastinator (something I rarely do)? I think I just needed a small break from creating to get myself comfortable and rebuilt my new place before I could really focus and get back to coming up with various ideas for my work. With all this said, I'm ready to get back to normal with my work and this blog, but with a somewhat refined vision as to where it will go.

I'll be working on a couple of paintings for the rest of this week and into the weekend, which I'll post up when I get them finished. I'm also going to be taking a couple of art classes to further refine my style, learn new skills, and make connections with other artists.

I'll still be doing photography as well. Most of you know that as of a year ago, I had put my commercial photography on the back burner to focus more on my painting and fine art photography. I've decided to continue pursuing fine art photography, while focusing my commercial efforts exclusively on food & beverage photography. In addition, I'll also be developing a portfolio for pet photography. This is something I've always planned on eventually building into my art, but have recently decided that now is the right time. So, between now and January, I'll be working to build up a portfolio of pet photography so I can add this genre to my offerings, and working on improving my art skills.

I'll also be keeping up more steadily with this blog; call it an early New Year's resolution. I've gotten questions and comments from time to time asking about different things in art, such as what brush to use for what, tips on improving photography, etc. So starting now, I'll be posting a blog once a week that will go over terms and techniques in various methods of art, starting with color theory and subjects around paint & technique, and then a series of weekly posts on various topics within photography, tips, etc. I'm also going to do a weekly update post on how things are going with my transition and the lessons I'm taking and life with me.

I'm hoping everyone will enjoy the new direction I'm going with the blog; I think having more of an idea of where it's going will help me to be more consistent with it. If, along the way, you find that there is something you'd like to know or learn about, let me know and I'll be sure to add it to the list of posts.

Go forth and create!

Candace

Should I Work with an Art Gallery?

2011-07-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Most artists have at least contemplated having their work in galleries at some point or another. Some have chosen not to do so for their own reasons, while others are still hoping for one of the coveted spot in a gallery. I'm not sure what side of this I'm on at this point, but let's look at the whole situation.

Advantages of Working With a Gallery

Free exposure. While some galleries do charge you a fee to exhibit (often referred to as "vanity galleries") many do not. This gives you an additional outlet to get exposure for your work.
If you choose the gallery carefully, be sure your work fits their style, etc, you form a wonderful, long-term working relationship with them. They will work hard for you if you work hard for them.
For some collectors, having your art in gallery exhibits will, over time, increase the value.
Endless networking opportunities. Whether you're part of a show with many other artists, a few artists, or you're lucky enough to have a solo show, you'll have the opportunity to meet many new collectors and likely, other gallery owners. Being successful in a creative field, especially, is all about who you know.

Disadvantages

Some (not all) galleries will have you sign an exclusivity agreement. While the specifics vary, this could mean that you may only show with that gallery for a specified amount of time, that you can only show with them locally but can work with others in the national market, and could even go as far as to include a stipulation on what you can create and how often.
As stated above, you want to be sure that your style of work fits with the galleries style. This also means that it fits in their price range for their overall exhibit of work. Depending on your work, your resume and your style, this may mean that you're not going to command top dollar (though this is not often the case).

Overall, I think that working with galleries can be a wonderful experience that can enrich your career as an artist, as well as your work. If you don't choose the right "fit" in a gallery, I think that is where problems may arise. Also, be sure you read any contract very carefully so you are aware of what you're agreeing to do or not do while working with them. As long as you and the gallery work together, it will likely be a rewarding experience.

Do you have experience working with a gallery? Do you not want to work with galleries? Why or why not? Share the love and comment below!

Google+: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-07-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Google Plus is all the rage since it's test release. I was very intrigued about it when it first came out, but then found out a few pretty significant issues in using it if you are an artist. But I want everyone to be able to make up their own mind about it, so I'm here to do a quick recap, if you will, of the features I really like and think are a wonderful idea, those that are middle of the road (for me, anyway), and a few things I do not care for.

Features I LOVE

I love how it's broken out. The small menu bar at the top is short, sweet and to the point. If, like millions around the world, you use Facebook, you know that they're constantly changing the layout, so you never really know where anything is at. More than alittle frustrating to be honest.
Circles. I think this is a brilliant idea, and cannot believe that no one has ever created this functionality before. It's very "real life". We all know that we have our circles: family is in one, professional contacts in another, friends from college in another, etc. Being able to target your posts to those specific audiences allows you to have one versus four profiles, and handle everything easily from one page. (If Facebook was going to rip off anything, I would hope it would be this.)
Hangouts. I'm honestly not a big fan of online chat, but sometimes if you're working and you want to let only your business contacts know you're available, this is ideal. This would allow you to have a virtual meeting, really.
Huddle. It's like 3-way calling for the digital age. I'm not one to use chat often, but for those that do, this is a great idea.

Middle of the Road

Instant upload. I want to point out that this is a great feature, but not unlike many of the others out there for Facebook and Twitter. But having your photos and vids upload automatically could potentially be bad, and I can see this getting some people into trouble.
Sparks. This feature basically has you put in your interests, etc and then sends you things on those topics. Some people may really like this, it's just not my bag.

What Bothers Me

Sparks is in invitation for being spammed with a bunch of info all the time. Think about it: anything you search on Google, ANYTHING, comes up with thousands of results.
They are literally recording every single thing you do. Seriously, read the privacy policy.
If someone puts you in one of their circles, Google is collecting information about you, as well as from your posts, and any comment you leave or image you view.
The name you choose for your Google+ account can override your other names.
When you post photos, videos, or any other content to your Google+ account, you officially just gave full and unbridled rights to Google to use as they please. I've not found an opt-out for this noted anywhere.
When you sign up for a Google+, your information is sold to third parties. You also authorize installation of cookies which are used, among other things, to track what you do online. You can turn off this option AFTER you have signed up for the account; you would have to go back, change the setting in your Google+ account, and delete the automatically-installed cookies from when you created the account, though.

We all know that alot of companies use cookies to track what you do, sell your information, etc. But as an artist, I won't sign up for a service where they have rights to my images and I can't opt-out of this. I highly doubt that Google would be perfectly okay with me taking the idea of Google+ and making a replica (not that I could, but still), and then stating, "Oh by the way, if you're reading this, you just gave me your consent, because it's part of MY privacy policy." Like most artists, I work very hard at my art, and should hold exclusive rights to it just as they do to their software and other programs, because I CREATED IT.

What are your feelings on Google+? Do you like it? Use it? Share the Love and leave a comment!

Finding Your Artistic Voice

2011-07-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most important, and freeing, part of being an artist is to find your artistic voice, and follow it. Call it style, call it feeling, call it intuition, but call it yours. Everyone has their own personal flair, their own "thing" that they bring to the table.

I always hate to see another artist trying so hard to make their work look like that of another artist. Now let me clarify what I'm saying here: I see no issue with doing this if you're trying to learn a technique that you've seen another artist use, that you will then put your own spin on and apply to your own work. I don't think there is anything wrong with that; in fact, I think it can be a useful tool for learning. But this is where it ends. Part of the beauty of being an artist is that you can not only make a statement, but make your statement the way you want to.

Make your art yours. While it's flattering to have your work compared to other successful artists, this isn't how you make a name for yourself. If, for example, you create a beautiful watercolor image of a pond and flowers, but it's not really you, people will say "Wow. That really reminds me of a Monet." And while this is very likely meant to be a wonderful compliment, you'll always be that artist whose work looks like Monet.

Why? Why not create your own unique style and way of doing things that makes you memorable, that makes you stand out? Why not create something that makes people say "Wow, that's really unique." Now this likely means that not everyone will like your work. But not everyone likes Van Gogh either; it doesn't mean he wasn't an amazing artist. Don't be afraid to have some people not like you. You can't please everyone, and why would you want to?

"Be one of the greats, don't be like one of the greats." - Anonymous

Do you have tips that have helped you develop your style? Share the love and comment below :)

How To Deal When Artistic Temperament Strikes

2011-07-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

As artists, we often become frustrated with ourselves if we struggle with a painting, photo design or other creative project. I've had many a day where I left my frustration get the better of me, and instead of taking a time out, getting myself together, and moving on with the project, I let myself ruin a perfectly good and potentially productive day.

Yes, we actually let ourselves get upset. This may not be the most popular thing to say, but if you think about it, we all have control over our thoughts. So how do you as an artist get through bouts of artistic temperament?

Here are some chill out tips:

Take time to get some fresh air. The sun and air do wonders for an artist who spends their time in a stuffy studio.
Meditate. I know some will scoff at this, and I used to as well. But it really does work. I also find it helps to boost my creativity; I usually get lots of ideas for new projects while meditating.
Listen to calming music. Don't necessarily worry about what is commonly considered calming. If you find heavy metal calming (which I'll admit I find to be contradictory, but who am I to judge?), play on.
Take a coffee break. Take 15 minutes to walk (if this feasible) down to your local Starbucks or other coffee house, grab your coffee and a scone, and walk back. By the time you get back, you'll probably be over it.
Work it out. Whether you're a gym person or, like me, prefer to take it outdoors, get out and get moving. this gives you a chance to either work through in your mind what you've been dwelling on, or put it completely out of your mind, whatever works for you.
Go to your local art supply store or (insert other shop here) and treat yourself to something new. Everyone likes to play with something that brand new.
Catch up on the business side of your art. Getting some of that out of the way always makes me feel better…clean your studio or catch up on laundry, dishes, paperwork.
Clean your studio…yes, here it is again.
Take a day off!!! Maybe you are working too hard. It is okay to take a day for yourself. Do something you enjoy.
Go to run some errands. You're going to have to do it eventually anyway, why not use it as time to take a break from your frustration and still get some other things done? Then, when you get back, you can start anew.
Out of sight, out of mind. Sometimes, you just have to step away from something completely for a few days, a week, even a month, to really get perspective and be objective as to what went wrong.
Watch an instructional video. Remember, YouTube if free.
Take a trip to Barnes & Noble and thumb through a few art books while having a coffee or tea. Sometimes, looking at what other artists have done and focusing on something that has nothing to do with your art directly, can help you come up with new ideas.
Browse the web. Same effect as a trip to B&N, only from home.

I do all of the above, depending on my mood. I usually find that if I can't get over my issue with a painting within a couple of days, it's best to just put it away completely and give it at least two weeks, then try to see if I can come back and work it out.

Do you have other tips or ways you cope? Share the love, and comment below!

Overcoming Spring (or Summer) Fever in the Studio or Office

2011-07-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

July brings summer to the Northwest FINALLY!!! Seriously, it's been a long, very rainy, very drab year overall up until this month. But now that the sun and heat (or what passes for heat) have finally put in an appearance, I find myself distracted by windows, sun, and grass. An overwhelming desire to get out and do something different. There have been days this week where I know I need to be working, so I sit in front of my computer or staring blankly at those paintings I need to finish already ... and very little happens. I'll have a moment of inspiration for an hour or two, but THERE'S SUN!!!

I love summer and, truth be told, miss the days when I was still in school and got summer off. When the biggest theme of my days overall were "pool" and "sun". However, being an adult, you realize that life, and work, must go on. So what can you do to feed your wonderlust yet still be productive?

Get out in the sun and exercise. I'll admit I'm not one to exercise all the time, but it's actually very useful when you're feeling this way. For one, you get a good dose of Vitamin D, something those of us in the Pacific Northwest are seriously lacking. Second, you get some time out in nature. Third, you get the blood pumping. All of this together will make you feel like you got to go out and enjoy part of the day, you did something productive, and you're likely to be more focused after exercise.
Mix it up! This is a great time to review your work habits and what you do in a typical day. Is the schedule you've been keeping still working for you? Are you bored with the routine that has become your day? Change things around in your schedule, change how you do things. There may be a better way to work.
Sign up for a workshop or class. Maybe you just need something else to inspire you, and nothing works like a shiny new technique to medium to play with, am I right? Plus, you'll get out, make connections, and maybe even find a new artistic friend to bounce ideas off of and/or collaborate with.
Be a daydream believer. I know, cheesy, but it's true. If you just canNOT resist an escape, go outside and sit at a park, by the lake/ocean, whatever, and just take your notebook/sketchbook/whatever with you. You'll be surprised how many great ideas you'll come up with. Don't look at it as wasted time, look at it as time spent focusing your work.
Be flexible. The reality is, no matter how much you love what you do or how hard you try, some days are just not productive. I'm all for trying your best to salvage the day and get done what you can, but if it's one of those days where you just can't seem to make it work, stop fighting it. Be flexible enough with yourself to know that this will happen sometimes. It's life.
Bring the outside to you. Open the windows and listen to the birds sing, the ocean waves, whatever is near you. If you're a city dweller, this can still work; you can still hear nature, depending on where you are. If that doesn't work where you are, troll the internet for a few minutes and find some nature sounds. There are tons on iTunes and many other free sources, such as Pandora. Also, add a plant (or two) to your space. There have been many studies done showing the health benefits of having plants in and around your home.
Mama says "Clean it up!" Keep your workspace clean; 'nuf said.
Try something new. Remember those workshops we were talking about? If there are no workshops or classes nearby, or you can't afford to splurge at the moment, you can always grab a new medium from your local art supply store and play with that. If you're really stuck, check out YouTube; consider it research :).
Don't be a loner. I relish my time spent alone, to be honest, but no one can be alone all the time. And let's face it, alot of artistic/creative careers can be fairly solitary and can become alittle lonely. This is where it's useful to take a class, meetup with friends for lunch, teach a class, whatever floats your boat. If you're really desperate, call your mom. They almost always like hearing from you, and will let you yammer on and on and fain interest.

I know not all of these ideas will work for everyone, but find what works for you and go with it. Do you have tips and things that have worked for you? Share the love and comment!

10 Ways to Boost Creativity & Conquer Mental Blocks

2011-07-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone in a creative career, whether part-time or full-time, has experienced a mental block halfway through completing a project or work, and times when your creativity isn't at it's peak. This happens to everyone from writers, actors, photographers, painters, you name it. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm always looking for ways to help me through those periods, and make them as short-lived as possible!

Here are some tips that I've found have helped me personally, as well as tips from other artists I have spoken to, in conquering the creative block.

Set aside time and a locale for your creativity. It may sound alittle pre-planned for some of us (after all, creative types aren't exactly known for a fondness of scheduling), but it does work. With the pace of life today, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and put pen to paper/canvas/etc. This can be wherever and whenever will work for you, from 5.30A to the middle of the night if you're a night owl. Unfortunately, we don't all have a living situation that will allow us to have a room or studio space dedicated to our craft. If this is the case for you, choose a corner of a room (bedroom, living room, dining room, whatever) and claim that as your work space. Setting aside a specific time and place really helps what you're doing to feel more "solid".
Clean it up! While I can work in my mess and know where everything is, if you're space is cluttered and messy, it can be distracting. Not to mention it tends to lend a certain "energy" to the area. Cleaning up, even just straightening, your space can make you feel more prepared and ready to get down to work.
Surround yourself with nice things. I'm not saying to go out and add a ton of bling to your space. But I am suggesting that you add a nice touch or two to your workspace so you'll actually want to be in it. Maybe a nice potted plant, a candle, a trinket, whatever. Just add a few things in the area so it's comfy.
Have an inspiration board. This can be a bulletin board, whiteboard, or a piece of cardboard taped to the wall. But you need to have a space to put things that inspire you, techniques you want to try out, etc. This will keep the creative juices flowing, and help to keep you inspired.
Take a break. Sometimes you just need to get away to get a fresh perspective. What you do with your break is up to you. You could meditate, read a book, go to a yoga class, for a run, whatever works for you. But sometimes, stepping away and letting it go is the best way to accomplish what you want. Remember: work smarter, not harder.
Spend some time outside in nature. Personally, I always find that if I go outside for awhile, I feel less stressed and more focused when I return. You could go for a hike, to the park, or just for a walk around the block. There's something about nature that's very soothing.
Listen to music. I usually listen to music while I work, as I find it helps in my creativity. And if I'm honest, I prefer to not have 100% silence when I work, so I always have something on in the background. I know I get a lot of my ideas for paintings, etc when listening to music, so for me, it's like my muse.
Keep an art journal. I know some won't be a fan of this idea, and feel like it's just more work. For me, it's a good opportunity to do some journaling about my day-to-day experiences, and also be completely free to make art without any planning whatsoever if I don't feel like it. Also, it's nice to know it can look absolutely horrible and it really doesn't matter. I find doing something small every day actually helps to keep my creative juices flowing.
Make a deadline. While I'm not a huge fan of these, sometimes it's a good kick in the butt, to be honest. Making this self-imposed deadline keeps you in the mindset that this is your career or the career you want, versus a hobby that you participate in willy-nilly.
Have fun. I always hate to see creative people get to a point in their career that it's no longer fun. Let's face it: that's why most of us got into it, because it definitely isn't the job security. Have fun with everything you're doing. Every job, no matter how much you love what you do ... you'll have days where you may feel weighed down. For example, you have a day you know you need to spend in the studio or editing images or articles, but there's sun outside. You have to get the work done, but you can still enjoy yourself. Make a fruity drink to enjoy while you work, put on some fun music, whatever works for you!

Do you have tips on things you've found work for you and you're process? Share the love and comment below!

The Importance of Respecting Your Art

2011-06-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

With the transition my art has been going through in the last couple of months, I've been trying out alot of different things. New methods, new pricing structures, etc. As an artist, it can be very difficult to know how to price your work. Charge the same for all paintings/prints of the same size? Should I base it on how work I put into a piece? For any artist who's selling their work and trying to become a full-time artist, this is something that you've probably thought about on many occasions.

Throughout this process, my work has changed quite a bit, and so have I. I've learned that when you try to hard, it makes it difficult. And the harder you try, the worse it gets. I'm not saying you shouldn't put effort into what you do and your art; you absolutely should. But you can't worry about whether or not a piece will sell, what it could/should sell for, trying to make your work like someone else's, etc. I think you have to, first & foremost, be authentic to yourself. Create the work you want to create. The most appealing part of being an artist (for me, anyway) is being able to do what you love and bring your own ideas and style to life. Your work will become more coveted and valued when you're being honest with yourself and others, and showing the artist you truly are.

There's often a stigma to art. We've all been told: "Becoming a full-time artist is really hard. It's hard to get people to buy your work." While I'm not saying that this is necessarily untrue, I think you have to manifest your art to be what you want, whether it's a hobby or a profession. Constantly focusing on the little technicalities and worrying about this or that isn't productive, and in my experience, tends to put a big damper on my creativity and ability to make my art "work". If you take all the energy you put into worrying about it, and instead use it to create, you'll come up with amazing ideas. Not to mention, it will make you alot happier.

When it comes down to reality, though, if you're a working artist you do have to price and sell your work. Often as artists, we're so happy that others like our work that we're willing to practically give it away. On the flip side of this, sometimes we look at how much we've spent on art supplies and the like and think "I have GOT to sell a painting/print/photograph!" So we start charging less or marking down our work, just so something sells. For me, I try very hard to not focus on this aspect of my art too often; first, it's not productive, and second, you're devaluing and disrespecting your own work. I'm not suggesting that you charge ridiculous prices; but you should be getting a fair price that covers your supplies, and time spent working. You have to take yourself and your work seriously, and part of this is sticking to your guns when you know the price you have set is a fair one. Even if this means that it may take that piece alittle longer to sell.

I'm a big believer that you can't expect others to respect and appreciate your work if you don't. If you don't show that you see the value in your work, it's not realistic or fair to expect others to see that value for you.

DIY Home Project: Bathroom Shelf

2011-05-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

So I meant to post this yesterday, but I'm only one day late, so I'm getting better. It's Memorial Day weekend, and I'm happy to say I'm going to a friend's house tomorrow night for a BBQ, which should be fun. I'll get to see some of the people from my old job and just hang out and relax, which will be nice. But that also meant that I had some things I had to get done this weekend. One of them being the shelf I made from scratch for my bathroom (I'm proud of how it turned out, if I do say so myself!). It's also what I spent the majority of the day doing yesterday. Here's an image of the final product:

Not my best photo, but this was a quick image I grabbed with my iPhone to put on my Facebook page. In case anyone's curious what I did, here's the process:

Get the lumber from Home Depot. I had them cut it because, hey, I don't own a saw, ya know?
First step, sand the wood to make it as smooth as possible.
Next, I painted the individual pieces of wood with 2 coats of a chocolate brown spray paint (you'll see why in a bit).
After that was try, I added the brackets holding the two pieces together, then added two coats of white spray paint.
Once that dried, I sanded the corners and edges, as well as some on the surface to give it that "aged" look. Be sure you wipe it down after sanding, as the sanded bits get everywhere and you don't want that in the final product.

Spray with one coat of varnish to protect it. (This shelf is in my bathroom, so I really only added this to protect it from the moisture, I didn't really want to add a finish to it.) Hours, later, I'm almost done.
A few hours later, I added the hooks and the hangers on the back, and up the shelf went!

The only thing left to do was to add the decor I'd collected over the months I was trying to decide how I wanted to do this shelf.

My bathroom is really small or I would have shown you more of it, but it's in a coastal cottage/beach theme, lots of white. So, what do you think? Comment below :)

Abstract Art: Love It or Hate It?

2011-05-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Abstract art is one of the most divisive areas in art. Some people really enjoy it and find it very creative and appealing, while others think that it's nonsensical and doesn't really show any talent. So what about abstract art appeals to me?

One of my favorite things about abstract art is that it's almost completely open to interpretation. What I see in an image or piece of art and what you or someone else sees can be and often is totally different ... and we're both right. I also love how graphic abstract art tends to be; it's very reliant on shapes and distinctions of color versus a specific subject matter (most of the time). It can be very sharp & clear, or more fluid and flowing. There is alot of room for creativity and interpretation, and you can create beauty through interpretation, versus a clear concept and really "telling" the viewer what to think or look at. With abstract art, it hands that freedom and responsibility over to the person viewing the art to interpret what it means for them.

I also love how abstract art can range from something so incredibly simple, to something with multiple layers that make it so complex.

But enough about me; what about you? Do you like or dislike abstract art? Why or why not? Do you often have the feeling "I just don't understand what I'm looking at here"?

Leave a comment below and chime in on the discussion!

Bad Habits

2011-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

It's funny how hard it is to drop bad habits sometimes. Like soda; you know it's bad for you, but it's sugary goodness keeps you coming back. It seems no matter how much I have the intention of blogging regularly, it just doesn't seem to happen. I plan to do it in the morning, and then noon is here before I know it and I think "that's okay, I'll do it this afternoon". And even though I really do mean it when I say it (or think it), I get busy and forget. So, my Not-So-New Year's resolution: get on a schedule for blogging. So, I'm setting myself up on a schedule, two posts a week (maybe more if I'm feelin' froggy) on Wednesday and Saturday. I'm hoping that by doing this I can get myself into the habit and be more consistent. Plus, the more I think about it, the more I want this to be not only an art blog, but also a personal blog.

Now, I know what you're thinking: I've said this before. And that's true. But my schedule has opened up some recently, making it alittle easier to fit everything in.

My question here is, what are your bad habits, and what have you found works to get you out of them? Let me know, because while I seem to have somewhat conquered the soda thing, I have a serious thing for chocolate. Please comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Starting Over

2011-04-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

I've been on a rather long hiatus from this blog, and I intend to change that and post at least once a week going forward. I'm much more of a visual artist than a writer, and so blogging is one of those things that can begin to feel like just another thing that needs to be accomplished. Often once I start feeling like I'm doing something out of obligation, it gets stale and boring. And let's face it: who wants to read (or write? I like to be entertained...) something like that?! To that end, I've created a "blogging plan" of sorts. I've listed out all the things that I definitely want to write about, such as discussions of the major types of art and my processes, to be filled in with trends in the industry, completion of new art, and some motivational posts as well.

I want this to be a place where I can interact with my current and potential buyers, other artists, and friends. I want to be able to share my life as an artist with all of you.

I think the best kind of blog to have, for business or otherwise, is one that is informational and that people want to read, which means putting yourself, your personality, into what you do. So going forward, my blog will also have posts about my life as a business owner, and just my life in general.

I hope everyone will enjoy the new format, and more frequent posts.

Candace

http://www.candacendiaye.com

They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. ~Edgar Allan Poe, "Eleonora"

Four Thieves Vinegar & Essential Oil Blend: Your Herbal Defense Against the Flu

2011-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again; cold & flu season. Everywhere I look, people are sneezing & coughing. Since we're now officially into 2011, I think most of us have a goal to be healthier and happier. As part of that, I'm going to use today's blog as a platform to present an easy, DIY healing option.

Thieves. It comes in two forms, either an essential oil blend to use externally, either on the skin, in a room spray, or in an oil burner; Thieve's also comes in the form of Four Thieves Vinegar. This is an herbal tincture that you can take internally, and that I highly recommend to help you stave off illness of all kinds.

To make Four Thieve's Vinegar, you'll need a jar (mason jars work great), apple cider vinegar, and some herbs (preferably fresh. Into the jar, put equal parts of the following herbs:

lavender
sage
thyme
rosemary
melissa (or lemon balm)
peppermint
A handful of garlic cloves (I like to bruise these up abit so they really release their essence.

Mix the ingredients in the jar, and cover completely with apple cider vinegar (I highly recommend using organic unpasteurized for this). You're going to let this sit at room temperature in a cool place away from sunlight & infuse for roughly six weeks. Be sure to shake the jar once every 1-2 days. After this time, drain off the herbs and garlic using cheesecloth or your favorite method.

You can then take this tincture internally, or combine a bit with water and use as a room spray (think natural Lysol). You can take a few drops of the tincture neat (or straight, undiluted) under your tongue, mix with a glass of water or other beverage, add to salad dressings, etc.

Many old recipes for Four Thieves Vinegar call for including wormwood. For those that are unfamiliar, this is what true Absinthe is made from, and can be highly poisonous. I strongly caution you to NOT include this.

Well wishes!

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My Personal Experience with One Ascension: Highly Recommended!

2010-12-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Last night, I had an SRT session with Melanie Wallace of One Ascension. While this isn't something that's directly related to photography or art, as an artist, it's very helpful to keep the creative juices flowin' and remove any blocks! Definitely check out the website for more information, but here's my personal review.

I know many people may not be familiar with One Ascension and what it is. Essentially, it is a way to unlock things from your past, your present and your future, so that you can learn to work with the Universe to bring all the best things to your life. Spiritual Response Therapy (or SRT) is a way to research the subconscious mind to identify & release the limiting ideas that no longer serve you, which allows you to bring in positive, loving ideas and beliefs, bringing you to your best you and best life. I realize that for some this will seem alittle "woo woo" and out there, and I believe everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs. But I would encourage everyone to consider it and approach it with an open mind.

Last night was my first SRT session, and while I had read the site, I really didn't know what to expect. Melanie Wallace, the owner and creator of One Ascension, was wonderful in explaining to me at each step what we were doing exactly, as well as what we were trying to accomplish, which immediately put me at ease. Before the session, I had been having a really rough week (kindof one of those where everything hits at the same time, ya know?). At each step, I could really feel a weight being lifted, and I felt so much better at each turn. By the end of the session, I felt incredible! I had this newfound energy, and just felt this massive weight had been lifted. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, fabulous, with a new outlook on life!

I highly recommend everyone have an SRT session, if not a One Ascension session (as these are two seperate techniques), with Melanie. I promise, you'll feel so much better. Especially in a time where the economy has most everyone stressed to some degree, I can't tell you how great it felt to have that weight and those perceived responsibilities lifted. Please feel free to comment about sessions you've had with Melanie, or go to the One Ascension site for further details.

Allow yourself to live the best life you can!

Tools for the Etsy Seller: My Reviews

2010-11-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

As a seller on Etsy, we always want to find any little tool that will make our jobs easier, make us more productive, and/or give us more information. Luckily, we live in the tech age where there are tons of options for free software and apps out there to use that can help us improve our businesses & productivity. But sometimes, it can get overwhelming. There are all these options, but which are useful and worth the time? After all, who has the time to get to them all, right?

So I'm going to review the ones that I've used, and let you know whether I found them helpful or not, and why. They are free services unless otherwise marked. Now, keep in mind that every service will work for some and not work for some. These are simply my experiences, in hopes I can help someone else. Let me know what you guys think!

Etsy On Sale

I find this to be a FABULOUS resource! Do I wish it had more capability? Yes, sometimes. But it's a free tool that allows you to put all or certain sections of your shop on sale. There is no charge for using this service, and it's really helped me with time and management during the busy holiday season. You can either put the sale as a percentage off discount, or a dollar amount. This automatically goes in and shows all your items as On Sale in Etsy, changes the pricing for you according to the sale amount you dictate, and even changes them back when the sale ends!

Cr8tivity

This is something I have just recently stumbled upon, but definitely plan to use this tool to simplify my business! With this tool, you can create a downloable format of on sale items for a shop, create a downloadable PDF format to create product, & gives you your shops statistics presented in various pie and line charts. Great for productivity. Best of all, it's free!

Metricly

A dashboard platform for businesses to track & analyze their business data. With the Etsy connector, sellers will get an easy-to-use dashboard to track their sales data and get a better sense of what is driving their sales. Knowing where your sales come from will help you to better target your efforts.

Handmade Spark

This is a tool I tried out for awhile, but didn't have any success with. For $6/month, you sign up and enter all your shop info, and this service created a mini-website for your shop, which is supposed to lead to better SEO, more exposure, higher rankings, etc. I used this service for alittle over a month and personally saw no change in my traffic. I know others have, but if you read reviews, they are about 50-50. The only way I was able to find my site was by literally typing in my business name. Let's face it, most people don't search that way. You search for "photography", "fine art photography", etc. If you are specifically looking for a business, you go directly to their site, generally speaking. Also, you have to post the links from your HS mini-site on all your social media, etc. I don't see how this saves me as a seller any legwork. And if I'm going to be posting the information everywhere, I can do that for free. My opinion? Save the $6/month to use on promotional materials like business cards, flyers, etc.

Clockbot

This nifty little tool allows you to automatically relist your items whenever you like. Unfortunately, it does not allow you to arrange it to auto-relist items when they sell. You must go into your shop, track down the listing ID, and input this information, along with the date and time you want to relist, and it will do it for you. So it's kindof like a scheduling service. I think this has potential, but I'm not completely sold yet.

FotoFuze

This service is free, and perfect for those who aren't photographers, but want great shots for your shop. Basically, you sign up for an account, add sets of photos to their website and their software will process those photos into professional looking product photography for free, which you can access from any computer, any time once you've joined the site. This means your photos will be viewable on iPhones, Android, iPads, etc, which we all know can sometimes be an issue. For anyone who's curious, a legally downloaded full version of Photoshop CS4 (which I assume everyone is doing..) is around $1,200.00, so for the non-photographers out there, this is a great service to take advantage of.

EtsyCatalog

This service allows you to quickly & easily create a PDF catalog with all the listings in your shop. This is great if you are looking to find representation in retail shops, going to trade shows, craft fairs, in emails and with your newsletter. This can be a very useful way to represent your shop professionally & to increase sales!

Reflections in Water

2010-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have left almost to the last the magic of water, an element which owing to its changefulness of form and mood and colour and to the vast range of its effects is ever the principal source of landscape beauty, and has like music a mysterious influence over the mind.

- Sir George Sitwell (On the Making of Gardens)

Nature, Patience, and Photography

2010-10-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply
not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story. - Linda Hogan

In today's society, where we all want what we want when we want it, a society of instant gratification and the expectation for things to come easily, it's far to simple to ignore the virtues of patience. Now, I in no way am exalting myself as a patient person; far from it. It's a lesson I'm constantly learning and trying to teach myself, but not something that comes easily to me.

Building a business in 2010, in the current global economic meltdown, definitely has it's challenges. It can be easy to sit down one day & say, "I've tried everything, and the business is not coming. I give up." You work your tail off trying to promote yourself and your work, you send out business cards, portfolios, etc, only to not book any jobs. Or, even better, you get the job offer, but they want to pay you some ridiculously low figure. At these times, it becomes all too easy to throw in the towel.

But whenever I have these moments of frustration, I have to look back at what the world would be if all the greats had done that. What if daVinci had said "No one is recognizing my work, my art, my labor. I'm just gonna go on to something everyday and easier. This isn't worth it." Think about all the modern conveniences that may not exist. But they do exist - because he persevered and had patience.

Think about nature. Think how long it takes for a tiny plant to be become a tall tree, or a gorgeous flower. But nature doesn't say, "Ya know, I'm kinda tired of doing this. It takes too long." Looking at nature, in particular, always helps me to bring things back into perspective. Very few things are an overnight success, and those that are usually don't have a lot of staying power. We can't always expect everything to be easy and quick. Sometimes you have to be willing to push yourself past the frustration and the waiting to get to the good part, to be a success.

So my point today is simply to say, whether it involves photographing a subject (plant, animal, human, still life) that you just can't seem to get just right, or building your business (photography or otherwise), look to nature as your motivation. Think about Autumn. It's an amazing & beautiful season, but for most of the country, a short season. Still yet, most everyone agrees that the nine months or longer of waiting are completely worth the wait to experience the beauty of the season. And getting that perfect shot, or building your business to be exactly what you want it to be, will be worth the wait as well.

Patience may be a virtue, but it's one of the best lessons you'll ever learn, and once you do, probably the one that will make you the most successful.

Trip to the Beach

2010-09-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

My birthday was this past Thursday (9/23), so I took a few days off work. Once we finally had some sun here in Seattle, I took the morning and went to the beach. So this week I'm simply posting a few images from my trip. Enjoy!

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

--Jacques Cousteau

Farmer's Market Bounty

2010-09-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I decided last week to post photos of my "take" from the farmer's market, and just never got around to it. So, I'm posting my photo essay of what I got! I really encourage everyone to support your local farmer's market. Small farms in America are really disappearing fast. I'm really lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest where farmer's markets abound with the fresh harvest.

Garlic, shallots, peppers, and a Thai eggplant!

Purple bell pepper, hot serranos, and more eggplant

Fresh fillet of sockeye salmon, just out of Alaska not 24 hours before!

Cucumbers for pickling :)

Local artisan bread and cheeses!

Who doesn't love a nice wine with some crusty bread???

I'll be making some blackberry jam this week!

Beautiful fresh berries; get 'em before they're gone as the season comes to an end.

I hope you've enjoyed this kindof rustic imagery, and will give your local farmers a try.

Photo Essay: Beginning of Autumn

2010-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has had a good week, and is enjoying their holiday weekend! I had originally planned to put up a photo essay of my visit to Lopez Island for this week's blog, but I was rather inspired by nature this week. You can really feel fall coming in the Pacific Northwest, and this year promises to be a mild yet wet winter, as per the Farmer's Almanac!) In the next weeks, the leaves on the trees will really start to turn, and you'll be able to see Autumn in all it's glory. So instead of a photo essay of Lopez Island, I've put together a photo essay on Autumn instead. Some of these are older photos, but they represent the season to me.

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."
- Edwin Way Teale

Getting Back to Me

2010-08-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island, WA
© CND Photography 2010
I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau

Hello everyone! After a much needed vacation, I'm back and feeling refreshed. It's funny how alittle time in nature can really help you to refocus, ground & center yourself so you can get back to being productive. Personally, I never feel more centered than when I'm outdoors enjoying the planet! That's what I really needed when I went on vacation last week. With the economy being what it is, I knew I couldn't go far, but I wanted to get out of Seattle, so I went to Lopez Island (the smallest of the San Juans; highly recommend it for nature-lovers). It's a very small place, very natural. The locals are very protective of it and are very eco-minded. Many people don't drive or drive little, and often bike around the island. Not having done much biking since I was a kid, I thought this would be perfect opportunity to see the island, and get around. So I biked, hiked, and kayaked my way around the island for 4 days, which was really wonderful. I was completely exhausted, and had no idea my legs could be so sore, but it was completely worth it.

I'm hoping to have a photo essay put together by next week to show you some of the highlights of my trip, and the little cottage I stayed in (seriously, so cute and the perfect place to get back to nature while still being close to the center of town). Until then, I wanted to share with you the image above. This was taken at Spencer Spit Park, and it just a beautiful image of the island. This was the only day I was there it was sunny for more than a few hours, but that's life in the Pacific Northwest! Have a great week!

Change Your Mind

2010-08-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. - Buddha

My challenge to everyone this week is to look around, REALLY look. Explore the subject of your images as if it's something miraculous & rare, something you've never seen before. Study it from every angle. Try to find a unique approach. Sometimes we get so used to seeing something that it just becomes mundane. This is when we have to challenge ourselves as creative human beings to see the beauty all around. How has this improved your photography? Leave a comment and let us know.

Chasing The Dream

2010-08-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream. ~Author Unknown

I would like to make clear, first, that the image above is NOT mine, and unfortunately, I could not find the name of the photographer. However, it expresses exactly what I want to convey today, so a thank you to the photographer who this image belongs to...

Sometimes, life is all about perseverance. I've been working for several weeks to create an area on my website where you can purchase my images. Being a small, young business, I am on a budget like so many people right now. So, I set out to learn the CSS/HTML coding to make the page myself. I had a very definite idea what I ideally wanted the page to look like, how you would scroll through the images, how they would enlarge, etc. After spending two weeks trying to research online how to best do this and even buying a book on CSS, I finally decided I had done enough of the research stage, now it was time to get started on the actual editing and coding. I tried for a solid week to make the gallery exactly as I wanted it. Ultimately yesterday, I realized that I'm trying to make this elaborate gallery which I don't have the coding experience and knowledge to do. So, I tweaked my idea for the gallery layout, and voila, last night I was able to (finally) complete it.

I'll be honest, it was an incredibly frustrating process, and I have a new-found respect for those that work in I.T. :)! However, by pushing through and allowing myself the realization that you have to walk before you run (and make a less complicated gallery), I was able to accomplish the ultimate goal of having it be not only functional but professionally presented, even if it wasn't in the exact format I wanted.

To me, perseverance is an important part of life. And part of this is knowing that sometimes you have to be flexible enough to change the course, as long as you get to the same end goal. Sometimes, you have to push yourself to keep going and get to the finish line, but when you do, it's always worth the effort.

How has persevering helped you in your life? Let us know.

Day at the Beach

2010-07-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the beach, always have. It's my "go-to" place to relax, reflect, and just enjoy nature. Today, I'm in the mood to go and enjoy the day, so I'm simply posting a few images from a recent trip down to the beach. Happy viewing :)!

3 EASY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-07-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

So I said when I started this blog that I wanted to do a few basic tutorials and give tips for everyone to improve their photography, so that's what I'm doing today! Below are three basic tips to help you improve your photography RIGHT NOW!

Apply the "Rule of Thirds" For anyone who hasn't heard of this, it basically means that, when looking through the viewfinder, divide your image into three equal sections. This helps you to get away from the trap many amateur photographers fall into, which is cutting your image in half (think top half of image as sky, bottom half as land, etc).
Don't be afraid to take the subject of your photograph out of the center of the image. Once you have the Rule of Thirds down, divide your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, which will essentially divide your viewing area into nine different sections. Experiment with placing your subject (person, pet, building, etc) somewhere other than center stage. This will often lead to better, more interesting images.
Know that turning an image to black & white in Photoshop doesn't automatically make it art. This is kindof a pet peeve amongst art photographers. When you look at your images, ask yourself what value it will add to change to a B&W image versus leaving it in color. Is it an image that lends itself to an older vintage look like sepia? Is it timeless? This technique is best used to invoke a mood or atmosphere. Don't change an image from color to B&W unless you have a justification for it.

Try employing these techniques in your photography over the next week, and let us know how it goes. Do you feel your photography has improved? Why or why not? Feel free to ask any questions. I try to check for any comments daily. Happy shooting!

Freelance photography & being open to change

2010-07-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Working freelance is a strange creature sometimes, especially in this economy...

It's really made me look at how I work currently, and how I want to change my business going forward. I love the freedom of working freelance, and essentially choosing whether or not I accept an assignment. But there's also the reality that you end up waiting to be paid, sometimes much longer than was agreed upon. And it seems like, in our current economic situation, the latter is happening more and more often. It's during these times that I think it makes you really evaluate where you really want your career to go, and formulate a way to get there.

I'll always enjoy commercial photography assignments; I honestly enjoy the chance to work with products and people I would otherwise probably not get a chance to experience. I especially love working with small businesses; there's so much time and passion put into what they do. With that said, I think the changes in the industry have forced me to see how much I really enjoy doing fine art photography as well. Now I'm not saying that selling art in this economy is easy either, far from it. But I enjoy the creative process & complete freedom in it.

For those of you that are pro photographers or are selling your imagery, what do you think? How do you feel the economy has affected you and your business? What new strategies are you trying to employ in an industry that is, honestly, going to be forever changed?

iPhoneography: Fad or Here to Stay?

2010-06-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope everybody is having a great weekend; I definitely took advantage of the sun yesterday, which is good because I don't know if it's going to really be around today or not.

So for the past 6 months or so, I've been hearing rumors of this new movement in photography, iphoneography. It's basically what it sounds like, photography done with your iPhone. I find this to be an interesting idea. I don't know that I completely see it as a valid form of photography, but people have always said that throughout the years about various forms of photography, so maybe I shouldn't judge. I know there are some photographers who are very into it, and people are even trying to specialize in it. Not to be too much of a purist, but, huh???

So I set out recently with my iPhone in hand to grab a couple of quick shots to see what I could actually do with this. I didn't have alot of time, and if I'm honest, I was distracted by the fact that there was actual sun (been a very gray summer in the NW so far this year). But I digress. I thought it would be best to just show you the results I got, so you can make your own opinions.

So, what do you think? You can only tell so much from this image, but it seems a bit blurry in places,and I have a pretty steady hand.

What are your opinions of iphoneography? Do you think it's a budding new trend in photography, something that will stick around, or just a fad that will quickly wear out? Let me know. Have a great week, and enjoy that sun!

Candace
CND Photography

Candace N'Diaye

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iPhoneography: Fad or Here to Stay?

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."
- Edwin Way Teale