Whim #2: Shoes (It's a rant, beware.)

Nike iD Women's AirMogan

Well,

I've always had a thing for shoes. Not surprising, you'd say, you're a girl. But no, it's not like that! I only buy an average of one pair of nice sports shoes each year so it's a big deal for me what I actually get. Last year I had a pair of discounted Pumas (so discounted I doubt they were ever officially Puma) but they've turned old and nagged my tendon to death. So I had to change them, luckily for my whim-personality.

Now I've been working at McDonald's for half a year already and I've seen 90% of the town's teenagers. Some of them had these awesome shoes, ankle high, skater soles, absolutely dreamy! They turned out to be Nike and after pretending to look for cheaper versions I decided to get ones as well.

At that point I found out you can customize them! They joy of shoe-ly heaven! They do have quite a lot of options, but I'm not into colourful accessories, so after a few days I designed myself a pair with a yellow-black colour scheme. The side had a textile panel with flowers and I even typed my own shoe-logo. So far, so good, I was in love with the design image!

Although I don't wear any yellow, this one was so subtle and calm I decided to go with it anyway. Laces seemed pretty similar to the sole and lining so I didn't really suspect any major differences. I now had to wait a month to get my lovely new shoes! I was quite excited as the delivery day approached. I stalked FedEx vans and cried an apocalyptic Nooooooo! when one passed our street and went away. But then it came back and the man came out with my little treasure box. Imagine the excitement!

And then I opened the box. Before me stood one of the ugliest AirMogans I've seen. It was quite disappointing although I didn't want to let it show in front of my partner. I had waited a month and paid the largest sum I've ever paid for a pair of skateboard shoes and got what? I almost want to skip explaining because of that pressing awful feeling in my chest. It will sound stupid to me in two days, but right now I feel let down and I can't help being sad for a stupid pair of shoes.

Moving forward to the explanation. These are my shoes.

First, the picture makes them look better. The real colours are:

• Pale plastic-y yellow on the flower-printed fabric. The one you get on cheap plastic picnic cups.
• Really rich yellow on the laces and sole.
• Pale mustard-ish yellow for the lining. As if you've washed them a couple times too many.

Second, the printed fabric isn't really as subtle, it has as much bright fat flowery things on it as it does yellow background.It isn't flat, instead it is swollen between the stitches. Cool.

Third, I even got earrings of similar colour as in the picture, to go with the shoes. Now they only go with the ugly textile thing I'll paint black once I get some paint.

Fourth, shape is different. I hate wide ankle-openings to my guts, that's why I didn't buy shoes for 30£, but for twice as much and more instead. I hope it will go down a bit once I wear them. 

It's a shame, really, these shoes could have been godly. I will wear them and I'll say to myself "Yes, girl, these are comfortable" and when the time comes to buy new shoes I'll be happy to leave them for walking the dog in the muddy mountain.

Anyway, sorry about the rant, the whole thing's heavy on my heart right now.

If you ever purchase shoes online, consider the following:

• Try a pair in store to find the right size.
• Do not rely on colours on your screen.
• Better safe than sorry. Although you might love them, even if you have the tiniest suspicion, it might be better to buy shoes the old-fashioned way.

I'll end on that note,

Bill

Whim #1: Why it took so long.

John - the daffodil we saved three days ago from the street.

Hello :)

After a long, long pause I've decided to resume blogging but with a new and exciting concept behind my writing! But let us go back in time and hear the whole little story.

I decided to create this blog because I wanted to leave an imprint on the map of the world-wide web. I didn't really see what others have been doing (stupid business move), so I wrote and wrote, thinking how awesome and fresh my scheme was. It wasn't ("Duh, Capt. Obvious!").

Then I started following some blogs, then more of them, then so many that I can't possibly keep up with all of them daily. And it became quite clear that some of them were way better than mine, more entertaining, better looking, more often followed. And it discouraged me a little, you know that type of discouragement - "I know they deserve what they have, why can't I do it?" - that crawls up your nerves until you want to beat the crap out of your blog or school papers. So I did, I didn't want to keep doing something I didn't like. It sounds irresponsible, but, hey, I've got a job, I don't need anything else to make me feel down (no offence, job).

I can't say you've missed much interesting stuff in my life since. Another university year, some magnets, some writing, some minor excitements, hours and hours on Etsy, nothing special, but still things that make me happy. 

And then, less than a month ago a most awesome person complimented the blog as it was and said I should've kept going. And I decided I would. Yes, that's how the Whim World works. However, I didn't really want to keep doing the same unsatisfying thing. Instead, I will now keep my blog true to myself even if no business guru would ever say it's useful or SEO-effective.

And here comes Whim #1 - Whim blogging! I will post whenever I feel like posting about whatever I feel like posting! I don't mean this in a teen pseudo-rebellion sense, but in a wholesomely self-loving one. My goal is to entertain you and make you feel happy, but that would be impossible if I am miserable. I remember the hard times I had keeping up the positive tone during the last few weeks of my previous blogging spree and I don't really want to go through them again. Blogs should feel natural to their owners.

And that's why it took so long. I thought I had to write this post, but I didn't really feel like it. And I procrastinated. But, no more!

I don't know what my next post will be about, but you should give me the benefit of the doubt.

Until then take your time with life, 

Bill :)

Soon to be Awesome!

Yes, the blog is under (re)construction, but more about it in my first new post after I'm done pretend designing! Keep an eye and I'll try to keep it for you afterwards!

An overly enthusiastic Bill (yes, Billi didn't really work for me and neither does Bilyana, they keep calling me Bilena).

Notice!

Well,

Even though I thought I'd never end up doing this, I'm putting my blogging to a stop. Why?

As I've discovered more and more blogs (most of which way more successful than mine) I've come to realize mine resembles them too much. Originally, I thought my idea for this blog was fresh, but it turned out I haven't done my research. Now, mine's a shadow of the many out there and this dissatisfies me to a point where I no longer wish to continue writing it. Because of that I've decided to stop doing it for some time until I decide in what way it'd go. I have to come up with a new idea, a new schedule and find my passion for blogging again.

I do realize I have promised MojoSteph and chanyeevon they'd be featured and this will happen. Most likely, the feature dates will be the 13th and the 27th, but ultimately it depends on them, so no promises on this one.

If and when there's news to share about the life of the blog I will post. When it's finally sorted out, you'll know. For the time being, thanks to all of you who supported me and Handmade Discoveries. Keep an eye on us for the features of the awesome two artists this month!

Hope the days between your visits leave you calm and happy,

Bilyana

Sharing: Photo updates! Yay!

Hey, guys!

Today's post will show you some of the new product photos I took last Friday! I'm quite happy with the outcome even though the original photos sucked really hard. All of that was thanks to my old camera that's not even near to the awesomeness of the one my partner's lending me. Super-duper macro mode? Check. Preview photos on the camera screen? Awesome. Actual picture? Way blurred. Exposure? Deadly underexposed. Focus? What's focus, m'lady? Anyway, two programs, three hours and a lot of nerves and "Which one? This one? Or the other?" thoughts later the outcome is:

From:

To:

From:

To:

And finally (yeah, this is the last pair), from:

To:

Do you like them? You can check out the rest of them here and here. Well, that being done, there's only the polar collection to be rephotographed! I think I've kept the integrity, but still improved the theme feeling and the quality.

On Wednesday I'll be searching for the perfect photos! Join me in the treasure hunt for the best photographed products and finds some inspiration and a new level to aim at! Until then

Keep improving even if your motivation only lasts two days,

Bilyana!

P.S.: I'm having second thoughts. Which ones are better? Yeah, right, I've got the "dramatic" shallowness of field and all, but are they clear enough? Can they be clear when the varnish reflects light? Am I crazy?!

Finding: Cynthia

Hello, guys!

Before I get too apologetic about missing out two posts (I had some reasons, hadn't I?), I'd like to go right to the point! Today's featured artist is Cynthia from A Tree Thing who creates stunning family trees in the loveliest colours possible! I can't wait to show you some pictures, but  let's follow the rules (ain't they my rules to break?). Enjoy!

• Share a bit of your story, please.

My name is Cynthia and I am a creative. hello.

Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted a future in art. Illustrator. Art teacher. Fashion Designer (no matter my taste in fashion is lacking). I ended up in advertising, an art director, and I couldn't be happier. I moved away from home for this career and as a result, I met my beloved cat Fred and my dear husband Mike.

I am a crafty person, always looking for the next DIY project. Our wedding was no exception. As a thank you to our parents, we presented family trees that I designed personally. It was fun: the research, the design and the family connections. Those family trees were two of a kind, a gift to never be repeated. But I enjoyed it so much that I have decided to continue designing family trees. And from that came A Tree Thing, an Etsy shop full of my unique family trees.

• What place does art have in your everyday life? How do you manage to balance creativity and chores?

Art IS my everyday life. It is my job from 8-5 and my hobby from 5-8. Besides my day job as an art director, I am always on the look out for the next home decorating project or surfing the net for a new recipe. I enjoy developing my green thumb, a trial and error process for sure, and going to concerts with my husband. I enjoy movies, music, video games and books, all forms of everyday art in my everyday life. I couldn't picture a life without art.

• What is it that inspires you?

My inspiration comes from graphic design publications, DIY and crafty blogs, fabric and textures, photography and nature. But even more than all that, my inspiration comes from my coworkers, my friends and my family. Without their support, their guidance, their critiques, I would not be able to further develop my own creativity.

• What do you expect to happen to your Etsy store in the future? Where do you see yourself in one year?

I have no idea. whatsoever. If my Etsy store did so much as fund my family tree making hobby I would be the happiest creative ever. If my family trees found their way into babies' nurseries and wedding gift tables and a grandmother's family photo wall, I would jump with delight. Will they? I don't know. The journey has just begun.

• Any strategy to help you achieve your artistic goals? Would you share one tip with all new-born artists?

Ask for opinions and honest critiques of your work and don't take any of it personally (I know, it is difficult). Use it to strengthen your product and your talent.

• Anything else you'd like to say?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I wish everyone luck in their creative endeavors.

'Personalized Baby's Family Tree Print - Roxann Collection, GREEN'

and

'Personalized Family Tree Print - Shirley Collection, Orange'

'Personalized Family Tree Print - Robin Collection, Orange'

and

'Personalized Baby's Family Tree Print - Jane Collection, Blue'

Thank you, Cynthia! This has been so far the best wish I've received! More about Cynthia and her creative work and life you'll find at her blog (she sends awesome update e-mails) and by following her on Twitter!

Well, as far as my luck goes, I need tons of it to get things running faster than they would by themselves. However, this is Cynthia's special space here, so I'll leave all that stuff for Monday when I'll make sure some post gets published. And I'm off to magnet-drawing-land!

Have a nice weekend (wow, so many weekends, it gets hard to think of a wish already!) and make sure you're following whatever set your feet on a creative path!

Bilyana

P.S.: A better wish than all my words:

The Tip Factory: 2

Hello to all!

Today I'll start with the (preferred) post content and mingle it with some personal updates.

Five lessons I've learned this week!

• Do not neglect.

Neglecting the everyday tasks we perform is something we all know. Yes, we had more important things to do and yes, the electricity went dead and yes, our e-mails suffocated us. In the end, however, (especially if it's a long-postponed end) all the work is waiting for you right where you left it. The e-mails won't go away and so won't the blog. Even if you don't really have outer control (like subscribers f.e.), the thing that should make you get to it is the fact that coping with information (and hence learning and growing and making more money) is a process that requires time and attention. You cannot read 60 e-mails in an hour and expect to have learned all from the posts of your mentors. You also shouldn't be surprised if you missed something important or interesting, after the 15th message they all feel the same. And at the end you've waisted time to pretend you've read them all.

My advice (and a fresh and supported one) is: be strict about your daily work. Make time for it. You probably haven't done something more important in those moments anyway.

• "Eat the elephant" one bite at a time.

IttyBiz' columnist Johny Truant wrote a damn good post about learning to take small steps. Especially useful for emerging artists, this post helped me be at peace with the fact that my shop's still not what I want it to be. I thought I'm sicking at running Ammadin's, but yes, I don't know all and it's supposed to suck a bit in the beginning. The post goes especially well with the clichéd phrase "Keep calm and carry on". Learn from what went wrong and at some point you will know how to avoid it.

• Be concise.

This, however, should be no excuse. Try to be concise in your vision and your choices. Like this concise and a bit more on the top with packaging and freebies. It will make you look like a professional with the integrity needed to leave a lasting impression. And I'm not saying this as a seller, because I suck at managing my shop's integrity (but hope is lurking behind the clouds!), but as a buyer who's spend tons of time at Etsy and has remembered but a few of the sellers I've seen.

• Random: Do not use opened surveys.

Well, with my first customer there's hope for my survey to come to use. However, Naomi from IttyBiz strictly denied the use of opened answers. Why? My guess would be that people are lazy. Often, they don't know what exactly to say. Sometimes, I guess, they might not want to be honest. Thinking of that I'll revise my survey and finally come up with a way with the awesome guy who does this whole computer magic for me.

• Last (and probably mentioned here before): Rest, rejuvenate and regrow.

When I missed Wednesday's post (and not entirely without conscious thoughts about it), I felt something was wrong. I've grown a bit weary of all the hasty browsing and writing and deadline-coping. I'd write a post and then feel a bit squeezed during the rest of the day, no wish to create whatsoever. But in the end I have to remember my blog is one of my enterprises, not my primary. It's grown to be a lot more than product-presentation (unlike my Facebook page, guilty as charged), but still it should not tire me out. Yes, sounds like whining to me too, but that's how it is, I do many stuff during the day. Too much side work can be an obstacle. Rest from it and focus on yourself. All will grow as far as you have the strength to dig, water and nurture it.

Today's useful place to visit:

While I've neglected my Facebook page, I intend to fix that soon. Etsy's blog has promoted this awesome Facebook post and if any of you missed it, make sure you check it out. It will guide you as to how Facebook promotion works and how it could work better.

Well, the post's grown quite long again and I'll have to think of that next time. Hope you've felt the wind of help in your sails and have reached at least the ass of the elephant. Not sure what I'm speaking of? Well, you've probably scrolled over it, so go back and be strict!

Bilyana