Comments on: We all have each other

By: Kim Werker

Kim Werker — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:55:03 +0000

“”In times of chaos, there's infinite possibility.” I love this! And, as you
know, I agree totally.

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:34:09 +0000

ACK! I'm just getting a chance to read all these posts. This is a fantastic conversation, and I look forward to seeing it continue.

Mind my commenting on everything at once right here?

This is a scary time. I've spent much of 2009 in exactly the same fears you're describing here - where's the money going to come from? How can I do what I want to do and stay afloat? And what exactly IS it that I want to do?

I try to remember that the whole game is changing. ("Game" meaning "the craft industry, and its symbiotic cousin, the publishing industry.") Old business models are dissolving, and we can't quite see what might take their place yet.

On the one hand, it's all freaking scary. On the other, there are no longer any rules about what you can and can't do to make a living, or any rules on how you "should" go about it. I'm trying to hold fast to that second bit as a struggle along. In times of chaos, there's infinite possibility.

By: Leanne Pressly

Leanne Pressly — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:29:31 +0000

Blondechicken- this is such good advice! I get soooo consumed by the random numbers, “I just need $xyz per year and I'll be OK” and the number is always a moving target. Actually sitting down at my computer and getting a definitive number was really really comforting and quite less than I suspected.

By: blondechicken

blondechicken — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:05:35 +0000

Kim, quoting GI Joe, are we?
It's funny, but totally true. Whenever I get freaked out that oh-my-goodness-i-quit-my-dayjob-to-do-what? I go back and run the numbers. Numbers I used to be afraid of are actually comforting.
It's the best advice I ever received from a full-time fiber artist. EVERY week she figures out how much she needs and then she makes enough fibery stuff to fill that need. The timeline's probably different for freelance writers (you have to wait a lot longer for the check!) but thinking about it like this made it seem much more do-able.

By: Kim Werker

Kim Werker — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:48:56 +0000

Right on, Carol. I find that the things that stress me out the most are the
things that are unknowns. Even if I'd discovered I'd need to make a fortune
every month, at least then I'd *know*, you know? And there's the old
saying—”knowing is half the battle.” Heh.

By: carolbrowne

carolbrowne — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:17:30 +0000

I want to work with smart, creative people

Me, too! Also, who knew you figured out how much money you'd need to get through each month. Very simple solution, but I have I ever done that? No. I just thought, “I need a lot” so I keep doing the same thing I've always done. I think I'll figure that out this weekend. That's another step in the right direction for me. A small action – but a powerful one.

By: sweetgeorgia

sweetgeorgia — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:34:52 +0000

"How on earth will I make a living?"

Ohhh that is the crux of the issue, I think. Many mornings I wake up in cold sweat and fear of not being able to make this work. When you want to do things on your own terms and strike out independently, people always pat you on the head and say, "Do what you love and the money will come." It's not that simple.

But whether it's networking or collecting people, it's so essential to connect with others who have been there and done that. Meeting fifteen amazingly wise and talented women this week at Earthues has been undeniably inspiring. I've met a woman who raises CVM sheep in New Hampshire, another woman who makes her own goat cheese in Idaho, another woman who designs and makes handmade naturally dyed rugs in Nepal AND teaches full-time at the university textile program, women who have been natural dyeing for thirty years now... and they are all incredibly diverse examples of living and working out their lives on their own terms.

It's comforting to know that it can be done. I'm sure this open dialog will help collect some wisdom and experience.

By: HilarieMae

HilarieMae — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:27:52 +0000

This blog was a wonderful idea! Thank you so much for sharing it! These few words have brought me so much comfort as I try to discern where I want to head with my career. Again, thank you.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:01:44 +0000

Since I started doing this full time (and have had the time and energy to keep up relationships with other indie people, it's amazing how much I get done and how much it has expanded my horizons. Just going to a Trade show like TNNA and bouncing ideas and feeling the creative energy of so many creative people is great. Instant feedback and having everyone else's resources also at the tips of your fingers is indispensable.