Tara Reed Designs Blog » Inspiration & Ramblings http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Fun and Sassy Art! Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Summer in the Northwest… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:22:36 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=663 …doesn’t actually start until July 5th.  It’s common lore and very often feels like a fact!

I remember the first year I lived in the Northwest – way, way back in 1994, we were wearing long sleeves and celebrating the 4th of July indoors – it was cold and pouring rain outside.  This was a far [...]]]> …doesn’t actually start until July 5th.  It’s common lore and very often feels like a fact!

I remember the first year I lived in the Northwest – way, way back in 1994, we were wearing long sleeves and celebrating the 4th of July indoors – it was cold and pouring rain outside.  This was a far cry from what I was used to growing up in Pennsylvania – by the 4th of July it was usually hot and sticky and I was pretty much ready for fall to arrive!

Today, on the second day of summer, I sit in my studio in Portland, Oregon and look out at an overcast sky (we did have sun for a few hours) and feel the 72 degree air coming in and smile!  It’s been a wet spring with lots of rain and days in the 60s but you know what? I love it!  I prefer cooler weather and even a little rain to the heat and humidity I knew growing up.  That’s why I say I’m a poster child for the Northwest – this weather rarely gets me down!

That’s a little about me I thought I’d share today and all you heat lovers – you have the rest of the country to bask and sweat! :)

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/feed/ 0 Who Inspires Me? Paul Brent http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:25 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=617 It’s been a little over a year since I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know artist Paul Brent. On the day this post goes “live”, I will be exhibiting at the SURTEX show in New York a few rows over from Paul and his art.  I took his class the first year I exhibited [...]]]> It’s been a little over a year since I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know artist Paul Brent. On the day this post goes “live”, I will be exhibiting at the SURTEX show in New York a few rows over from Paul and his art.  I took his class the first year I exhibited at SURTEX.  I said hello and how much I admired his business and art in years since.  Now, I call Paul Brent a friend, mentor and inspiration.  How did that happen?

It all started with him requesting to be my friend on Facebook in January 2009.  I remember looking both ways in my office wondering if someone was playing a prank on me!  Really?  Well sure Paul, I’ll be your friend!

If you don’t know Paul Brent, you might be confused by my reaction.  Paul is an artist who licenses his art just like I do… but he has been in the top 100 Licensors according to License! Global Magazine for the past few years.  So it is laughable to say he is way ahead of me in size and success of his business. (I will concede he’s been doing it a lot longer too!)

Like Mary Engelbreit, Paul Brent was on my “to be as cool as list” too so to have him ask me to be friends on Facebook was pretty cool!

I then decided to ask him if he would be willing to do an “Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call” – I was just starting the calls and had been doing them myself.  I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask and just maybe he’d say yes.  HE DID!  Not only did he do the first call in March 2009 (the replay is available for free at www.AskPaulBrent.com if you’d like a copy) but he will be doing his 4th call on May 26, 2010.

Since the Facebook request / question exchange, Paul has done 4 Ask Calls and a teleseminar called “Brand Yourself for Success in Art Licensing” which was amazing.  I’ve made several changes to my branding strategy as a result and highly recommend any artist interested in understanding how to build an art brand take a look at it.  He focuses on art licensing but many strategies apply to any type of artist.

I have also become friends with Paul and his wife Lana Jane.  While they live in Florida, they just happen to have a house on the Oregon Coast that is a little over an hour from me.  So when they head west, I get to see them.  They are even teaching me to cook!  (Something they love and I would love to do without.)  How wonderful to be able to sit and discuss the business we all do and love with such an accomplished couple.  (Lana Jane is the president of Paul Brent Designer, Inc.)

So that is how I came to be friends with my inspiration and you know what? I’m even more inspired by Paul Brent the more I get to know him.  He is an amazing artist, talented business person and a kind, down-to-earth and sincere man.

Learn more about the art of Paul Brent at www.PaulBrent.com

So I’ll ask you again, who inspires you?

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/feed/ 2 The story of my new crown… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/05/the-story-of-my-new-crown/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/05/the-story-of-my-new-crown/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 15:19:26 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=636 It’s my second and I have to say, not my favorite part of getting older! But at least I have a dentist I trust implicitly and who has a sense of humor. If you are stuck in the chair for 2 hours, you might as well [...]]]> Yesterday I had to get a crown on my tooth.

It’s my second and I have to say, not my favorite part of getting older! But at least I have a dentist I trust implicitly and who has a sense of humor. If you are stuck in the chair for 2 hours, you might as well do your best to enjoy it!
I had my iPhone in my pocket and was tweeting about running away after they took the first pictures of my teeth. (I wasn’t in love with the guard they put in my mouth – it hurt! But after complaining and being called “high maintenance” – in a joking way of course – I got to go the old fashioned cotton route – much better!)

Dr Densley’s office is very hi-tech and implements new procedures and technology all the time. When I had my first crown 2 years ago, it was a two appointment procedure involving a temporary crown, anti-biotics that wreaked havoc on my stomach to make sure I didn’t get an infection, and going back for the permanent crown.

But that was then and this is now! Two hours and I was done!  As hi-tech as Dr. Densley is, he hasn’t a clue when it comes to Twitter or Facebook so I was educating him in the ways of social media. He got into it and had me start tweeting pictures.

I was fascinated by the whole process so I did a little iPhone video and thought I’d share it with any others who like to see how technology changes all areas of our life.  Here is a short video showing my crown being made, right in the office!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

I took an informal poll on Twitter and Facebook – which is worst, getting a crown or paying for it?

Paying for it won, no contest! :)

I also decided it would be fun to get a party tiara or crown on my way out – leave the dentist office smiling.  Don’t you think that would add some humor to the experience?

Hope your day was less eventful!

– Tara Reed

P.S. If you need a dentist in Portland / Hillsboro Oregon areas – I highly recommend Drs Densley and Call at Century Dental. (Tell them I sent you – I get a free cleaning for referrals!)

How to find them:  THEIR WEBSITE THEIR FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/05/the-story-of-my-new-crown/feed/ 0 A personal story of motherhood and camping http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/23/a-personal-story-of-motherhood-and-camping/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/23/a-personal-story-of-motherhood-and-camping/#comments Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:34:31 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=631 My son just spent a week as an “Outdoor School Camp Counselor”.  He came home one day (he’s in 10th grade), put a paper in front of me and said, “I’m going to do this.  I get to miss school for a week – but I make up the work, teachers have to sign off [...]]]> My son just spent a week as an “Outdoor School Camp Counselor”.  He came home one day (he’s in 10th grade), put a paper in front of me and said, “I’m going to do this.  I get to miss school for a week – but I make up the work, teachers have to sign off on it.  I will be a counselor to 6th graders for a week, earn 1/2 credit for high school, 2 college credits if I write an essay and 100 hours of community service.”

Well how can a mother argue with a child who is taking initiative, going above and beyond and working to help others and help his college resumé?  Certainly not this one!  I was all for it.


HOWEVER…

I just heard a new label for my style of parenting:  I’m a ‘consultative parent’. Meaning I guide and advise but let my son take responsibility for himself and suffer any potential consequences. (To a point, of course!)  I’m not the mom who double checks every homework assignment – I already completed the 10th grade.  And when I asked him if he had everything he needed for camp the week before and was met with eye-rolls and “relax!” – I decided to let the chips fall where they may on that too.

If the child can drive a car, he should be able to pack for camp, right?  Especially since there was a list to consult.

I have a feeling you know where this story is going… my dear child almost went to camp without a sleeping bag.  He didn’t have a warm enough jacket in my opinion, and no real rain gear – even though that was on the list in all CAPS and BOLD.  He did go without a towel, shampoo, flashlight and a few others things I can’t recall.  I realized he didn’t pack a towel at 11 pm the first night he was gone…

They weren’t allowed any communication during the time they were gone so I had no idea how things were going.  Like any new experience a child heads out on – it could go one of two ways.  I figured he’d come home and say it was the worst week of his life, he was cold and wet and never wanted to do it again.

Luckily I was greeted with a text that said, “It was SWEET!” (That’s good!)  He had a great time – although he did admit to being a little cold at times.  But he said something that made me so proud -

“Mom.  Don’t sweat it. I adapt.”

Well, I guess I’m a pretty good mom, because what is our job, if not to teach our children to adapt and thrive in any circumstance they find themselves in.  Sometimes I feel like a bit less than “Super Mom” because I let my son learn his own lessons more than many mothers I see.  But in the end, teaching him to be independent, happy, optimistic and adaptable is what I’m after.  And I’d say I’m doing a pretty sweet job!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/23/a-personal-story-of-motherhood-and-camping/feed/ 3 If you are an artist, have you heard about ArtBistro.com? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/15/if-you-are-an-artist-have-you-heard-about-artbistro-com/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/15/if-you-are-an-artist-have-you-heard-about-artbistro-com/#comments Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:00:29 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=621 ArtBistro.com is a Monster.com community and a pretty cool place for artists. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon it but I’ve been receiving their eNewsletters since October and last week, was asked to become a contributing author. (Yeah!)

If you aren’t familiar with Monster.com – it is a huge online job resource website [...]]]> ArtBistro.com - a Monster.com community ArtBistro.com is a Monster.com community and a pretty cool place for artists. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon it but I’ve been receiving their eNewsletters since October and last week, was asked to become a contributing author. (Yeah!)

If you aren’t familiar with Monster.com – it is a huge online job resource website where companies looking for employee and people looking for jobs can find each other. They have career tools, articles and tons of job listings.

ArtBistro.com is one of 17 special interest communities run by Monster.com.

Like many social media websites, you can create a profile and connect with other artists. There is a bit of everything: articles, education links, career building tools, videos, a forum, articles and more. You can learn about all types of art careers from Fashion Design to Animation and Film and just about everything in between.

You won’t be surprised to know that I will be writing articles about … art licensing.

I’m really excited to contribute to this community. I find the articles and artist profiles interesting and inspiring. There was a “laugh-out-loud” article profiled last week that you might enjoy: What Creative Professionals Should Never (Ever!) Wear I was chatting with a friend about it and we both agreed that some of these rules are broken in the privacy of our home studios but we aren’t telling which ones! Go see what you think!

SO… if you want to check out another informative and supportive community for artists, head to ArtBistro.com and see what you think!

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

P.S. Here is the link to my first article published at ArtBistro.com – Why Outsourcing Can Make You A More Creative Artist

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/15/if-you-are-an-artist-have-you-heard-about-artbistro-com/feed/ 0 Inspiration for a Friday… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/09/inspiration-for-a-friday/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/09/inspiration-for-a-friday/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=610 One of my teachers and mentors, Alex Mandossian, turned me on to this video and I want to share it with you.

While I will be celebrating the 7th anniversary of my divorce this coming summer, it was not a “quick fix” but a hard and heart-felt decision.  I think that is the only part of [...]]]> One of my teachers and mentors, Alex Mandossian, turned me on to this video and I want to share it with you.

While I will be celebrating the 7th anniversary of my divorce this coming summer, it was not a “quick fix” but a hard and heart-felt decision.  I think that is the only part of this video that hit an odd note for me – watch it and see what you think.

Here’s to being happy, thinking outside of yourself, priorities, doing what you love and making the world a better place.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/04/09/inspiration-for-a-friday/feed/ 1 What do you know about your credit score? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/29/what-do-you-know-about-your-credit-score/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/29/what-do-you-know-about-your-credit-score/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:00:11 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=607 This isn’t art related but so important – I’ve decided to post the information on all my blogs.

A few weeks ago, while I was in San Francisco learning about teleseminars, I had the chance to meet and hear from people in different industries. One person who spoke, Philip Tirone, ahd some interesting and disturbing [...]]]> This isn’t art related but so important – I’ve decided to post the information on all my blogs.

A few weeks ago, while I was in San Francisco learning about teleseminars, I had the chance to meet and hear from people in different industries. One person who spoke, Philip Tirone, ahd some interesting and disturbing things to tell us about Credit Scores.

Do you know what your credit score is?

Do you know that 80% of credit reports have errors on them and that even if you pay your bills on time, all the time, you may have errors that bring your score down? That could result in fees and interest rates on loans being higher than necessary. After he talked people in the room started chatting… one woman told me that she had looked at her credit report and found a huge error. She had 2 student loans that she consolidated last year. When she looked at her report – it looked like she owed double what she actually did because the credit bureau didn’t close the 2 original accounts but managed to add the new one. Making some calls to fix the error resulted in her credit score going up 50 points.

So even if you pay your bills – it is still wise to understand how the credit system works and take a look at what they are saying about you every so often.

I just ordered copies of my credit reports and one company shows me having 3 open mortgages. They hadn’t updated one since 2001 – it was actually paid off in 2003. So if someone new pulled my credit, It would look like I had a heck of a lot more mortgage debt than I do! Off to fix that!

According to Philip you could be legally robbed by banks and other financial institutions and be over-paying up to $1,200 per month because of your credit score.

If you choose to attend his 70 minute FREE Credit Advantage Teleseminar, you will discover…

Why you may be overpaying on my credit bills even if you’ve never missed or been late on any credit card payment in your life
The simple, two week process to identify and fix key items on your credit report that could be costing you over $500 each month
A little known credit score trick that allows you to go from wasting money to saving money, all because of the credit bureau rules
Why a 720 credit score is so important and the fastest, easiest and most reliable step-by-step process to get there

So… if you want to take control and get informed about your credit score, CLICK HERE*.

Here’s to an accurate credit report!

– Tara Reed

* FTC disclosure, this is an affiliate link and if, after listening to the free telemseminar, you decide to make a purchase, I will be paid a commission for letting you know about Philip Tirone and his wealth of credit products.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/29/what-do-you-know-about-your-credit-score/feed/ 1 May you find your Pot of Gold this St. Patrick’s Day! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/17/may-you-find-your-pot-of-gold-this-st-patricks-day/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/17/may-you-find-your-pot-of-gold-this-st-patricks-day/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:28:00 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=596 This Irish girl (well – 1/2 Irish!) wishes you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I will have the extreme pleasure of interviewing one of my art licensing heros tonight – Mary Engelbreit – as part of my Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call program.  I’d say I’ve struck GOLD!

If [...]]]> Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

This Irish girl (well – 1/2 Irish!) wishes you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I will have the extreme pleasure of interviewing one of my art licensing heros tonight – Mary Engelbreit – as part of my Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call program.  I’d say I’ve struck GOLD!

If you’d like to register to listen live tonight or be notified when the free relay is available in the next few days, head to www.MaryEngelbreit.com/askme/ and sign up.  The questions are already gathered so just put “no question” in the space and give us your name and email.

In the meantime – I have 2 free St Patrick’s Day eCards you can send to family and friends – CLICK HERE.

Wishing you a wonderful day full of people and things you love – that is the true pot of gold of life!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/17/may-you-find-your-pot-of-gold-this-st-patricks-day/feed/ 0 Turning old gold into cash… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/13/turning-old-gold-into-cash/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/13/turning-old-gold-into-cash/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:43:43 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=593 she told me how she and her mother-in-law were wondering just how much you could get selling old gold.  (I imagine they saw one of those commercials on tv but I’m not positive.)  So my sister decides to gather up her old bracelets, necklaces, [...]]]> It all started with a conversation with my sister last Wednesday afternoon…

she told me how she and her mother-in-law were wondering just how much you could get selling old gold.  (I imagine they saw one of those commercials on tv but I’m not positive.)  So my sister decides to gather up her old bracelets, necklaces, rings… anything that was gold that she knew she’d never want again and headed to a local jewelry store that buys gold.  She went in hoping for $150 – she came out with $747.  REALLY????

Well you can see where this is going… I, too, gathered up old gold that had been sitting in my jewelry box forever that I would never wear again.  Then I Googled to see who would buy gold in my area, printed off the extra 20% coupon and headed out!  Apparently my sister received more gifts of gold growing up than I did but I was tickled pink to walk out with a check for $387.

SO… just thought I’d pass it on.  The price of gold is UP so if you have old gold sitting around, you too could spin it into cash!  With St. Patrick’s Day coming up I feel like I found cash at the end of a rainbow!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/13/turning-old-gold-into-cash/feed/ 0 Looking for feedback… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:54:43 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=583 In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. [...]]]> In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. It was  a relief to hear him say that he has built his brand through trial and error and didn’t have it all figured out right out of the gate.  His tips and insights were very interesting and inspirational and his homework? A little daunting truth be told!  But I am so sure it will be worth it that I’m getting started right away.

This is where I hope you will help me… Paul pointed out that what we see as our brand might not be what others perceive it to be.  He told us to get feedback from others.  I’ve been getting some from Twitter but thought I’d bring it to the blog as well.

What I need from you:  can you give me words that describe my art or my brand in your mind?

Please put them in the comments so I can continue on with my assignments.  Here is a sampling of designs to give you the feel if you aren’t super familiar with what I do.  I really appreciate your help and feedback – it means a lot!

– Tara Reed

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