Over the course of almost 19 years of being in business as an art studio I’ve been blessed with a few special extra clients who have encouraged me in unique ways. Each has acted as a patron of sorts. I recently heard a comment that caused me to sit back and reflect with much gratitude for these people have supported Carrot Top Studio. The comment was —

The people I’ve considered patrons over the years haven’t necessarily ‘paid for my orchestra,’ but have encouraged my work and expanded my reporterie because they believed I could take on something I’d never done before. Even before the business began somebody knew (or God nudged them?) to call me to see if I could lead a team of people to make banners for all the seasons of the church year. I could sew but I’d never done anything like this before! The joy of that experience led to my husband suggesting a stole business. Stole are just two little banners after all. Right? At least that’s how his mind works! Here are some of those first banners. They still are used in worship in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

How do you encourage artists? Many artists are introverts or because of the nature of their work are by themselves a lot of the time. Your emails, kind notes, and social media engagement goes a long way to help keep the creative spirit alive and well. Recently a client sent my a handwritten card with the statement that ‘my art makes this world a better place.’ These words melt me and also fuel me to create more. I know another artist who has a podcast and is often encouraging people to contact artists they admire whether they know them or not and send words of encouragement. In todays world of websites and email it couldn’t be easier!

A most recent personal example is the gentleman who had found my work in a Google search as he sought art to use on the cover of a conference booklet. He felt passionate about not using clip art. The desire was to instead pay for the rights of using an image of existing art on the cover and give the artist exposure with a written description within the program. Another example of someone embracing the motto of you don’t know if it’s possible until you ask! And I’m so grateful as I’d never thought of this type of licensing.

So whether you are called to pay for the orchestra to support the budding musician, use your words to be an encourager, or something else, the artist will be appreciative of your efforts!

And thank you for all of you that have supported my work in so many ways!