The Messages That Come Through Art Journaling

You can learn a lot about yourself through art journaling. Leafing through some recent pages I can see snippets of where my mind was at the moment I created the page.  Sometimes the reflections I portray through visual clues and cues are from that very moment, and sometimes I'm speaking to someone I know or wish I could impact in some way, and sometimes they are just words I've captured in my mind from some other fleeting experience that I felt the need to keep with me as a reminder.

Rarely ever do I start with an end in mind, if that makes sense. Most of my pages are works that evolve from painting sessions. Cleaning off my brushes, stencils, stamps, brayers...whatever has paint on it at the time can land on a journal page.   Then late at night when I'm cozied up in my jammies, watching tv or perhaps early in the morning while it's quiet, I will sit and work on a page (or 2, or 3).  They may take weeks to finish.  Even months.   It's at the finish line I will infuse words or conversations I have with myself...or those I want to speak to in the sanctuary of my art journal book(s).

Sometimes there are a lot of words....sometimes there are just a few poignant reminders highlighted on the page.  I don't know....I think art journaling allows me to feel less lonely in some ways.  Not that I feel isolated, but there are times when I wish I had someone to talk to when there isn't anyone there.

And then other times, the words are not for me to feel comfort with...as an artist I realize more and more that the words or images are for someone else to take hold of and feel that sense of comfort.

As if...the message comes through you so someone else may hear what they need to hear..when they need to hear it.  An affirmation if you will that is put into the world to boomerang back to the soul that has requested a sign.  Sometimes it is just me that needs the message...but more often then not, there are others out there too that need the guidance.

This page I created last week after spending a few days with someone that I had(have)  a close connection with for the last 11 or so years.....someone that actually was partially responsible for me getting back into art several years ago...some of the words go out to that person...and the rest are just for me.   Sometimes,  art journaling just helps you come to terms with things going on in your life.

I can't fix everything.

You have to want change in order to get it.

I'm glad this AJ streak I've been on has continued as long as it has.  It keeps me humble and allows me to release and let go so I can do what I need to do next, which is to move forward.

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Is there something that you do in the quiet of the evening or the first glow of the morning sunshine that keeps you grounded with a sense of peace?  If not, find that thing....it could be jogging, walking, writing, drawing, painting or knitting.  You'd be amazed at how less alone and more comforted you will feel while partaking in that activity that is meaningful to you.

I'd love to hear from you!  Drop me a line and tell me what your 'thing' is that keeps you sane!

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"Letting Go and Not Looking Back" 

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12 Tips on How to Be Published in Art Magazines

So you wanna be published in a magazine?

Every so often I get asked how to go about being published, so I thought I'd share a few tips I've found to be helpful along my way.

 It was almost 4 years ago this month that I sent my first entry into Cloth Paper Scissors, never thinking I even had a smidgeon of a chance of being accepted.  Low and behold, a couple weeks after I entered my submission, I was chosen for an article!  It was one of the most exciting days of my life and I'll never forget the thrill of opening that email and sheer fright...because....they wanted my work to be sent and I no longer had it.  

Lesson number one:

1.  If you choose to email the publisher with an article query, ensure you have the items you are sending in. Seems like a no 'brainer' but for me, I didn't think I'd get accepted and I just happened to sell those pieces I sent in. EEEEk.  Well things turned out okay because I was able to recreate those items (after discussing it with the then editor, Pokey Bolton), but it was a scary thought that I almost lost the biggest opportunity of my life because of my ignorance!

2.  Read the guidelines for each magazine you wish to submit to. Each one has specific regulations on what they are looking for.  Some want an email first with specific sized pictures, others want your actual artwork sent in. You can miss an opportunity by not following the rules!

3.  While we are on the topic of reading....read the publication!  If you have the next big 'Bird' art piece that is just out of this world,   make sure that wasn't a recent cover article or main article in the magazine.    They generally are looking for fresh ideas or new takes on established processes.  Put YOUR spin on a project.

4.  Take great pictures.  If you have a beautiful project but shoddy pictures, it probably isn't going to make the cut if you are emailing a query.  Pictures can make or break an online submission.

5. If you have an idea for an article, write a short outline in your query to let the editors know that if you are chosen to write about the process, you are ready to go with an article.

6.  Enter the calls for submissions. It's a great way to get your feet wet and become a recognized name within the magazine.

7.  Blog about your work.  Every so often there are editors scouting talent online through blogs, facebook, pinterest and other various social media outlets for new ideas and artists (or established artists with interesting projects) to feature in their magazine. I've received several opportunities that exact way!

8.  Do your best work.  Send in your best work.  But don't wait until it's so perfect that you never get started trying. Does that make sense?  There is always going to be something bigger and better out there but it's not going to be YOURS or YOU....so just take a chance and try.  

9.  Every no leads to a yes.  You may not get accepted the first time you send in a piece of art, or perhaps it may take you 3 or 4 tries.  Don't let it get you down to the point you stop trying. It's all a matter of timing, other submissions, magazine vision for a particular publication, and so on. You never know when all of that is going to shift so just DO IT:)

10. Be mindful that publications are created months and months out. That means a couple of things.  If you send something in November that is perfect for Christmas, you are wayyyyyy too late and probably way too early.   Christmas articles are starting to be born right about now, in late Spring  for the the Nov/Dec issues (if not earlier).   Not every magazine is holiday specific but several do have a slant on a particular season or holiday especially around the big ones during the course of the year.  Because the magazines work on projects so far in advance, it also means your work will be tied up for 6-12 months when sent in.  In most cases, if you are published, you will get your work back within 30-45 days of the publication hitting the stands.   If it is a paying job (not all are), that is about when you can expect payment as well.

11.  Clearly label with your contact information all of your pieces.   If a publication requires  return shipment payment from you, ensure you enclose that information if you want your work back.  

12.  Last but not least,  I just have to repeat myself in that if you want to be published, simply go ahead and take a chance. Give it a shot. You never will be published  if you don't at least try:)

What are you waiting for? Go make some art!

Jodi

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Crescendoh....Thank you for allowing me to share my story

"What's Next"

Today launches my week over at the amazing website Jenny Doh and team have created, Crescendoh.

When I first read about her new project, I just knew I really wanted to be a part of it in some way.  For those of you who have followed my blog or know me personally, you know that the last few years have been quite a journey for me.  I've had extreme highs which I've celebrated and have put me on top of the world, and I've had extreme lows that have made me cry myself to sleep and wish I would not wake up again.   Moving to North Carolina has been a mixed blessing. I know it's exactly where I'm supposed to be for many reasons.  It's also has been a place where I've learned many hard lessons in life and have had to do them with very little support system around me.   Support from a far, but not near me.   What was near me was my children and a few friends, and my art which consoled me.

                                     July 21, 2006, was the day that my old life ended....

                                                         Read how Art has Saved me, not only saved me, but allowed me to grow and become the person I am today and it is allowing me to become the person that shows others that no matter what you are facing, you can get through this.  Find something that allows you to refocus your energy into something positive.  Maybe it's not art, maybe it's exercise, sports, photography, singing, playing piano...whatever it is, there's a world out there that can accept those emotions you are feeling and help you move on.   I'm not only moving on, I'm moving forward.

Thank you Jenny for having me be a part of this community you've created. I'm honored to join you in your new endeavor. It really is about "Creative Passion,  Authentic Community, Focused Compassion."  

Jodi