Journal at One Month

I've been with Fine Arts America and Pixels.com as a participating artist for one month now and I promised myself that I would record my journey so this is the beginning. I began 31 days ago with minimal knowledge of a POD website, although I have belonged to several, most recently CafePress. This site (FAA) is so totally different, it's like a whole new world.

First I must comment on the artists who comprise the reason for the website. They are friendly, outgoing, and helpful. I'm sure if I look hard enough, I'll find a grump, or an insecure, fearful, defensive person, but I'm not looking. They comment on each others artwork and say the nicest things. They will help teach and give tips. This is as much an international artists' colony as it is a commercial site. The camaraderie and potential friendships allow me to wake up with a smile on my face and a reason to face the world.

FAA has a system of groups, and discussion boards, contests, feedback and social media opportunities.. I have never taken advantage of any of these social aspects of the internet before, but it seems one is drawn in gradually and once you're in the water, you find out it's nice to frolic. I have learned to enjoy checking out the work of others and commenting on what I like. I also find there is a group of people whose names and works I keep running into, an indication that I'm not alone in this world. There are others who share my tastes. This is a new and refreshing thought for me. It is also very comforting. I feel I have peers I am comfortable around, and I feel validated. It's something I never expected to happen in this lifetime.

Now for the numbers and statistics. I realize that my statistics may only impress me and that's fine. I'm not looking to impress anyone or compete with anyone. Art is not. for me, a competition, it is my lifeblood. It is something I compulsively, obsessively, participate in, and have done so all my life, with or without encouragement from anyone. My goals are simply to learn more and become better today than I was yesterday. I suppose I should mention here that financial success would also be encouraging; my creditors and government would appreciate it almost as much as I would. This brings me pleasure. Having said that, I will do a quick comparison of this POD site and one other that I was recently active on and felt like I was swimming uphill. In my first month of FAA, I have, almost without trying, uploaded about 180 images, received over 2500 views, have 22 followers, and 45 of my works have been Featured with different groups. I have entered a couple dozen contests, haven't won any, but that's okay. I did come in 2nd on one. I belong to about 60 groups and I look several times a week to see if there's another one that jumps out at me. Now, in comparison, the other POD website that I'm currently on, I have been there for almost 6 months. I believe I've received about 800 views. They don't have any social interaction that I'm aware of so I have no idea of individual responses to my work and I can't provide anyone else with happy hugs or pats on the back. The site is strictly about sales and commissions. I have sold a small amount of work there, but it hardly seems worth mentioning. I have also purchased gifts for family through that site. I was not impressed with the quality of the purchased items. On FAA, I have not sold anything yet, but I know I will, I can feel it. I did just purchase some items to have on display along with a catalog (love that idea!) at some upcoming shows. There was a glitch in shipping, but it was resolved quickly, efficiently, and very nicely by the FAA staff. I received my merchandise and I am impressed. I find I will be quite proud to show off my artwork on these items (cards, prints, tote bags). In that respect, FAA is a resounding success.

I love the fact that this is an international site. I love looking at the work of artists worldwide and communicating with these artists. It broadens my view point and it's nice to find others with similar life experiences. I grew up in a military household and lived overseas for some time. I look back and find the experiences were invaluable but sometimes it's difficult to relate to someone who had the luxury of living in one family-oriented spot for a lifetime.

There, I've said too much about me, so it's time to stop. I hope I've expressed my satisfaction with the websites of Fine Arts America and the individuals involved in making this place the wonderful art colony I feel it is. I'll continue on my journey, keep learning new things and growing, and hopefully sharing of myself and my art. I'll talk more later.

If you've taken the time to read this meandering tale, I thank you. God bless you; I wish you every success and happiness.