A bit of biz: the elevator pitch.

Ok. So, I am a new fan of elevator pitches.

Elevator what?

Ya. I thought that too.

With this event in Salt Lake City, I knew there was going to be an elevator pitch competion with prizes $2000 in products and services, so I decided to figure out what was so great about it.

Google is my friend, and I learned very quickly that:

An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (for example, thirty seconds or 100-150 words). (from Wikipedia).

Why was this appealing to me? Because I had no idea how to sum up my product (without any visuals) in such a short amount of time, and I knew that if I knew how to, I would be a lot more successful at getting other people to believe in or be interested in supporting my business.

An elevator pitch is typically presented to a panel of investors who would be lending you money to start or further your business. So numbers and stats are a big part of the presentation as well. All of which I needed to know for myself anyways.

So, I wrote. I revised. I sent it to my Dad. I wrote some more. And then I hacked chopped cut and erased.

And, well....I won.

You can read about here. Not the best photo of me, but well, I was rather unaware that someone was taking picture because I was in complete shock that I won! It was a HUGE leap out of my comfort zone to present in front of a panel of judges as well as a large audience of business owners. But, getting out of your comfort zone is just what you need to build strength and confidence, and that was my main motivation. It wasn't fun, but it was worth it!

But even if you aren't going to pitch to investors, you NEED to know what you are about clearly and concisely. I didn't realize how hard that was till I got started on this.

Here is what you need to answer:

  1. What is your product or service?
  2. Who is your market?
  3. What is your revenue model? (how do you plan on making a profit)
  4. Who is behind the company?
  5. Who is your competition?
  6. What is your competitive advantage?

Asking yourself these questions and writing them down will reveal so much to you. Especially when you put it in the context of someone challenging you. What DO you sell? Does it have a CLEAR branding? Who is your competition? How are you different? What is your plan to succeed in a competitive market?

All these questions I really wasn't that excited to answer. I mean, "I am an artist, right? I just really like to draw!" Well, if you plan on making any profit from your hobby, you REALLY need to answer these questions. And believe me. It is harder than it looks. But, when you do, you will have a clearer vision of how to succeed with what you really love to create. Have fun!

Happy Birthday.

Dear Mr. Incredible,

Today is your birthday. The big THREE-ZERO. I remember the first birthday I got to spend with you. I actually didn't know it was your birthday...we were just well aquainted class mates at the time, and you were to modest to tell all that you were turning 19. I felt terrible I didn't know. Well, after 11 birthdays spent with you, you still are too modest to tell anyone. So, I will do it for you. Happy Birthday my love. How did I get so lucky to marry Mr. Incredible? I still can't figure it out...so let's just eat cake. I love you!

xoxo

yours truly

What a lovely afternoon for updating the shop.

They are here! Another bookplate (which I wish you could see in person...they are DARLING!) and 2 more cards for the shop: "I love my sister" and "I love my brother."

I also have both of these prints for sale together as a set like the other elephant and giraffe set. So fun! Oh...and there is more coming soon! I am signing off to get back to work! xoxo sarah jane

This is the way we work at our house.

This is how I clean my house:

I turn on the water in the kitchen sink.

Me: (in my staged-panicky voice):

"Oh no! Would you just look at this messy sink! What ever shall we do!"

Addie:"Oh!!! Mommy!! I want to do the dishes!!"

Ian: "Ditheth, Ditheth!"

Good to go. Chairs at the sink, and they will last 1/2 hour while I vacuum, fold laundry, clean counters, etc. Granted, there is a river to clean up after wards (a soapy river), but I have a clean house!

This is how I make dinner:

Me (in my overly-distressed voice):

"Oh no!! Dad is going to be home soon, and we have got to make dinner fast!"

Addie: " I want to make dinner!"

Ian: "Make dough!"

Great! Chairs at the counter, I hand them any thing I can find. The other night it was lime rinds, hot pink sugar cookie sparkles, frozen peas and salt. Mmmmmmmm. I can work at the stove without little fingers getting dangerously in the way, and It makes my cooking look REALLY good:)

A bit of an early spook.

Ok, so I am about ready to start putting my seasonal prints and stationary up for sale...but before I do, I would love to know what you think about this one. I am trying out a couple new things in photoshop, and I thought it was perfect for a vintage-y halloween spookiness. Haven't decided if I want to order these as postcards...what do you think?

Lilipinso and Co.

So yesterday I picked up the mail on the way home: ho, hum, bills, yucky junk mail...Oh WOW! My art is up and running in France! Lilipinso and co. is a children's wall art company, and their stuff is SO fun and whimsical. I was so flattered when they contacted me about licensing some of my prints. Their work is all reproduced on canvas, and looks stunning. The catalog is chalk full of artists who I wish I could just hag out with in their studios. Very French, very European...I love it. Here you can see my LOVE bunnies, as well as my other French animal prints.

I love how they made vinyl stickers with my little 'love' bunnies. These prints have been in the shop for a little bit, and they are just my favorite. They look SO great on the walls. They haven't been as popular for some reason (maybe it is the square shape...harder to find frames) but I just love them.

And you can even see the pictures for display in one of their display rooms. I was so happy they picked mine! The photo doesn't really show you very well, but they look super-duper cute!

Here is the link to the website, and here is the link to the new 2009 Catalog (I'm on page 10). They don't have all their new work up online yet, but the catalog is available on their site. Have a look...and start wishing you were living in France. (I do!) Happy Wednesday!