I think if you are a creative person you most likely do your best work when you are with your materials, possibly some music and no one else. Contrary to a few YouTube watchers out there that think I “Yackity-yack” too much (a direct quote) I’m a total intravert and I know this is how I like to work. In fact, I think that is why I enjoy painting so much is because it is a mental escape from everything happening in the real world.
The contrary part of starting a business is that the actual business-side is completely the job for an extrovert. Yea? It’s really tricky. I’m sure I’ve told you this story before, but when I used to work at my architectural/design firm I would catch the Principal-in-Charge back at his drafting table some afternoons. I actually felt bad for him because despite his climb to principal, he was also climbing away from the actual design process. It’s a hard irony.
I’ve had lots of people with their own businesses say that they love what they do, but have a difficult time marketing. It is hard and honestly it takes up just as much time as creating. You need to watch what the standard is, learn from others and you need back up.
Presenting certainly does not come naturally to me, but what I hope comes through is my love of creativity.
I know my kids see my excitement. Love my tributes in Crayola.
Advertising, logo, sponsorship, writing, presenting, putting yourself out there, etc. It’s the extroverted part of your business and it’s the difference between just creating and creating & selling. But, no matter how far you come and if you get to the point where you hire others to do your craft for you – never step too far away from the drafting table. It’s too much fun.
Well, I think the “yackity-yacking” is what’s drawing people in to your blog and making them feel welcome and at home – It’s your charm, so keep it up! Obviously you’re doing something right! x jess
Thank you for sharing more of your wisdom about what you do. Keep it coming, your insights are right on. i enjoy your youtube tuts too!
Hi My Dear,
Doing some work on our basement. Need some built-in ideas for toy storage. Any pics from Chez Bentsen?
xoxo, ashley
Christen, You give us all encouragement to want to be like you. Many of us are like you and love the excitement of taking something old and ugly and watching it transform into something beautiful. Through you site I too have found my extravert side to go out and show others the beauty in a piece of furniture that I have transformed.
Thanks for all you do and share with us.
Wow! Thank you so very much. Made my day 🙂
Oh goodness!! I’ve learned so much from your blog! I had too much wax on a side table the other day. I thought about the steel wool that you showed how to use when waxing in one of your videos…it took off the excess wax and made the piece so smooth!! I’m headed out to paint a few things right now..just me and the radio!
Thanks!
June 🙂
It’s the gift of chatter that helps us all understand! If you were to do the tutorial and not say what you were thinking it would be very hard to follow and really get the true feel for how to accomplish the look you have created! I love the chatter! When I did my first CP dresser I had your tutorial up on the computer and was doing a lot of “pause”, and “rewind” to make sure I was following it step by step! Thank you Christen! And PLEASE do not stop taping the tutorials!!! I need them!!!
I just love watching your tutorials!!! You are such a joy to watch. You inspired me and I have learned so much from you.
Thank you so much !!!!
Christen,
Thank you for all the great tips on chalk paint. I discovered the paint 2 months ago and it has changed my life. I am really good at finding fun pieces to transform and have started selling them. Love some tips on how you started selling or marketing your pieces and how you determine a price.
Thank you,
Maureen
Christen,
I love your “yackity-yak”. I just recently found your you-tube video’s and I have learned SO MUCH! I took a class on the how-to’s but just needed some additional information on technique. Your video’s are real and personable. So thank you for your inspiration.
Love what you do.
Do what you Love.
<3 Donna