Feeding the starving artist

Most of you have heard the phrase, "starving artist". What do you think of when you hear that? A painter living in New York trying to sell his creations? A sculptor in Paris with a piece only he can understand? A musician playing in the subways? What about the other artists in the world? Photographers, Bakers, Architects, Writers, and yes....Fashion Designers. The problem with being an artist is you can have visions so big, but you have to have the funds to produce materials to make them happen.

I have sketches of some immensely large ball gowns. Ones I know are not for anyone's every day choice. I just desire to create it. Just to photograph it. But that would be a waste right? I mean, when I put collections together like Tragically Beautiful, or Old Hollywood Glamour.....I know those looks are not something someone would just turn around and buy. They are to showcase my art. They may sit in my studio for months, just on display. In the meantime, I pay the bills in many other ways. Just because no one wants to buy an artist's exact piece, doesn't mean they can't tell they are a true artist. Because of what I showcase, people get to order custom pieces and I love meshing my art with others points of view. True, sometimes it means humbling myself and losing a little of my design along the way, but again....it feeds the artist.

And then there is this.......camouflage!! Yes! Camouflage pays the bills. I mean it is everywhere right? Actually no. Yes, you can walk into a sporting goods store and see some cutesy shirts with a great saying on them. But try to find a Camo prom dress...wedding dress....or a flower girl dress. Yes, they are out there, but not as easy to come by. My simple double ruffle Camo sundress is my most requested item in EIGHT YEARS. This week I have two orders alone to complete. For the artist in me, sometimes it can become redundant, creating the same garment over and over. Even working with the same fabrics. But I know it feeds me so I can create other looks in the future. I am so thankful for every order no matter how big or how small, because in the end.....you feed me.