Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their reponses to the same question. This month, our question is: What is your Purple Cow?
This question refers to Seth Godin, who maintained that the key to success is to find a way to stand out and be remarkable - to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins.
Absolutely. I couldn't agree more! I mean, when we look at successful artists and crafters work, we can intuitively see what it is that gives them an edge...what makes them stand out. Maybe they have something to offer that no-one else provides or maybe their superb craftsmanship is evident. Whatever it is, they've got it in spades.
But what about me...? What is my purple cow? Yikes. Do I even have one? I'm not sure. Or about the success part, either. So, I cast an eye over my Etsy feedback that I've received over the past 18 months. That was helpful. Then, I asked my family. Tell me about my work, I said. Throw some words at me that sum it up. Go on, I can take it...and these are the words that my girls and the woodcutter came up with:
pretty - I like this word. It sums up all things girly and feminine. All women want to feel pretty, don't they?
bold - Good! I like to think that if you're going to wear jewellery, wear it! Let it be seen and get you noticed! It's not for everyone, but I try to put a bit of boldness into each piece I create.
colourful - colour is important - it lifts your spirits, it says so much about you. It captures your attention. I need colour in my otherwise rather monochrome life (yes, I tend to live in black!).
intricate - I just love details. It's all in the detail. Sometimes, it's just that one little extra bead that you need to add to a piece to create a certain sparkle and allure, or just one more layer of fabric to complete the story. Without it, a piece can seem almost lifeless.
Now that I re-read this back to myself, I can see that it has made me think a bit clearer about my purple cow - I'm going to name my purple cow 'complexity'. I realise that every item I create combines all of the above...a bit of this and a bit of that; old bits and new bits; layer upon layer of fabrics; multitudes of beads...I use it all. I like to think this results in the viewer being intrigued and totally drawn in by the complexities of each piece. I can hope...
I found that quite thought provoking and tough to answer. I wonder how my fellow Merry Go Rounders got on this month? Find out by clicking on the links in the sidebar...purple cows await you!
7 comments:
This was by far one of mthe most thought provoking merry go rounds we've had. Im still not convinced I am all done thingking it through.
I think the amount of detail and the stricking color combinations you use are your trademark. Unique style that sets you apart.
I love your process Charlotte - and the result too. Complexity. Just right. Because your work is so much the end result being greater than the sum of the parts. It all comes together. Great post. Hope it helps as you move forward too!
Spot on! And I love that you gave it a name too, 'complexity' is an excellent name for a cow!
I agree with everything you wrote, and I can see all these parts in your work, the layers adding presence and the final bead giving life being such a perfect description, and it fits my work too, SO TRUE!!
I love the summary you put for your work. They describe your work very well. When I first see your creation, it strikes me immediately is the colors. It is so strong and beautiful. You have very good sense of colors and details and skills of sewing. Good work!
Complexity is indeed a pretty, bold creature. You've definitely got that in spades!
And I love your photos!
This is such a FANTASTIC approach to the 'purple cow' question. Really brilliant. I love that you asked everybody so in a way, it was constructive feedback. I also love how you have named your cow but I feel that I must add that even if your cow is 'complex' there is also a sense of balance and harmony with your designs that make all the different elements work together.
This was a tough one, wasn't it?!
I love the fact that you did actually ask someone... I didn't, maybe I was afraid, or maybe I just didn't want a 'bad' answer?? I think sometimes it's through other people's perceptions that we find our purple cow and maybe confidence too?
I love most of all your creative attention to detail... I'm not sure I could put so many colours and textures together and make so many beautiful and elegant pieces!
Sxx
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