ezra:
It's been a whole week and I'm still contemplating how I should advertise. I have done my homework...talked to vendors...talked with other photographers...read books, etc... There's no clear cut answer...just a gamble...
See, I have serious trust issues with advertisement...there's a lot to lose...a lot of risk...there's no test drive...there's no samples...no trial period...there's nothing to soothe my greatest fears...I am buying the invisible!
I wonder if this is how brides and grooms feel when they are searching for a photographer? I'm sure it is. So I have decided to rid the fears of my possible clients - I am offering free engagement shoots! Yes, FREE...with no obligations! Why? So my clients know they are making the right decision. Brides and Grooms want to know if their photographer is going to deliver on their Big Day...they want to know if they're going to feel comfortable around their photographer...they want to know if their photographer is going to make them look good. So free engagement shoots...if you like me, my photos, then hopefully you'll book me for your wedding!!!
If the various advertisement resources I have sought out gave me a test period, I wouldn't hesitate working with them...I wouldn't be so stressed or worried...
Stay tuned to see how I choose to advertise...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
RE. solution
Rayshawn:
I was feeling sort of lame trying to think of some resolution to hold myself to. I never stick to resolutions. In fact, I was looking at a list I made 10/31/07. Out of the 7 things on the list I've completed 1/2. I'm impulsive! That's my problem. And I'm rebellious. I don't like having to do things on a schedule or because 'I have to.' I'd like to get better at completing things that I start. Including ideas. I think what makes a good artist is the ability to organize ideas and see them through completion.
Perfection is an idea killer.
Peep some definitions of resolution: the act of analyzing a complex notion into a simpler one: the act of answering: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out: a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness.
Synonym: COURAGE!!!
So if you're like me and you hate resolutions, we can do this together! I'm putting myself on blast and posting my 3 resolutions to the world! I'm giving the world permission to call me out if I'm slippin'. Here we go:
CREATE SOMETHING EVERYDAY: This includes-writing/visual art/something that exist from an idea...
VISIT AT LEAST 3 ART GALLERIES A MONTH: Chicago has so many art galleries that I never visit. My idea is to get a better understanding of art by spending time looking at art. Makes sense to me....
MAKE A BLOG POSTING ONCE A WEEK: Give my thoughts/ideas a place to live. Hopefully, this will hold myself accountable...
Not subject to change...
peace
I was feeling sort of lame trying to think of some resolution to hold myself to. I never stick to resolutions. In fact, I was looking at a list I made 10/31/07. Out of the 7 things on the list I've completed 1/2. I'm impulsive! That's my problem. And I'm rebellious. I don't like having to do things on a schedule or because 'I have to.' I'd like to get better at completing things that I start. Including ideas. I think what makes a good artist is the ability to organize ideas and see them through completion.
Perfection is an idea killer.
Peep some definitions of resolution: the act of analyzing a complex notion into a simpler one: the act of answering: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out: a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness.
Synonym: COURAGE!!!
So if you're like me and you hate resolutions, we can do this together! I'm putting myself on blast and posting my 3 resolutions to the world! I'm giving the world permission to call me out if I'm slippin'. Here we go:
CREATE SOMETHING EVERYDAY: This includes-writing/visual art/something that exist from an idea...
VISIT AT LEAST 3 ART GALLERIES A MONTH: Chicago has so many art galleries that I never visit. My idea is to get a better understanding of art by spending time looking at art. Makes sense to me....
MAKE A BLOG POSTING ONCE A WEEK: Give my thoughts/ideas a place to live. Hopefully, this will hold myself accountable...
Not subject to change...
peace
Monday, January 5, 2009
Define Ur-self
And being free isn't dumb.
That's how it was explained when Ezra shared with me the concept of being freewise. It's a play on words. The state of being free is freedom but it sounds like free"dumb”. So Ezra changed it to free”wise”. And a freewiser could be anyone who is doing something they love and not being constrained to certain things that this world traps us into. Dig? So, not only will I be sharing with you my freewise life as a working musician in this blog, but also I hope to share with you my life as a whole. Family, church, movies, sports, video games, random thought and things that make me laugh... it'll all be in here in some form.
Currently I am working on new songs and have felt a fresh spirit of creativity come upon me. The last original song I wrote, "Free”, was written about a year and a half ago. The last track I recorded was "Madness + Furniture". It was recorded in late 2008 but the song dates back about 20 years to a band I was in during high school called “the new originals”. "Madness + Furniture" is a moody, dark, floaty and slightly weird kind of song, unlike its first incarnation. I’m definitely due for some new tunes.
You can check out "Free" and "Madness + Furniture" here.
the new originals circa 1989. AC Slater called and said he wants his mullet back.
the new originals performing “Madness + Furniture”
I record all my tracks at home with my Boss BR-1600 and an assortment of reasonably priced mics. It's basically a digital recording device with 10 inputs and a hard drive. It’s crazy to think how songwriters use to manage. Fortunately, we have the technology.
My goal is twofold:
1. Creative expression
2. Songwriting
Anyone can go into an expensive studio, drop tons of cash just to record a mediocre song. This setup allows me to try a lot of different ideas in a cost efficient way. Plus, as I’ve mentioned before, my recordings are selling on iTunes.
The Lab
It’s either “Stairway To Heaven” or “Ice Ice Baby”… not quite sure yet.
In other news… this is the time of the year when we get the "Best of This and The Best of That" lists for the year that was 2008. As a sports fan, this one jumped out at me and I had to share an excerpt from it:
2008 Absurd Quote Power Rankings:
2 . "That's my teammate ... (sniff) ... that's my ... (sniff) ... quarter ... (barely audible) ... back."
- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens talking about Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo following a playoff loss to the New York Giants.
Only number two? This by far is my favorite quote of the past year. It goes in my Top 10 of all time favorite sports quotes, you know, since we're making lists. There he is... the quintessential poster child for the modern-day, egocentric, selfish athlete coming to the defense of his embattled teammate. It’s as believable as Tom Cruise portraying an eye patch-wearing Nazi.
And the academy award goes to…
To see the rest of the list, click here.
Peace!
That's how it was explained when Ezra shared with me the concept of being freewise. It's a play on words. The state of being free is freedom but it sounds like free"dumb”. So Ezra changed it to free”wise”. And a freewiser could be anyone who is doing something they love and not being constrained to certain things that this world traps us into. Dig? So, not only will I be sharing with you my freewise life as a working musician in this blog, but also I hope to share with you my life as a whole. Family, church, movies, sports, video games, random thought and things that make me laugh... it'll all be in here in some form.
Currently I am working on new songs and have felt a fresh spirit of creativity come upon me. The last original song I wrote, "Free”, was written about a year and a half ago. The last track I recorded was "Madness + Furniture". It was recorded in late 2008 but the song dates back about 20 years to a band I was in during high school called “the new originals”. "Madness + Furniture" is a moody, dark, floaty and slightly weird kind of song, unlike its first incarnation. I’m definitely due for some new tunes.
You can check out "Free" and "Madness + Furniture" here.
the new originals circa 1989. AC Slater called and said he wants his mullet back.
the new originals performing “Madness + Furniture”
I record all my tracks at home with my Boss BR-1600 and an assortment of reasonably priced mics. It's basically a digital recording device with 10 inputs and a hard drive. It’s crazy to think how songwriters use to manage. Fortunately, we have the technology.
My goal is twofold:
1. Creative expression
2. Songwriting
Anyone can go into an expensive studio, drop tons of cash just to record a mediocre song. This setup allows me to try a lot of different ideas in a cost efficient way. Plus, as I’ve mentioned before, my recordings are selling on iTunes.
The Lab
It’s either “Stairway To Heaven” or “Ice Ice Baby”… not quite sure yet.
In other news… this is the time of the year when we get the "Best of This and The Best of That" lists for the year that was 2008. As a sports fan, this one jumped out at me and I had to share an excerpt from it:
2008 Absurd Quote Power Rankings:
2 . "That's my teammate ... (sniff) ... that's my ... (sniff) ... quarter ... (barely audible) ... back."
- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens talking about Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo following a playoff loss to the New York Giants.
Only number two? This by far is my favorite quote of the past year. It goes in my Top 10 of all time favorite sports quotes, you know, since we're making lists. There he is... the quintessential poster child for the modern-day, egocentric, selfish athlete coming to the defense of his embattled teammate. It’s as believable as Tom Cruise portraying an eye patch-wearing Nazi.
And the academy award goes to…
To see the rest of the list, click here.
Peace!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Business Note:
ezra:
Alright...now here comes the learning stuff...hold on tight everyone...
I'm really getting nervous...(yes, I'm sharing my feelings...I am human!)...back to nervous...I had a busy month in November...December was pretty quiet...you know the holidays...but it's still quiet...see, for the first time, I'm really nervous...I have to say, I'm experiencing some thoughts of doubt for the first time since I decided to take the plunge...
To make matters worse, I also took a major risk last week by increasing my prices, significantly...I chose to raise my prices because I need to make a living out of this...I need to provide food, shelter, you know, the basics...and I need to maintain my equipment, get more equipment, and MARKET my business! Yes, I also raised my prices b/c of something I read in a book called, "Selling the Invisible." Sometimes your price can say things you don't want it to say...like your 2nd rate...cheap...the generic brand...knock-off...poor quality, etc....
So with the market the way it is...I decided to raise my prices...now I'm real nervous...so hang tight...
I'm also looking to start marketing freewise fotography a little bit more seriously...Word of Mouth is the greatest, but other forms of marketing can't hurt...first stop - Folio Weekly (young hip crowd...& some with $)...second stop...probably a local magazine...a little more sophisticated than the Folio...but this Marketing thing isn't going to be easy...it's another risk...I'm going to be putting $$$ into something that isn't guaranteed to pay itself back...kind of scary...
So this is it...a new era in my adventure...come along...join the ride!
Alright...now here comes the learning stuff...hold on tight everyone...
I'm really getting nervous...(yes, I'm sharing my feelings...I am human!)...back to nervous...I had a busy month in November...December was pretty quiet...you know the holidays...but it's still quiet...see, for the first time, I'm really nervous...I have to say, I'm experiencing some thoughts of doubt for the first time since I decided to take the plunge...
To make matters worse, I also took a major risk last week by increasing my prices, significantly...I chose to raise my prices because I need to make a living out of this...I need to provide food, shelter, you know, the basics...and I need to maintain my equipment, get more equipment, and MARKET my business! Yes, I also raised my prices b/c of something I read in a book called, "Selling the Invisible." Sometimes your price can say things you don't want it to say...like your 2nd rate...cheap...the generic brand...knock-off...poor quality, etc....
So with the market the way it is...I decided to raise my prices...now I'm real nervous...so hang tight...
I'm also looking to start marketing freewise fotography a little bit more seriously...Word of Mouth is the greatest, but other forms of marketing can't hurt...first stop - Folio Weekly (young hip crowd...& some with $)...second stop...probably a local magazine...a little more sophisticated than the Folio...but this Marketing thing isn't going to be easy...it's another risk...I'm going to be putting $$$ into something that isn't guaranteed to pay itself back...kind of scary...
So this is it...a new era in my adventure...come along...join the ride!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
focus, focus, focus...
Rayshawn:
Why is it so hard sometimes to tell people about yourself? Most of us have been told at an early age not to brag about ourselves. But if you don't know yourself, who will? If you can't tell people what you love about yourself, then who will? I'm dedicated to youth, specifically, so called ghetto kids. Cause if it wasn't for a few slight blessings I wouldn't be who I am. I am them and they are me.
I received my degree in History in 2000. My first job after college was working in a Juvenile Correctional Facility as a youth officer. One day I realized that I loved to listen to kids and they liked listening to me. I was building teacher student relationships intuitively. In retrospect, I probably understood that if you didn't have a good relationship with the kids you were toast(youth officers were locked in a unit with 27 kids for 8 sometimes 16 hours.)
In the Fall of 2001 I started teaching in the Bronx, NY. A hard-knock education. I failed a lot as a teacher. Made mistake after mistake, inside and outside of the classroom. Left New York with my tail between my legs. Moved to Chicago where I've been working in Non-Profits as a community-based educator.
Right now I'm teaching Peace Education to 4th, 5th and 6th graders, coordinating an after school program and moonlighting as a Graphic Design Intern in the evenings. This month I start studio art classes and my journey to freedom as an art teacher!
Peace to Ez for inviting me to participate in this experience/experiment. Peace to my new brothers Marc and Ron. And Peace to you for entertaining our journeys.
God Bless,
r
Why is it so hard sometimes to tell people about yourself? Most of us have been told at an early age not to brag about ourselves. But if you don't know yourself, who will? If you can't tell people what you love about yourself, then who will? I'm dedicated to youth, specifically, so called ghetto kids. Cause if it wasn't for a few slight blessings I wouldn't be who I am. I am them and they are me.
I received my degree in History in 2000. My first job after college was working in a Juvenile Correctional Facility as a youth officer. One day I realized that I loved to listen to kids and they liked listening to me. I was building teacher student relationships intuitively. In retrospect, I probably understood that if you didn't have a good relationship with the kids you were toast(youth officers were locked in a unit with 27 kids for 8 sometimes 16 hours.)
In the Fall of 2001 I started teaching in the Bronx, NY. A hard-knock education. I failed a lot as a teacher. Made mistake after mistake, inside and outside of the classroom. Left New York with my tail between my legs. Moved to Chicago where I've been working in Non-Profits as a community-based educator.
Right now I'm teaching Peace Education to 4th, 5th and 6th graders, coordinating an after school program and moonlighting as a Graphic Design Intern in the evenings. This month I start studio art classes and my journey to freedom as an art teacher!
Peace to Ez for inviting me to participate in this experience/experiment. Peace to my new brothers Marc and Ron. And Peace to you for entertaining our journeys.
God Bless,
r
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Getting Started!
Greetings all and Happy New Year! I'm glad you stopped by and I hope you continue to visit.
The concept behind this blog is to charter the journey of a few bloggers into a free lifestyle! That's right...here on this blog, you'll witness the failures and successes of our attempt to create a job we all truly love and enjoy!
Each blogger has a different focus...Ron is a musician...Marc (who we all call Boese) wants to do film....me...I want to be a photographer...and the 4th blogger, Rayshawn...well, he'll have to tell us what he wants to be when he grows up....I know it has to do with art and the youth!
Each blogger will start with an introduction...so enjoy the ride with us...we hope to inspire you to do what you love...and we hope you learn from us so you don't repeat the same mistakes we're going to make!
The concept behind this blog is to charter the journey of a few bloggers into a free lifestyle! That's right...here on this blog, you'll witness the failures and successes of our attempt to create a job we all truly love and enjoy!
Each blogger has a different focus...Ron is a musician...Marc (who we all call Boese) wants to do film....me...I want to be a photographer...and the 4th blogger, Rayshawn...well, he'll have to tell us what he wants to be when he grows up....I know it has to do with art and the youth!
Each blogger will start with an introduction...so enjoy the ride with us...we hope to inspire you to do what you love...and we hope you learn from us so you don't repeat the same mistakes we're going to make!
Boese here
I am a professor of Video Production and a Digital Filmmaker. But first and foremost I am a painter. There's not a thing I do in my work I do not like. I am liberated by my daily life. I will be producing many short films and possibly a couple full length features this year that I'd like to keep you all in tune with. My classes get back this next week and I am fully dedicated to preparing myself for the new semester. After this, it's casting calls, script breakdowns, and all that fun preproduction stuff that goes into filmmaking. I look forward to sharing these experiences with you. Keep your eyes looking around at the wonderfully improving world, but come back here every now and then to get some updates. -Late
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