How to Manifest Your Business Goals

Manifesting business goals involves applying the principles of the law of attraction to draw in the success, opportunities, and resources needed to achieve them. While some may dismiss it as fluff, it can genuinely lead to life-changing results. Even if you're skeptical about the 'magic' of manifesting, consider the logical aspect: regularly reminding yourself of your goals and maintaining a positive, motivated mindset helps keep you on track and fuels your drive to succeed.

Here are some steps you can take to manifest your business goals. They are not set in stone. Make them work for you. This is what has worked for us!

Set clear and specific goals

Define your business goals clearly and specifically, and write them down. Be specific about what you want to achieve, and by when. Check out our blog post on how to clarify your goals: Focus Five - The 5 Things That Describe Your Business

Visualize your success

Use visualization techniques to see yourself achieving your business goals. Imagine yourself already in possession of the resources, opportunities, and success that you desire. Basia loves creating Pinterest mood/vision boards to encapsulate her goals, and Rachel loves visualizing through a hand written goal list. Do what works for you!

Remind yourself daily what your goals are

• A fun idea is to create a vision board. Place the board somewhere you see every day, like your office or bedroom.

• Or, make a digital one! Leave it to the Pinterest Queen, Basia, to use Pinterest as her digital vision board to collect images that inspire and motivate her, and words that speak to her. She created her own affirmations, like this one here, (click here to see them), which then are easily enabled onto a phone, as a widget via Pinterest (they can even can rotate hourly on a daily basis) so every time you see your phone, you are reminded about what you want!

• Make a digital collage and use it as as a screen saver.

• Write them out and repeat them each morning to help reinforce them in your mind.

• Write your goals on small index cards or sticky notes and carry them with you or place them around your workspace for constant reminders.

• Journal daily

• Use a habit tracker or planner to note down daily actions that align with your goals. Checking off progress will keep your goals top of mind.

• Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals. Set an alarm if you are busy or forgetful, like me.

• Share your goals with a friend, partner, or mentor who can help remind you and keep you accountable.

Practice gratitude

Be grateful for what you already have, and focus on the positive aspects of your business. This will help you maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, which is essential for manifesting success. Not only is it essential for manifesting success, but it also points out your current successes, which is so important. Rachel calls these her “Ta-Da List.”

Take action

While manifestation involves visualization and positive thinking, it's also important to take action towards your goals. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities and taking steps towards achieving your goals. Even taking the smallest steps towards reaching your goals is better than taking none. Rachel says “if it seems too big, then make the next step smaller, and do that.” Just keep going.

Surround yourself with positivity

Surround yourself with people and things that inspire and motivate you. This can include reading books or listening to podcasts that focus on success, networking with other business owners who share your goals, and creating a positive work environment. Basia and Rachel have weekly chats, where this happens, and it makes all the difference. Choose people who are turly in your corner! There are plenty in this community who would love to be a positive accountability partner to you. Just ask.

Let go of limiting beliefs

Let go of any limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. This can include negative self-talk, fear of failure, or a belief that success is not possible. This can be hard (like really hard), but whenever it pops up, remember that, it is the audacity to try that is what makes most successful people stand out from the rest, not necessarily talent. Don’t let yourself stop you.

Remember that manifesting success takes time and effort, but by staying focused on your goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking action towards your goals, you can manifest the success you desire in your business.

Digitizing Your Wood Slice for Extra Revenue

In today’s digital age, pyrography artists have more opportunities than ever to expand their reach and monetize their art beyond traditional sales. By digitizing your wood art, you can transform physical creations into digital assets, opening the door to a variety of new revenue streams. Instead of just selling a design once, you now have to options to sell it numerous times in numerous ways.

Whether you're creating high-resolution scans or professional photographs of your work, digitization allows you to share, sell, and promote your art on a global scale.

So, how do you decide if you want to take photos or scan your art?

When deciding between scanning and photographing a woodburned wood slice, there are several factors to consider, as both methods offer distinct advantages and disadvantages:

1. Quality of Detail:

• Scanning: Scanners capture very high-resolution images with consistent lighting, making them ideal for showcasing intricate details like fine lines or subtle shading in pyrography.

• Photography: A high-quality camera with proper lighting can capture detailed textures, giving a more three-dimensional look to the woodburned surface. The texture of the wood, shadows, and natural imperfections will be more visible, which can enhance the piece's appearance but might require careful lighting to avoid glare or overexposure.

2. Colour Accuracy:

• Scanning: Scanners generally provide more accurate colour reproduction, especially with flat artwork. However, woodburned slices can be uneven, and the light from the scanner might not capture the natural wood grain or the depth of the burn as authentically as a camera could.

• Photography: Depending on your camera and lighting setup, you might have to tweak settings or adjust in post-production to achieve colour accuracy, especially if natural lighting changes or creates warm or cool tones. Personally, this one was my toughest issue. After experimenting with what I thought was consistent lighting, the photos were not all exactly the same and this drove me crazy! I set up a light in my living room and blacked out the sun, but it was such a hassle and took over my entire living space…

3. Lighting:

• Scanning: The lighting is always even and consistent, which is excellent for avoiding shadows and glare but can flatten the appearance of the wood's texture.

• Photography: Photography gives you full control over lighting, allowing you to experiment with different angles and intensities. This can highlight the texture of the woodburning but requires careful setup to avoid shadows or highlights from uneven lighting. Same with the colour accuracy though… If you're not sure what you’re doing, this is a hard one to get consistent.

4. Ease of Use:

• Scanning: A scanner is easy to use for smaller pieces. You simply place the wood slice on the bed, scan it, and get a high-resolution image. For larger pieces, this can be limiting as the wood slice might not fit properly. However, there are companies that offer large-format scanning services, which are ideal for digitizing oversized or three-dimensional pieces.

• Photography: Photography gives you more flexibility for larger or irregularly shaped pieces like wood slices. You can photograph the piece in natural light or a controlled studio environment. However, it takes more time and effort to set up the shot, manage lighting, and ensure focus. Also, consistency is key and this may be difficult if you do not have a studio set up…

5. File Size and Versatility:

• Scanning: Scanners can create very large, high-resolution files, which is useful if you want to print the image at a larger scale. However, the files might be unnecessarily large for online sharing.

• Photography: A photograph can be just as high-resolution, depending on your camera, but it allows for more flexibility in post-editing for various uses like social media or print.

6. Textural Appearance:

• Scanning: Scanning tends to flatten the texture of the wood, making it appear more like a 2D image. This is great for many uses such as stickers, prints etc…

• Photography: Photography, especially with angled lighting, can better capture the 3D texture of the woodburning and the natural grain of the wood slice. Depending on the look you are going for, this can be a hit or a miss!

Generally, if you're aiming for a flat, highly detailed reproduction (for example, to use in print), scanning might be the better option. However, for a more dynamic and natural feel that captures the texture and shape of the wood slice, a high-quality photograph would likely be more effective.

My art is digitized. Now what?

1. Prints: Digitize the wood burned design and create high-quality prints to sell as posters, art prints, or greeting cards.

2. Stickers: Turn the design into stickers, which can be sold individually, in sets, or as part of themed collections. Here is a great example that Chelsea Glade of @oopschelseaarted (formerly pickleshopcuriosity) made.

3. Digital Downloads: Offer a digital download that customers can purchase and print at home.

4. Merchandise: Create merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and tote bags through print-on-demand (POD) services. There are tons of options available, always get a sample before selling to ensure great quality.

5. Calendars: Incorporate the design(s) into a calendar, either as part of a collection of wood burned art or as a unique feature for a particular month.

6. Gift Wrap and Tags: Create gift wrap paper and gift tags featuring the wood burned design.

7. Journals and Notebooks: Print the design on the covers of journals, notebooks, and planners.

8. Home Decor: Produce items like cushions, blankets, or tapestries with the wood burned design printed on them. There are may POD services that can do this!

9. Books and Bookmarks: Use the design for custom books, book covers, bookmarks and more, either for personal use or to sell to others. Heidi Clinite of @ember_maypop wrote a children’s book called Sassy Susie Sasquatch Sets Sail and used her wood burned art for the cover, as well as throughout the entire book!

10. Art Prints: Enhance the design with digital art techniques and offer as limited edition art prints.

11. Custom Stationery: Create stationery sets including letterheads, envelopes, and notepads with the design.

12. Wall Decals: Turn the design(s) into removable wall decals.

13. Puzzles: Create custom jigsaw puzzles featuring the wood burned design.

14. Fabric Patterns: Use the design to create fabric patterns, which can then be sold to crafters and designers.

15. Digital Wallpapers: Offer the design(s) as a digital wallpaper for computers and mobile devices.

With the growing technology, the options to make extra revenue with your art are continuously growing. By embracing digital tools, you can scale your creative business while staying true to the craftsmanship that makes wood art so unique.

Leveraging Technology in Your Pyrography Business: Canva

In the digital age, leveraging technology can significantly enhance your business, and specifically your pyrography business. Canva, an online design tool, offers a wide range of features that can help you create stunning designs, marketing materials, and more. This guide will explore how you can use Canva to boost your pyrography business.

Why I Love Using Canva

1. User-Friendly Interface

Canva’s intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone, regardless of design experience, to create professional-looking designs. There are many good online tutorials too, if you get stuck.

2. Versatile Design Tools

With a vast library of templates, fonts, images, and graphics, Canva provides all the tools you need to create a variety of designs, from logos to social media posts. The paid version has more stock images and features available, but the free version still lets you complete tasks and create beautiful content.

3. Accessibility

Canva is a web-based platform accessible from any device with an internet connection, allowing you to work on your designs anytime, anywhere. I have tried to use my phone AND my iPad to create on the go, however, it was not as easy to use as on a computer or laptop. In a pinch I was still able to get done what I needed, but I prefer using the computer.

4. Collaboration Features

Canva enables real-time collaboration, making it easier to work with team members or clients on design projects. This was a game changer for me!! Instead of downloading your design from the program, uploading to email or a folder in google drive, then emailing it to whomever I wanted to share it with, just to have them download it, all I do is share a link directly to the source. I can make the design editable too so if I am working on a design with someone, we can both change it together in real time. We can leave comments or each other too! This is one of my favorite features.

Getting Started with Canva

Create an account HERE and choose your level. As mentioned before, the free version really does everything you need it to do. It is a great way to get started with the program without paying while you are learning and exploring.

Designing for Pyrography

1. Creating Patterns and Templates

• Custom Dimensions: Start a new design with custom dimensions that match the size of your wood pieces!

• Templates: Use Canva’s pre-made templates as a starting point and customize them to suit your needs.

• Shapes and Lines: Utilize shapes and lines to create intricate patterns and designs.

• Import your own designs and photos: Easily add layers to your own content to create new and unique content.

2. Experimenting with Fonts and Text

• Canva offers a wide range of fonts. Experiment with different styles to find the perfect one for your designs.

• Use text effects like shadows and outlines to add depth to your designs.

3. Adding Visual Elements

• Graphics and Illustrations: Access Canva’s extensive library of graphics and illustrations to enhance your designs.

• Photos: Upload your own photos or choose from Canva’s stock images to incorporate into your designs.

Marketing Your Pyrography Business

1. Social Media Content

• Templates: Use Canva’s social media templates to create eye-catching posts for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent brand aesthetic across all your social media channels using Canva’s brand kit feature (available with Canva Pro). This is really cool because once you save your brand kit, it is easy to create content that is on brand with just one click!

2. Promotional Materials

This is what we use Canva for the most and is probably the most common use.

The image here of the book is not a real book on wood. It is a digital image, shadow added and put on a background of wood making the vibe completely different than a standalone book…

The bonus is that you can create content to be printable and digital! Below are a just a few ideas, but the world is really your oyster here. You can do so much more. We’ve even created published books using Canva!

• Flyers and Brochures: Design professional flyers and brochures to promote your pyrography workshops and products.

• Business Cards: Create customized business cards to hand out at events and craft fairs.

• Thank you cards: create content that is personalized for your clients!

3. Online Presence

• Website Graphics: Design banners, buttons, and other graphics for your website.

• Email Marketing: Create visually appealing email newsletters to keep your customers informed about new products and promotions.

Enhancing Your Customer Experience

1. Custom Orders

• Mockups: Use Canva to create digital mockups of custom orders for clients. This helps them visualize the final product. I like to insert the image onto the actual wood slice I will be burning on so they can almost see the finished product before I burn it.

• Approval Process: Share the mockups and designs with clients for approval before starting the actual burning process. This step really eliminates any miscommunication or mistakes.

2. Instructional Guides

• Create step-by-step guides and tutorials for your clients, helping them learn how to care for their wooden items in a neat and on brand way. Remember, these can be printed or sent via a digital document!

Canva is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your pyrography business. Whether you’re designing patterns, marketing materials, or customer guides, Canva’s versatile features and user-friendly interface make it easy to create professional-quality designs.

Handling Burnout and Staying Motivated as an Artist

Burnout is a common issue for many creative professionals, including pyrographers. I know because I’ve been there… It can stem from the pressures of constant creation (especially when you’re trying to keep up with social media algorithms), running a business, or balancing multiple responsibilities. However, with the right strategies, you can manage burnout and reignite your passion for your art, finish those wood slice projects and create art that is true to you.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. In artists, it can manifest as a loss of creativity, lack of motivation, and even physical fatigue (among many other symptoms).

Recognizing the signs early can help you take proactive steps to address it.

Signs of Burnout

• Persistent tiredness or fatigue

• Decreased motivation or interest in work

• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or insomnia

Strategies for Handling Burnout

1. Take Regular Breaks

Incorporate short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Step away from your work, stretch, or take a walk outside. Regular breaks can prevent mental fatigue and maintain your focus.

Short breaks during work sessions are great and long breaks between projects can prevent burnout on another level. I feel incredibly recharged after a 3 day camping trip where I am able to unplug from technology and life for an extended amount of time!

2. Set Realistic Goals

Avoid overloading yourself with too many projects at once. If you are like me, and have multiple projects on the go, try to focus on the top 2 to 3 so that you can actually complete some and feel good and motivated to continue completing more.

Also, make sure if you are feeling overwhelmed, try breaking down your tasks into manageable steps and setting achievable deadlines. This will help you stay organized and reduce stress.

Using tools to help you achieve your goals can help. Calendars can help you plan goals. I love using a calendar because I can easily see my other commitments and can plan accordingly.

Another tool I live by are these trackers. They have monthly goals or habits for short term planning as well as yearly goals for longer term projects. Game changers!

3. Practice Self-Care

This is an obvious one, but usually overlooked. Make time for activities that nourish your body and mind. This can include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and avoiding burnout.

I suffered from burnout and one thing that helped me in the hardest moments was writing morning pages, as suggested by "The Artist's Way". This book is great to help clear your mind, process thoughts, and uncover new ideas. The journaling is just part of the journey in this book. The thing I like most about it is that it makes self-care part of the homework and forces you to make time for yourself in special ways.

4. Stay Connected with Your Creative Community

Engage with fellow artists and like-minded individuals. Join online forums, attend workshops, or participate in local art events. Sharing experiences and ideas can provide support and inspiration.

5. Create Art for Yourself

Sometimes, making art just for the joy of it, without the pressure of external expectations, can be the most motivating. Go create for creating’s sake.

I often try to do things with the intention of them being something. Something perfect, something for instagram, something for someone. But doing art without that intention, just for yourself, is very very freeing and is not only a good way to stay motivated but also to help burnout while still being creative.

I love to create art with kids. It creates a no pressure and fun way to unwind when you work side by side with them or make something together!

6. Set Boundaries

Learn to say no to projects or commitments that overwhelm you. (This can be hard and takes practice). Prioritize your workload and allocate time for rest. Setting boundaries ensures you have the energy to focus on what truly matters. If it doesn’t allign with your values, your business, your goals, or doesn’t excite you, just say no.

7. Reflect on Your Achievements

Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. I love a good Ta-Da list where you celebrate your accomplishments. Reflecting on your progress can boost your confidence and remind you of your passion for your craft. Instead of looking at others, take time to look at yourself and how far you've come! If you’re a visual person, keep a journal or portfolio of your work. Sometimes I even like to scroll to the beginning of my instagram profile to see where I started. Looking back on your progress can remind you of how far you've come and inspire you to keep going. Celebrate all of your wins.

8. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If burnout persists, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable tools for managing stress and improving your mental health.

Staying Motivated

1. Seek Inspiration

Explore different sources of inspiration, such as nature, books, music, or other artists' works. Inspiration can come from unexpected places. I love to visit museums, art shows or craft fairs just to get me excited about creating again.

2. Experiment and Play

This is one of my favorite exercises when I am feeling stuck, uninspired or unmotivated. Experimenting with different forms of art or techniques within pyrography, not only expands your skills, but can reignite your creativity and keep your work exciting.

Allow yourself to experiment with new techniques, materials, or subjects. Playing and exploring can reignite your creativity and make the process more enjoyable.

Sometimes, doing something completely different, like reading, cooking, or gardening, can refresh your mind and spark new ideas. Collaging is one of my favourite things to do as all it requires is to just flip through some magazines and feel out what inspires you. It really gets my creative juices flowing to pick through images and put them together until I get an unexpected design!

3. Set Personal Challenges

Create personal challenges or goals to keep yourself engaged. This could be learning a new pyrography technique, completing a series of artworks, or participating in an art competition. The smaller and more achievable, the better, especially if you’re already feeling some signs of burnout.

4. Create a Vision Board

Visualize your long-term goals and aspirations by creating a vision board. Include images, quotes, and reminders of what inspires you. This visual tool can keep you focused and motivated. It can also be a push to try a new medium, like collage art, mixed media or even digital art.

I love Pinterest for this! I collect all my ideas visually in a board and then further divide ideas and inspiration into sub boards! What is great is that you can keep this private so only you can see it. AND if you want it to show up on your phone, here are instructions on how to do so!

5. Maintain a Balanced Routine

Establish a daily routine that balances work, rest, and recreation. Consistency in your schedule can provide structure and help you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. Especially being an entrepreneur, it’s easy to just do things with the flow of what we feel like. That’s a perk of working for yourself. However, it can feel like you are very busy but get nothing done… Creating a routine, or at least keeping track of what you’re doing and how long things take can help you understand many things about your workflow and tasks.

6. Document Your Creative Journey

Keep a journal or blog to document your creative journey. Reflecting on your experiences and progress can provide insight and motivation. Keep it private or share your journey with your audience to connect and inspire others.

This can be an art project in itself, or it can be as easy as keeping photos in a folder on your computer with dates on them!

7. Find a Mentor or Coach

Seek guidance from a mentor or coach who understands the challenges of being an artist. Their experience and advice can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement.

Take care of yourself, and your art will flourish.

With mindful practices and proactive strategies, you can manage burnout effectively. You can maintain your passion and continue to thrive as a pyrographer with practicing the points above.

Remember, your art is not just your work—it's a reflection of your unique vision and creativity.

What Does Royalty Free Mean?

"Royalty-free" in the context of art design refers to a licensing method where the purchaser pays a one-time fee to use the artwork without paying additional royalties or license fees for each use or volume sold. This contrasts with other licensing models, like rights-managed or editorial use, which may require ongoing payments based on usage parameters.

Here are some key aspects of royalty-free licenses:

1. Unlimited Use: Once purchased, the buyer can use the royalty-free artwork multiple times for multiple projects without incurring additional costs.

2. Flexible Application: The artwork can be used in a variety of applications, including marketing materials, websites, product packaging, and more, depending on the specifics of the license.

3. Non-Exclusive: Royalty-free licenses are typically non-exclusive, meaning the same artwork can be sold to multiple customers and used by them concurrently.

4. Upfront Cost: The initial cost tends to be higher than that of some other licensing models because it often covers broad usage rights.

** It's important for buyers to read the specific terms of a royalty-free license because restrictions may still apply, such as limitations on resale, modifications, or geographic use.

You're welcome to use our royalty-free templates to create and monetize your own content, but please remember: reselling the template as is, is not allowed. This helps keep it exclusive and valuable for all creators. All our royalty-free templates include a .Jpg, .Png, .Svg, and a .Pdf so users can easily transfer them to any medium.

Check out what templates we have that are free for you to use however you like:

Did you know?

Join the burn club to receive a FREE royalty-free template each month! Last month we gave away this bergamot flower pattern. You can now find it up for sale here.

So what can you use these patterns for?

• Pyrography of course!

• Relief carving

• Painting

• Colouring

• Tracing

• Canva Templates

• POD (print on demand services)

• Creation and sale of unlimited physical items

• So much more

Public Domain Images

"Public domain" refers to creative works that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent regulations. This means that these works can be freely used by anyone for any purpose without needing permission from a previous rights holder.

Public domain and royalty-free both allow the use of materials without ongoing license fees but differ significantly. Public domain works are those whose copyright has expired or never existed, allowing anyone to use them freely for any purpose, including modifications and commercial use. In contrast, royalty-free refers to copyrighted works that can be used without paying additional royalties after the initial purchase, though the use may still be subject to specific conditions set by the license. While both provide broad usage rights, public domain offers the utmost freedom with no restrictions, whereas royalty-free use is controlled under the terms of a licensing agreement and may include limitations such as the type of allowed use or distribution volume.

There are many websites which offer royalty free images and public domain content. With these images, you can get inspires and make your own templates by tracing the actual image without worrying about copyright rules.

Here are our top 3 Royalty free/Public Domain sites for images & Videos

1. Pexels:

   These are stock photos, royalty free images & videos shared by creators. You don’t need an account to use some of these images: simply hover over the image you want (ensuring it is the free version) and click “download.

2. Unsplash:

   Very similar to Pexels. Lots of good stock photos and royalty free images and videos. Make sure you are downloading the free content before using.

3. Smithsonian Open Access:

   These is all public domain content. Here you can download, share, and reuse millions of the Smithsonian’s images! It includes images and data from across the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, nine research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoo - very cool!

How to ask the RIGHT questions to ChaptGPT to get the best results!

When ChatGPT first came out, I think it is safe to say that many of us were skeptical. I know I was. That’s because I didn’t understand its capabilities or even how to use it. My brother, being a tech junkie, showed me the light and once I dove in and asked it a few questions, I was hooked.

I couldn’t wait to ask it more and discover what it can do. It was helping me write screen plays in the voice of snoop dog, jokes for my nephews, bedtime stories for my daughter… I used it to meal plan, learn about which plants I should add to my shady garden and the list goes on. Now I use it more than I google search! If you haven’t tried it yet, I suggest you do!

Just remember though, ChatGPT can deliver quick and impressive results, but it's not human. It's important not to take everything it says at face value, especially when it comes to facts and statistics. Always double-check the information it provides and use your own judgment to fill in the gaps.

Here are a few tips straight from the source, and from experience, for asking ChatGPT the right questions to get the best answers:

1. Be clear and specific: When asking a question, be as clear and specific as possible.

2. Use appropriate language: ChatGPT is a language model, so it's important to use appropriate language when asking questions. Avoid using slang or overly complex language that may be difficult for the model to understand.

3. Provide context: For example, if you're asking a question about a specific topic, provide some background information to help ChatGPT understand the context of your question.

   One of my favourite ways to ensure that I am giving it all the context is to ask if it has any questions for me! This prompt is so good because I may be missing key information for it to fully understand what I want from it.

   More on this in the next section.

4. Ask follow-up questions: If you're not sure about an answer or need more information, ask follow-up questions to clarify your understanding. ChatGPT is designed to provide conversational responses, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need to get the information you're looking for.

   Again, you can also ask it to give you questions to help clarify what you want.

5. Break down complex questions: If you need to ask a complex question, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts.

6. Avoid ambiguity: Be specific in your question and avoid ambiguous language.

7. Be respectful: Remember that ChatGPT is an AI language model, and it's important to be respectful in your interactions. Avoid using offensive language or asking inappropriate questions, as this can undermine the quality of the responses you receive.

What are the ways in which you can give ChatGPT context?

There are several ways to provide context to ChatGPT when asking a question:

1. Background information: Provide some background information about the topic you're asking about.

2. Examples: It’s okay to give examples to illustrate your question or provide more information.

3. Related topics: If your question is related to another topic or concept, mention it in your question.

4. Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your question to provide more context. For example, if you're asking about a specific product or service, include the name of the product or service in your question.

   More on this below.

5. Tone: Use a clear and concise tone when asking your question.

6. Use specific qualifiers: Use qualifiers like "best," "worst," "most," "least," and "highest," to help specify the type of information you're looking for.

Does using multiple keywords in my question for ChatGPT help me get a better answer?

Using multiple keywords in your question can be helpful in some cases, as it can help ChatGPT to better understand the context of your question and provide you with a more accurate response.

However, it is important to use relevant keywords that are directly related to your question, rather than using irrelevant or extraneous keywords that may only serve to confuse ChatGPT.

Here are some tips for using keywords effectively:

1. Be specific: Use keywords that are specific to the topic you are asking about.

2. Use synonyms: Try using synonyms for your keywords to broaden your search and increase the chances of finding relevant information.

3. Don't overdo it: While using multiple keywords can be helpful, don't overdo it. Using too many keywords or irrelevant keywords can lead to inaccurate or irrelevant responses from ChatGPT.

4. Use natural language: When asking a question, use natural language that closely resembles how you would ask the question if you were speaking to a person.

Be Careful

Enjoy playing with this powerful tool but also be aware that ChatGPT is not connected to the internet and obviously, it’s not human. It can occasionally produce incorrect answers or not provide all the details... It has limited knowledge of world and events after a certain time (depending what version you have) and may also occasionally produce harmful instructions or biased content. You can get a good understanding of this when you ask it about topics you know really really well.

For example, I know pyrography really well. I tested ChatGPT and used it to ask questions all about wood burning. Since I am familiar with the art form, I could see that it was missing some information, or it was really close to getting the facts right, but they were slightly off… All the information it had was not everything about the topic.

A cool thing is that you can now ask it to create images! This also comes with some warning… here is an example of an image I tried creating for a blog post on wood grain:

To get to this awesome image, I had to try about 7 different prompts (I learned along the way…). Here are some bloopers that were funny and logically did not make sense:

You can even see the progression of the images as I learned the right way to ask it what I needed.

Along with using it for images, I like to use the app help me clarify my thoughts into words, correct my grammar or spelling, summarize my own words or give me a foundation to work with, rather than relying on it to create all my content.

For more information and support on ChatGPT visit OpenAI Help.

Oh and, do you know what else is cool? You can always ask it to give you the direct source of it’s answer - this is very helpful to know and have if you want to confirm the validity of it’s responses.

Along with that, the helpful tips in this blog post will get you the best results.

With ChatGPT, the world is your oyster - have fun!

Embracing the New Year: A Guide to Setting Goals

As the New Year approaches, the air fills with a sense of renewal and opportunity. It's a time when many of us reflect on the past year's journey and set our sights on what lies ahead. Setting goals for the New Year is a tradition as old as time, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and achievement. But how do we set goals that inspire us, push us forward, and are realistically achievable?

A great podcast to listen to is by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor, who makes goal setting less intimidating and more impactful. Take a listen here: The Science of Setting & Achieving Goals and read on!

Here's a guide, with the help of our own experiences, Burn Club Plussers experiences, and Hubermans expertise to setting meaningful goals for the New Year:

Reflect on the Past, Envision the Future

Before setting new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Really block out time here from all distractions and find yourself a quiet spot to think. What were your successes and setbacks? What lessons did you learn? Reflection provides valuable insights that can shape your future goals.

Envision what you want the upcoming year to look like. Imagine the accomplishments, the personal growth, and the happiness you wish to achieve. Huberman emphasizes the importance of having clear, defined goals. He suggests visualizing not just the end goal but the process required to achieve it. This mental rehearsal can prepare the mind and body for the tasks ahead and increase the likelihood of success.

Personally, this exersize of visualization really helped clarify the larger goals and all its smaller steps. It can be in the form of a mental exersize, a Pinterest collage, or even a magazine collage. Whatever works for you to really see what you want clearly.

Set SMART Goals

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps in setting clear and attainable objectives. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," a SMART goal would be, "I want to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week, and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily."

Break Bigger Goals into Actionable Steps

Large goals can often seem daunting. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. If your goal is to write a book, start with writing a certain number of words each day or outline one chapter per week. Small steps lead to big achievements over time and provide the opportunity to celebrate along the way!

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, plays a significant role in goal setting and achievement. Huberman advises understanding how to manage and optimize dopamine levels through rewarding progress, breaking down goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and maintaining a balance between challenge and reward.

He also discusses how moderate stress can be beneficial in the context of goal setting. It can enhance focus and performance, acting as a motivator. However, managing stress levels is crucial, as too much stress can be counterproductive. Along with self care and life balance, breaking up goals can be a great way to manage the stress and not overwhelm oneself with a large goal.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Keep track of your progress and celebrate small victories along the way. Consider maintaining a journal or using an app to monitor your journey towards your goals. Or if you, like me, prefer using the old fashion pen and paper, try an accountability tracker. Not only is it satisfying to mark off each day’s goals, but it is also a visual reminder of your progress

Click here for the radial symmetry Trackers we use (like you see here).

Dr. Andrew Huberman emphasizes the importance of strategic goal setting and accountability. According to Huberman, sharing goals with others can sometimes trigger a premature sense of accomplishment, reducing the drive to actually achieve the goal. He suggests a more nuanced approach: share your goals selectively with those who can offer constructive feedback or support, rather than seeking widespread validation.

Huberman also highlights the value of internal accountability, where setting clear, measurable objectives and regularly reviewing progress can significantly enhance motivation and likelihood of success. He encourages individuals to leverage the brain's reward system by celebrating small wins along the way, which can sustain momentum and foster a sense of achievement throughout the journey toward larger goals. By understanding the neurological and psychological aspects of goal setting and accountability, individuals can tailor their approach for maximum effectiveness and personal fulfillment.

Prioritize Self-Care

While pursuing goals, remember to prioritize your well-being. Set goals that encourage a balanced life, incorporating elements of work, rest, play, and personal growth.

In his podcast, Huberman speaks about creating an environment conducive to success. This includes managing distractions, ensuring adequate sleep for brain function, and considering the timing of tasks aligned with individual circadian rhythms.

Self-care isn't just about relaxation; it's about doing what's necessary to maintain your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and your path to achieving goals may need to adjust. Be flexible and open to change. It's important to remember that the path to any worthwhile achievement is often laden with obstacles and setbacks. Rather than viewing these as failures, consider them part of the learning and growth process.

If an approach isn't working, pivot and try something new. Flexibility helps you stay resilient and persistent.

Stay Positive and Patient

Goal setting is an optimistic endeavor. Stay positive and patient with yourself. Some goals will require more time and effort than anticipated. Embrace the journey, learn from the process, and keep pushing forward.

One thing Basia loves to do is create affirmations that she can personalize using Canva. She have them show up on her phone so she can be reminded about her goals, ambitions or just to provide a little motivation everyday to keep at it.

As you embark on this New Year, remember that setting goals is about more than just listing desires—it's about creating a roadmap for a fulfilling year ahead. It's about understanding where you are, deciding where you want to be, and taking proactive steps to get there. With thoughtful planning, commitment, and a positive mindset, you're well on your way to making this New Year a truly transformative one.

Remember also that goal setting isn't only confined to the start of a new year; it's a beneficial practice that can be undertaken at any time. Engaging in goal setting sessions throughout the year allows for continuous growth, adaptation to change, and the ability to seize the moment whenever inspiration strikes.

Happy goal setting!

How to Name Your Artwork

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David and Renee are the double-duo behind It's David and Renee and specialize in creating sustainably sourced, specialty wood surfaces for other artists to use as a canvas for their own art. They also create thier own fine art pieces, including multi-media pyrography and artisan woodcraft.

Renee of @itsdavidandrenee is such a fabulous pyrographer and person.

Her pyrography is BOLD! Her color choices and sparkle factors alone speak for themselves.

Do yourself a huge favor and follow this wonderful human and artist. Let’s help support her and her husband, David, their art and their delicious wood slice canvases!

Find It’s David and Renee on:

Instagram, Facebook Pinterest, TikTok and their website!

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Playing the Name Game with Wood Art: Using the Best Descriptive Words to Elevate You Art in the Mind’s Eye

Guest blog post by Renee of @itsdavidandrenee

So, you’ve made some wood art and now you have to give your piece a name. Whether you’re naming your art based off the subject matter, such as “Whimsical Ladybugs in a Coneflower Garden” or “The Queen’s Crown” or whatever it may be, OR you’re writing a descriptive title of your piece to go into a gallery, there are steps you must take to achieve a solid, effective title that communicates the best properties of your art.

Here are 5 things you should consider when choosing a name for your art:

We’ll dive deep into all five tips below.

1. Use sensory adjectives

2. Write as if they already have the art in their hands

3. Don’t assume they’ll notice the details

4. Describe the wood canvas, not just the artwork design

5. Describe the artwork design or subject matter

Use Sensory Adjectives

Sensory words are a MUST! Describing art can be tricky depending on how the art is meant to be consumed. A large art installment full of textiles you can touch and feel is different than a somber war memorial installment, a modern light show, Van Gogh’s Immersive Experiences, or sidewalk chalk art. Even still, those are entirely different than your piece of wood art. Most people are going to be using sight and touch for your wood art, not taste, sound, or smell, so using strong visual sensory adjectives is KEY!

Write as if They Already Have the Art in Their Hands

Pretend someone walks into a gift shop and picks up your artwork to ooo and awe over it! Put yourself in their shoes. What are they looking at? What’s the first thing they notice? How does it feel in their hands? Is it physically smooth? Does it have delicate bark chipping off? Is it a large, heavy wood slice? If they’re looking at it up close and personal, what are they seeing? Are they seeing the crispness of your lines? The glitter, shimmer, and shine of your metallic paint? Are they experiencing the iridescence of holographic foil? Are they embracing the textures of the various fibers in your fiber art? Consider what their “pretend” in-person experience of holding your art is like, and use those descriptors in your online descriptions. Make your customer imagine holding your art in their hands.

Don’t Assume They’ll Notice the Details 

Do NOT assume they’ll notice all those above details you worked so hard to achieve. What some people notice, others won’t. Not everyone experiences art the same way. Describe all those details you’re so proud of!

Just like in the above example, you’re going to want to tell them what they’re looking at., even if you think it sounds silly. Example: “When holding this brilliantly vibrant piece in your hands, you’ll notice how the dancing glitter shimmers and shines in the light. The glitter within these paints brings a depth to the pigments that can be truly appreciated when holding this piece at book-reading distance. You’ll also notice the physically indented texture of the woodburned lines and crisp stippled dots when you run your fingers over the textured areas.”

Point out those details! They will appreciate the senses of enjoying your work in person, even if they’re reading your description from the other side of the screen.

Describe the Wood Canvas, Not Just the Artwork Design

Wood canvases are super special and unique, because they themselves have their own characteristics- species, color, shape, thickness, surface texture, grain patterns, smoothness, chatoyance, etc. You should be describing these characteristics and how they play into your artwork, both in your title and in the written description.

People who utilize the standard white canvases from the craft stores usually don’t describe their canvas, because those canvases aren’t unique and don’t play into the effect of the painting. They almost all have the same texture, they all have a wooden frame behind them, and honestly, they’re just plain. Someone can say “canvas,” and you already know what that looks like. It’s already in your mind’s eye. You would just be describing the artwork that you put on the canvas, like “oil painting on canvas” or “fiber art mixed media on canvas.”

But when someone says “wood,” what do you automatically imagine? Rustic basswood? Refined cherry? There are so many varieties and possibilities that it’s guaranteed everyone will imagine something different.

There is a whole world of wood. “Acrylic painting on wood.” What does that tell you? NADA. What kind of wood? Can you even tell your artwork is on wood? Does the wood have live edge bark? Is it a crisp, clean cut piece of wood? GIMME THE DEETS! Is it thick, like ¾”, or is it a thin slice of birch plywood? Your people need to know. Your people should be able to imagine this piece of wood without looking at it.

“Pyrography on wood.”

Absolutely not. Needs waaaayyyy more.

“Pyrography on Maple.”

Nope, still needs more. Describe that Maple.

“Pyrography on an Ambrosia Maple panel.”

More. What does the panel look like? Does it have bark? What shape is it? Is it a round wood slice? Is it a clean-cut panel? More.

“Pyrography on a low-profile, 8” square Ambrosia Maple wood panel.”

Much better! You described the shape, the size, the species, and its side profile (meaning how far it sticks out from the wall).

“Pyrography on a small, round live-edge Basswood wood slice.”

Yep! This is pretty good. Again, you described the shape, the relative size, the species, and its bark features.

I would say those titles are not too wordy but not too stingy on descriptors.

Describe the Artwork Design or Subject Matter

In the above example, we’re using “pyrography,” so let’s continue with that. We need to expand the “pyrography” part of the name. Is your pyro art colored or painted? Is it mixed media? What is an adjective you would use to describe this piece? What is the subject matter of your art? A crazy-colored symmetrical mandala is obviously a way different subject matter than a sepia-toned realistic dog portrait.

*Visually-descriptive adjectives have entered the chat*

Let’s get our list of adjectives out. What does it LOOK like? What kinds of words would you use to describe your art to your grandmother over the phone?

You: “Hi Memaw! Yes ma’am, I’m good. I made some new art. What kind of art? Well, um. It’s woodburned art, I do woodburning.”

Your Memaw: *Doesn’t really know what that means and imagines her living room fireplace with burnt logs.* “Oh, you burn wood? Well that’s… nice.”

This lack of description is confusing to your Memaw. You gotta describe it to her as if you’re in a museum describing it.

When I was in college, I was a professional note-taker for the visually- and hearing-impaired students through the Office of Disabilities. I went to classes that had deaf or blind students, and took notes for them. I got really good at descriptors and adjectives when I was assigned to an art history class and took notes of all the famous art. My visually-impaired clients needed to be able to read my notes out-loud through their computer programs to study later on, so it was my job to make sure I communicated details very effectively. This is the same concept here. Describe your art to someone who is not looking at it.

Here are a few examples:

Vibrant, Dark, Shadowy, Moody, Technicolor, Bright, Playful, Geometric, Detailed, Realistic, Contrasting, Lively, Muted, Monochromatic, Symmetrical, Abstract, Mystical

And the list goes on and on. (This would be a great time to make your own list of adjectives!)

Anyway, back to the example.

We ended #4’s example with “Pyrography on a low-profile, 8” square Ambrosia Maple wood panel.” Let’s use that crazy-colored symmetrical mandala subject matter I mentioned, too. Let’s say the center of the mandala is centered in the middle of the square, and the mandala has vibrant, shimmery pink and purple paints neatly painted in the curves and motifs of the mandala, alternating between the various shades of pinks and purples and radiating out to the edge of the mandala. The negative space around the mandala is just the natural wood with no paint.

To me, in my head, I imagine this piece as very bright, starkly eye-catching, crisp and clean, vibrant and radiant, with even lines, perfectly-spaced swirls and motifs that centrically expand from the center of the mandala. I see these shimmery pink and purple paints catching the sunlight juuuust right, making them seem like they’re glowing from the wood.

“Pyrography on wood” just doesn’t cut it.

“Mandala pyrography.”

Nope. It’s so much more than that. Describe it.

“Symmetrical mandala pyrography.”

Ehh. Closer, but that still isn’t capturing the essence of the piece. DEETS! I NEED THE DEETS!

“Radiant, symmetrical mandala mixed-media pyrography art handburned on a low-profile, 8” square Ambrosia Maple wood panel.”

YES. YESYESYESYES. This is perfect. You have now described the art’s physical appearance (radiant), the subject matter (symmetrical mandala), the media (pyrography and mixed-media), the method of creation (you, “handburned”), the medium (the wood) and the details of the wood. 

I would say to follow this Krabby Patty secret formula every time, however, there will always be exceptions to this rule. If you feel like this is too wordy, maybe change out the adjectives to shorten it. If you feel it needs more for your piece, then add a little more.

And remember, if you’re writing a longer description underneath your title or in the description box on your website, you can add more details there. Do what feels right for you and your style of writing, but don’t sell yourself short.

Words are Powerful

To sum it all up, words are powerful. Language evokes the senses. Use your words the best you can to convey the best name, title, and/or description possible.

Make your people envision your art in their head by using sensory words and specific, descriptive adjectives. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and play pretend. What they notice, feel, see, and experience can be captured in a great description. Play the name game with your wood art. Put just as much effort into naming and describing your art as you did into designing and creating your art. Your website visitors, in-person shoppers, gallery viewers, and whoever else will notice and appreciate these details.

Interview with Kristyn Burney - Creative Business Mentor and Coach

Kristyn Burney is a gem and such an inspiration!

Listen in o this interview and learn how she built several 6 figure business, manages family life and coaches others to do the same. This is how to dream big and go for those goals!

Find Kristyn Burney on Instagram for loads of tips and tricks for entrepreneurs and and shop super cool door mats on her Etsy shop!

"Go with the flow of what is energetically right for you".

This interview was created for Burn Club+ in 2020, and was just now released to the public.

The Pyrography + Business Summit

the ONE and only Pyrography + Business Summit!

There were 39 live classes with 35 well known presenters from all over the globe. We learned so much from pyro experts with the live wood burning masterclasses, panel discussions that dive into pyrography and panel discussions on business, plus interviews, community chats + challenges.

Everything pyrography + business.

If you weren’t able to join us live, you can always watch the recordings at your own pace!

30+ Pyrography and Business CLASSES:

PYROGRAPHY

Introduction to Wood Burning

Safety + Transfer Techniques

Pyrography Books Discussion

Wood Burning Tools

Tools of the Trade

Wood + Other Surfaces

Adding Color

Finishes

8 Masterclasses on Pyrography Techniques

Burn-Alongs with Expert Pyrographers

Panel Discussion on Pyrography

Interviews

BUSINESS

Goal Setting + Finding Focus

Business Books Discussion

Making Money as an Artist

Selling Online + In-person

Teaching Classes

Email Marketing

Websites + E-commerce

Pricing Your Art

Photography and Videography

Social Media + Pinterest

Live Coaching Sessions

Business Panel Discussion

Interviews

Also, Check out #pyrosummit on insta to see what people have taken away from this awesome event!

This Summit is basically one huge collaboration, and we are all so pumped to have completed it in 2022!

Interview With Tom Ross

Tom Ross of and shares so much valuable information specifically for creatives and their businesses and how important building a community is for the business to thrive. He talks about how to get REAL followers and find your targeted audience, how to build a community around your business and how to make your business grow!

Just listen in on all the great advice he gives and start implementing these actions today!

You can find Tom @tomrossmedia + @designcuts

Visit his website: tomross.co

Sign up for his coaching

Listen to his Podcast

Take a listen to the interview with Tom from Tom Toss Media:

This interview was created for Burn Club+ in 2020, and was just now released to the public.

Grow with the community and get first access to interviews, exclusive tutorials and lessons by joining Burn Club+, a place where you can ask questions, and get the full answers, a place of fun and learning.

Passive Income Ideas for Artists

what is passive income?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says passive income can come from two sources: rental property or a business in which one does not actively participate, such as being paid book royalties or stock dividends. It's income that takes little or no effort to bring in. There are many different ways to accomplish this and I’m going to give you some great options if you are an artist/creative.

Make money while you sleep!

This doesn’t mean you won’t have to do any work for it at all.

Initially you will need to spend some time getting it set up and often it helps to invest some time into marketing it once in a while. It just means you put in most of the work upfront (with some possible maintenance and refreshing in the future) and then let it make you money.

Top three easy passive income ideas for artists

1. Prints

   Scan or photograph your work and post it as a digital product somewhere like your website. Ensure you have stellar photos and high quality scans. To learn more about how, check out the blog post: Digitizing Your Wood Slice for Extra Revenue.

   For a really hands-off approach, another platform like Artsy, Saatchi, Artpal, Society 6, Etsy, Singulart, VISUAL. They do the printing and shipping for you. Often, their audience can find you through the platform itself.

   The larger your audience, outside of the platform, the better your prints will do. It will help to talk about them on social media or on your website if you are getting traffic there.

   This is a great supplement to your art sales, and provides your audience with a more affordable option for becoming a collector of yours.

   Consider selling your art as an NFT if you understand that world!

2. Teach Online

   Make an online course. Record it once and upload it online.

   There are many options here. You can upload it to your website (directly on your site or via platforms like teachery) and sell it yourself. This way is not as hands-off, because you will need to market it and talk about it for people to know it exists and thus purchase it.

   The second option is to upload it to a third party platform that includes an audience like skilllshare, domestika, etc. They do the marketing for you and already have a client-base. You can (and should) boost the exposure and market it yourself on your site and socials. These platforms do not require you to have anything else, but a good high quality and informative video.

   A third option is YouTube. You need to meet some criteria and be active on the platform to start making money, so if you are already rocking it on YouTube, perhaps this is the place you want your lessons to live.

   Any of these options can bring in more clientele and provide you with more steady passive income.

3. Affiliate links

   Affiliate marketing is selling another businesses products or services to earn a commission on their sales that used your link.

   Link to all the supplies you use, all the tools you own, and materials you love! Make friends with the companies that you know and love and get links directly from them or use affiliate links through amazon.

   You still have to put in the effort to talk about it, but once it is setup in the right places, it should do the work for you to give you steady passive income.

   REMEMBER to only share links to things that make sense for your business, that you like/use, and/or that your audience will like. You want to be creating that win/win/win situation for your audience, the company you are sending your audience to, and yourself. Don’t share items/businesses that you don’t believe in or don’t make sense for your brand!

You can also check out the 5 Revenue Streams for your Wood Burning Business blog post for some opportunities to make your hobby into a thriving business!

Goal Setting and Creating Habits with Radial Symmetry Trackers

There's never a wrong time to set new habits and goals. Life constantly evolves, offering endless opportunities for growth and improvement. Whether it's personal, professional, or health-related, every moment is ripe for change and self-betterment. Embracing this mindset allows us to continuously evolve and adapt, making the most of each day as a fresh start towards achieving our aspirations.

A daily habit tracker gives you small wins to look forward to every day!

If you enjoy making to-do (and ta-da) lists, then you will enjoy tracking your daily habits, and you will find that you accomplish way more in a day. If you are anything like me, you may be thinking, that is great, but I will stop using it in a week/2 weeks/2 months. I have a solution for you! Put this list next to a habit you already have in place. Something you do daily without fail. For me, that is brushing my teeth at night before bed. I will do this no matter how tired I am. Putting my tracker next to my toothbrush has not only given me something to do during the two minutes I am brushing, but it also ensures that I do it DAILY without fail, too! Try this hack, and I think you will find that you stick to your tracker, and therefore your larger goals.

We love to use our own trackers we made.

track three habits a day:

3 Habits Individual (31 Day) Tracker

$1.00

Add To Cart

3 Habits Monthly Tracker for the Year (leap year included)

$4.00

Add To Cart

Track Seven Habits a day

7 Habits Individual (31 Day) Tracker

$1.00

Add To Cart

7 Habits Monthly Tracker for the Year (leap year included)

$4.00

Add To Cart

Or track a single habit for a year!

Daily Habit Tracker for The Year (leap year included)

$3.00

Add To Cart

Need some guidance on finding focus and creating the goals you need? Check out: Focus Five - The 5 Things That Describe Your Business

WHY TRACK?

Daily trackers make goals more attainable and less intimidating. Rather than looking at a large goal and how long it will take, a habit tracker allows you to break it down into daily wins.

The beauty of a tracker is that you get to track what YOU want to track. You get to personalize it to your individual goals. Whether that be personal and/or business.

You can use these trackers for personal items like:

• exercise

• water intake

• mood

• stretching

• meditation

• journaling

• gratitude

• creating art

• alcohol intake

• reading

• medications/vitamins

• and so much more

You can also use them for your business goals.

You can track longer term goals and/or small daily actions that add up to your larger picture goals for yourself and your business. Track things like:

• crossing off at least three things from your to do list

• stopped working at 5pm and/or started by 8am

• no personal social media during business hours

• took a walk at break time

• writing a blog

• posting on a social media platform

• pinning on pinterest

• checking in on asana (or your daily to do list)

• spent 5 minutes plugging away at a long term project (i.e. organizing canva documents or your google photos or a course you are creating)

• spent less than 15min on social media (check your IOS device for a breakdown)

• promoting/marketing yourself

• whatever it is YOU want to work on for your business to reach your goals

Being able to see each day filled out with a simple pattern or color gives you a sense of accomplishment and a positive feeling. It gives you motivation to keep filling each day up and complete the month. It keeps you on track for your goals and the best part is that you decide what those goals are.

We’ve created printable, mandala style habit trackers! These can be used in a couple ways. The first way is simply coloring each section in with color(s). The other way is doodling in each section with little creatures, nature pattern or whatever you are into!

Once your habit is done (or at the end of the day, when you are brushing your teeth and getting ready for bed) you can make a quick doodle, like a heart or just some simple lines. If you are feeling fancy, add some detailed patterns. When your month is complete, you will have a pretty mandala that makes you proud!

We have individual trackers with 31 spaces or you can get the whole year where each tracker is numbered and has it’s corresponding spaces!

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Interview With Miranda From Live Free Creative Co.

I am a huge believer in coaching, and what it can do for your business. Having an outsider look at your business, provide accountability, run ideas by, and work out different parts can be incredibly helpful, and the amount of goodness that I have gotten out of following, listening to, and getting coached by Miranda is kind of astounding and so is every word she has to say.

You can find Miranda @livefreemiranda + @livefreecreativeco

Visit her website: livefreecreative.co

Buy her book, More Than Enough

Listen to her Podcast

Take a listen to the interview with Miranda from Live Free Creative Co.:

This interview was created for Burn Club+ in 2020, and was just now released to the public.

Grow with the community and get first access to interviews, exclusive tutorials and lessons by joining Burn Club+, a place where you can ask questions, and get the full answers, a place of fun and learning.

Comparison Is The Thief of Joy - Theodore Roosevelt

Social Media makes it really easy to fall into the comparison game. It is a dangerous game to play, because there will always be someone who you think is doing better than you, prettier, making more money, etc. Don’t compare your real life to their highlight reel!

Remember, that social media is not real life.

Whenever you are feeling that comparison pull, focus on YOUR goals, and try not to get roped into what everyone else is doing. If you allow yourself to compare to others, you will end up chasing their dreams instead of your own.

In order to take care of your business, and your art, you must first take care of yourself. You won't be able to do anything to the best of your ability if you are not physically or mentally well. Even though we don't always put it first, our well-being is quite important.

Just like the airlines tell you, put your oxygen mask on first. This is because you can't help anyone else, if you don't take care fo yourself first.

If you are anything like me, this is difficult, but it is necessary to work at my best.

• Pay attention to your body

• Pay attention to your mind

• Utilize safety equipment

• Practice good ergonomics

• Stretch and strengthen your body

• Mind your social media consumption

• Eat well

• Drink water

• Take breaks

• Be kind to yourself

YOU are precious.

It is important to take care of YOU.

MENTAL HEALTH suggestions for small businesses:

1. Take social media breaks.

2. Remind yourself that this is YOUR business, and you can take days off if you want to. You are the boss.

3. Do not follow people who make you feel bad no matter the reason. Your mental health is more important than that follow.

4. Follow people who inspire, uplift, and motivate you.

5. Connect with people! Use social media, for social connection. It will change the game for you. Use DM's more than you scroll.

6. Comparison is the thief of joy. Remember to keep your head in your lane. You can look to the right and left of you for inspiration and to cheer on your fellow maker/small business, but really you should be looking in front of you to see where you are going, and behind you to remind yourself of how far you have come.

7. Get involved in the community. Make friends. Talk shop. It really helps.

8. And please, seek professional help if you need it! There is no shame in seeking mental health assistance. I see a therapist weekly, and take daily medication. There is no shame in taking care of you, and you will run a better business if you put yourself first!
   
   Take care of your body and your mind, whatever that means to you. It's worth it. How do you take care of yourself?

Interview with Shelly Kim of Letters by Shells

This interview with Shelly Kim of @lettersbyshells is a discovery of how Shelly became a successful artist and the ups and downs of her artistic journey. We talk how Shelly started making money with her artwork and she turned her passion into money!

Follow Shelly @lettersbyshells + @learnletteringtoday

Visit her Website: lettersbyshells.com

Shop Lettering Workbooks

Buy Shelly’s Book: Digital Hand Lettering and Modern Calligraphy

Listen in on how Shelly created a successful community through social media, how important it is to have peers in the same field and so much more on switching your hobby into your full time business.

This interview was created for Burn Club+ in 2020, and was just now released to the public.

Grow with the community and get first access to interviews, exclusive tutorials and lessons by joining Burn Club+, a place where you can ask questions, and get the full answers, a place of fun and learning.

Interview with Peggy Dean of The Pigeon Letters

This interview with Peggy Dean of @thepigeonletters covers so many different topics. Peggy Dean is a powerhouse, and I am so excited for you to learn from her. If you aren't in her membership service, The Flock, following her on social, own any of her books, or learn from her dozens and dozens of classes on Skillshare, you are missing out! This is a woman who believes in the power of community and information sharing, and she doesn't hold anything back in this interview. I hope you enjoy.

This interview was created for Burn Club+ in 2020, and was just now released to the public.

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10 Reasons to Hire a Business Coach

A business coach provides valuable expertise and knowledge in various areas of business, holds entrepreneurs accountable for their goals and actions, and provides an objective perspective on business challenges. Additionally, a business coach can offer emotional support and encouragement to help entrepreneurs stay motivated and focused, while also fostering personal development to improve communication, time management, and leadership abilities.

I have hired a bussiness coach and experienced the major benefits of doing so, and I have personally helped artist entrepreneurs achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, and saw first hand how their businesses grew in a more efficient and effective way.

Hiring a business coach can be a valuable investment for entrepreneurs for several reasons:

1. Accountability

There is nothing quite like paying a coach to check in on you to help motivate you towards achieving your goals. Having someone hold you accountable is one of the best things you can do for your business.

When you tell your coach, “My goals are to make two videos this week,” you will be much more likely to actually do them. Accountability is huge for making steps towards your larger picture goals. Your coach should not only help motivate you to accomplish tasks, but ensure you are focusing your efforts on the right tasks that will work towards achieving your goals. Knowing that your coach is going to check in on you and your progress is quite motivational.

2. Invest in Your Business

When you invest in your business by getting a coach, you should be hiring someone who you trust and who will in turn invest in you. When you and your business succeed, it means your mentor is also succeeding. It’s such a fantastic mutualistic relationship.

Having dedicated time to talk about you, your business, your successes, your failures, your worries, your pain points, and your ideas makes ALL the difference.

When you invest real money and time in yourself and your business, the results will show. I invest in coaching monthly, and see first-hand how it has benefitted me, my life, and my business. It is one of the best things I have done for my business, and I know my coaching clients feel the same.

3. Motivation

A coach will not only provide you with accountability, but they should inspire and motivate you to go after your biggest dreams and goals. They are your cheerleader. Your wins are theirs, and it should be clear they want you to succeed. They will help you break down the barriers to your success, and help you relinquish your fears.

Your coach should be able to help you break down your biggest dreams into tangible, attainable, and specific steps. The simple act of talking about goal setting with someone for a dedicated period of time will motivate you in ways you never imagined. Preparing for a coaching call is motivating, too. I always come to my own coaching sessions prepared with a list of questions, pain points, ideas, etc so the time with my coach is well spent. Every time you have contact with your coach it should and will feel motivating, because they are your motivator. They will help keep the fire lit, and the energy focused.

4. Dedicated Time to Talk Business

Coaching time is dedicated time where someone you trust and respect is spending their energy and focus on you, your business, and your success. It almost feels like therapy.

So much mental energy, time, and love goes into owning and operating a small business. Having someone that you pay for dedicated time to discuss your business will help you see it from an outside perspective. Their knowledge will help you find focus, help you grow, solve problems, and learn faster. Coaches are like cheat codes.

5. Focus Efforts

This is one of the best things that a coach can provide. Being able to sit down with a coach, talk about your dream life, and sort out ways to achieve it is so much fun and so valuable.

Without focusing your efforts, you will find yourself being pulled in all the different directions owning a business will pull you, but aimlessly. Having defined, well thought out, specific goals that lead up to your big picture goal will ensure that your time that you are spending on your business is focused time, and time well spent. This is what good coaches can do, and something I specialize in.

A coach provides that outside perspective to help their client not only identify but accomplish their goals.

6. Optimize Business and Life

A good coach won’t just provide you with sound business advice, but they will also help with other aspects of life. You are hopefully coming to them not just for their business skill set. They should have tools to help organize, and optimize your life, too. Because work is affected by life, and vice versa. They are not mutually exclusive.

In order to have a successful business, there are some practices you can put in place to free up time, and mental space to succeed in business. For instance, batch working, time blocking, 3 things, goal setting, to-do lists, ta-da lists, and so much more. A coach should be offering you great advice regardless of the topic and it should all be specific to you.

I personally read an unhealthy number of self-help books and have implemented them in my own life. I have found success with many things I have read in them. I bring that advice into my coaching sessions, because you need life to allow for you to have the mental space, time, and energy to work on business. Coaching is so much more than just business advice.

7. Outside Honest Perspective

If you are looking for an honest perspective from an outside source, a coach is a fantastic choice. They are on your team, are knowledgeable, and willing to share their knowledge, but most importantly want to see you succeed. A good coach should be able to motivate you and also provide honest and constructive feedback to improve your business and get you closer to your goals.

Remember when they are giving you constructive criticism it is because they have your best interest at heart. They want to see you succeed.

8. Earn More

If you want to earn more money sometimes you need to spend it. Your business should grow with a coach, and so should your income. That is the goal, after all. Yes, a business coach should help you feel good about your business, and help you create an authentic business for your specific voice, but the bottom line is they should also be helping your bottom line.

It can be a simple suggestion on scheduling, a tactic for accomplishing tasks, a specific tip about Pinterest, connections to other people/businesses, or one of the other myriad of ways a coach will help you grow financially.

9. Talking One-On-One with an Expert

This is HUGE. They have done it before. They know what to expect. You can learn so much faster the proper ways to do things from someone who has already done it, then trying to figure it out for yourself. This is also why I am a huge fan of information sharing. We are all better when we help each other out. #communityovercompetition.

Getting the opportunity to talk in a focused manner about your specific business and your specific problems can solve so many issues, answer so many unknowns, and help guide you to making good choices for your business. A good coach will do their research into you, and your business. They will listen to your needs, questions, worries, and goals and cater their coaching to you.

I like to have my new coaching clients fill out a survey so I can get to know them better, their goals, and make sure I am the right fit for them before I take them on as a client.

10. Grow Faster

If you want to grow faster, and make fewer mistakes in the process, a coach is for you. A coach will save you time and money. They will help guide your decisions to help you grow towards your dream, and provide feedback along the way. Your success is also theirs.

Coaching is one of the best things I have done for my business to date. I have seen my growth in myself, personally, in my business processes, in my numbers, in my motivation, and in my pride when it comes to my business. I am not just working without a clear goal as to why, I am now working with purpose and intention.

Book Recommendations for Creative Businesses

Most of what I have learned in business has been through trial and error and through reading.

I think a lot of finding success has to do with mindset and habits. I read and listen to a lot of self-help books that I think will benefit me and/or my business. I enjoy the process of optimizing my life.

Here are a few of my personal favorites that have had the biggest impacts on me, my life, and my business. These are Amazon links, and I receive a small portion if you choose to purchase yourself a copy, and I HIGHLY recommend you do! These books are fantastic.

My top 12 Book Recommendations for Creative Businesses:

The 5-Second Rule - Mel Robbins

"The 5-Second Rule" by Mel Robbins offers a simple, actionable tool to combat procrastination and instigate change: counting backward from 5 to 1 to trigger action. The book combines personal anecdotes and scientific backing to show the rule's effectiveness in various life aspects. While some may find it too anecdotal, its core strength lies in its straightforward, motivational approach. It's a quick read that emphasizes immediate action to improve one’s life, making it a practical guide for those seeking to break the cycle of hesitation and fear.

Why I like it: It’s a super simple premise, but a really valuable tool. If you learn well with anecdotes, this book is for you.

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Unfu*k Yourself - Gary John Bishop

"Unfu*k Yourself" by Gary John Bishop is a straightforward self-help book that pushes readers to overcome self-imposed barriers and take charge of their lives. Through seven key assertions, Bishop advocates for personal accountability and action with a direct, no-nonsense tone. The book's strength lies in its clear, motivational message, although it may oversimplify complex personal development concepts. Overall, it's a compelling call to action for those ready to challenge their mindset and make significant changes.

Why I like it: Best listened to, because the author’s voice and tone is fantastic. A great book to cut through the BS. A good listen when you need a kick in the pants.

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Artists Way - Julia Cameron

"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron is a guide to unlocking creativity through a 12-week program of exercises and self-exploration. Its core practices, morning pages, and artist's dates, aim to overcome creative blocks and nurture artistic expression. While its spiritual approach may not suit everyone, its widespread acclaim and effectiveness in fostering creativity make it a seminal work in personal development and artistic empowerment.

Why I like it: By far the book that has changed my life the most for the better. It is an intense 12 week course, really, and best done with creative friends, or friends who want to be more creative. Check out a sneak peek at Basia’s Journey here.

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You are a Badass - Jen Sincero

"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero is a self-help book that combines humor, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to inspire readers to improve their lives and achieve their goals. Sincero emphasizes self-love, financial acumen, and a positive mindset, urging readers to identify and overcome the limiting beliefs that hold them back. With a conversational and sometimes irreverent tone, the book aims to motivate and empower individuals to take control of their lives and pursue success. It's known for its straightforward, relatable guidance and empowering messages, making it popular among those looking for a boost of confidence and actionable strategies for personal development.

Why I like it: I love this author. She does a great job at giving you valuable information and simultaneously lights a fire. She will make you feel like a BOSS.

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You are a Badass at Making Money - Jen Sincero - Money and money talk is very taboo. Not many people talk about it, or the mindset of getting more of it. This book is a deep dive into money mindsets.

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Daring Greatly - Brené Brown - Anything by Brene Brown is going to be valuable for you as a person and for your business. This book is a must read.

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey - Effective is the operative word here. I recommend a physical copy. You will want to take notes.

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The Gifts of Imperfection - Brené Brown - Another fantastic book by Brene Brown. This woman is a wealth of knowledge. She makes you think and uses real science to back up her claims. Also listen to her podcast, it’s so very good.

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Steal Like an Artist - Austin Kleon - Every creative person should read this book. It is a very quick read, but explains really well how there are no original ideas, and every artist steals from the world around them. 10/10 highly recommend.

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Contagious - Jonah Berger - OOOOOO. If you want to know why things catch on, or “go viral” this book explains the many marketing tools businesses can use to get their work in front of more eyes and have it be memorable. Sparked 2 big ideas for me while reading it.

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4-hour Workweek - Timothy Ferriss - I have more dog ears on this book than any other. If you want to work less, make more, and live your dream life, this guy takes it to the extreme, but offers so many valuable bits of information.

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Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Robert B. Cialdini - Another incredible book. This one is more about the psychology of marketing, and how to make it work for you. It’s brilliant.

I know these will have a positive impact on you. If you read any of them and you find it helps, I would love to hear about it.

What books do you recommend?? What do I need to add to my list?

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Want to learn more about wood burning and boost your creative business??

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Building Your Website with Squarespace

In today's world, having a website has become an essential part for any business or individual looking to establish a presence online. A website can serve as a digital storefront, a way to showcase your work or skills, or a platform to share your ideas and opinions with the world. With so many website building platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose one that meets your specific needs.

Why Squarespace?

Basia here. I would like to take a moment and rave about Squarespace. I have built websites on several different platforms including Wix, Shopify and Wordpress. These platforms are probably my top choices compared to other platforms I’ve used in the past, however they do not hold a candle to Squarespace.

With Squarespace, you can easily create a website that looks and feels professional, and you won’t have to worry about hosting, security, or any of the other hassles that come with running a website. It’s easy to use (with a shorter learning curve than other platforms) and their support is unlike any other!

I love it so much that I am an affiliate: Go to squarespace and Use the code BASIA at check-out to receive 20% off your annual subscription (for your first year).

Read on to see 8 reasons why I love Squarespace…

8 Reasons Why I Love Squarespace

1. Easy to use

   One of the most significant benefits of using Squarespace is its ease of use. Yes, there is a learning curve, like with any new platform or app. BUT! compared to any other site I’ve used, this has left me the least amount of frustration (by far). They have a drag-and-drop interface which makes it simple to design and customize your website without any coding knowledge. It also offers a variety of templates to choose from, allowing you to create a professional-looking website quickly and makes learning the platform super easy.

2. Professional templates

   Pretty much all websites come with a bunch of templates these days. Squarespace makes it easy to choose one according to what you want to do (i.e. art portfolio, e-commerce store, blogger or influencer etc…). Once you choose one, it’s drag and drop from there. These templates are designed to be responsive, meaning they will adjust to the screen size of the device being used to view your website, ensuring that it looks great on any device - bonus!

3. E-commerce capabilities

   Squarespace makes it easy to set up an online store, allowing you to sell physical or digital products, subscriptions, and services. Squarespace's e-commerce capabilities include inventory management, order tracking, and shipping integration with leading carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Squarespace also supports multiple payment options, including credit card payments and PayPal. What is really cool too is that you can integrate any products throughout your site. Meaning you can insert a product beautifully into a blog post or your home page if you want. No need to keep the shop front the only place to promote your stuff.

4. Search engine optimization (SEO)

   This is a BIG one! If you don’t know what SEO is or why it’s so important, read my blog post on justpinit.ca —> What is SEO and why is it so important? Squarespace is designed with SEO in mind! Your website will be optimized for search engines right out of the box. Squarespace's templates use clean code and are optimized for mobile devices, both of which can improve your website's search engine rankings. Squarespace also offers features such as customizable page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs, which can further improve your SEO. These features are super simple and clear to use so you do not have to learn a whole new language or a separate platform.

5. Built-in analytics

   Squarespace offers built-in analytics that allow you to track your website's performance, including metrics such as page views, unique visitors, and bounce rate. These insights can help you understand how your website is performing and make data-driven decisions to improve it.

6. Squarespace is cloud-based

   All of the website building tools and resources are hosted on Squarespace's servers, rather than on your local computer. What does that mean?

   • There are no software installations required. All you need is an internet connection.

   • Automatic updates. You don't need to worry about manually updating your website builder or plugins to ensure they are up to date.

   • Scalability. If your website grows in popularity and starts to receive more traffic, Squarespace can handle the increased demand without any additional work on your end.

   • Security. The company employs advanced security measures to protect its servers and user data, including SSL encryption and regular backups.

7. Updating your website on the go

   The app for the platforms itself is amazing - I am able to change (using the squarespace app on my phone) the price of a product while I was out and about. I was able to edit a link and spelling mistake in one of my blog posts directly from my phone! I can check the analytics from my phone and orders coming. I can even refund a customer immediately from the app on my phone without opening up my computer!! This accessibility has saved me so much stress when I was not around my computer and needed to make immediate changes.

8. Support

   Squarespace offers 24/7 live support to its users, making it even easier to get help when you need it. You can contact them via live chat or email, and they will respond promptly to help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing. This level of support can be particularly helpful for individuals or businesses that are new to website building and may need some guidance along the way.

   Before I use their live support when I get stuck, I simply google my question. Often I am lead to the Squarespace forum but there is also a lot of information sharing on YouTube (if you prefer to watch versus read - especially when working in a place you don’t understand, watching people solve problems is very useful). There are loads of people using squarespace which makes solving your problems easier by having a large pool of people willing to help!

I seriously love Squarespace.

Their older version (7.0) was a little more simple and easier to use than the 7.1 version that is currently available, but even this newest version is easier to navigate and problem solve, compared to any other platform I’ve used before.

Here’s how I can help you save money:

Use the code BASIA at check-out and you will receive 20% off your annual subscription (for your first year).