How to Find an Artist's Rep

Just as actors hire agents to advance their careers, some artists hire representatives to promote their personae and artwork. Hiring someone to advocate for you as an artist can take your career to new heights and give you exposure that you might not otherwise acquire on your own. Find an artist's rep to promote your artwork if you want to take your career to the next level.

Instructions

1

Create plenty of artwork. Come up with several pieces or a collection of your work for presentation. Know that art reps are scarce and will only represent an artist who is already somewhat successful.

2

Find an artist's rep so that you'll have more time to produce more artwork. Start by asking your favorite caf or restaurant to display some of your work if you haven't done so already, thus providing good places to meet with art reps later.

3

Look for good art reps through word-of-mouth, and ask some of your current clients for recommendations. Since they buy art, they know good art reps. See which artists various reps promote and find out what type of art they're most into (e.g., commercial or fine art).

4

Know that some art reps aren't very good, and the rest (if you can convince one to represent you) aren't likely to be there for you emotionally or for any other personal reason. It's just about business usually. Reps generally get around 25% of your sales for their role in your career development, and art galleries get anywhere between 40% and 60% for commissions.

5

Contact various reps. Most have web sites you can peruse online that not only provide contact information, but also present bios on current artists they're representing as well as show off their portfolios.

6

Meet with a few art reps you find appealing. Meet at cafs or other places where you might already have your artwork exhibited. Bring samples of your work or your portfolio with you.

7

Ask each art rep how they feel about a trial period of representation. Realize this will benefit you too since it's important to uncover whether or not your relationship will click and flourish. Find an artist's rep and grow your career. Get the exposure you've been missing and sell more art.

---

Just as actors hire agents to advance their careers, some artists hire representatives to promote their personae and artwork. Hiring someone to advocate for you as an artist can take your career to new heights and give you exposure that you might not otherwise acquire on your own. Find an artist's rep to promote your artwork if you want to take your career to the next level.

Instructions

1

Create plenty of artwork. Come up with several pieces or a collection of your work for presentation. Know that art reps are scarce and will only represent an artist who is already somewhat successful.

2

Find an artist's rep so that you'll have more time to produce more artwork. Start by asking your favorite caf or restaurant to display some of your work if you haven't done so already, thus providing good places to meet with art reps later.

3

Look for good art reps through word-of-mouth, and ask some of your current clients for recommendations. Since they buy art, they know good art reps. See which artists various reps promote and find out what type of art they're most into (e.g., commercial or fine art).

4

Know that some art reps aren't very good, and the rest (if you can convince one to represent you) aren't likely to be there for you emotionally or for any other personal reason. It's just about business usually.

>>> I recommend thisTrick Photography And Special Effects E-bookfor whoever love photography world. A MUST HAVE!! <<<


. Reps generally get around 25% of your sales for their role in your career development, and art galleries get anywhere between 40% and 60% for commissions.
5

Contact various reps. Most have web sites you can peruse online that not only provide contact information, but also present bios on current artists they're representing as well as show off their portfolios.

6

Meet with a few art reps you find appealing. Meet at cafs or other places where you might already have your artwork exhibited. Bring samples of your work or your portfolio with you.

7

Ask each art rep how they feel about a trial period of representation. Realize this will benefit you too since it's important to uncover whether or not your relationship will click and flourish. Find an artist's rep and grow your career. Get the exposure you've been missing and sell more art.

How to Propagate Swedish Ivy

Swedish ivy is not native to Sweden and it is not technically ivy. It originated in Australia, but became a popular house plant in Sweden. Its branches cascade over the sides of pots giving it a resemblance of ivy. Part of the reason the plant has become so popular is due to how easy the propagation of it is. It can be easily reproduced and passed around to friends. Read on to learn how to propagate Swedish ivy.

Instructions

1

Put on a pair of gloves before propagation of Swedish ivy. The sap of the Swedish ivy plant will dye your hands orange. Wear gloves or be prepared to thoroughly was your hands when you are through working with the plant.

2

Find several 3 or 4 inch healthy tips of the plant. Make sure the tips are all green with no sign of damage or wilting.

3

Cut away the tips from the plant directly above a set of leaf nodes. The plant will branch at this point. Remove the bottom set of leaves from the propagation.

4

Place the tip cuttings in a glass of water. The bottom 1 or 2 inches of the stem must be submerged in water. Watch the glass carefully to make sure the plant has a supply of water at all times. Place the cuttings in front of a bright window.

5

Wait about two weeks for roots to emerge out of the stems. When roots appear, remove the cutting from the water and plant them in a pot filled with standard potting mix. You can place three or four cuttings in one 4-inch pot.

6

Treat the propagation as a mature Swedish ivy plant after it is placed in a pot.

7

Propagate a Swedish ivy plant once a year. Swedish ivy plants begin to decline as there stems become wooden. Propagation once a year ensured you'll always have a thriving plant.

---

Swedish ivy is not native to Sweden and it is not technically ivy. It originated in Australia, but became a popular house plant in Sweden. Its branches cascade over the sides of pots giving it a resemblance of ivy. Part of the reason the plant has become so popular is due to how easy the propagation of it is. It can be easily reproduced and passed around to friends. Read on to learn how to propagate Swedish ivy.

Instructions

1

Put on a pair of gloves before propagation of Swedish ivy. The sap of the Swedish ivy plant will dye your hands orange. Wear gloves or be prepared to thoroughly was your hands when you are through working with the plant.

2

Find several 3 or 4 inch healthy tips of the plant. Make sure the tips are all green with no sign of damage or wilting.

3

Cut away the tips from the plant directly above a set of leaf nodes. The plant will branch at this point. Remove the bottom set of leaves from the propagation.

4

Place the tip cuttings in a glass of water. The bottom 1 or 2 inches of the stem must be submerged in water. Watch the glass carefully to make sure the plant has a supply of water at all times. Place the cuttings in front of a bright window.

5

Wait about two weeks for roots to emerge out of the stems. When roots appear, remove the cutting from the water and plant them in a pot filled with standard potting mix. You can place three or four cuttings in one 4-inch pot.

6

Treat the propagation as a mature Swedish ivy plant after it is placed in a pot.

7

Propagate a Swedish ivy plant once a year.

>>> I recommend thisTrick Photography And Special Effects E-bookfor whoever love photography world. A MUST HAVE!! <<<


. Swedish ivy plants begin to decline as there stems become wooden. Propagation once a year ensured you'll always have a thriving plant.

How to Polish Sportbike Frames

A polished sportbike frame will look like chrome. In order for the frame to look shiny and glossy, it has to be perfectly smooth. This do-it-yourself project will take the better part of a weekend, since you should take your time and work methodically to make sure that you polish every centimeter of the frame.

Instructions

Prepare the Frame

1

Wash the frame of your sportbike thoroughly using a liquid dish detergent and water hose. This will remove any debris, which makes polishing the frame easier. Allow the frame to dry completely.

2

Lay a large sheet of plastic or cardboard on the floor. This will protect the frame from being scratched by the concrete while you are polishing it. Ideally, you should work in a well-ventilated, covered area. A garage with the door open is a good option. Place the frame on the plastic or cardboard.

3

Remove any paint from the frame using paint thinner. You can use a spray bottle to spray the paint thinner onto the frame and then wipe it off with a clean towel. Another option is to pour paint thinner onto a towel and wipe the frame. You should work from top to bottom when you do this. Rinse off the frame and allow it to dry.

4

Look at the frame. If you notice any areas that look like brushed aluminum, your bike has anodized areas. You will need to remove the anodized areas using regular-strength oven cleaner. Spray the oven cleaner on the frame and leave it alone for 15 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean towel using circular motions. If you still see anodized areas, repeat this process, but leave the oven cleaner on the frame for 8 minutes. If you leave the oven cleaner on too long, it may cause pitting.

5

Rinse off the frame and place it on a clean piece of plastic or cardboard. Throw away the old plastic or cardboard.

Sand the Frame

6

Sand the frame with an orbital sander. You need to start with wet 320 grit sandpaper. Make sure that the sandpaper and frame stay wet any time you are sanding. You can sand the crevasses by hand. Make sure you get the entire frame. Turn the frame as you work so you can sand all of the frame.

7

Continue to wet-sand the frame using 400 grit sandpaper, followed by 600 grit sandpaper, 800 grit sandpaper, 1,200 grit sanpaper and finally 2,000 grit sand paper. With each new grit, you should remove the scuffs and scratches made by the previous grit. Take your time to ensure that all imperfections are sanded out. By the time you finish sanding with the 2,000 grit sandpaper, the frame should be as smooth as glass.

8

Buff the frame using the orbital sander. You will need an automotive buffer pad and a brown cutting compound. This will polish the frame. Wash the frame with dish detergent and allow it to dry.

9

Polish the frame using the orbital sander, a clean polishing pad and a red or rouge cutting compound. Once you have polished the entire frame using the red cutting compound, it should be very shiny, almost like chrome.

10

Wipe off the frame with a flannel cloth to remove smudges.

---

A polished sportbike frame will look like chrome. In order for the frame to look shiny and glossy, it has to be perfectly smooth. This do-it-yourself project will take the better part of a weekend, since you should take your time and work methodically to make sure that you polish every centimeter of the frame.

Instructions

Prepare the Frame

1

Wash the frame of your sportbike thoroughly using a liquid dish detergent and water hose. This will remove any debris, which makes polishing the frame easier. Allow the frame to dry completely.

2

Lay a large sheet of plastic or cardboard on the floor. This will protect the frame from being scratched by the concrete while you are polishing it. Ideally, you should work in a well-ventilated, covered area. A garage with the door open is a good option. Place the frame on the plastic or cardboard.

3

Remove any paint from the frame using paint thinner. You can use a spray bottle to spray the paint thinner onto the frame and then wipe it off with a clean towel. Another option is to pour paint thinner onto a towel and wipe the frame. You should work from top to bottom when you do this. Rinse off the frame and allow it to dry.

4

Look at the frame. If you notice any areas that look like brushed aluminum, your bike has anodized areas. You will need to remove the anodized areas using regular-strength oven cleaner. Spray the oven cleaner on the frame and leave it alone for 15 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean towel using circular motions. If you still see anodized areas, repeat this process, but leave the oven cleaner on the frame for 8 minutes. If you leave the oven cleaner on too long, it may cause pitting.

5

Rinse off the frame and place it on a clean piece of plastic or cardboard. Throw away the old plastic or cardboard.

Sand the Frame

6

Sand the frame with an orbital sander. You need to start with wet 320 grit sandpaper. Make sure that the sandpaper and frame stay wet any time you are sanding. You can sand the crevasses by hand. Make sure you get the entire frame. Turn the frame as you work so you can sand all of the frame.

7

Continue to wet-sand the frame using 400 grit sandpaper, followed by 600 grit sandpaper, 800 grit sandpaper, 1,200 grit sanpaper and finally 2,000 grit sand paper. With each new grit, you should remove the scuffs and scratches made by the previous grit. Take your time to ensure that all imperfections are sanded out. By the time you finish sanding with the 2,000 grit sandpaper, the frame should be as smooth as glass.

8

Buff the frame using the orbital sander. You will need an automotive buffer pad and a brown cutting compound. This will polish the frame. Wash the frame with dish detergent and allow it to dry.

9

Polish the frame using the orbital sander, a clean polishing pad and a red or rouge cutting compound. Once you have polished the entire frame using the red cutting compound, it should be very shiny, almost like chrome.

10

Wipe off the frame with a flannel cloth to remove smudges.

How to Know When it's Safe to Download Something

You open up your computer to viruses and make your personal information vulnerable to phishers and hackers when you download unsafe files to your hard drive. Take a few precautions to make sure a download is safe to avoid these risks.

Instructions

1

Choose save to disk when downloading a file. Most computers give you the option to either download and open a program or download and save it to your computer. Always choose save to disk when downloading because your virus software scans the download for viruses.

2

Update your virus scan software. New viruses pop up regularly. Updated virus software will catch these viruses before they are downloaded to your computer while out-of-date software will not recognize new viruses.

3

Conduct a search. If you are wondering about the safety of a certain program, search for it on the Internet. Read user reviews to find out if anyone else who has downloaded the program has had any safety issues with it. If they have, do not download it.

4

Look at the file extensions. These are the three letters that follow the name of the program. Common dangerous extensions include .exe, .scr, .com and .vbs. These file extensions are an indicator of unsafe downloads.

---

You open up your computer to viruses and make your personal information vulnerable to phishers and hackers when you download unsafe files to your hard drive. Take a few precautions to make sure a download is safe to avoid these risks.

Instructions

1

Choose save to disk when downloading a file. Most computers give you the option to either download and open a program or download and save it to your computer.

>>> I recommend thisTrick Photography And Special Effects E-bookfor whoever love photography world. A MUST HAVE!! <<<


. Always choose save to disk when downloading because your virus software scans the download for viruses.
2

Update your virus scan software. New viruses pop up regularly. Updated virus software will catch these viruses before they are downloaded to your computer while out-of-date software will not recognize new viruses.

3

Conduct a search. If you are wondering about the safety of a certain program, search for it on the Internet. Read user reviews to find out if anyone else who has downloaded the program has had any safety issues with it. If they have, do not download it.

4

Look at the file extensions. These are the three letters that follow the name of the program. Common dangerous extensions include .exe, .scr, .com and .vbs. These file extensions are an indicator of unsafe downloads.

How to Set Up a Digital Art Gallery

The Internet can be a great way to gain exposure for your art, providing an opportunity for thousands of people across the world to view it. Setting up an online art gallery for your work is easy when you use a digital art gallery website. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

1

Scan or photograph your artwork, if it isn't already in a digital format. Use a high quality, high resolution digital camera to take photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other art to achieve the best results. Make sure the images are crisp and cropped to show only the art work itself.

2

Select your best work to display online. When you present yourself as an artist online, the work shown should be art gallery quality.

3

Choose a digital art gallery website to host your online art web page (see Resources below). Some are free, while others charge nominal annual fees. Many of these sites allow you to sell your work, and they don't take a commission.

4

Create an account with the site of your choice and upload your digital images. Make sure they are resized according to the site's requirements.

5

Write a biography for your digital art gallery. It should be concise and professional and can include background information, methods and materials used, and an artist statement. Browse other artists' sites online to get ideas.

6

Determine pricing for your artwork, if you wish to sell it. Look for other artist sites with comparable work and use that as a guideline. For more help in pricing your art, see Resources below.

7

Keep your gallery updated with recent work and information.

---

The Internet can be a great way to gain exposure for your art, providing an opportunity for thousands of people across the world to view it. Setting up an online art gallery for your work is easy when you use a digital art gallery website. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

1

Scan or photograph your artwork, if it isn't already in a digital format. Use a high quality, high resolution digital camera to take photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other art to achieve the best results. Make sure the images are crisp and cropped to show only the art work itself.

2

Select your best work to display online. When you present yourself as an artist online, the work shown should be art gallery quality.

3

Choose a digital art gallery website to host your online art web page (see Resources below). Some are free, while others charge nominal annual fees. Many of these sites allow you to sell your work, and they don't take a commission.

4

Create an account with the site of your choice and upload your digital images. Make sure they are resized according to the site's requirements.

5

Write a biography for your digital art gallery. It should be concise and professional and can include background information, methods and materials used, and an artist statement.

>>> I recommend thisTrick Photography And Special Effects E-bookfor whoever love photography world. A MUST HAVE!! <<<


. Browse other artists' sites online to get ideas.
6

Determine pricing for your artwork, if you wish to sell it. Look for other artist sites with comparable work and use that as a guideline. For more help in pricing your art, see Resources below.

7

Keep your gallery updated with recent work and information.

How to Make a T-Shirt Pillow

Maybe you or someone you know have a favorite t-shirt that just isn't cutting it in the wardrobe department anymore. It's hard to throw away something so treasured, but now you don't have to part with it. Make it into a pillow to use for those weekend naps or just to have as a keepsake. This is also great for those fun t-shirts that kids have outgrow so quickly.

Instructions

1

Flip the t-shirt inside-out.

2

Sew the neck hole and arm holes closed, sewing the fronts to the backs. If you're using stuffing rather than a pillow form, sew along the bottom of the t-shirt to close the front and back together leaving an opening about 4 inches wide.

3

Turn the shirt right-side out.

4

Stuff polyester stuffing into the arm holes and lightly fill the neck and shoulder area.

5

Continue stuffing the shirt with polyester stuffing or use a pillow form to fill out the rest of the t-shirt.

6

Use the needle and thread to stitch the bottom of the t-shirt pillow closed.

---

Maybe you or someone you know have a favorite t-shirt that just isn't cutting it in the wardrobe department anymore. It's hard to throw away something so treasured, but now you don't have to part with it. Make it into a pillow to use for those weekend naps or just to have as a keepsake. This is also great for those fun t-shirts that kids have outgrow so quickly.

Instructions

1

Flip the t-shirt inside-out.

2

Sew the neck hole and arm holes closed, sewing the fronts to the backs.

>>> I recommend thisTrick Photography And Special Effects E-bookfor whoever love photography world. A MUST HAVE!! <<<


. If you're using stuffing rather than a pillow form, sew along the bottom of the t-shirt to close the front and back together leaving an opening about 4 inches wide.
3

Turn the shirt right-side out.

4

Stuff polyester stuffing into the arm holes and lightly fill the neck and shoulder area.

5

Continue stuffing the shirt with polyester stuffing or use a pillow form to fill out the rest of the t-shirt.

6

Use the needle and thread to stitch the bottom of the t-shirt pillow closed.

How to Pick Profitable Perennial Herbs

Herbs have many uses. They add piquancy to innumerable dishes, play a key role in folk medicine and have immense aesthetic value for their fragrance and beauty. If you have a green thumb and can grow and pick profitable perennial herbs, you can grow a great home-based business.

Instructions

1

Research business and agricultural laws and create a business plan. Start with your state board of health and trade agency. Be sure you know the health regulations, especially if you plan to sell cooking herbs. Likewise, if you plan to ship herbs out of state or out of the country, you must have all your paperwork and licensing in place.

2

Know the profitable perennial herbs. These include lavender, lemon balm, mints, rosemary, sage, comfrey, chives, chamomile, catnip and many others. Start with the tried and true to maximize early profits. The most popular perennial herbs are French thyme and tarragon, summer savory, sage, rosemary and various mints. After you establish your crop and your business, expand with other profitable perennial herbs.

3

Choose perennial herbs that cater to out-of-season and exotic cravings. Late fall, winter and very early spring can be a profitable time for fresh herbs like basil, which is popular in Italian dishes and other cuisines year-round. Also remember that herbs that are commonly imported can be a hit when made available locally.

4

Find or farm your perennial herbs. Start your own herb farm or greenhouse or work out a deal with a farmer who sells herbs wholesale. Grow perennial herbs in full sun to maximize their essential oils that produce taste and fragrance. Water and fertilize carefully, since too-fast growth results in lush foliage and flowers that have a lower essential oil content.

5

Harvest perennial herbs as appropriate for each plant. Get a good reference book on perennial herbs for directions on how best to harvest, dry and store each kind of herb. Wait to harvest any herbs that you plan to sell in seed form until they are ripe. Tap the seed pods gently. They are ready to harvest if the seeds begin to fall at your touch.

6

Pick leafy herbs to sell fresh or dried when the first flower buds start to form. The essential oils in the leaves are most fragrant and flavorful at this time. If possible, harvest the herbs on a clear morning just after the dew dissipates. Harvesting herbs in the afternoon sun can render them less flavorful, aromatic and attractive. Cut perennial herbs a third of the way down the central stem. Leave stems long in order to bundle the herbs and hang them in a dark place to dry.

7

Dry the herbs for one to two weeks. Hang herbs upside down in bundles to dry to maximize retention of the essential oils. If you lay the herbs flat to dry, shift them often to prevent mildew. When the leaves are crumbly and dry to the touch, they are ready to remove and store. Remove the leaves once the herbs have dried. Discard all flowers. Sift to remove stems if necessary so that only the dried leaves remain.

8

Put the leaves into glass jars and seal them tightly. Store the jarred herbs somewhere dark and out of direct sunlight. Package the herbs attractively for sale.

9

Market your herbs. Profitable venues include stores and restaurants. You may also be able to market herbs online.

---

Herbs have many uses. They add piquancy to innumerable dishes, play a key role in folk medicine and have immense aesthetic value for their fragrance and beauty. If you have a green thumb and can grow and pick profitable perennial herbs, you can grow a great home-based business.

Instructions

1

Research business and agricultural laws and create a business plan. Start with your state board of health and trade agency. Be sure you know the health regulations, especially if you plan to sell cooking herbs. Likewise, if you plan to ship herbs out of state or out of the country, you must have all your paperwork and licensing in place.

2

Know the profitable perennial herbs. These include lavender, lemon balm, mints, rosemary, sage, comfrey, chives, chamomile, catnip and many others. Start with the tried and true to maximize early profits. The most popular perennial herbs are French thyme and tarragon, summer savory, sage, rosemary and various mints. After you establish your crop and your business, expand with other profitable perennial herbs.

3

Choose perennial herbs that cater to out-of-season and exotic cravings. Late fall, winter and very early spring can be a profitable time for fresh herbs like basil, which is popular in Italian dishes and other cuisines year-round. Also remember that herbs that are commonly imported can be a hit when made available locally.

4

Find or farm your perennial herbs. Start your own herb farm or greenhouse or work out a deal with a farmer who sells herbs wholesale. Grow perennial herbs in full sun to maximize their essential oils that produce taste and fragrance. Water and fertilize carefully, since too-fast growth results in lush foliage and flowers that have a lower essential oil content.

5

Harvest perennial herbs as appropriate for each plant. Get a good reference book on perennial herbs for directions on how best to harvest, dry and store each kind of herb. Wait to harvest any herbs that you plan to sell in seed form until they are ripe. Tap the seed pods gently. They are ready to harvest if the seeds begin to fall at your touch.

6

Pick leafy herbs to sell fresh or dried when the first flower buds start to form. The essential oils in the leaves are most fragrant and flavorful at this time. If possible, harvest the herbs on a clear morning just after the dew dissipates. Harvesting herbs in the afternoon sun can render them less flavorful, aromatic and attractive. Cut perennial herbs a third of the way down the central stem. Leave stems long in order to bundle the herbs and hang them in a dark place to dry.

7

Dry the herbs for one to two weeks. Hang herbs upside down in bundles to dry to maximize retention of the essential oils. If you lay the herbs flat to dry, shift them often to prevent mildew. When the leaves are crumbly and dry to the touch, they are ready to remove and store. Remove the leaves once the herbs have dried. Discard all flowers. Sift to remove stems if necessary so that only the dried leaves remain.

8

Put the leaves into glass jars and seal them tightly. Store the jarred herbs somewhere dark and out of direct sunlight. Package the herbs attractively for sale.

9

Market your herbs. Profitable venues include stores and restaurants. You may also be able to market herbs online.