As I’m settling into the new rhythms of my creative business, I’ve come to discover that there’s more than one way to do what you love.
While the work I do on a daily basis and the corresponding content I share have shifted a bit, the passion I feel towards Milk Paint has stayed constant. I’m still committed to supporting the paint brands I sold in my retail spaces. My Instagram and blog will continue to be filled with tips and tidbits of information to help my audience further develop their skills.
If you’re considering making a slight shift in the work you do for a living, perhaps this post will help open your mind to alternative ways to do what you love.
Blogging
My introduction to the blogging world came from the founder of Miss Mustard Seed’s® Milk Paint, Marian Parsons.
I don’t actually remember how I came across her beautiful blog, but once I found it, I was hooked! I couldn’t wait for her emails to hit my inbox and I savored every photo and paragraph. It was actually Marian that encouraged me to start my own business of refinishing furniture using her Milk Paint products!
As my passion for her former product grew, I came on as a retailer and eventually became a blogger and Instagram manager for her Milk Paint brand.
#dreamjob
Even though I’m transitioning away from selling MMS Milk Paint, I’m still blogging for the brand on a weekly basis. (P.S. – My inventory is still on clearance. Shop while supplies last in my online store.) It’s so much fun to interview other creatives who are using MMS Milk Paint in unique ways. I also have the privilege of whipping up custom colors, creating images and graphics, writing tutorials and sharing the brand’s Facebook live broadcasts.
As far as blogging about Milk Paint goes here on my blog, I’ll still be sharing my refinishing projects! There are quite a few pieces that I have my eye on in our new townhome. As a matter of fact, I’m looking at one as I type this post.
This gorgeous antique chest of drawers is going to get some sort of Milk Paint makeover. I’m thinking a chippy white finish would do nicely! Perhaps Ironstone with a Furniture Wax topcoat?
There’s also a washstand in Marc’s office that needs a new finish, our dining room table set and matching corner cabinet, the oak table where we have our TV, maybe repainting the bench in our foyer…
The list goes on 🙂
Photography
This is the most exciting way that I’m supporting and sharing my love of Milk Paint. While I predominantly photographed my Milk Painted pieces in the past, I’m starting to veer off and photograph the paint itself!
Recently, I snapped these shots of custom shades of blue you can mix up using Miss Mustard Seed’s® Milk Paint.
When the brand relaunched the European Collection of colors, I had so much fun creating new images of the soft pastels that I admire so much.
In addition to MMS Milk Paint, I’m also partnering with General Finishes. As a lover of their durable paint and quality wood stains, I wanted to make sure I stayed connected with their brand.
Currently, I’m creating product photography images of their professional line of products. Right now, we’re focusing on their Enduro White Poly and White Undercoat.
Fun, eh?
In addition to photographing paint, I’m toying with the idea of offering furniture photography and staging services to other refinishers. It’s not uncommon that I hear how much refinishers struggle with taking pictures of their work. Maybe there’s a need there? It will take time to think through the logistics of doing that, and the pricing structure. It’s not completely off the table though!
Then, there’s QVC to think about. There are over 100 individual units in the Marigold collection. Perhaps they need more staged images of them as opposed to a plain white background? Hmmm…
I hope you’re getting the point that there’s more than one way to do what you love. Even though I got burnt out with the physicality of refinishing furniture, I still found ways to stay connected to the painting furniture world.
You can do the same!
What skills do you have? Are there services you can offer aside from product creation? Can you consult?
Don’t keep yourself in a box. If you find yourself needing to shift a bit, like I did, apply your creativity to your own job description!
