Demdaco Appreciation Week continues (hope you guys are finding this fun and interesting) today with another giveaway (see below!) and a conversation with Anne, a product developer who I work super closely with at Demdaco.
There have been some good questions coming my way about all of this that I think are important to address. In the absolute celebration of being honest, here are my answers + thoughts!
Q: It seems like you and Demdaco are still in the honeymoon phase. Who came up with the idea for Demdaco Appreciation Week?
A: I came up with this idea, asked them if they would agree and they graciously said yes. I sometimes wish we were still in the honeymoon phase (working together three years) but we are not. Just like ANY relationship (friendship, marriage, business collaboration, etc), I believe that working relationships require nurturing and open, honest communication. My relationship with Demdaco is no different. We’ve had our ups and downs and misunderstandings and miscommunication which is inevitable when working so closely on something meaningful/important to both parties. So yes, we have our hurdles but we work through them while remaining committed to the same thing: doing the right thing while celebrating our partnership while negotiating tricky pieces while being firm while remaining open while staying honest while respecting the other while problem solving while moving forward.
Q: Are you not concerned about offending other companies + artists?
A: I am not concerned about offending the other companies that I work with – many of whom are brand new partnerships off to exciting starts that have also been highlighted here on the blog (Calpyso Cards for cards! Creative Co-op for home decor!). This week is about celebrating the licensing partner that started it all for me, the one that I’ve had the longest relationship with, the one who has paved the way for me to continue to grow both personally and professionally. I’m confident the other companies I partner with are celebrating right along with me because what is successful for one partnership is successful for all.
As for other artists, I hope in sharing a bit about Demdaco and how they work with their artists, I’m encouraging my fellow artist friends to find their right partners, to celebrate those partnerships, to dream big inside the licensing world (if that’s what they want), and to gain some inspiration from the videos and photos. The videos are really for the creative souls of the world, a peek into how it all works and direct access and information from people inside the industry. This is information/inspiration that quite frankly I find super valuable and rare – you just don’t see it very often – conversations between artist + manufacturer – and I am so grateful to Demdaco for doing it. When it comes to other Demdaco artists, you’ll hear how I feel about them (nothing but love!) in the video today – they are an amazing group and I’m in very, very good company. I operate from the place that there is plenty of room for all of us and that we’re all supporting and encouraging one another. My success is theirs, and vice versa.
Okay, back to it…..there are people who come into our lives and change everything. Anne has been one of those people for me ever since asking me to license my work with Demdaco. We started working together in 2008 and met one another in 2009 shortly after the KRR Collection entered the retail market. Above is a photo of the two of us meeting one another for the first time.
Since then, we’ve worked closely together, working on the KRR products. I generally make the art and Anne (and her amazing team) do all of the hard stuff when it comes to all the technical and intricate pieces of product development. But together, Anne and I brainstorm ideas, we choose which art goes on which format, we see each other once or twice a year, we skype, we email, we text, we talk, constantly going back and forth about whatever products the team is currently working on sourcing, developing, sampling, and more.
(at the national sales meeting, 2009)
You know how when you talk to people and it’s clearly evident how much they love their job? That’s Anne. She loves her job and it shows with her knowledge of the industry, her design talent, and her creative enthusiasm. Once, Dave K (co-owner of Demdaco) told me he always knows when Anne’s product samples have arrived because he can hear her joyful screams all the way down the office hallway. And that’s so true. She has a way of getting super excited and LOUD when she’s happy and/or inspired and it’s quite contagious to the lucky people around her.
During this interview with Anne, you’ll hear how the KRR line came to be (and what a risk it was for both of us), how Demdaco finds their artists (you’ll be surprised), how they try and honor the indie/handmade movement, how they’ve come to embrace the mixed media art community (with successful partnerships with many mixed media artists), how the product development process works, what she thinks is the key to creating successful products, and so much more, including a surprise guest!
Also, if you’ve ever wondered why my paintings always have figures with tilted heads, the answer is in this video! One more thing….what is hilarious to me about this video is that we’re on our best behavior…usually we’re a bit more giggly and silly and ALL OVER THE PLACE with our chatter and ideas, but after a disastrous first attempt at our video (due to all the above), we decided to try again with a more grown-up/reserved approach 🙂
I just rewatched this video and really love our conversation…enjoy! The sneak peek of the summer product that I mentioned in the video will happen later this week!
Important: For those of you who might be interested in licensing your work in the gift industry, I, along with Ingrid Liss (Demdaco’s creative director that Anne mentioned a couple of times in the video) and a few other super talented peeps in the gift industry will be participating in The Creative Connection’s pitch slams – a chance for you to pitch your ideas, meet key players, and get valuable advice. We’d love to see you! More info here!
Big thanks to Jonathan Jones at Demdaco for editing our skype conversation!
We’re giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter ALL of the giveaways! We’ll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday’s post to enter that giveaway)!
For today’s giveaway:
*We’re giving one lucky commenter $100 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*I’m giving another lucky commenter an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post! Tell us something funny, tell us a meaningful story, tell us what you’re celebrating, WHO you’re celebrating today….anything goes!
* Just one comment per person, please. International commenters welcome!
* I’ll announce the winner soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven’t already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We’re offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
gosh, we've been celebrating a lot this month! june is a big one for our family. lots of birthdays, graduations, and an anniversary! always busy but full of celebration. 🙂
I am celebrating my discovery of an Australian Black Swan right here in the Columbia River who was proudly taking care of 6 mallard ducklings, a small miracle of nature.
Today I'm celebrating the bright side. Got rained out the first day of selling my art and jewelry at our downtown market. The bright side is that I didn't get around to making the baked goods I was also planning to sell, or I would be stuffing my face with it right now. 🙂
Normally I would be saying how much I celebrate the freedom I have to create, but today I am celebrating my 91 year old nan, who still creates beautiful crochet works, drives her car, exercises three times a week, visits her friends, and bakes the most beautiful cooking each and every week for my girls and I.
I celebrate her determination, her passion, her quirks [cause lets face it you don't get to 91 with out some!] her generosity, and her spirit. I celebrate that my girls are able to visit and learn from her too.
I celebrate my luck and joy that she is still in my life, that we have such a strong female role model. I wanna be my nan when I grow up!
Kirstin x
Today I am celebrating my potential. I am not completely sure what that is or where it will take me, but I am setting off on the adventure to find out. There has been a little voice inside me telling me that I belong in Austin. Being a native Texan (born in Dallas) and living there for my first 13 yrs before moving to WY, I didnt feel like that was a long stretch to move there. But it has been a tough decision. I have no family there. I will be moving there completly alone. Yikes. But I think I can do it. And that a fresh start is exciting. And maybe, just maybe, I will feel like I fit there. And Ill be home.
P.S. Love the thought of all the hands that touch each piece and make them whole. Just beautiful. And soooo excited to see the jewelry line!!
like everyday, i'm celebrating the ups, downs, quirks, noise, and always the laughter of parenthood.
I'm not sure if this is celebrating. But tomorrow we'll have a babysitter for the very first time for my 2 kids (4 and 6 yrs old) so that we can attend a friend's dessert party. We haven't had an "adult" event in over 6 years!
I celebrate being brave and beieving. I celebrate having passion for life, and try to pass along this passion and help others find theirs. I celebrate family and am blessed to have such an amazing one.
Totally random, but today i celebrate reading with my kids. I stopped in a bookstore and randomly picked up 3 books to read with them. I am excited to start a summer reading experience with them!
As always, thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Today I celebrate that after 18mths I am finally spending time creating Art, can't beat that!!
I am celebrating the last day of Week 1 in our summer camp program. I also am relishing in the moment of having a good conversation day with an admirer. And not to mention tomorrow is an open art night AND I FINISHED MY FIRST ART BOOK CARVING 🙂
I am celebrating the many aspects of my life and learning who I am and being ok with that! I have just started my journey and am learning to enjoy the process and celebrate along the way.
Hi Kelly!
I'm celebrating because tomorrow is our son's 4 month old appointment. Last time the doc mentioned that after this appt was when he could start eating rice cereal. We're HOPING this will be the key to unlock a full night's sleep…or at least 4 hours in a row …PLeAsE!!! 😉
Thank you for sharing a behind the scenes look this week! This is so fun!!
In a world where we are force fed images of over made up plastic women, I have always enjoyed your more peaceful, beautiful and vulnerable side of your girls. You celebrate what most of us feel inside and it always makes me smile to look at your pictures.
Julie Q
Today I am celebrating my nephew Conrad. He is getting his drivers license today!
He's such a great kid and this is a huge milestone in all of our lives!
Way to go!
Thank you Kelly for creating a celebration place for all of us today.
I'm 62 & my daughter urged me to blog, to see what it was all about I chose one blog to follow. Kelly Rae, that was yours. I followed you as if you were my own daughter, through yr. pregnancy, birth of baby True. I bought your book and loved, loved, loved it. Your willingness to share, (such as these Demdaco details) has been so helpful to me. I've been a "closet-artist" most of my life, somehow I just couldn't get out the words "I am an artist" and because of all I've learned from you and the many links and people your blog has turned me onto, I am creating and having more fun with my artwork than ever before. Thank You Kelly Rae!
Today, and really for the past two weeks, I've been celebrating how the Universe sometimes steps in and helps us achieve our dreams in totally unexpected ways.
Another great post!! On a roll this week. So glad I stopped by. I'm celebrating the small steps today!
I strive each day to celebrate the JOY of being in the moment & celebrating all the little & big things in life. Today it was taking my son to violin & tennis. And then I bribed him with a piece of coconut cream pie to wait for me at yoga! A mommy trick! Then home to give Mango, our Golden Retiever, a bath. She knows that she is clean & will climb up on the sofa to cuddle tonight! Pure simple JOY! xo, C:)
I am celebrating my art that is inspired by reading your book and blog! I wish I could be a fly on your studio wall!
I just celebrated my daughter's birthday; at 8 she is the perfect combination of innocence, joy and sass 🙂
"I sing the body electric. I celebrate the me yet to come" (from Fame) Here's to reinventions!
today i am celebrating friendship and enjoying lunch with a great person and friend.
I am celebrating the restarting of my art career. I have took the leap to be a working artist, and teacher.
today I am celebrating my students, the children who have been taking weekly art classes with me out of my studio. They are the next generation of creative spirits!
So fun and interesting to read about your adventures, Kelly Rae. I'm always celebrating my family. I'm very grateful to have a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful kids.
Hello there! Today I am celebrating the gorgeous weather! FINALLY, a day without rain! Thank you so much for the chance to win!!
Celebrated my son & the campers at Ability First Sports Camp in Chico, CA…wheelchair camp for kids with special needs. Skit night was great fun with lots of laughter!
I'm celebrating my engagement! My mom bought me a KRR decorative girlie when I went through my divorce…and she has a whole new meaning now that I am engaged to be married!
Today I'm celebrating my left hand healing after surgery, and the fact I will be able to share again soon my colors, my passion and love for life, through my hands. Thank you for this opportunity, Kelly Rae, and for all the inspiration from your work and words. I am grateful for your Flying Lessons too, and for the great strength you gave us.
Hugs from Italy,
Monica x
Would love to have a chance to win! Lorraine
Would love to have a chance at the great give aways! Lorraine
mmm. i tried to post this last night and i don't see it…i am celebrating THIS MOMENT of appreciating the generous nature of
Kelly Rae….giving her fans this week of looking on the inside of how it is "possible" to make our dreams of being working artists is WONDerFUL !! Often people guard the secrets of their success but she openly shares her story and encourages us to join her in living our dreams.
I AM CELEBRATING LOVE!!
I am celebrating my youngest son finishing his 8th grade year and becoming a FRESHMAN!!!! Where did the time go? Enjoy every second with True – it goes by way to quickly. ox, mary ann
I am celebrating humor! I absolutely LOVE to laugh, which is why I married a guy with a great sense of humor. Sometimes, however, I forget to open myself up to it during the day. There is always so much work to be done – personally and professionally, that laughing sometimes gets lost. The other day my son used an itunes gift card he had received and bought a comedy bit performed by Jim Gaffigan. He brought down his ipod player and set it up in the kitchen for us to listen to while I made dinner. We all laughed so hard and it felt absolutely GREAT! Something so silly as a fully belly laugh can make all the difference in your day. I think we all need to remember to laugh more often. It's good for the soul. :0)
Love, Love, Love, this week's appreciation week. Thank you for giving us a peak into your relationship with Anne.
I celebrate when i paint. I love mixed media and love to create. My inspiration comes to me at random times day and night and my art always has a meaning. I emailed you a picture not to long ago of myself and my 2 BFFs. They inspire me, uplift me, and encourage me. They have made me who i am. You gave me the wings to put it all on canvas and begin my artful journey. My husband gave me the courage to try. I love my life.
I am celebrating being healthy and being in a happy, loving relationship. Life is really good!
celebrating my brave 2 year old and her lovely new arm cast! Strong women of the world unite! 🙂
I am celebrating the love of my life that I am so blessed to have gotten a 2nd chance with. We met in 91 dated for 2 years and went our separate ways. We found each other again 3 years ago and will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary in August.
We make sure everyday to tell each other how blessed we are to have each other. I celebrate him every day!
Thanks again for a great week of giveaways. I'm from Australia and feel so happy that you are including Internationals. 🙂
Something funny…
All my funny stories are you-had-to-be-there.
One time I skipped school to go to Starbuck's and I locked my keys in my car and had to call my mom to come get me.
One time I was giving a new friend a ride on my moped and he held on not by my shoulders, or waist, but by placing his hands on top on mine… haahahahahah
In fact, today I am celebrating him and his awkwardness.
Love the interview with Anne … you two make a great team. Isn't it wonderful that you both have the opportunity to do something that you love and be able to make a living from it – it makes the difficult days not so difficult and the long hours fly right by.
Right now I am celebrating life … my family, my friends and my health.
Today I am celebrating LIFE. I am truly blessed with a Godly family, a supportive and OH SO wonderful hubby, 2 beautiful grown children, and a lovely home. God is so good to me! Loved the video. You are such an inspiration.
hugs,
tara
I am celebrating getting my best friend back !!!!!! I was feeling lost without her and after a heart felt talk last night, it is all ok……
Such a beautiful week! I am celebrating LIFE, which at times is both funny and meaningful. Being young at heart, and spreading my creative wings, my blog is 1 year old and the guest room is now my studio. I enjoy creating every day. Kelly Rae, you have been a huge inspiration for me to do what I love.
a local retailor in Oskaloosa Iowa, is a great sorce for Kelly Rae essentials. The name of the store is Mahaska Drug. They now have a wonderful display of life aultering Art by You…
Soooo…. is there a deadline to this give-a-way? Or can I enter until the end of the week? If not too late, Here's my comment!
Something funny… I speak fluent Pig Latin as a second language.
No. That's not funny. That's lame. How about… my husband and I met in a barn. That's kinda funny. You know what's really funny? Every stinkin' year for my birthday one of my best friends sends me a fart card. A FART card!!! What's that about? Actually, it's due to my twisted humor and the fact that I can't stop laughing at them and she thinks that's hilarious so she's actually doing it for herself so she can laugh at me laughing at the fart card.
'nuf said!
OMG… How I would love to have $100 to spend in your store… although I'm afraid it probably wouldn't be enough. LOL
I am celebrating the end of school and time…time to just hang with my kids, without the everpresent need to get somewhere or do something; time to explore my own art; time to really clean my house!; time to take a road trip, with no set destination. Life is good!