Collaboration and how it can help you grow artistically and financially

I just had a thought dawn on me about 10 minutes ago, as I was asking myself what my next blog post should be and it came to me; write about something I know and that has helped me grow immensely over the past two years.  Collaboration!

It seems obvious I know, but sometimes the obvious still needs explanation.  Working well with people comes naturally to me and working with a team helps me to find new ways of showing my work and turning it into a story.  So here are several points that will help you see how collaboration can be huge for your business!

Collaboration helps to:

1.  Expand my group and audience. I expose my craft to a new audience when I work with a printmaker, galleriest, photographer, videographer, model, make up artists etc. the list goes on and on.  In turn I've traded and sold my jewelry to these same artists and their friends.

2.  I learn so much from watching other artists and how they see the world; this in turns broadens my perspective and method of working.

3.  I also learn what NOT to do the next time; this isn't negative but it helps doing something wrong to get it right the next time.

4.  Patience, oh this one is so hard for me but it takes time to process photos, ideas and concepts when working with others.

5.  Reaps benefits infinitely; and you learn to work in a team, being an artist can be lonely so working in group or team every couple of months shakes up your daily work life.

Outtake from the Valkyrie photoshoot with Brian Korff, videographer and photo by Aileen Devlin.

Just some of the projects I've collaborated with other artists:

• Aurelian Nights Fashion show (Paula Chrismon of the Closet Consignment boutique, Art Avenue and countless others.
• Momentary Myth Exhibition and photoshoot with Sim Asher and Spike Hoban (videographer)
• Art Avenue Projects
• Preyed Upon Exhibition
• Valkyrie Collection S/S14 with Aileen Devlin and Brian Korff
• Upcoming collab: Asteria Collection F/W14 Exhibition and Photoshoot with Amber Burnette of Dekay Photography
• Trifecta Trunk Show with Tara Locklear and Sarah West

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Momentary Myth opening reception

The photos are here from the opening night of the Momentary Myth joint exhibition with Sim Asher, all of the photos were taken by Aileen Devlin's Dad, Mr. Devlin.  He did a great job capturing the evenings attendees and all of us celebrating.

I could seriously pinch myself, I feel so lucky for the supportive community in Greenville.  People are always willing to contribute and do what they can to provide exposure for up and coming artists like Sim and I.  

Anywho, enough of that, below are the photos!

The team: Sterling Lieske, Aaron Iaquinto, Sim Asher, Nikki Lee, Khristie Thomas
me, Ashleigh Bowden, Meagan Wilson

Paige Thomas, Meagan Wilson and an attendee.  

Great photo of the displays.

Deer antler jawbone and the Deep Sea bronze sea horse pendant.

Old friends came out and it really made the evening better!

Me chattin' it up with Ellen Hinrichs of Geoflora Jewelry.

My work bench.

Great shot of the back studio space at Art Avenue. 

My fiance is so supportive, always comes out to cheer me on.

Aileen Devlin and Claire Edwards,
two awesome women working to bring arts to the Greenville community. 

My jewelry on display for the exhibition.

Stylish ladies at the exhibition.  

Processing a sale!  

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Eilisain Jewelry Lookbook

I realized the other night that I completely forgot to post photos from the Momentary Myth photoshoot on my blog! Of course, all of these photos are on my website but I still like to share images on the bloggedy blog.  

Sim and I worked really well together on this project because our styles are so similar and we're friends with the models too.  I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity to work with Sim and Spike, my videographer.  Speaking of, if you haven't seen the Momentary Myth video, it's pretty awesome...

Aaron modeling the Keeper ring.  Bronze 18kt gold plated bronze.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Ashleigh wearing the Deep Sea one of a kind necklace.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Sterling wearing the beaver teeth earrings and the Hunted crow claw pendant.  Sim Asher photography.
All rights reserved.

Awesome shot of the Epona ring and the Hunted ring.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Sterling wearing the Epona one of a kinda necklace and ring.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

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Momentary Myth the video

Momentary Myth from Eilisain on Vimeo.

So I finally did it, I had a video made of my jewelry.  I really wanted to wait until a week before the exhibition with Sim Asher, but I just couldn't wait any longer.  I've been holding onto the video for about a month, and I have the hardest time keeping secrets! 

Spike Hoban directed and made the video and he is really talented.  I'm so lucky I got to have him work on it; Spike also directed Kat Cole and Dejan Jovanic's videos and well, if you've seen them you'll know what I'm talking about!

I hope you enjoy it!

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Momentary Myth Exhibition

More beautiful images from the Momentary Myth collab with Sim Asher, everyday I keep getting more pumped about the event as well as the future.  

Below are the postcard images.  I mailed out a different version of the postcards on Friday - can't wait for everyone to get them!!!

PS email me if you'd like a hard copy.

Ashleigh looking gorgeous in my jewelry and shot by the talented Sim Asher

Lovin' the back of the postcard with the black and gray AA logo.

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Momentary Myth

So many exciting things are happening within the next several weeks, it's hard for me to contain myself! However, I can now give you some of the details.  

On May 11th, I will be exhibiting my jewelry alongside the photography of Sim Asher, we named it Momentary Myth and it will be at Art Avenue Contemporary Gallery & Studios, from 8-10pm.  It will be a month long exhibition showcasing my jewelry in the wilderness of eastern North Carolina.  The title came from the Beachhouse song, Myth.

I met with Sim almost two months ago to discuss the project of shooting my first lookbook (which will be presented at the exhibition) and Sim was immediately on board.  Sim's photography is so much like my jewelry, rough, wild and inspired by the wilderness surrounding Greenville.  

Not only did I get a fantastic photographer, but beautiful and fun models, a talented hair and makeup artist, as well as Spike Hoban to shoot a video!!!! Which I'll also release at the exhibition - but you will get the first look here about a week before the show.  Can you tell I'm bursting at the seams with excitement?!?

Here are just some of the beautiful shots Sim took. 

Ashleigh Bowden wearing the aragonite burst earrings.  Sim Asher photography all rights reserved.  

Ashleigh wearing the Deep Sea Necklace.  Sim Asher Photography all rights reserved.

 There are several more photos on my website, which you'll also notice some slight changes I made.  I hope you like it and I hope you can come to the exhibition.

Thank you as always for reading. xo

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