Painter Girl

There Goes Another Stencil Great Stencil Company

Earlier this week I learned that Jan Dressler, owner of Jan Dressler Stencils, will soon be retiring after 20 years in business.  When I first became a professional decorative painter, I eagerly hopped on the Jan Dressler bandwagon as I watched her on HGTV, saw her work in several decorating magazines, and drooled over her luscious catalog.  I bought her videos, her brushes, her how to video tapes.  She taught me, right in the privacy of my own home, how to stencil in a very professional way.  Her vast catalog of stencils only grew and grew as the years went by.  Her designs evolved with the times and her ways to use these designs stretched far beyond my imagination.  She has always been a true inspiration for me.  So, I am quite saddened to see the post on her website which now reads:

"Jan Dressler is retiring!
Yes, it's true. Ater 20 years of bringing you fine stencils and great products, I have decided that it's time for me to go enjoy life. Not that I haven't enjoyed this venture, but really, life is short and now is the time!

How will this affect the world famous Jan Dressler Stencil line? Well, get them now, because they won't be around forever. We will continue to cut stencils until November 30. Then it's all over."

I get a knot in my stomach just copying and pasting that blurb.  The trade has seen several smaller companies and not so small companies, quietly fold over the past few years.  The loss of Dressler Stencils will be a huge loss for both the professional stenciler and the hobbyist.  There is not another company out there right now who carries the vast selection of stencils that Jan carries.  Jan also has been one of the biggest promoters of the Art of Stenciling and has given new meaning and new life to this art form during the 20 years she has been in business.  I know I will be buying up as many of her designs as possible before November 30th. 

This year I have really put an emphasis on incorporating stencil designs in the work I do.  I feel it is a very important component to my business and I hope it helps to set me apart from the many faux finishers that have infiltrated the market.  There is a real skill to using stencils, and a great feeling of satisfaction when that stencil takes on my own personal style and helps to reflect my client's vision of their sense of decorating.  I have been involved in lengthy discussions with my peers about the future of stenciling and will be sharing more thoughts and information concerning this cherished art in future posts, articles and interviews. 

The Agony of Defeat

Yesterday I learned from Marc that the commercial job we were to begin in September is now post-phoned until the beginning of 2008.  This is not what either of us wanted to hear.  Marc has already done a lot of work with the planning of this job and I was eager to begin samples and get going on this.  We have both been so excited about the whole concept.  This was the job where I was going to use the giant Fennel and Allium designs. The loss of this job for the Fall puts a big hole in my schedule now and also my bank account. (I was planning to finally put replacement windows in my drafty home with some of this income.) So, now it's back to the drawing board to try to fill this gap.  I try not to get too anxious about it all and trust the old saying "when one door closes, another door opens".  Generally, that does happen, but sometimes I sure wish I had a big crystal ball.

Knowing this commercial job would keep me busy for most of the Fall was a nice feeling, but now I will shift into high gear and do a lot of promotional work to drum up some new business.  I want to build up a clientele that will use both Marc and I together, so have decided to work on a photo postcard mailing to my client base and Marc's that introduces each of our services to these clients.  I also know I have to get out there and network and lastly I am working w/Marc to get his blog site up and running.  You will all enjoy reading his blog and seeing how creative he is, I am sure. :-) My new furniture client is a Realtor and I have already spoken to her about Marc and me and the services we could provide for her clients, both buying and selling. I will bring her some promo materials that I have on hand for both of us when I return her furniture.

I'm still here...

For those of you who are checking in on my blog, yes... I am still alive and well.  I did not post last week because I had no current job going to post about.  For three days, I worked at home, mostly sorting through piles to file and moving some things into my daughter's vacant bedroom, that is to be my new office space.  Sarah, (my daughter), still has some misc. clothing, books, and boxes left in there, so it's basically a junk room at the moment.  Two days last week, I went on consultations.  One day was spent on the North Shore of Boston, visiting the commercial job that will commence sometime late September/early October.  Marc and I met with 2 of the supervisors to go over some more details. We are very excited about the work we will be doing here and I will be posting more about that later, as the time gets closer to begin that job. 

The second consultation I did was also with Marc.  We drove to Bourne, which is the beginning of the Cape for those of you who are unfamiliar with the state of Massachusetts.  It's about 1 1/2 hours from my house.  The clients live in California right now and will be moving here in June of 2008.  This is a new house, currently under construction.  The walls in most rooms have been painted, but the trim and floors are not installed.  It's a big house with a nice ocean view.  They are installing an elevator, so that gives you a clue as to the size of this house.  There is also a small apartment as part of this house in a wing that is over the garage.  The husband's mother will reside there.  We had the pleasure of meeting her, since she currently lives just down the road. She's a young widow, very active...so the elevator certainly is not for her!   I am now in negotiation with the clients over the price and what rooms will be done this first round.  I want to try to get the bulk of the work done now, in August because I don't want to run into the commercial job in September.  Also, I don't want to return to the Cape in the Winter to have to complete more work.  That would be a miserable drive in the Winter.  I'd rather go back there in the Spring to do additional work.  I should know by tomorrow, what is happening there.  I am also sitting on the fence as to whether I should commute daily for 8-10 days or if I should impose on a friend of mine who has a 2nd home nearby.  My friend always extends the offer to stay with her when I work in that area, or to just use the house if she is not there.  I think she will be there, on vacation.... so I really hate to impose if that's the case.  I'll give her a call as soon as I know how much time I need to spend on the Cape.  Maybe I can split my time between driving home and staying a night or two at her house.  Anyway, Marc and I and a guest of Marc's who is here visiting from France, had a fun day driving around that part of the Cape, having lunch and doing a little shopping.  Too bad every work day can't be that laid back!

I left my camera in Marc's car, so cannot post the before pics of this new house. :-( 

A Week to ReGroup

I am going to be spending most of this week working from home, in my home office and in my studio.  I always love this type of week, but it does take me a day or two to really get down to business and feel like I am accomplishing something.  The first few days I am very easily distracted and all over the place, even though I have an agenda to follow!  Today is a perfect example. I thought I'd go out and get some poster board to do some prep work for some sample boards I need to make.  My daughter decided she would go to HomeGoods and Target, so I decided I'd rather tag along for that!  I did buy a file cabinet that was on my "To Do List" for this week, so  accomplished something! ;-)  Now, I've shifted gears for the day and decided to work on the many piles of filing that await me.  I hate filing. 

My goals this week are get organized: clear out some unwanted clutter, file away those piles I have stacked up, go through my glazes and paints and weed out those that have expired, update my promo materials, and try to make my studio a little more efficient.  Yikes, I'm tired just listing all that needs to be done! 

My home office is all over the place at the moment.  I have a nook in my kitchen that I use for most of the office, but there is limited storage there, so my files and some reference materials are in my bedroom in my closet and on a bookshelf in there.  For large projects, where I need to spread out, I've been using my dining room table.  That is all about to change.  My daughter is in the final stages of moving into her first apartment after college.  Happily, her new place is only 5 miles from me!  I am happy to see her enter this new phase of her young adult life, but... of course, I am sad to see my baby leave the nest.  I own a 2 family home with one of my brothers and I live in a 2 bedroom apartment on the first floor.  With mixed feelings, I will turn my daughter's bedroom into a guest bedroom/office.  I've told her that anytime she wants to move back, her room will be hers again in a heartbeat. ;-)  My plan is to move my long, wooden library type dining room table into the new office for my desk/work table.  I will eventually take my love seat from the living room, which has a sleeper in it, and put that in the office/guest room.  I'm taking all the office supplies, file cabinets, and the bookshelf with reference materials that now live in my bedroom and moving those to the new office, as well as any office supplies that are in my kitchen nook.  Of course, first I need to do some fun painting on the walls in my new office!

Over the next few months I will be making a lot of changes in my living spaces, but right now I need to focus on de-cluttering and organizing.  I wish I could say I have a lovely studio in my basement, but I am grateful that I at least have a room of my own down there to play in.  I love the fact that I don't have to leave my house to do sample boards, work on furniture, and store my supplies.  I'm often down there in my PJ's early in the morning, doing a quick base coat that can be drying while I'm having my morning coffee and getting dressed for the day.  The down side is that my basement does get a little wet at times when we have heavy rains or lots of melting snow.  It's not a finished basement, so it sports those lovely cinder blocks for walls and cement for the floor.  The electrical outlets are questionable and the lighting is not the best.  Also, no utility sink down there.  Yes, all this could be upgraded... but remember... I just finished putting my daughter through 4 years of college and this Fall I need to replace all 13 of my windows in my apartment.  A sump pump is high on my list though!  As my father used to say to us all the time "Money doesn't grow on trees, kids".  So, I will make some minor improvements for now that will make the space more efficient and I will do a lot of discarding of supplies and materials that are no longer useful.

I guess when you are both a homeowner and a business owner the projects just never end.  I do hope to have this phase of projects done by the end of October though and am making a pact with myself to undertake no other projects until after the first of the year.  It will be nice to just enjoy a home that is not in a state of repair/organization for a few months! 

Ok, I'm Really Back Now

Everyone always tells me that they think I must have the most fun job ever... and for the most part, I agree!  I do love what I do.  I thought I'd touch on the 'not always so glamorous side' of being an entrepreneur in this post.  For those of you who do own your own business, you know what I am talking about.  We have to constantly be marketing ourselves. We have to provide our own insurances (health, dental, liability, and whatever else your particular business requires). Most of us wear all the hats in our business, if it relatively small.  Income is typically unpredictable.  Clients can drive us totally crazy.  We have no sick days, no paid vacation days, no paid holidays.  We fund our own retirement plan.  To be an entrepreneur you have to have a high tolerance for stress, , be very organized and motivated and be forever optimistic.  We always have to be current with new trends, new products, new skills.  We need to make time to network with others in businesses not related to what we do, and also connect with groups or organizations that support our particular business.  There are never enough hours in the day, days in the week. But... we would not trade all of this to go to work for someone else, ever again. 

So, for the past few days, since I've returned from vacation, I've been tense and stressed.  Well, what a difference a good night's sleep can make.  Today, on my drive to my job site, I gave myself a little pep talk. This is what I do to snap myself out of this funk.  I hope those of you who do own your own business and find yourself in such a funk, might benefit from this exercise.  I list, (sometimes written, sometimes just in my head) what is bothering me.  I don't think about it first.  I just list whatever comes right to me. I had 3 things on my list today: job uncertainty, debt, 5 year plan unclear.  I then moved to the other side of my list where I state what is right at the moment.  That side of the list, fortunately, was 3 times longer. Then I take the positive side and apply it to the negative side.  I give myself a choice.  I can mope about jobs that are not happening when I want them to happen, be fearful that I will not be able to pay my bills, and panic about what direction my business will take over the next 5 years.  This will surely not be fun. I will develop deep frown lines, which will only add to my stress level.  My other choice is to take what is really motivating me right now and see how I can use this to attract more business, new and old clients.  Right now what is motivating me, is the Big and Bold and Modern design stencil and template lines offered by Stencil Library.  Ever since I did that Concentric Circle bathroom, I only want to do more of this type of work.  I thought about what clients from my client data base would be interested in this more contemporary line of wall treatments and came up with a good selection.  When I was on the job site today in my client's home, we discussed how these designs could be incorporated in her home.  When I return to this house on Thursday, I will bring my new book of Contemporary Design options at her request.  She was very receptive and excited about it all!  I decided it is time for me to do another photo postcard mailing to promote the more contemporary designs I am embracing.  I use Vista Print.com for my postcard.  They are a good value for the price.  Turn around time is quick.  I also will contact some former clients with specific ideas I have for their particular home.  At this point with my business, all my work comes from repeat customers and referrals, so I feel very comfortable approaching former clients w/new ideas that I think they might be interested in.  Now I am re-energized.  I'm not quite ready to tackle that 5 Year Plan, but I may be able to do a rough draft of the first two years. :-) I also reminded myself that this has been a very good year so far for my business, with no down time.  I've made some great progress and some positive changes.  When you work for yourself, and by yourself you do have to stop and give yourself a little pat on the back every now and then. 

Back to Work

I am back from a fun trip to Montreal. There is a lot to do and see in this city and it is a very walkable city.  As someone who loves to walk, this was great for me!  Heard a lot of wonderful music since the Montreal Jazz Festival was taking place while I was there.  I decided not to bring my cell phone or my laptop on this vacation.  I knew I'd end up doing something work related with one or the other, so I went cold turkey. 

Now I am back to reality and this week it is not pretty.  Today I did a quick touch up in a beauty salon that I had done some work in over a year ago.  The finishes have all held up well, just a few minor nicks and dings.  I spent 3 hours there and the client new well in advance what the bill would be, and that payment would be expected today.  Instead of paying me today, he conveniently did not have his checkbook and will 'put a check in the mail'.  I wonder how he would react if a client of his 'forgot their money' after a haircut and said they'd put the check in the mail...  I find this very irritating, especially since I had to call and ask where my check was when I did work here last year.  After my phone call, I was promptly paid, but it irked me that I had to ask for payment that was past due.

Next, I found out that a job I thought was going to happen in July into August is now very uncertain.  I will have to get more info about what is going on, but it has me a bit bummed and scrambling to fill in this time frame with other work.

Tomorrow I was to start a job working on some cabinets in a Master Bath.  Today when I called to confirm, the client said she was uncertain about the finish now and wanted to explore more options.  We decided that I would come as planned and test out a few more options on the cabinets. We talked more about what might work well and I am hopeful that one of the new options will work out.  This, of course, will set my scheduling back a bit, but I am hoping I will still be able to make some good progress.

Today when I checked out my favorite blog site, Design Inspiration, I learned that they will be teaching classes at this year's SALI stenciling convention in San Francisco (July 16th-21st).  I am bummed because I would love to take these classes since I am so obsessed and inspired by their great stencil designs, but... since I just returned from vacation, I cannot afford the time off again so soon, nor the cost of this convention.  Also, I have a lot of issues with the SALI organization, so do not wish to support them at the moment. 

My first day back to work after vacation was a bit of a struggle. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about a lot of things going on with various jobs and I am also feeling a little anxious about business in general.  It's always so unpredictable.  I know that goes with the territory... the down side of being an entrepreneur.  Usually I can go with the flow, which, I guess is why I've been able to survive for the past 11 years with my business...but every once in awhile, it just all gets to me.  I think maybe I just need a good night's sleep... so off I go!

Thinking About What Direction I Want to Take

I have been very excited about some of the recent jobs I've had.  I loved the sleek, contemporary look I did with Marc Bordet for the last Commercial Job...the Clubhouse.   I also loved that Concentric Circles bath I just completed in the Four Little Girls house.  I've been reading the Design Inspiration blog daily and just love the new Big and Bold and Modern stencil lines that the Stencil Library designers have come out with.  The ideas shown on their blog, using the stencils from this line are so inspiring...it makes my head swim! 

This has led me to stop and really contemplate what direction I want to take my business over the next year or two.  I want to do work that excites me and gets my creative juices flowing.  I want to feel passionate about each and every job I take on.  The good news is, that is happening at the moment!  Now, my task will be to seek out mentors and classes that will help me push the envelope a bit with my work. 

I am off to Montreal on Monday 7/2 - Friday 7/6, for the Montreal Jazz Festival and a little R & R!  I'm leaving my cell phone behind, but am taking my laptop.  I will resume writing when I return and may post here while I am on vacation if I see something that will inspire a future project.  Please stop by again!

When Clients Try To Run Your Business

Nothing burns my fuel more than a client who thinks they have the right to run my business for me. Two recent examples are:

1) The woman who called me repeatedly over a wkend, leaving messages that told me what time she would like me to come by and meet with her painter to discuss his application of the base coat and for me to pick up the contract and deposit so she would not have to mail it, plus she would then tell me what date I would start this job.  Several things were wrong with the messages she left for me.  One, I had just spent 2 hrs (free of charge) with her, her husband and painter, the previous day.  We discussed in detail what her painter's role would be, and I also discussed my schedule, which would not allow this job to start for a good month.  I called this client back and calmly informed her that I would not be able to meet again with her painter, but would be happy to discuss any questions/concerns he had on the phone.  I also reminded her of my work schedule and estimated start date for this job.  I received my 4 sample boards in the mail with a very cool note saying they decided not to go ahead with this job.  I was relieved.  This was just not a good fit for me.  Never once did this couple thank me for my time.  (Two hr consult, plus prep work for quote).  I don't want to work for a client who does not appreciate the hard work and care I put into each and every job I do.

I take my work very seriously.  I have never presented myself to a client with nothing less than professionalism.  I am always on time.  I always call the day before to confirm my arrival.  I am very considerate when working on the job site.  I always leave the site cleaner than when I arrived.  I do not complete a job until I am sure the client is 100% satisfied.  I always work with a contract so we both are clear as to what is expected.

2)  Another client, who I have worked with before, had me quote on 2 good sized bathrooms for their daughters and a 22' long hallway.  Labor intensive finishes, plus costly materials will be used in all three areas.  The last time I did work for this family was two years ago.  Obviously, prices have gone up.  I spent a lot of time on their quote.  I knew they would be shocked at the cost because their previous work done did not involve such labor intensive finishes nor such costly materials.  Their Wish List was extensive.  I quoted each area with two prices.  One, the original concept and the second was a scaled down version, alternative option.  I also included a 5 % discount for the total cost if they did all 3 areas at once.  The client sent me an email saying they would proceed with the work "Under these terms".  "These terms" stated that all work would be done in each room, the original concept, not the alternative option, for $x amount of dollars.  This turned out to be almost $900 less than the quote. My response, once I recovered from their boldness, was to calmly explain the high material costs for this project, as well as the extensive labor involved.  Some times people just have no idea of all the prep work and how long it actually takes to do certain finishes.  This client was very receptive to my response, selected the alternate options for 2 of the 3 areas to reduce their costs, and even appologized to me the first day I arrived at their home to begin the job.  They told me they had no idea how expensive the materials were.  I had itemized the cost of the major supplies I would be using for this job. 

Some times you win, some times you lose in these situations, but I feel it is important to not be bullied or unreasonabley compromise.  Each party must be willing to work toward a solution that they both feel comfortably satisfied.  You don't want an unhappy or angry client and you certainly do not want to feel your working for less than you are worth.  Each client is more potential business.  Sometimes, like the first client above though, it is just not a good fit and it's best to let the job go.  When this happens, another, more interesting and lucrative job always come along!  We don't have a crystal ball, but you have to trust your instincts and have faith when a situation just does not feel right.