Are you easy to help? A question for jewelry artists, business owners, parents, hobbyists,...well, pretty much everyone.

Addie Kidd — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:22:00 GMT

So, are you easy to help?

That's a question that I read on Elaine Luther's blog (click here to read it) back in February. And it's stuck with me ever since.

• Do you know what you need?
• Do you ask for what you need?
• Do you accept help that's offered to you?

• Or do you try to tackle everything on your own? (like so many of us independent-types do)

This could apply to your life as an artist, or as a business owner, or as a parent. Or it could could simply be in regards to your hobbies, or goals in your personal life.

Since reading Elaine's blog, I've realized just how little I ask for help from my friends, co-workers, and family.

So I started asking.

First, I asked for help with a hobby of mine:

Early this winter I took advantage of a sale at a local shop, and bought yards and yards of gorgeous, otherwise out of my price-range, fabric. Since then, it's been sitting in my spare bedroom, taunting me.
I just never seen to find the time to cut and stitch it all together into the lovely duvet I have envisioned in my head. (And, okay maybe I'm a little nervous about how it will turn out too.)
So, seeing that I needed help, I marched into Kristin Sutter's office and asked if she would hold me accountable on my duvet project. She happily agreed, and we have a date set on our calendars when she will come over to my house and simply chat and keep me company while I work. (And I'm sure she'll bring something, like that scarf she's been knitting, to do too.)
Knowing that someone else is taking time out of their schedule will push me to set aside the creative time for myself. Plus two friends get to hang out. It's a win-win.

Next I asked for help with work stuff:

In the same vein, Jill Erickson and I have been meaning (for quite some time) to work in the studio, making jewelry and creating cool projects for the pages of Art Jewelry.
So instead of putting it off any more, we decided to help each other simultaneously, and finally set a date (a "play date," if you will). It's now firm in our calendars, and like any other appointment, in no danger of being pushed aside any longer. Plus, again, we get to hang out together. Another win-win!

So, I think I'll be subtly (and perhaps not-so-subtly) broadcasting my needs from now on.

And then, of course, trying to graciously accept the resulting help offered.

~Addie~

What about you?

I'd love to hear your ideas for how you'll ask for help.
Just post them in the comments below.

P.S. Elaine Luther's not only an entertaining blogger, artist, and business owner. She's also an Art Jewelry magazine contributor! Check out her most recent metal clay project, by clicking here. It's a free download if you're an Art Jewelry magazine subscriber.

Art Jewelry magazine Editors' Blog : help

Are you easy to help? A question for jewelry artists, business owners, parents, hobbyists,...well, pretty much everyone.