Issue 4: At-Home Artist
Can Your Hobby Change Your Life - And Pay The Bills?
So your true love in life is your art and you're ready to turn that passion into your life's work. But how do you go about keeping your practical life on track while you craft pottery, sew designer clothing, and paint avant garde masterpieces? Don't worry, not only can it be done, but lots of Sims are doing it and living the life-and doing the work-that they always dreamed of! Here are some tips from successful artists to help you turn your creativity into cash.
Quality Gifts and Garments from Sew Chic
Looking for the perfect handmade item? Check out our selection of chic designer clothing, cute and cuddly teddy bears, practical kitchen potholders, and stylish curtains. Each item is lovingly handcrafted by an experienced seamstress to the highest standards.
The Right Spot
Give yourself more than just the tools you need for your work. Use a dedicated space to work in. If you don't have a studio or workshop, think about setting aside a room in your house or partitioning off a corner of a bigger room to be your work area. Keeping your work space isolated from the rest of your life will minimize distractions and signal to others (and yourself!) that you're working.
Give it Time
If you're going to make your art more than just a hobby you need to be committed to it. Only by putting in a reasonable amount of time, will you be able to perfect your art. Without the appropriate practice, you just might end up with slouchy pots, uneven curtains, or patched up teddy bears.
Upright Pottery Wheel by QuicKraft
Is it your dream to take an unformed lump of clay and fashion it into a gorgeous artistic piece of pottery? Our deluxe pottery wheel can help you turn your fumbling fingers into nimble artisans. With a little practice, you'll be turning out beautiful plates, vases, pots, and even tea sets! Get up to your elbows in creativity and reap the rewards of handcrafted pottery.
Spark Your Creativity
Whether your passion is sewing, painting, pottery, or another craft, consider branching out and try other activities to increase your creativity. Playing a musical instrument is a good way to amp up your imagination. So don't limit yourself to your chosen art, embrace a range of activities to keep those creative juices flowing.
Little Ones Benefit from Artistic Exposure
Keeping your kids from settling in and soaking up endless hours of TV may be as simple as providing an alternative activity. The Teeny Tikes Activity Table is the perfect way to introduce younglings to a life of creative expression. Set up your junior architect with building blocks and arm your budding artist with crayons-with any luck he'll put them to paper and not into his mouth!
Bring Home the Bacon
Approach your situation realistically. If you're just getting started in your art, you might need to take another job to have some income until your artistic efforts take off. If you do need to get a job, try to find one that gives you enough time to also work on your chosen art and don't worry about snagging promotions. You're only there for the short term anyway. Your real focus is on your art.
By Invitation Only
If you're really into the arts, you will be invited by an expert artist to join a special club where you can hang out with other Sims who share your interest. My Muse II is a great place to seek advice from other artists or even get additional instruction in your craft. Make sure you take advantage of this valuable resource when it becomes available!
Best of luck in your artistic endeavors. Remember, with the right enthusiasm, dedication, and a realistic outlook, you can craft exactly the kind of lifestyle you want!
