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Global Talent Search winner to get gift or home decor product line with Midwest-CBK!

Posted on 2013-06-17 at 12:39 pm.

We are thrilled to announce another prize for the winner of the Global Talent Search, which we are producing in association with Lilla Rogers Studio – one of the top art agencies in the world! Not only will they get represented by Lilla Rogers Studio for two years but they will win a host of licensing deals including…

A gift or home decor product line with Midwest-CBK!

Choosing from the uber talented pool of artists will be difficult, and winning will be quite a distinction. Midwest-CBK’s Vice-President of Design & Creative will personally help guide the recipient through the process of understanding how a product line is conceptualized, developed and marketed, invented and reinvented. You will work together to create a strong product line of either gift or home decor, depending on what is the most natural fit. There’s the potential of developing wall art, lighting, textiles, ceramics, gifts, specialty products… all offered with the voice of this artist to help them build an identity & strong brand footprint in the marketplace. The licensing details will be negotiated by Lilla Rogers Studio on behalf of the winner.

Awesome, right? If you haven’t yet thrown your hat into the ring for the Global Talent Search, why not? Someone has to win and it might just be you!

Register here by June 26 2013 to be in with a chance of winning this career-changing prize to help you do what you love, for life! (PLEASE NOTE 2013’S GLOBAL TALENT SEARCH IS OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. SEE HERE FOR DETAILS.)

Thought for the Week (17)

Posted on 2013-06-17 at 8:00 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

After a year of life changing decisions and events this is one of my favourite quotes. You have to imagine it first, then take the steps to make the change.

What would you change if you could? Think big!

So what’s stopping you?

Life According To Mr. K – Love to Change (2)

Posted on 2013-06-14 at 8:00 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

The six months I spent in Japan last year was certainly one of huge change and of even greater self-discovery. It is most probably one of the most important decisions I have ever made and has been truly life changing. But surely we don’t have to disappear half way around the world every time we have an issue to work through.

I think it is important to note that I didn’t arrive in Japan and suddenly find all the answers. Far from it! It was a long and very frustrating process that eventually presented me with the questions I needed to ask myself.

It is easy to say that things have to change, but the big question is ‘How do I go about changing them?’ Herein lies the key.

I had to ask myself, “How do I want to feel in my life? What do I need to do differently to feel that way?”

The changes I sought had to come from within me. In six months’ time I was to return home. I refused to consider returning with no plan for doing things differently, and allowing all my old issues to return. I needed a long term and soul defining change.

I remember sitting on the banks of the Kamogawa (Kamo River) one morning reading a book that a friend had sent me. The book “Eat, Sleep Sit”, the autobiographical story of 30 year old Japanese businessman Kaoru Nonomura, who gave it all up to spend a year at Japan’s strictest and most revered training monastery, Eiheiji.

The book made me ask myself what do we hope to achieve by making such drastic changes. Do we hope that the magnitude of the change will be directly proportional to the effect it will have? Or is it more a case of, “If I am going to do this then I am going to really do this. Sink or swim.”

My conclusion? I’m not actually sure, but what I do know is that taking a big step to arrest the trajectory of my life gave me the time, space and energy to take more control of its direction. Making a big change means you cannot help but notice that things are different. And that can be just the wake up call we need.

I found some parallels with Nonomura’s story and what I was hoping to achieve, but there was one major difference. If I was to succeed I needed to be realistic. I needed to appreciate that some changes may take a while. And I needed a plan. I wasn’t running away, I just needed to catch my breath.

“Just because everything is different doesn’t mean anything has changed”

– Irene Peter

We seem to put a lot of emphasis on changing location to help us make changes. This can help in certain situations, but it is definitely not the only way. In fact to make real soul defining changes we need to build on what we discover whilst away and find a structure that will work for us.

Surely we can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere – we just need to give ourselves the opportunity and more importantly the time to spot it!

If you could escape from your daily life, where would you go and why? Is there any way you can make that happen? It doesn’t have to be this week – it could be in the next year? Or the next five years? I’d like to hear about it.

Until next time…

Global Talent Search winner to get scrapbooking license with Prima Marketing!

Posted on 2013-06-13 at 5:00 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

We are so excited to announce that the winner of the Lilla Rogers’ Global Talent Search will get a fantastic licensing deal with Prima Marketing, one of the foremost companies in the scrapbooking industry. Do What You Love is thrilled to be working with Lilla Rogers Studio to bring you this incredible opportunity to transform your professional art career.

The winner will create a Journaling Set with Prima Marketing Inc, working directly with Prima’s own Creative Director and in-house Design Team through the development process, giving them the hands on experience to learn about this industry from the inside out.

Licensing details will be negotiated by Lilla Rogers Studio on behalf of the winner.

This is an incredible opportunity, and we are thrilled to be able to offer it as one of the licensing deals secured for the winner of the Global Talent Search.

Have you signed up yet? Hurry, registration closes on June 26! Find out more and enter here. This could completely change your art career…

**PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE HAS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED – SEE HERE FOR MORE**

(All images courtesy of Prima Marketing)

Do What You Love Interview – Louise Gale

Posted on 2013-06-13 at 8:00 am.

Written by

We have the great pleasure to continue our themed interview season with our dear friend Louise Gale. Louise has encountered a lot of change in her life and her interview provides an insight to why her life is now a much happy and wonderful place to be!

Louise is a mixed media artist, passionate about colour, patterns in nature and living a creative life from the heart. She says, “I believe we are all more powerful than we think we are and that the answers lie within us all. I believe that living a life from the heart can open a world of possibilities and heal the world around us. My mission is to create artwork and workshops (in person and online) that bring joy to others, to connect deeper with nature and support other creative souls with their businesses.”

Image by navyblur

1. How are you leading a life ‘doing what you love’?

I recently moved to south Spain and now live right on the ocean where I combine many things I love in my everyday life; creating, colour, connecting with nature and working flexible hours helping other creative souls in their businesses or own creative journey. I am also part of the Do What You Love team working on amazing projects helping others do what they love!

Being back in Europe also means I am closer to family and friends and for the first time in a long time, I am leading a completely balanced life, straight from the heart.

One of the many heart stones I have found on my beach

2. What did you do before this?

Before moving to Spain in February 2013, I moved from the UK to NYC for 8 years and spent part of that time in a corporate job. I loved the whole experience of being in such a vibrant city (this is where I started two businesses!) I also reconnected with my true creative self again during this time and found the courage to create a new life for myself. I also went through life coach training where I focused on learning more about energy – energy within us and the world around us – this was an amazing personal journey and was the big leap towards starting a collaboration website with other creative souls to spread positive energy into the world. The time in the USA was such an important part of my life – it helped me move confidently to where I am now.

“Colour energy” by Louise

3. What was your a-ha moment that pushed you to change things and realise your passion?

One big a-ha moment was working in a windowless office in my corporate job in 2009 and longing for a greater sense of freedom in how I spent my day. The moment I feel constrained and get an awkward sickly feeling in my tummy is when I know it’s time to change my situation and I have listened to this feeling throughout my life.

This has meant many a-ha moments and ‘detours’ and that is what I love about this life. It is ever changing and evolving as I discover more about myself and the world around me. Every chance meeting, experience and decision has led me to where I am and back to a creative life.

Louise’s vision board for 2013. Vision boards are an integral part of attracting the positive change we want in our lives.

4. How did you make it happen?

I am a big believer in the law of attraction and that the universe sends us messages constantly, so I created vision boards and simply listened to my intuition and the world around me. Once I started to focus on how I wanted to feel and what my ideal day would look like, opportunities and chance meetings starting to occur. I started to connect with an amazing network of artists in person and online, explored mixed media techniques and created my own online courses to help others. On a practical level, I reduced my expenses and had savings to support myself as I made the transition. I left the corporate job in May 2010 and have never looked back.

5. What has been your biggest challenge along the way and how did you overcome it?

I think it has to be having sooooo many ideas that my head was in a spin most of the time! Which at first was where all my energy was being focused. I was definitely trying to “spin far too many plates.” So I decided to just go with it for a while. I tried lots of different things to work out where I really wanted to focus my creative energies. I am so happy with the balance I have now found.

“Full Moon energy” by Louise

6. What is the best advice you have received?

“Turn off the TV and do something less boring instead!” This is actually a line from a TV programme I used to watch as a child to encourage youngsters to get outside and play. Getting rid of my TV in 2009 has to be one of my most significant moments (along with getting rid of my cell phone too in 2011). Without these constant distractions and outside influences, I feel like I can connect to who I truly am and what life I truly want to create for myself. I spend much more time doing what I love.

7. What kept you awake at night before you made these changes? How about now?

Having so many ideas in my head and putting pressure on myself to pursue every single one of them! This was exhausting and I soon realized I couldn’t do everything. I still generate lots and lots of new ideas, which I write in my journal, but am at peace with myself knowing that I don’t have to do them all this year! Now I sleep soundly knowing I am on the right path for me and focusing on what truly makes me happy; having creative time for myself, running workshops and helping others in their creative businesses.

“The love of the lotus” by Louise

8. Why do you think change is important?

Change keeps us growing and evolving. There is always an opportunity to learn and experience new things in this inspiring life! I have discovered so much about the world and this helps me make changes to my life that are aligned with what is important to me. I am also a huge believer in the energy of our thoughts, feelings and how this changes how we see the world.

I check in with myself on a regular basis on what I am thinking and feeling to ensure I am focusing on the positive energy within. I believe change happens first within ourselves and that we can all make a difference to our own life and others by doing so.

9. What is the biggest noticeable difference in your life since choosing this new path?

I find joy in everything and I accept all experiences as the fun filled fabric of life. I have always been a “glass half full kind of girl”, and now I really focus on living more in the moment, enjoying every aspect, whatever pops up. Even if it’s something challenging, it’s an opportunity to learn.

I also see how simply wonderful life can be without so many distractions of technology filling our days. Another difference I have consciously noticed is, being less attached to ‘things’. Letting go of material objects is something I chose to do when I left the USA to move to Spain. It really has taught me a lot about how emotionally connected we are to “things” and how letting these go, can free us. It is hard, but oh what an amazing feeling!

Louise’s journal for her upcoming “Creative Colour Energy workshop

10. Finally, what is key to making a big change in your life?

I believe that listening to our hearts and connecting to our true selves is what is key. Knowing what brings us joy and focusing on that everyday to inform every decision we make. I also try not to be too attached to outcomes or have big expectations. This enables me to go with the flow of life and let my intuition guide me. I highly recommend trying it, you never know what exciting direction life will lead you in!

You can find out much more about Louise at her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Places and Spaces – Our Garden

Posted on 2013-06-12 at 1:47 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Welcome to ‘Places and Spaces’, our Wednesday column where we share places we go to think, get inspired, or come alive. The environment around us has such a bearing on how we feel, and sometimes a change of scene can make a world of difference to your perspective, thought process, or decisions.

Today I want to share somewhere very special to us both and somewhere I have rediscovered and found a new appreciation for recently. Our garden!

Since beginning my new venture with Do What You Love I have found myself working from home for the majority of the week. Much of that time is spent behind the computer. This is not something I have been used to as in my previous career I spent a lot of time on construction sites. This time outside always – by myself or laughing with my team, along with a big dose of fresh air – helped me put into perspective any problems or issues that I was dealing with at the time.

I had wondered how I would replace this valuable and necessary escape time whilst working at home. The answer presented itself in the form of our garden. It provides great sanctuary away from the computer, whether it is fending off the dreaded bindweed, rustling amongst the ferns and flowers or providing a thirst quenching drink to the plants.

I find it particularly comes alive for me whilst watering it. The sun glistens off the varying shapes of leaves and the colours are enhanced. For a few fleeting moments I forget about everything else other than the garden itself.

The garden provides so many different perspectives with a different treat in store depending where you choose to look.

I love our sunken table – the perfect place for outdoor meetings, dinner and chats, or gatherings of friends. A fair few big decisions have been made in this wooden oasis, usually with a glass of wine in hand.

I certainly never have thought I would enjoy gardening. To care for and nurture the garden provides respite from the world around me. One I would not have discovered without changing other aspects of my life.

Where is your sanctuary? Where do you go to escape from the hustle and bustle?

Change vs transition

Posted on 2013-06-11 at 6:05 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Inspired by Jennifer Lee’s latest newsletter, Mr K and I were having a chat today about the difference between ‘change’ and ‘transition’.

As we started packing boxes for our next house move in three weeks’ time, here are some of the things we pondered:

‘Change’ is often an event, whereas ‘transition’ is often the period of time running up to that event as you prepare for it, and following that event as you settle into it.
The word ‘change’ feels huge and in-your-face. ‘Transition’ feels more subtle.
Change seems sudden. Transition seems gradual.
‘Change’ sounds like a destination. ‘Transition’ sounds like a journey.
Change seems practical or physical. Transition is more emotional.
To make a change you usually have to stop doing something, start doing something, or do something differently. And it can be forced upon you. This often takes a sackload of courage. To make a transition perhaps you can be more gentle on yourself, take baby steps, and test the water as you go.

With both change and transition you end up somewhere you weren’t before. And that’s exciting, but can be scary! From the many changes we have gone through over the past few months, we have found that the following really help:

Know what you want to be different after the change. Keep reminding yourself of this when things get tough.
Have a plan for making the change, and handling the emotional transition.
Be aware that these things usually take longer than you expect.
Expect to feel disoriented, a little in limbo, or nervous. Being uncomfortable for a while can lead to great things.
Talk to someone about it. You don’t have to go through it on your own. And if someone is sharing the journey, that is even more fun!
Take a moment to reflect on what has gone past before you leap into the change.
Celebrate your new beginning.

How about you? What do you think is the difference between change and transition? And how have you handled the big changes in your life?

Honeymoon (3): Winetasting in Tuscany… yum!

Posted on 2013-06-10 at 2:00 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

We couldn’t spend a week in Tuscany without doing a whole lot of wine tasting! The first vineyard we visited was deep in the countryside, and produced not only wine and aged meats, but the most incredible balsamic vinegar – some of it 30 years old!

It was a wonderful experience to hear all about the wines and other products direct from the owner, who used to have a corporate job many years ago and gave it all up to do what he loves! We were fed delicious food matched with each kind of wine we tasted, which helped slow down the onset of drunkenness just a little (good job as it was only 10am…)

Have you ever tried 30-year aged balsamic vinegar on vanilla icecream? Neither had we but it was A-MA-ZING! It was so unexpected – alone on a spoon it just tasted like very good balsamic, but with the icecream it became like something more akin to chocolate sauce. Needless to say we got some shipped back home!

The second vineyard we visited was perched high on a hill overlooking miles of fields, olive groves and poplar trees.

We were fed yet more delicious cheese and cold meats, with fresh bread and a selection of different wines. By the end I had no idea which was which but had a brilliant day.

Last time we went winetasting it was in Napa Valley in California. We joined a tour bus (which is very unlike us) and although it was a lot of fun, we felt a little herded from place to place. This time we were lucky enough to have our own driver and interpreter which made all the difference. We could go at our own pace, soak everything up and linger a while by the open fire when we felt like chatting longer. Ahh that’s what honeymoons are all about…

You can read my other honeymoon posts here: (1) Florence / (2) Castel Monastero / (3) Winetasting in Tuscany / (4) Borgo Santo Pietro / (5) Pasta masterclass / (6) Pisa and home

Thought for the Week (16)

Posted on 2013-06-10 at 8:00 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

I think Wayne Dyer is on to something very important here. Maybe every now and again it would be worth asking someone else what they see? And then try looking at things from a different perspective.

Do you agree?

Mentorship giveaway winner announced

Posted on 2013-06-08 at 11:06 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

Huge thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a place on Jennifer Lee’s Right Brain Entrepreneur Mentorship Program worth nearly $1000. The winner is…

Theresa Smythe from the US

Congratulations Theresa! We hope the programme will be a huge boost to you as you grow your children’s book illustration business. Be sure to let us know how you get on!

To everyone who didn’t win – stay tuned for more gievaways here in the coming weeks, and keep taking those steps towards doing what you love!