You perfectly described why a lot of creatives I know will not take commissions. It's flattering, as you acknowledged, but in effect, the client is saying "we love your work, but..." (Insert any qualification: eg different medium or colours or scale etc etc) The right opportunities will come along if you continue to celebrate your own artistic vision. People who really want your work will accept it as is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on a sensitive topic.
Totally agree - it takes confidence though! I am not sure I realised how much confidence I had in my own work until I was asked to sacrifice it! So definitely a great experience overall
I forgot to add, that building a creative business and being so honest and open about it all is like osmosis. Your positivity is catching and your artistic flare is wonderful. Keep on designing.
@@fionahoughton924 thank you!! Love that - it’s definitely osmosis and I feel so much more excited and self confident for sharing, so in turn it helps me make better work! So definitely two-way!
This is all so relatable! I stopped taking on commissions and collaborations for the very reasons you've mentioned. For many years they were my bread and butter, but gradually, I found that I just couldn't do them anymore. Often I was lured in by the thought that it would be great exposure for me/my art, the pay was good etc., but they were just so unfulfilling. I find it stifling to work to a brief and I only seem to have true passion for what I'm creating when I'm the one making all the decisions! I need freedom to let the work evolve, and when I have that, I create my best work. I have found that working for other people is time-consuming, often frustrating, and takes me away from all of the things I want to concentrate on in my own business. Time is precious. I think that you have a wonderful business, and a wonderful vision for it too, and when you concentrate on that, great things will happen (and already are happening!). As always, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you while I finished some of my own stitching. :)
I so appreciate how you share your business journey! As a woman entrepreneur, I am so proud of you standing firm for your aesthetic. It’s all about finding fit from both sides and it’s brilliant that you asserted your confidence. It’s at a cost of time, emotion, and energy but what wonderful learning for you! This story proves that what you get from a collab must benefit you and your business in specific and quantified ways far more than what that investment of time and control and speed costs you.
Its true what they say, I think, you can only be you. Your intuition has clearly served you well thus far and it's a great reminder - to me, and to others, im sure - that walking away from something that doesnt feel right is a positive thing, rather than a failure. . Its always a pleasure to listen to your reflections on the things happening in the business and the bumps and forks in the road. Thank you for sharing xx
Sometimes you have to really experience something to really appreciate what you are and your boundaries. What you do is so refreshing and don’t compromise stick to your creative process because that is the essence of The Fabled Thread ❤
@@sharonnewport7257 exactly!! People often say this about going for a job - you don’t know if you really want it until you either get it or don’t get it. I think it’s the same with your creative boundaries! You don’t really know where they are until you are asked to go beyond them!
Your level of honesty is so refreshing. I only wish I had a UK visa and could work for you! Vanity/sanity is only one letter away from each other for a reason. Hugs from Provence, Adrien ❤
Thank you! I always wish I was able to read or find out more about other peoples businesses or creative process inner workings so feel like I should share everything in the hope that others then do the same and I can learn from them!
@@thefabledthread that’s very generous of you and healthy! It’s also great because you contribute to making creativity more accessible. So many try to hide and monetize at all costs. I truly appreciate your spontaneity and passion for the textile world. If I ever get to travel to London, I’ll make sure to make it coincide with one of your workshops!
Your story really resonated with me. Thank you for your openness and transparency. Stay true to yourself. Follow the path that brings you joy. That is the sweet spot where everything creative flows from.
@@mimialvarez6010 💯 I think it showed me that if you do feel you are forcing something, you probably need to go back to the drawing board. The best ideas and designs feel natural!
Lovely to listen to your collaboration storyline the pros and cons of them and love how you have come out of this one with something positive and I’m sure it’s their loss but your gain. The stretching process was great to watch too. Love your work and ideas and I never got any stitching done as I was too busy listening and watching you but came away feeling inspired so that’s a bonus too! X
How interesting that "red sky at night, shepherd's delight" is a saying. I've always heard from my parents/grandparents in the US "red sky at night, sailor's delight" which meant it would be a good morning the next day. And, red sky at morning, sailor's warning. Just love to see how you interpret concepts into beautiful and colorful scenes.
Hey there, as always, REALLY enjoyed watching your video. You have made a brilliant decision to stick to your guns and not get sucked into other people’s business proposals+collaborations. What you are doing with your designing and embroidery is UNIQUE, and it’s working for you business wise, but you are also doing a great generously job of sharing your creativity and all the amazing knowledge you have which is almost a ‘charity’ in itself. I have always done embroidery, stitching and sewing ever since I was a little girl (runs in the family, like yours) and I have still learnt so much from your videos. Feels like you are living my dream and it makes me sooooo happy. I am retired now and watching your videos and listening to your stories fires me up with wanting to do all my projects which I have had reserved for many years. Just wish I had extra pairs of arms and hands so I can do all my projects at the same time!! 😂 Keep up the wonderful colourful work you are doing and making so many creative people happy. 🙏 Can’t wait for the next video. 👍
@@sitastigner6119 thank you so much for such a thoughtful and kind comment! I really loved reading this and love the idea that’s it’s fired you up with your own projects to want to do and make more. I fully share the need for more hands to be able to make more stuff! It’s not just that we want the end result but we want the joy and time to make every bit of it ourselves!!
Yet another great video, Eppie. All of what you said really resonates with me. As creatives, it’s hard to stay true to what we are doing when there are so many opportunities. I’ve discovered, for me, sometimes in the most difficult circumstances I’ve been in, is where I learned the most about myself. Keep staying true to you. Love all that you do!😊
As Always Eppie a brilliant video. I did in fact do some embroidery while listening to you! I would love to know if you intend to sell the bigger frames like the one you have there. I am doing a design at the moment but it needs a big boys frame! Look forward to the painting of the frame. Also, can I just ask you which varnish you use? I have the same make as the one on your table but it’s flat Matt and I think it needs a bit of a sheen. many thanks Fi xx
I am so fascinated by your level of creativity! Your videos are always incredibly inspiring, and I love your joy and your passion. Good on you for choosing to stay true to your style of work, we all love your unique expression in your embroideries! By the way ... HOW did you get to collaborate with William Morris??!!!! I love his work, you lucky duck! I can relate to the whole thing of staying up way too late with a new creative idea ... it's so good to just be let loose! Thanks for your honesty, and the creative joy you share with us all! Looking forward to the next designs :)
