We are such fans of Jackie here at I Heart Art. In fact, after attending her workshop at last year’s Hello Etsy conference, a number of IHA council members became part of a focused study group, working through her Better, Smarter, Richer course book. The exercises were so meaningful, that the group still meets informally to this day.

We encourage you to sign up for the workshop and see first-hand how you can re-tool your thinking about money, worth and what to charge as a creative entrepreneur.

About Jackie

Jacqueline (Jackie) B Peterson is a CPA, consultant, business coach and author with over 35 years of business experience. She has taught numerous business seminars, classes and workshops for clients, Portland Community College, the SBDC and Mercy Corps N. W.  Jackie’s most recent endeavor is the book Better, Smarter, Richer, 7 Business Principles for Solos and Creative Entrepreneurs focusing on the needs of the creative segment of our economy. Over the years, Jackie has worked with hundreds of small businesses and always encourages them to raise their prices, charge what they are worth and be able to immediately articulate their value proposition. Jackie holds a BA in Economics and a Masters in Organizational Management.

How do you know whether your business idea will actually pay the bills? The ability to get paid is what distinguishes a business from a hobby. Many go into business because they have a compelling vision to improve the world around them. However, turning your dream into a reality is not possible without a sound understanding of your balance sheet.

This session  dives into some reasons why solopreneurs and creatives consistently undercharge what they are worth. Instructor, Jackie Peterson, asks you to take an honest look at what the consequences are for being overworked and undervalued; of not being able to afford rest, renewal and regeneration, and how this can often lead to dropping out of the field, turning your creative endeavor from an enterprise that supports you to a beloved hobby.

How to Charge What You Are Worth, walks you through the steps you can take to change your way of thinking. This is an interactive program with lots of discussion and time to examine your own thinking about your relationship with money.

Saturday, May 19, 11am–1:30pm
The Lab at Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 NW Davis Street
Register now on Eventbrite.
Workshop fee is $15: coffee and light refreshment provided.

About Jackie Peterson

Jackie B Peterson is a CPA, consultant, business coach and author with over 35 years of business experience. She has taught numerous business seminars, classes and workshops for clients, Portland Community College, the SBDC and Mercy Corps Northwest. Jackie’s most recent endeavor is the book Better, Smarter, Richer: 7 Business Principles for Solos and Creative Entrepreneurs focusing on the needs of the creative segment of our economy. Over the years, Jackie has worked with hundreds of small businesses and always encourages them to raise their prices, charge what they are worth and be able to immediately articulate their value proposition. Jackie holds a BA in Economics and a Masters in Organizational Management.

Thank you to everyone who made it down to the Jack London for our launch party. It was wonderful to see the room fill with makers chatting up their latest creations,  and  to catch up with those of you that we haven’t seen for a few months.

With free beer, mimosas, and pizza, getting to reveal the 2012 lineup was just icing on the cupcakes. Speaking of cupcakes, a special thanks to our council members Cathy Pitters and Cheryl Larson for pitching in some home-baked sweets for the event.

Of course, what’s an I Heart Art: Portland party, without party gifts? We were excited to see five lucky winners walk away with  screen printed totes from Etsy. So fashionable, so durable and so eco-friendly! And Maria of Portland’s own art’s and crafts store, collage,  delivered some serious maker mojo with a donation of three $25 gift certificates! Oh you lucky winners! Maria recently relocated her southeast store to the Sellwood neighborhood, and it’s a beauty. You should check it out.

And last, but not least, a big shout out to our amazing Jack London bartender, Cari Carter, she really hustled to kept the drinks flowing, while the kitchen staff whipped up some mean pizzas! If you haven’t been down to the Jack London, you should head over. They host some uniquely Portland events each month; like Book Club and Tap Dancing Lessons,  they do not disappoint!

For those of you who weren’t able to attend, here is the official line-up for 2012. We look forward to seeing you in a workshop soon!

I Heart Art: PDX, Workshops 2012

May 19 :: Jackie Peterson :: How to Charge what You’re Worth
June 16 :: Cathy + Torie :: Craft Fair 101
July 14 :: Gina from Radish Underground :: Hey Good Lookin’, Whatcha Got Cookin’?
September 15 :: Matthew Abts, Lawyers for the Arts :: Intellectual Property
October 20 :: Super Workshop
David Vanadia:: What it Takes to Make a Website
Anna Hutson :: Elevate Your Business with Social Media
Alicia Nagel :: Demographics and Branding

Locations vary. Workshops are held on Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Registration for most workshops is now available on Eventbrite.

I Heart Art: Portland volunteer council members; Jen Neitzel, Jolie Griffin and Deenie Wallace have led the charge in organizing our second annual Mixer Match for Visual Artists and Galleries. It has shaped up to be one of our best yet!

This unique, fast-paced event is open to all artists with readiness to install a show, as well as all galleries, curators and retail locations interested in supporting and promoting local artists.

WHAT:    Visual Artist Mixer Match
A speed-networking event connecting curators and local artists
WHEN:    Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:00 -10:00 pm
WHERE: Design Within Reach 1200 N.W. Everett Portland, OR 97209

This round is for visual artists and galleries. The event, comprised of two-minute, lightning-fast networking sessions between artists and local galleries or curators, is an energetic environment of connections, feedback, and possibilities. This unique event would not be possible without the amazing support of our local galleries, curators and art professionals who willingly give their time and sage advice to our selected group of artists. Check out the list below, or better yet, pay them a visit.

Participating Gallerists, Curators and Arts Professionals

• Catherine Alexander, Bush Barn Art Center
• Debbe Hamada, Tilde
• Tamara Goldsmith, Redux
• Brian Marki, Brian Marki Fine Art and Printing
• Catherine Stacy, Art Etc.
• Gina Morris, Radish Underground
• Pat Castaldo, Land & Buy Olympia
• Heidi McBride, Heidi McBride Gallery
• Jeremy Schaffer, Poor Boy Possibilities
• Chrysalis Amour, be*Mused
• Diana Faville & Maria Gonser, Attic Gallery
• Heather Birdsong, Chambers @916
• Alli “The Curator” Azevedo
• Cassie Ridgway, Mag-Big
• Maggie Greener, Red Magnolia Salon
• Claire Willett, Milepost 5
• Kyrsten Crowe, Beam Development Group
• Chloe Eudaly, Reading Frenzy
• Betsy Cross & Will Cervarich, Betsy & Iya

If you missed the application process or are just curious about how this works, stop by. Amidst the food, beverage and casual networking downstairs, we’ve invited the “superstars” to mingle and meet all of you. Successful artists in their own right, they’ll be available to answer questions and give artists pointers, sort of primer for your one-on-one with them. The main reception is open to the public. We hope to see you there!

But, there are some, you know who you are, that have asked for a little more time to get the application done. We totally get it. It can be a daunting proposition to put yourself out there like that. So, you’ve got four extra days.

We have extended the application deadline until Tuesday, April 3 at midnight.

So get to it! Start that internal pep-talk and apply.

There is no fee to apply. A participation fee of $25 is due once you are invited to participate. We are dedicated to bringing valuable learning experiences to the community at an affordable rate, so everyone can be involved. If you are not selected to participate in this round, you are encouraged to join us on April 25 to mingle with our Superstars and experience what the event is all about.

Visual Artists Application – Apply here!

Galleries, curators, art professionals – Apply here!

Join us this Saturday, March 31 from 6-9 pm at The Jack London.

Stop by and mingle with fellow makers and friends from the community. Enjoy free mimosas, beer, snacks and cupcakes; then throw your name in the hat for a chance to win a fantastic swag bag from our partner Etsy. We may even have a surprise or two up our sleeves.

RSVP via our Facebook event page and let us know you’ll be there. We can’t wait to see you!

In an effort to create and maintain a sustainable program, our 2012 workshops are offered at $15. However,on Saturday, for one night only, you can register on site at 30% off, a savings of $5 per workshop. We think you’ll want to bring your purchasing power.

The Jack London is located in the basement of The Rialto Poolroom at 529 SW 4th Avenue.

Our community sponsor and partner, Etsy, is hosting an amazing online learning opportunity on Friday, March 30. We want to make sure you all to know about it, and  sign up!

About the Symposium

How can you use your story as a marketing tool? What’s the best way to utilize Pinterest to bolster your brand and build community? How do you get your products in front of the media? The business of getting found is a craft, but with a little bit of know-how and some hands-on effort, it’s a craft that anyone can perfect. Sharpen your pencils and join Etsy on Friday, March 30, for this year’s Etsy Success Symposium. All workshops at the Symposium stream live in Etsy’s Online Labs for free, so anyone can participate, anywhere!

Online Event Details

Head on over to the Online Labs to check out the workshop line-up and RSVP to attend specific sessions. On this page, you will scroll through all of the upcoming online events by clicking Next. When you find a sessions that looks interesting to you RSVP by clicking the blue RSVP Now button. By doing so, you’ll get an email reminder notifying you when the event is scheduled to begin. On the day of the event, send in your questions for workshop leaders and watch all the workshops stream live.

What:        Etsy Success Symposium: Getting Found
When:       Friday, March 30, 2012, from 10 am to 6:30 pm
Where:     Etsy’s Online Labs
Cost:          The event will stream for free!

Schedule:

All times noted are Pacific Time

• 7:20 am – Get Featured: Learn How to Grab the Eye of a Curator
  with Mary Andrews and Emily Bidwell
• 8:20 am – Get Noticed: How to Romance Blog and Magazine Editors Panel
• 10:45 am – Get Storied: Behind Every Product is a Story
  with Michael Margolis
• 12:00 pm – Get Pinned: Build Community & Brand with Pinterest
  with Christine Martinez
• 1:00 pm – Get Out There: Using Craft and Wholesale Shows to Support Your Small Business Panel
• 2:15 pm – Get Found: Conquering Searches on Etsy and the Web
  with Danielle Maveal and Michelle Spaulding

Not able to watch live? Never fear, all sessions are recorded and archived for those who are unable to watch live.

We’ve Got a Giveaway!

Etsy has kindly donated a handful of Seller Education Symposium Kits. Each kit contains a workbook of exercises geared toward small businesses as well as coupons and swag from partners with donations by: Behance, Google, Kabbage, Moo, OutRight, Squam, Skillshare, Spoonflower and Yelp. All wrapped up in a beautiful handmade 15″ laptop case. For your chance to win one of these fantastic prizes, help us spread the word and do one of the following to have your name entered into a random drawing:

• Share this post (via the blog or Facebook)
• Like this post (on the blog or Facebook)
• Tweet (or re-tweet) to your friends #IHeartArtPDXgiveaway

Drawing will be held, Tuesday, March 27 at 5:00 pm. Good luck!

If you scratch your head wondering whether your business idea will actually pay the bills, then this workshop is for you! The ability to get paid is what distinguishes a business from a hobby. Many go into business because they have a compelling vision to improve the world around them. However, turning your dream into a reality is not possible without a sound understanding of your balance sheet.

In this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Develop your own “Elevator Speech” to use to network your business
• Identify the costs of doing business and distinguish between variable and fixed costs
• Determine your break-even point and the amount you need to sell to pay yourself
• Measure your profit or loss
• Understand how cash flow works

This workshop is taught by the facilitators of Business Foundations Course, a popular six-week series offered by Mercy Corps Northwest. This preview will give students a good idea of what it is like to be in the course. The 6-week course is ideal for beginning business owners, and covers the fundamentals of starting a small business, with the end goal of writing a strong business plan. Topics covered include credit, legal entities, marketing, accounting, and more.

Format

Like the Business Foundations Course, this workshop will be taught in a highly interactive format. Participants are asked to bring to class what financial information they have about expenses, revenue, and profit/loss. The first 30 minutes of class will be a motivational but frank discussion about the realities of being in business. Then, each major concept will be introduced and then taken to individual or small group work, with the ultimate goal of reaching some realistic estimates about costs, break-even point, and profit/loss.

The primary learning objective for this workshop is for participants to have the tools to determine for themselves whether they have what it takes to be in business.

About Mercy Corps NW

Mercy Corps Northwest (MCNW) has delivered the Business Foundations Course to over 800 aspiring and existing business owners in the Portland Metro Region, and has also delivered 80+ seminars to over 700 individuals. Combined with microloans and business grants, MCNW has earned a reputation as one of the leading business education providers in the area. MCNW has also partnered with creative organizations like the Regional Arts and Culture Council to bring business services to the entrepreneurial creative community.

What is speed networking? In the Mixer Match, participants have only two quick minutes to pitch their portfolios to each of the 20 local art dealers, gallery owners or curators. The pace is lightening fast, so you better have your elevator pitch down. Get tips from this article on how to make the most of the Mixer Match experience.

Besides having this valuable face time with art dealers, there is also time to mingle with fellow artists and what we call “Superstars.” Our Superstars are some of the most successful artists and professional advisers in our community. As you wait for your round to pitch, they are on hand to answer questions, give advice, and offer tips on how to approach galleries successfully.

LEFT: Superstars Pat Castaldo (Land, Buy Olympia) Kate Bingaman-Burt (Obsessive Consumption).

Juried Applications:

We’re doing something new this year. All applicant portfolios will be lightly juried to ensure that artists are ready to meet with curators. The entire process around the Mixer Match (from the application to meeting with art dealers) is meant to be a learning experience for up-and-coming artists. Going through a jury process is something that will happen many times in an artist’s life. We feel that adding this element to the process will benefit everyone involved. The main criteria of our jury process will be to determine if an artist is ready to take that next step.

Who Should Apply?

Do you have an Etsy shop or you are showing work in a few areas, but don’t know how to approach art galleries? Do you spend all your time making art and need practice delivering your elevator pitch? Do you want feedback on how to market your portfolio more successfully? These are the types of visual artists that are ideal candidates for the Mixer Match.

Mixer Match Orientation:

All selected artists are required to attend an orientation the week before the Mixer Match on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:00 pm. Alumni Mixer Match artists will have valuable tips on how to be successful during an evening of head-spinning networking. Come with your questions and concerns. This evening is open to the entire community. We look forward to seeing you!

Registration is now open!

So get to it! Applications are due by March 30th. There is a $25 fee to participate in the Mixer Match which is due once you are invited to participate. We are dedicated to bringing valuable learning experiences to the community at an affordable rate, so everyone can be involved. If you are not selected to participate in this round, you are encouraged to join us on April 25 to mingle with our Superstars and experience what the event is all about.

Visual Artists Application – Apply here!

Galleries, curators, art professionals – Apply here!

Need more information? Check out our video from our very first Mixer Match with Portland makers to get a sense of what the evening entails.

The event on March 31st, held at Concordia University will be filled with inspirational speakers, good food, and great conversation. Read more about the speakers or register for the event online. Reduced ticket prices for students and need based community members are also available.

TEDxConcordiaUPortland is an experience, music, art, laughter, ideas, innovations, solutions, a concert, a conversation, a chance to mingle with thinkers and doers, artistic expression, social spaces for exchanging ideas. Thought provoking and uplifting.

Not familiar with TED? We encourage you to check it out. With topics ranging from how to get unstuck,  to finding your truth, these talks are designed to inspire every ordinary person to be extraordinary.

TEDxConcordiaUPortland is a not-for-profit event organized by unpaid volunteers. All ticket and sponsorship assistance goes directly to paying for expenses such as venue, catering, advertising, other materials and costs that support the event.