Simply these words, i am true, i am now, where is the easy path....

The last few weeks have been very up and down for me..

It seems that following your truth, your passion and your happiness isn't quite as easy as it sounds, or as it should be... not for me anyway. But then who said the truth would be easy. Well, actually, I did. I thought it would be.

The problem is there's a really big vision and it's really quite far away. And the thought of getting there is so overwhelming that I keep having the urge to completely change paths and do something different.

Then, at other times when I know what's going on and it's all figured out I get way too over-excited and want to do it all now! NOW.

I am a creative and I want to create everything! I want to be an artist, a producer, an adventurer, a marketing professional, a blogger, a writer, a designer. All now please yes.

It's really hard to know what to do first and how and when and where.

Where has been a big factor in my life recently. I've been very much a nomad living and working wherever jobs, life, boyfriend, family take me (not in that order necessarily).

A part of me thinks, who cares about the where, it's the what that matters and the why I do the what. Surely? But actually the where does matter because the where affects me more than I ever realise. 

I thrive off the things, the energies, the people around me. I cannot be in a negative, dark, sad, lonely environment. It simply isn't a viable option for my positive well being and nurturing of my soul. My soul needs love, needs positivity, needs clear and good light. 

It is what we all need and deserve. 

I deserve the best because I am. And so are you. So the where is important because the where is where i am.

I am light, happiness, nature, wellness, being, great, beautiful, magnificent, safe, I am.

------

Today this is what I feel:

I am really feeling Paolo Nutini's new song (yes don't judge me I love it.) In particular this part of it strikes a chord... 

                                   To those who can hear me, I say, do not despair.

The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed,

the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress.

The hate of men will pass, and dictators die,

and the power they took from the people will return to the people.

And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.

Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men –

machine men with machine minds and machine hearts!

You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!

You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful,

to make this life a wonderful adventure

Let us use that power! 

Let us all unite! 

The film itself is just brilliant... (Note to self, don't watch if you're not in a positive mood.)

This is me, 
Natalia 
and I love you. x

This is the truth and the truth is what it is.

Holla! 

I'm back and this time I'm here to stay! It’s been too long since I typed my thoughts onto a public domain for other people's eyes.

Why did I stop? I didn’t feel like I had much to say probably. I was too busy working. I didn’t know what to talk about first. I wasn’t sure what I was thinking never mind wanting to tell the world about my thoughts.

Guess what, all of those still apply – to a certain extent – but I have decided I want to share this journey.

The magical journey of the unknown. 

So, what have I been up to? I shall fill you in briefly so that you can catch up quickly so that we can get back to the now. 

I cut my hair, I now look like this (I'm the one wearing the umbrella hat - the other is my sister):

(Photo by Ian Marriot Smith)

I started a business called iamsociable. (read the beginnings of this journey on a previous post here) I’ve had a few clients here and there, it’s had it’s moments – good and mediocre and it’s grown slowly but surely.

So, in brief, iamsociable helps creatives in business through marketing, social media and guidance support. This can be 1-1 sessions, marketing support tailored towards each individual or business as well as workshops and walking chats. (I know there’s already a lot there right.)

I then walked the Camino de Santiago and found another direction I wanted to take in life. What was this? Walking? Not just any walking. Combining my helping creatives and guidance support I wanted to create something that would help people be inspired, come away from their comfort zones, learn and explore and grow their human potential.

So I started iamadventures (can you see the iam theme here?) – taking people on creative adventures all over the world. To explore, learn and be guided to reach their human potential. Notice I say human not personal. Because human means everyone of us, for we are all one.

iamadventures has started, evolved and been on trips....

I’ve also done various things between and after these events, such as run workshops, gone on holidays, found myself in a relationship, been on the School for Creative Startups, had various amazing mentors, become a founding member of the Escape School; but it all comes back to this really:

I promise to work on the things that make me want to cry. Not because they make me sad, or happy but because it strikes a chord in my heart and my heart cries out to be heard.

It is my passion to be of service and to help make the world a better, lighter, more truthful place.

I am the truth and the truth will set me free.

You are the truth and the truth will set you free.

The truth will set us free because the truth is the power that we all hold in our hearts. That is how we should be living - through our hearts.

Are you following your truth?

So, I guess what I’m saying is you can expect some ramblings, some words of wisdom (maybe), some helpful hints and tips, but mostly my journey on being a human in this life. Of living, working, starting more than one business, being in or out of a relationship, being an artist, an activist, a philanthropist, and generally the trials, successes and failures of every day life.

N.B. It is also wise to note that this is all my trail of thought and is not edited or re-written. It is simply what it is. And I wish to share it with you, because it is how it is and it is the truth.

Love,

Natalia x

My Creative Arts Marketing Workshops @ 44AD in Bath

Hello! I'm holding a new series of arts marketing workshops to help creatives get a hang of marketing themselves. These are taking place throughout August at 44AD Art Space in Bath.

Details below:

Workshop 1

Sat 3rd August 5-7pm

This is a practical intensive workshop delivered by Natalia from iamsociable, helping you create your online portfolio across all social media platforms. Looking into the best ways of using them and how to build a good following, conversation, web traffic and see the rewards offline!

Looking at all online social media platforms from facebook fan pages, twitter and pinterest to artstack, ideastap and sedition. Getting you set up and aware of the best and simplest ways to use them.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliasartsmarketing1-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

Workshop 2  -  Blogging and Web Content & Getting featured on blogs.

Thurs 15th Aug 6-8pm

Following on from 'Build your creative portfolio online' in this second workshop we look into blogs and how these can be used to further your online presence as well as your art practice. Looking at various blogging platforms and the marketing benefits of blogging whilst also reviewing your website's content. Teaching you the tools to write good content and create more visibility online. Lastly we will review other creative blogs and go into how to be featured online and get your content and work viewed by a wider audience.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliaartsmarketing2-eac2.eventbrite.co.uk/

Workshop 3  -  PR & Marketing & Keeping your fans and buyers happy.

Sat 24th Aug 5-7pm

This is a practical intensive workshop delivered by Natalia from iamsociable, following on from a previous workshop 'Blogging and Web Content'. In this session we will be using an exhibition format as an example of how to market an event. Looking at how to write a good press release and ways of sending it out to receive the best impact, readership and recognition. Through social media, newsletters and events listings. We will go through the process of setting up a newsletter and the basics of keeping a good up to date database of contacts. Lastly, we will touch upon the best ways of keeping your fans and buyers happy and how to do this.

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://nataliaartsmarketing3-eac2.eventbrite.co.uk/

***Buy tickets online or email  natalia@iamsociable.co.uk  to book your place and pay on the door***

Each workshop will cost £20 / £15 student.

Attend all three workshops for £50 or £35 for students.

iamsociable.co.uk

The start of a new creative business venture : iamsociable : going it alone!

I've always known I've wanted to do something that I can call my own, I guess I just never knew what.

I'd go from one idea to the next without pausing for air and clarity. Being a creative person I seem to come up with ideas easily, but find it difficult to follow them through. I graduated from my Fine Art degree two years ago. And since have been in art collectives, set up events in every area of the creative industry, gone into the corporate world and back out again into arts production and the freelance world.

So, I am now focusing on making my business successful! This entails lots of computer time - which I either do at home or in cosy cafes in Bristol. But it also means that I have to make time for mini adventures. So, at least twice a week I go on a long walk or cycle, and if it's raining I take the train and go somewhere new! Adventures, of every kind, I believe ignite your creativity and inspire you. Allowing you to realise who you are and what you want to do. This is how I came about to doing what I'm doing now.

A nature loving moment whilst on an adventure walk in Bristol

I've wanted to start my own business and had a general idea for it for a while now. But nothing felt right, the timing, the idea itself and I guess I just didn't feel confident enough to go ahead with it. I recently came to a cross point where I felt I had to reassess my situation; and felt that instead of running around for everyone else, it was time that I ran around for myself! Make me happy and do something that I wanted to do!

So, with that in mind I decided to walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and that this would be a good thing for me to look forward to. I started looking for more work, something that I could do freelance, whilst at the same time trying to start iamsociable. When you're trying to juggle finding work with trying to build a business it becomes a bit muddled up and confused. Money starts to take over and you make sacrifices for the sake of being able to live. It has been quite a difficult decision to just risk not having money, forget about working for someone else and put everything into a new business. But I think that everyone who has ever thought about their own thing should risk it at least once in their lives. 

I was at home one day trying to work out exactly what I wanted to do with this business. I realised I wanted to empower and bring creatives together, help them be more business minded and help them network. 

And then it struck me - why do I want to go on the Camino? To feel inspired again, to try something new, to be free of restraints and beliefs and let things flow through. And then it hit me, it was my light bulb moment - why don't I take these people on creative adventures, with me! Offer all of my services but in such a way that it will be fun and freeing and inspiring. That is what I hope the iamadventures will do. It will establish a platform for people to become empowered, believe in themselves and then their businesses, or talents. 

I truely believe that if you follow your truth and do what makes you happy, then it will all work out. If you believe in yourself and your project enough then others will too, it's all about believing! *reference to my job experiment back in Jan 2012.

So what is this business?

iamadventures.com

Working with small businesses and individuals I help you realise your goals and guide you with tailor made packages to find your authentic voice. I take you on adventures to find your truth, your creative spirit, your power. I hope to empower you to do what you REALLY want to do and help you make it happen.

*Happy Living*

'Till Next time!

p.s. if you're interested in the adventure itself email adventures@iamsociable.co.uk

Creativity & Sustainability in the Digital Age at Google Campus, London

The evening starts with an interactive art piece by the beinghuman collective - not the usual start to an event – calm, peaceful, mesmerising, yet still sociable, interactive and fun! 

A visual sound piece, which invites the audience to participate by speaking into a microphone that in turn produces waves of iridescent light. The room at Google Campus becomes engulfed in sound and light vibrations, representing the participants in the room; almost forming a strange sense of an introduction to one another.

This becomes the first reference to how technology can be creative and be used as an art form in our now very much digital world.

Digital Technology now surrounds us, so much so, that we barely stop to think about the consequences - are we better off with or without it?

How many of us feel addicted to our technology, how often do you procrastinate and check your twitter wall just in case you miss out on something! Hellienne Lindvall opens up this conversation whilst explaining how she feeds her creativity into her writing. Describing that her mind is not as disciplined now; it wanders and goes in search of new and exciting ventures whilst it’s supposed to be focusing and perfecting her creativity. Perhaps, through our now impeccable skill of multitasking we lose a certain degree of quality. Creativity needs to wander, but in an almost meditative way rather than a stressful way that us procrastinators take on!

And what of the effects of digital on us as communities, as human beings in the physical world? Our digital footprint when communicating to one another in the ‘real’ world seems to be increasing continuously; children now talk to each other through their phones when standing in line for the bus! Do we feel closer to one another now that we can talk with no time or distance barriers? One would argue that for a conversation and interaction to become meaningful and have an impact then it needs to lead to some sort of physical output also.

Ken Banks, founder of kiwanja.net, devotes himself to the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change. He talks of how digital technology has in fact helped save people’s lives in countries such as Africa. The use of mobile phones help those who without would have no way of communicating to the outside world, have no voice to contribute to dialogue, to report violence or acts against humanity. They allow disenfranchised communities to share and be heard – this can only be a positive step for the growth of mankind, though it does make those who are better off feel and look bad!

How does the digital affect artists and creatives in the digital world?

Do you remember the traditional perception of ‘an artist’, a solitary creature slowly going mad through his own questions of creativity? How about that perception now, in the digital age; it would seem that more artists are in fact social creatures, finding refuge in a close network, or a group of like minded individuals and setting up artist collectives and artist led spaces. Digital technology has helped spread creativity through the masses, has brought people together that otherwise would never have met; consequently opening up a platform for the rest of us out there to join in and feel inspired also.

Tania from DACS raises the positive impact of digital activity for artists – how it not only promotes their work to a new and further audience, it enables a direct route of market. So, how many artists are online? A survey that DACS produced asking artists how they use digital technology shows that 85% of artists have their own websites, whilst 10% would want one but need help building it. Digital technology has also increased the rise of micro-philanthropy, donations, funding and simple giving towards artists through websites, social media, and sites such as kickstarter and indiegogo. This indeed is a positive way forward for artists, but do the positives outweigh the negatives?

What happens to those artists whose work is available on the Internet, but without their permission? How do artists feel about this and what does it mean for their income and careers? According to DACS the medium wage for artists is approximately £10,000 and this number is ever decreasing. So what do our artists hope for, or perhaps the more sensible question – what do they need from us? Respect - Ask for permission from the creator.

The ultimate question here is would artists stop creating if they were forced to go into other jobs to sustain a decent quality of life? Perhaps, it is more a case of they wouldn’t have the time, or the inspiration, to create work of high quality and therefore artists would be even less valued.

Gaynor O’Flynn, director of beinghuman.com, explains how important the cultural industry is in the UK economy, in fact around 1.8 million creative people are hired! Yet it is still so very hard to understand the value of these creative individuals. So many artists are being asked to work for free and are undervalued, and are told that this is because they are promoting themselves. But as Gaynor says, they are also promoting the venues, the brands, the businesses, the galleries etc. If someone is going to make a profit out of using people for their talents then those people should also be receiving some sort of profit. This is what is fair and equal.

There were so many relevant and important points raised in this debate over our ever increasing Digital Age. It would seem that the conclusion is that we are in search of a balance, an equal weighing of new and old, of digital and physical, of computer and human. And the final question, how can we achieve this?

Transmedia Festival London 2012

The one and main event that I attended at Transmedia festival last week was Transmedia Storytelling – this can only have been described as disappointing. 

Disappointing that it was a boys orientated club for one, with the opening talk focusing around sex and ongoing laughter due to the data on masturbation and in particular the emphasis on male BMW wankers. But also, on the consistent negative and unethical content that surrounded the dreadful hour that was this event.

Transmedia storytelling became less something cultural and traditional and that we have been doing for thousands of years, but more lets spread horrible stories about perverts, identity thieves, the end of the world and zombies.

These were the stories that they were proud of, that they wished to explain and discuss in an EU funded university building; and why? Well, because these were the most successful of course. These were the ones that they felt proud to represent, proud to discuss and showcase. These were the projects that brought in the money.

This is what our society has apparently become. We are more likely to help fund a kickstarter that will bring our virtual zombie killing world to a reality than an ethical project helping people in Nepal. In fact we are about 90% more likely to do so.

Zombie killing or helping Nepal; living in a fantasy game, or in real life?

Wanting to make a positive impact in the world or a negative one.

Feeling proud of the disturbing stories because they make the money and bring in the data, or the positive ones that are small but good.

How has this happened? What can we do to change this?!

This point was in fact raised at the end of the event, which sparked ‘controversy’ and a very defensive attitude from of course all involved. However, they must have known that what they were presenting was indeed mostly negative - storytelling wise - and was not funny, was not a good story and was in no way something to feel proud of. Business minded or not. People are tired, I am tired, of hearing about all of the negative aspects of our society that are used and abused by the industry to brainwash and shock people into giving a reaction for data to be produced. How much data do we need?

Aren’t we destroying the world and abusing the carbon footprint enough?

Without EVEN more disturbing data about how many BMW drivers masturbate. Do we even care?! Surely there are better examples of socially driven businesses that have had just as much success. And I know that there were better examples of Transmedia storytelling, ones that had a positive impact on society! 

Please can we talk about these next time and from now on. Let's spread positivity not negativity. 

This new media can bring about social change, but change for the better.

This for example is what kicked off the day - something much more light hearted and positive. A play by the popular 'Wikiman' TED animation. 

Beinghuman for Tibet Project

I am a part of a new and exciting project - a planetary event that is happening. A day of awareness, of unity, of creativity. Something that I think you should all be a part of.



It's simple : Saturday 23rd February, 2013 : a day for Tibet.


We want you to organise your own unique, brilliant, small yet beautiful event.
By uniting everyone in one 24 hour period we will send a message to the media, politicians & business of the level of global support for the Dalai Lama.

You organise your own local event: a gig, screening, art exhibition, talk, workshop, dance, meditation, fashion, philosophy, buddhist, literary, science, digital or comedy event, it’s up to you!

Follow your passion & do what you love with as much intelligence & integrity as possible.

beinghuman is working with The Music Managers Forum & Featured Artist Coalition. But remember this isn’t about the big names, we need you! Not only will we show our support for Tibet but we will also create a global network of DIY artists, creatives & ethical human beings who, inspired by the Dalai Lama, want to work together for a fairer world for the creative & cultural industries. We will provide you with production & media toolkits to help you help each other & create a brilliant event.

You choose to keep any money you raise for yourself, or give it away, again it’s totally up to you!

To get started simply become a member at beinghuman.com, tell us your passion & skills, then create an event or get involved with an existing event, or just simply show your support by joining us on Facebook or Twitter

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy" Dalai Lama

Do watch our great animation all about our great campaign and project! With thanks toMaarteen Isaak De Heer in Berlin, Carla MacKinnon, Tim Webb at the Royal College of Arts and Brian Blessed doing the voice over! 

May Times, Happy Times

          

Happy May Bank Holiday to you all!

I've been very busy the last few months, with work, moving house (again), starting my own business, getting a new studio for my art and seeing family.
But I am back and ready to share things with you all once again. Just so that you can have a quick recap I thought I would add a few photo memories of things that I've been doing whilst I've been away...


So, this year I spent Easter in Greece, visiting family and eating lots of meat!

This is my family home in Zakynthos and this was also the only day the sun came out for me whilst I was there! I did however manage to spend a lot of time playing with my cute cats - of which I have 20! 

I've somehow squeezed in quite a lot of time for friends and fun times recently - I think it's due to having weekends free all the time! So we've been partying, wining and dining, jollying off on day trips to Glastonbury and going to lovely gigs.

This is the girls and I on our a magical day out in Glastonbury not long ago, we spent the day catching the sun's rays, eating yummy food, walking up the tore and catching up on each other's news and talking about our dreams and wishes - all of which were equally necessary. 

This weekend I went to see Mariee Sioux at the Cube Cinema in Bristol - she's got such a lovely voice! We became mesmerised by her voice and music, almost as if the native american spirits where taking over! If you have a chance to see her live you should definitely go! 

For those of you interested in my work life, I'm now working at Open 24 Seven Ltd as a marketing assistant, running all of their social media and doing the content writing etc. 

One of the blogs that I write for them, Alexander Francis mainly focuses on interiors and design, particularly on the latest trends and inspiration as we sell contemporary outdoor furniture. 

What's next? Well, photos of the new studio, new work (hopefully) and talk of my new business! 

Hope you've all had a lovely May Bank Holiday Weekend!

January Books

I have a pile of books that I am reading at the moment and need to get through fairly quickly as they've been sitting on my shelf waiting to be finished. As I am in the reading mood tonight I thought I would share them with you.

How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
Modern womanhood, I am only a couple chapters in and I know it's a masterpiece!

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

It is my mission to finish this book in next week or two! It's a brilliant book and helped me to think about how we value books and libraries - but it also has a brilliant story line - I'll review it properly when I've finished it.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

Infinite Instances Studies and Images of Time

This is the book I wish I'd written! It's a brilliant collection of artists and writers on time. 

Graphic. 

This has been great to flick through for inspiration - every time I look at it I think I should do some painting and then it never happens - I should do some painting.

Me and my #newjobexperiment oh and ME

Guess what everyone, I’m broke. Completely and utterly broke. Money? No money. Banks? Three. Overdrafts? Two.

I am completely and utterly broke. And, I. Have. No. Job.

This is when the tears commence.

A few minutes.

Hours.

Make that a few more.

Ok. NOW. What the hell am I, me, yes ME, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

It’s Wednesday the 4^th of January 2012. My #newjobexperiment is supposed to give me a job on Monday. 

I need this. I NEED something GOOD.

UNIVERSE give me something good please.

.

Lets, start again. Lets start over now. Ok,

This is me now. ME. I can and I will do this. I am an unstoppable, confident, powerful woman. Who cares if I have to go back to my old job to pay the bills, who cares if I have no job at all. Who cares if…., just who cares.

I CARE.

I can be whoever I want to be and I can do whatever I want to do. Because I’m me. And that’s what I do best.

So, lets focus now. I am me.

I am me.

THIS IS ME EVERYBODY.

AND yes I might have no money (right now) and yes I might not have a job (right now) but I believe, and I bloody well believe.

So this leads me to my next point.

Whatever you are doing never, ever, in a million years give up.

Do not give up on yourself. You are BRILLIANT.

Ask and you shall receive, believe and you shall receive, do everything in your power to make you and everyone else see that it is in fact doable and real. And it will be.

It is.

I confess, I have stumbled; I let negativity and doubt take over. And I let the reality I am living in right now fill me with fear and regret.

But it is okay. There is a back up plan. There is always a back up plan, right there where you left it to begin with.

But the great thing is that plan B won’t be needed because, plan A is just around the corner.

There. I can see it.

This is me and I am me. Everything is going to be okay. Everything is going to be amazing.