“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” ~ James Bryant Conant.
Trying something new–even though it’s not the most natural fit–can be daunting, but might be hugely worthwhile.
…or not.
A few years ago, after I’d been painting kindness rocks for a while, I stuck my neck out and started selling them through social media and sharing the proceeds with the cat rescue group I volunteer with.
Then stepped it up a notch by painting cat portraits on rocks, and doing commissions of cats, dogs, and even horses on tiny rocks.
Next, I tried selling at a couple of local events and was able to not only cover the cost of my supplies and my vendor fees, but make a bit of profit to supplement my pension.
In 2019, I was chosen to be a vendor at CATCON Worldwide, but logistics got in the way and I had to withdraw my application and regroup. I planned ahead, got accepted as a vendor at MEOWFEST which was to be held in my hometown in July 2020, and the excitement started to build.
Until COVID hit.
MEOWFEST had to cancel their live event and move to an online version, but my life was just too complicated at the time and I chose to not participate.
Fast forward a few months, and when CATCON Worldwide had to cancel their live event in Los Angeles, and move to an online platform, I figured it was time to stick my neck out again and…
Woo hoo! I’m officially a CATCON FROM YOUR COUCH vendor!
And even though technology is not my strength and selling through an online platform is bound to be just as daunting as the preparation has been, I’m truly looking forward to the adventure.
In just six days, you will find me glued to my computer, selling my art and books to people from around the world…. Gulp… I hope.
You can check out the painted rocks, holiday cards, magnets, and books on my WEBSITE, where you will also find a link to my brand new SHOPIFY store!
CATCON is live October 10-11 from 10am-3pm.
…and this is me, paintbrush in hand, signing off…
Kathryn Jane ~ artist, author, turtle.
Word by Word 
Hey, Kathryn. My goodness, but you are one talented woman. And what a testimony to perseverance. Good luck with your sales. I’ve shared. 🙂
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I can so relate on trying new things. The deep shyness rises and I have to think my way through. Meeting lots of new people was a difficult challenge for me. The lesson learned there was to encourage them to talk about themselves. I’ve learned I can do tons of stuff and so what if I goof. LOL
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Wow! I’m blown away by your talent and tenacity. Good luck with sales. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Kathryn Jane shares her amazing talent as an artist on the Word by Word #blog. Stop by, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
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I’m definitely trying out your Shopify store for Christmas cards! Your love of animals shines through these paintings- beautiful ❤
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I have a friend (she is a librarian at a nearby university) who paints rocks with positive messages. Some of the college students help with this. After they are done, the brightly colored rocks are scattered across the campus.
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Pete, that is exactly how I got started, and I still make “kindness” rocks and share them around my community to hopefully bring a smile to a stranger ❤
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Reblogged this on Creative.
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Thanks so much for all the lovely comments! I’m still working on the store, but the link is finally live so fingers crossed I get all set up and done by tomorrow so I have a day to breathe before the whole thing gets started 😀
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