Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor

There's something I want to share with you today that I've rarely talked about publicly. It involves something I've been engaged in off and on for four decades now but have always kept off the radar.

While this message may focus on me and what I want to share here, there's an important message about you and how you can apply this to your life too.

So please read on and hang in there with me ...

Since you're reading this blog post, you probably know me as the author and writer guy who teaches and speaks about music marketing, book promotion, and artist empowerment.

Perhaps you know that I'm also an active musician, a part-time actor, or that I used to publish a music magazine in St. Louis, MO. These are all very public activities and skills that I've chosen to share with the world.

But there's something else I've been keeping under wraps for many years.

When I was about 12 years old, I got interested in a new creative hobby. At the time I was already writing a lot outside of school and was just beginning to play the guitar (passions that would play huge roles the rest of my life).

That new hobby way back then was doing art - especially painting with acrylic. Like my other creative interests, I was drawn to it and felt compelled to create something cool. So I immersed myself into doing art.

Over the many years since I continued to play with paint here and there. I'd crank out a dozen pieces in a few months, then I might let years go by before picking up a brush again.

There was always a long list of things to keep me busy over the years (playing music, writing books, doing workshops, acting in plays and indie films, etc). So my artwork took a back seat.

This past summer, on my birthday in late June, my VSO (very significant other) Pooki had an idea. She encouraged me to get out my painting supplies for the first time in a few years and create something. So I did.

For grins I posted the first painting on Facebook. The response was immediate - positive feedback all around! The last time I seriously painted, Facebook and social media weren't what they are today. So I painted more and started sharing more images of my art as I created them.

And I didn't limit myself to the online realm. I attended a few artist events and gallery openings. I started meeting people and learning about opportunities in St. Louis. I submitted to local art exhibits and have been part of three shows in recent months.

Last week I sold my first two paintings. The first was purchased by someone I went to high school with who saw the piece on Facebook. Then a guy I went to college with bought another. It's great to know that my first two art customers and supporters were people that I've known a long time. This progress has inspired me to create even more.

So ... why am I sharing this with you? Two reasons ...

1) I have obviously decided to go much more public with my artwork. So I am creating awareness (the first step in the marketing process, for those of you who are hip to my teachings :)

I seem to have a knack for creating images that appeal to some people. So why horde that gift and keep it to myself? I've made a commitment to finally share this area of my creative life with others!

I started a simple website at www.PopRockArtStudio.com to showcase my work and blog about this aspect of my artistic journey.

2) I want you to apply this example to YOUR creative life!

What creative activities and interests have you buried or put on the perpetual back burner? What talent or skill do you possess that you have been reluctant to share with people?

I don't have to tell you. You know the answers. You're thinking of them right now. So ...

What can you do to breathe life into that dormant passion of yours? Or what can you do to go more public with an artistic gift that you have? In what ways can you share this thing with people who need to hear it or see it?

Stop making excuses. Stop waiting for the perfect time. Carve out some time on the calendar and create something cool! Then take the next step and share it with people - on Facebook or Twitter, by email, in a blog post or podcast, in a video clip, or at a live event.

Don't horde your talent. Get it out there!

That's what I'm doing. And I'm loving it!

I hope you experience that same joy with your creativity!

-Bob

P.S. Please check out www.PopRockArtStudio.com to see my latest artwork. There you'll also find info on how to purchase available original pieces, buy prints, or commission a personalized painting of yourself, a loved one, or a favorite celebrity.

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