A must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a way to do it. This book encourages you to do regardless of whatever is holding you back. In this book, internationally recognized artist, Wendy Buiter, shares her personal story with such openness and honesty that it will leave readers both surprised and inspired. Wendy reveals insights into her life and the various stages of her career as an artist, including what she did to develop her signature style, how she makes a living as an artist, and how to run a business while raising two young children; one is a ‘special needs’ child. In addition, Wendy provides tips, ideas, and advice for your personal journey towards a fulfilling life. Throughout this book, Wendy explains her personal struggles with finding a balance between the demands of daily life and the pursuit of becoming an artist. With chapters that alternate from autobiographical to instructional, Wendy offers practical applications from her own life lessons, to assist you in finding your unique gifts and pursuing your artistic dreams. Through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Wendy developed her own signature style when others said it couldn’t be done. Her story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to reach their full potential — a path as intriguing and enduring as her bold, brilliant canvases. This true story will inspire you to develop the skills and techniques required to create art and provides the insights and motivations necessary to run a business, be persistent, and to become a successful selling artist. Wendy Buiter takes you with her on her journey of becoming a successful selling artist. Wendy is sharing her experiences and wisdom here. She writes about the challenges and obstacles she encountered at the start of her new career as an artist. The struggles to find her own unique signature style gives her thoughts and ideas about art, techniques, entrepreneurship, and managing a business as a single parent. She is open and unapologetic ambitious in solving her biggest problems and accomplishing her wildest dreams. A must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a way to do it. This book encourages you to do regardless of whatever is holding you back. Wendy hopes to inspire you and give you the courage and confidence to just go for it and follow your dreams. Have the book personally signed for you at Wendy's Open Atelier! 11 Introduction 19 Why you got this book 21 Why I wrote this book 23 Who am I 24 What is success? 28 Goals 31 No regrets 34 Why I create art 37 The female portraits 39 Everyone starts as an amateur 49 Taking on responsibilities 50 My dream job 53 Rolling-out my business skills 55 Beautypartner 57 The struggles of being a single parent 63 Considerations 64 How it all began 66 How I grew 69 Art School 70 Drawing live models 75 Deep focus and reflection 77 A “professional Artist” 79 Ignore everyone 87 The inner urge 88 Living on a shoestring 92 Fear and Failures 95 Developing my style 99 Talent and persistence 107 Reviewing social contacts 108 Mentors 111 Finding inspiration 125 My art techniques, how I paint, and my inspiration 129 Developing a recognizable signature style 133 Creating value 136 Feeling ‘in the flow’ 141 My Products and Tools 143 My process 145 List of products 147 Canvas 149 Like a painting 150 Mediums 152 Tools 153 List of tools 155 My techniques 157 Working with crayons 159 Sketch, sketch, sketch ... 159 Practice makes perfect 160 The blown-up esthetics 163 Aesthetic experience 165 Signing my artworks 169 Online Marketing & Branding 175 Branding an artist’s personality 177 An artist logo 179 How to be ‘so you’ 182 Working with photographers 188 Interior Design 190 Open Atelier 207 Pricing 208 New York Make-up Artist 209 Networking as an artist 211 Celebrity endorsement 213 Gut feeling 215 Journaling 217 Family time 219 My daily routines to stay happy and focused 225 Investing 227 Coaching 229 My final shares 231 What’s next? 233 List of artworks 237 Image credits