Do you ever struggle with staying on track and find it hard to achieve your goals?

Achieving your goals can feel like an uphill battle most of the time. You know what you want to achieve, but the path to get there seems so overwhelming and never ending. If this sounds familiar, don't fret! There is a solution and a helpful way to stay focused and on track.

This year I changed the way I was working in order to help deal with stress and overwhelm. I decided to stop focusing on my big goals and my huge to do lists! Instead I focused on just one or two things that were important and that I could achieve each day. I divided my to do list into small, daily and weekly tasks and I organised these in order of priority. This provided me with a clear list of tasks that I could confidently complete and give me a sense of achievement each day.

So why does this method work so well? By breaking down your goals into small daily tasks, you're essentially tricking your brain into thinking that you're making progress even when you don't feel like you are. Our brains are hardwired to seek out patterns and rewards, so when we see a long list of items that need to be done in order to achieve our goal, it can be daunting—and even demotivating.

Achieving goals can be tough. But breaking down those goals into smaller, more manageable tasks can help you accomplish anything you set your mind to—and free up your mind in the process.

Why Small Tasks Help You Stay on Track

There are a few reasons why small tasks are so effective in helping us stay on track. First, when we tackle small tasks, we free up our mind to focus on other things. Rather than worrying about the big goal, we can trust that the small steps we're taking will compound and get us there eventually.

Second, completed tasks give us a sense of achievement—no matter how small they may be. And when we have a list of completed tasks at the end of the day or week, it feels good knowing that we've made progress. Finally, by aligning our daily and weekly tasks with our bigger goals, we always have a clear path forward. We know what needs to be done and why it's important, which keeps us motivated and focused.

How to Create Your Own System of Small Daily Tasks

Now that we know why small tasks are so effective, let's explore how you can create your own system of small daily tasks. The first step is to make a list of all the areas you want to focus on in your business or personal life. This could be anything from sales and marketing to product development or financial planning. Once you have your list, start brainstorming some specific tasks that need to be completed in each area.

For example, if you're working on improving your website's design, some specific tasks might include redesigning your homepage or upgrading your About Us page. Once you have a solid list of specific tasks, it's time to start scheduling them into your day or week. I like to use a daily planner to write down my tasks but there are lots of digital planning tools if you prefer to keep track that way, just use whatever system works best for you. The important thing is that you start taking action and making progress towards your goals—one small task at a time.

So go ahead and give it a try—you may just be surprised at how much progress you can make!

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Have you ever wondered who creates the beautiful patterns and designs that adorn so many of the products we use in our everyday lives? That would be a surface designer!

What is Surface Design?

Surface design is the art of creating designs, patterns, and textures that are used to decorate surfaces of all kinds. Some of the products that pattern designs are commonly used on include home decor, stationery, gifts, tableware, accessories, textiles, packaging, wall decor, and fashion. If you've ever shopped for fabric, wallpaper, or gift wrap, then you've come across the work of a surface designer. Surface pattern design is all about creating patterns and illustrations that can be printed onto surfaces like fabric, paper, and ceramics. Surface designers use a variety of methods to create their designs, including drawing, painting, digital illustration, and photography.

Surface design is a highly creative and rewarding field. As a surface pattern designer, you have the opportunity to create beautiful, unique art that will be appreciated by people all around the world. Whether working for big brands or small independent companies, surface pattern designers play an important role in enhancing the visual appeal of products.

A surface pattern designer needs to have a strong foundation in design principles like colour theory and composition. You must also have a solid understanding of how patterns repeat and interact with different surface types such as fabric, paper, metal and glass. In addition, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in design so that your art and surface designs remain fresh and appealing to audiences.

Surface pattern design is a vibrant and exciting artform that can add a unique aesthetic to any product. Whether we're talking about surface patterns, illustrations, hand-lettering, or other types of surface artwork, all surface pattern designs are carefully created with one clear goal in mind: to enhance the appearance or functionality of whatever surface they will be applied to. Whether it's wallpaper, fabric, stationery products, furniture, or some other type of surface, surface pattern design can completely transform the look and feel of any object. Companies look for a ways to infuse their products with a distinctive visual style and artistic flair, so they license art from surface pattern designers or collaborate with them to produce beautiful co-branded products such as wall art, home decor, fashion, gifts and more.

As a surface pattern designer, you may often find yourself working closely with product designers to create art or patterns for the surface of various products. Though these two disciplines can sometimes seem similar, there are several key differences between them. Unlike surface pattern designers, product designers typically have a strong background in 3-D design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes. In addition, product designers must be well-versed in the various restrictions that come with designing for specific materials and production methods. These factors make it essential for product designers to possess both technical and creative skills. Overall, then, surface pattern designers and product designers play important roles in the world of surface design and product manufacturing, respectively. Whether creating artwork for wallpaper or custom stationery items, surface pattern designers and product designers help bring collective ideas to life on a variety of surfaces.

Surface pattern design is a fascinating and incredibly important part of the art and design world. Whether you realize it or not, every surface around us is covered in patterns and designs that play an essential role in shaping our visual experience. From the surface of our paper towels and tissue boxes, to our rugs, sheets, clothing, journals, mugs, home decor items, dinner plates, socks, and phone cases - surface pattern design is present in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. And this is precisely what makes a surface pattern designer a rewarding career. As a surface pattern designer I am constantly amazed at the endless possibilities for creativity within this field and it allows me to bring my artwork to life in a tangible way.

So next time you look around your home or office and notice how appealing everything looks just remember that it was a surface pattern designer who made it all possible!

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]]>The Art of Surface Pattern DesignDesign CollectionsKirsten KatzTue, 08 Nov 2022 03:54:42 +0000https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au/design-blog/botanica-collection556fe28be4b046c1c9b9ed07:55727a9fe4b008083660e349:6369be64b3e64f6b6c367043

I'm so excited to share my Botanica collection with you! This range features some of the best selling art prints of my original paintings of Australian native flora, protea flowers and modern still life artworks. I absolutely love these pieces and I hope you do too. Here's a little more about the range...

The Botanica collection contains a range of orginal paintings of Australian native flora, protea flowers, banksias and modern still life artworks which have been turned into art prints, homewares, gifts and cards. All products in the range are made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship and are mostly produced in Australia.

Australia is renowned for its unique native flora and fauna, so what better way to bring a touch of Australia into your home than with my stunning Botanica range? The range is inspired popular native flora such as banksias, gumnuts, proteas and waratahs. So if you're after an Aussie-themed gift or just wanting to add some colour and style to your home, then take a browse through my Botanica range today. You won't be disappointed!

The range includes:

- Fine Art Prints: A selection of high quality giclee prints on paper in a variety of sizes. These make beautiful additions to any home or office.

- Home Decor: Add a touch of style to your home with our range of eco-friendly wooden coaster sets, designer tea towels and matching wall art prints featuring artwork from the Botanica collection.

- Australian Gifts: Looking for the perfect Australian gift? Browse our range of woooden brooches, magnets, notebooks and silk scarves, all featuring original artwork from the Botanica collection.

- Greeting Cards: Send a stylish greeting card with one of our premium quality greetings cards featuring artwork from the Botanica collection.

Shop the Botanica Collection today for fine art prints, home decor, Australian gifts and greeting cards. With a range of orginal paintings reproduced as beautiful prints, tea towels, scarves and more, there is sure to be something to suit everyone's taste. Add a touch of Australiana to your home today!

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]]>Botanica Collection – Australian Native Flora Gifts & Art PrintsMindset & MotivationKirsten KatzMon, 07 Nov 2022 00:22:13 +0000https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au/design-blog/monday-mindset-do-one-thing-at-a-time556fe28be4b046c1c9b9ed07:55727a9fe4b008083660e349:6368463349ba143a783d3d20

The Monday Morning Mindset - Do One Thing At A Time

Today I’m talking about the importance of starting your week (and each day) with the right mindset. More specifically, I want to talk about the power of doing one thing at a time, something that has helped me to deal with overwhelm, be less stressed and achieve more. This may seem like simple advice, but it can be truly transformational in terms of your productivity, your focus and your overall sense of calm and well-being. So let’s dive in!

The Power of Doing One Thing At A Time

In our fast-paced, multitasking world it can be easy to feel like we need to do several things at once in order to be productive. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! When we try to do too many things at once, we are actually less productive because our attention is divided and we end up making more mistakes. Not to mention, we also end up feeling stressed out and overwhelmed.

On the other hand, when we focus on one thing at a time, we are able to give that task our full attention which leads to better quality work. Additionally, studies have shown that people who focus on one task at a time are actually less likely to make mistakes than those who try to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. And finally, when we focus on one thing at a time we free up mental space which can lead to increased creativity and clarity.

Doing one thing at a time may seem counterintuitive in today’s “do more with less” mentality but it is actually the key to being productive, efficient and creative in your work. So next time you find yourself trying to do too many things at once, slow down, take a deep breath and focus on just one thing. Your mind (and your work) will thank you for it!

I hope that this blog post has inspired you to slow down and focus on one thing at a time this Monday morning (and every morning)! Remember, when you try to do too many things at once you end up feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. On the other hand, when you focus on one thing at a time you are able to give that task your full attention which leads to better quality work. I challenge you to start your week off with the right mindset by focusing on one thing at a time…you might be surprised by how much more productive (and happy) you feel it has worked well for me since I swithced up my mindset and adopted to do one thing at a time!

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]]>Monday Mindset - Do One Thing At A TimeDesign CollectionsFabricsKirsten KatzTue, 01 Nov 2022 11:52:51 +0000https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au/design-blog/birds-of-australia556fe28be4b046c1c9b9ed07:55727a9fe4b008083660e349:635e8c1638df077c073ab016

Do you love Australian birds?

I sure do, which is why I’ve created a beautiful collection of art prints, kitchen decor and stationery with these amazing creatures as the stars of the show. Each piece is lovingly crafted to showcase their natural beauty and bring a touch of Australia into your home.

I’ve been creating art for many years now, and over the years I’ve developed quite a lot of designs with Australian birds. Although I’m better known for my botanical art and floral themed designs, I wanted to share this collection which showcases the different bird designs that I have made over the years.

My Australian bird collection features a variety of different birds, all indigenous to Australia, including art with Rosella Birds, Kingfishers, Cockatoos and Finches. The Cockatoo is one of the most popular birds in Australia. The Kingfisher is another popular bird in Australia, and is known for its vibrant plumage. The Finch is a small songbird that is found in woodlands throughout Australia, and the Rosella is a brightly colored parrot that is found in eastern and southeastern Australia.

If you love Australia and its beautiful wildlife, then you’ll love my collection of Australian bird art prints, kitchen decor, greeting cards and stationery. Brighten up your kitchen with these fun and vibrant bird designs, or give someone special a unique gift they’ll love.

I hope you take a moment to look through this wonderful collection – there’s something for everyone, from tea towels to greeting cards and gifts. I know you’ll find the perfect piece to celebrate our amazing feathered friends.

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We live in a world that is constantly striving for perfection. We see it in the media, we strive for it in our personal lives, and we expect it from the products and services that we use. Whether it's in our careers, our personal lives, or our relationships, we are always looking for ways to improve ourselves. And while there's nothing wrong with setting high standards, the quest for perfection can often be unattainable - and ultimately, unhealthy. That's why it's important to learn how to accept imperfection. What if I told you that you don't have to be perfect to be happy?

That's right, imperfection is actually the key to happiness.

Why Imperfection is Important

Imperfection is important because it allows us to be genuine. It allows us to be honest with ourselves and others. It allows us to be authentic. When we're perfect, we're not being true to who we are. We're putting on a façade, a persona that isn't real. And while it might seem like we're impressing others by doing this, in reality, we're just making them feel inferior. After all, who can live up to such high standards?

On the other hand, when we're imperfect, we're being vulnerable. We're showing others that we're just like them - that we have flaws and make mistakes. And while this might seem like a weakness, it's actually a strength. It takes courage to be imperfect. It takes courage to put yourself out there and risk being rejected.

So how can you learn to accept imperfection?

There are a few things you can do:

• First, stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own unique journey in life, so comparing your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 10 isn't fair - or helpful. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own personal growth and development.

• Second, embrace your flaws and mistakes. Embrace them as part of who you are and use them as learning opportunities. If you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up about it - learn from it and move on.

• Third, focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses. Everybody has both strengths and weaknesses - but too often, we dwell on our weaknesses instead of our strengths. Identify your personal strengths and lean on them when you're feeling down about yourself.

• Fourth, give yourself grace. Be gentle with yourself when you stuff up or make a mistake - because chances are, you wouldn't be nearly as hard on someone else in the same situation. So why are you so hard on yourself? Learn to forgive yourself and move forward without dwelling on the past.

• Lastly, practice gratitude. When you start focusing on all the things you're grateful for in your life, it's easier to see the beauty in your life - even with all its imperfections.

The quest for perfection is an endless cycle that will only lead to unhappiness. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for excellence, - which is attainable. Focus on your personal journey, accept your flaws and mistakes, embrace your quirks and uniquness, focus on your strengths, give yourself grace, and practice gratitude.

The next time you find yourself striving for perfection in your work or your personal life, take a step back and remind yourself that happiness is the real goal—not perfection. Embrace your imperfections and use them as fuel for your creativity. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with others and build authentic relationships. And above all else, remember what's truly important in life and pursue happiness .

When you do these things,you will start living a happier, more fulfilling life.

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I'm excited to introduce the Azure Collection - a range of beautiful designer products and wall art, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your home. This curated selection features original hand-painted artwork, along with a variety of kitchen decor and gift sets. Whether you're looking for something special to brighten up your kitchen or you want something thoughtful to give as a gift, the Azure Collection has something for everyone.

The Azure Collection is inspired by my love of Australian native flowers, and includes my modern abstract still life paintings 'Aussie Blue' and 'Blue Banksias'. These stunning works feature banksias, protea flowers and gum blossoms in all their glory, set against a backdrop of blues, greys and greens. The pops of yellow and charcoal throughout the collection add a touch of vibrancy and personality, making these pieces truly unique.

All of the products in the Azure Collection have been designed by me and printed with high-quality inks. The prints are unframed so you can choose the perfect way to display them in your home. The kitchen decor items make great housewarming or hostess gifts, while the gift sets are ideal for Christmas gift giving. Whatever your need, I'm confident you'll find something you love in the Azure Collection.

The Azure Collection is filled with beautiful home decor items that are sure to add a touch of elegance to any space. With stunning artwork, versatile kitchen decor and thoughtfully curated gift sets, there's something for everyone in this collection. Whether you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, or simply want to add some beautiful art to style and decorate your own home, my Azure Collection makes a wonderful gift.

So take a browse and see what catches your eye - I know you won't be disappointed!

You've probably heard the old saying, "It's all in your head." And while that may sound like a cop-out answer to whatever problem you're facing, there's actually a lot of truth to it. The way we think about and perceive things has a huge impact on our lives. So, if you're looking for a reason to be more positive, know that a positive mind can find opportunity in everything—even on the toughest of days.

On days when it's hard to stay motivated and focused, try to remind yourself of all the good things in your life. It might be something as small as your morning cup of coffee or as big as your family and friends. Whatever it is, holding onto those positive thoughts will help you get through the day. And if you can get through today, tomorrow will be that much easier.

Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but it's also full of beauty and joy. It's up to us to decide which aspects we want to focus on. So, choose positivity today (and every day) and see how your life changes for the better.

Have you ever had one of those days or weeks where you just can't seem to focus? Everything feels like a distraction and you just can't seem to get anything done. I'm having one of those weeks. But it's only Tuesday, so the week is not lost yet. I'm determined to turn things around and make the most of the time I have. Here are some tips that I've found helpful in staying focused and keeping a positive mindset.

1) Make a list of things you need or want to do

When we have a lot on our minds, it can be helpful to write things down so we don't forget anything important. I like to make a short list of things I need to do for the day or week. That way, I can refer back to it if my mind starts wandering.

2) Set small achievable goals

Don't try to bite off more than you can chew. If you have a long list of things to do, break it down into smaller goals that you can complete. For example, instead of saying "I need to clean the whole house," say "I need to vacuum the living room." Smaller goals are more manageable and will help you stay on track without being overwhelmed.

3) Take breaks and reward yourself

After you've completed a goal, take a break! Go for a walk, treat yourself to a snack, or take some time to relax. Don't forget to give yourself credit for all the hard work you're doing. A little motivation goes a long way. This is something that I really need to do!

4) Focus on the positive

When it feels like everything is going wrong, try to focus on the positive aspects of your life. What are you grateful for? What good things have happened lately? By redirecting your focus to positive thoughts, you'll start feeling better in no time.

Positivity is a choice that we make every day—sometimes multiple times a day. It's not always easy to be positive, but it is always worth it. When we choose positivity, we open ourselves up to opportunities and possibilities that we might have missed if we had chosen to focus on the negative. Life is full of challenges, but it's also full of beauty and joy. Choose positivity today—and every day—and see how your life changes for the better.

Are you looking for a unique and stylish way to spruce up your kitchen?

Look no further than my new Kitchen Tea Towel & Coaster Sets! These new kitchen decor sets includes a designer tea towel and set of 4 wooden coasters, which have been printed with my original hand painted modern botanical art with native flora, proteas, banksias and Australian Rosella birds.

The tea towel is made from 100% cotton and measures 50cm x 70cm (19 x 27 inches), making it the perfect size for any kitchen. The set of 4 wooden coasters are printed using Greenguard Gold certified inks onto ethically sourced and sustainable Australian eucalyptus wood. and they measure 100mm in diameter x 2.5mm thick.

Not only are these new kitchen sets stylish and unique, they are also eco-friendly and practical! The cotton tea towel is perfect for drying dishes or wiping down counters, while the wooden coasters can be used to protect your surfaces from hot pots and pans or cold beverage condensation rings. Plus, the sets make great gifts for weddings, housewarming parties or anyone who loves to entertain!

So if you're looking for a stylish and unique way to spruce up your kitchen, or you need a gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member, be sure to check out my new Kitchen Tea Towel & Coaster Sets. You won't be disappointed. Order yours today and bring a little bit of Australia into your home!

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I'm so excited to introduce my new Christmas Collection for 2022!

This stunning range of Australian-made decorations and greeting cards is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The collection includes 15 different baubles that are decorated with lovely Australian Rosella birds, protea flowers, gum blossoms, banksias, native flora and original artwork. These ornaments are colourful and modern, and make great gifts that will be cherished for years to come. Available as a single bauble, in a set of four baubles, or mounted onto a Christmas card to give as a gift.

My Christmas Collection features some of my best-selling original artworks, including "Rosella Paradise" “ and "Wild Proteas". The collection is inspired by my love of native flora, Australian birds, and my desire to bring a touch of Australia into your home this holiday season.

All of the products in the collection are made from high-quality materials, the baubles are made from ethically sourced and sustainable Australian eucalyptus wood so you can be sure they'll last for years to come. And they are printed with Greenguard Gold certified inks, so you can rest assured that the products are eco-friendly.

Also in the 2022 collection release is a new set of 6 Christmas cards which are also made in Australia.

This Christmas, consider buying Australian made products that are beautiful, modern, reusable and support sustainable practices. My range of wooden baubles and Christmas cards fit perfectly into this category, plus they make wonderful gifts that will be treasured for years to come. So this Christmas, you can do something good for the environment, help support local jobs and businesses, and pick up a unique gift that your family and friends will love.

Shop the collection now for these collectable Christmas baubles that will be cherished for years to come.

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Finding harmony in our lives often feels like an impossible task but it is so worth striving for!
One way that has helped me find more balance is by setting intentions at the beginning of each week—taking inventory of what is most important to me and setting a specific goal aligned with those values. This process has helped me become more mindful of how I am spending my time and has allowed me greater control over my schedule.

If you are like me, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the business of life, with endless commitments and responsibilities crowding out the things that really matter. And this can often lead us to feel unbalanced and out of control, without a sense of purpose or meaning guiding our path. But despite how overwhelming it might seem at times, there is always something we can do to regain better balance with our work, life, and health.

One way that I am trying overcome the feeling of overwhelm is to find more harmony in my life by setting some intentional boundaries. At the start of each week, I have started to take some time to reflect on what is meaningful and important to me, and setting an intention for how I want to live my life this week.

This can involve sharing affirmations or motivational messages via social media or doing more of the things that bring joy and happiness into your day. Whether it's taking a walk in nature, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence, I am making a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and nurture my well-being.

And as I move through my week with this newfound intention guiding my actions, I am finding myself becoming more – both mentally and physically – of how I want to show up in my daily life and also how I want to spend my time.

Ultimately, I believe that this is key for finding true harmony in our lives and a way we can reclaim a sense of balance and control in todays hectic world. And so today, rather than simply racing from one thing to another, I chose to stop and savor some time, to do something I love, knowing that every day holds endless opportunities for growth, learning, and inspiration.

Of course, even with the best intentions, there will be times when we fall off balance. Life happens! The key is not to beat ourselves up when this happens but rather to gently return to our intended path. Remember: balance is not about perfection but rather about becoming more aware of where we are out of alignment and making small adjustments until we find our way back home again.

So why not take some time today to think about the areas where you need more balance in your own life?
Make some time to do things that bring you joy or simply have a dedicated "me" time, even if it is just for 30 minutes a day.

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I can’t believe that I haven’t put a link or made a post about my Podcast Interview with Margo Tantau of Tantau Studio, on her inspiring Podcast Windowsill Chats!

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path.

I was thrilled and honored to have been invited to participate in Windowsill Chats, a creative podcast for artists and creatives. In this inspiring interview with Margo Tantau, we talk about the importance of staying true to your own artistic voice and pursuing creative work that truly resonates with you. We also discuss the role that art plays in my own life, from drawing and painting everyday subjects that light me up, to creating art that touches others and spreads positivity. Whether you are an artist yourself or simply someone who appreciates the power and beauty of creativity, I encourage you to tune in to this inspiring podcast and learn more about what it means to live, work, and walk a creative path.

Thank you, Margo, for this amazing opportunity!

You can listen to my interview Episode 55 where Margo and I talk about owning your authenticity, making art that lights you up and drawing what you love!

Some of the key takeaways are -

• Authenticity and the importance of creating art that YOU like

• Why you’re only as good as the last piece of art you made

• Keeping a narrow focus and how it helps with confidence

• Mixing mediums and trying new techniques

• How she hones in on color combinations

• Allowing intuition into the creative process

• Why she doesn’t feel in alignment with commission pieces

• And so much more!

I am so excited to announce that my new Protea Magnifica Collection is now available!

This curated range features gorgeous art prints, along with a variety of kitchen decor and gift sets. Whether you're looking for something special to add a touch of colorful elegance to your kitchen or you want something thoughtful to give as a gift, the Protea Magnifica Collection has everything you need.

All of the products have been designed by me and printed with my original hand painted art ‘Protea Magnifica’ which features stunning protea flowers and gum blossoms in all their glory. The colour palette for this collection is non-traditional yet feminine with it’s soft shades of pinks and purples, tones of blues and grey, mixed with lush greens and the occasional pop of yellow.

This collection of unique Australian gifts includes designer tea towels, kitchen decor, greeting cards, coaster sets, silk scarves, notebooks, Christmas baubles and also fine art prints. I have taken great care to design these beautiful products so that they show off the artwork.

Whether you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, or simply want to add some beautiful art to style and decorate your own home, my Protea Magnifica Collection is sure to have something for everyone.

Shop the collection today and get your Christmas shopping done early!

Being an artist is a full-time job - but if you're also running your own art business and design studio, it can feel like you're working 24/7. From creating art, designing products, collaborating with clients, to marketing your work, keeping up with social media, and managing finances, there's a lot to juggle!

Here are 10 tips to help you run a successful art business.

1. Set realistic goals and targets. What do you want to achieve in the next year? In the next 5 years? Write down your goals and review them regularly to make sure you're on track.

2. Get organized and stay on top of deadlines. Create a system that works for you to manage your time and keep track of deadlines for shows, submissions, orders, etc. A bullet journal or digital calendar can be helpful for this. I personally like to write things down on paper.

3. Create a budget and stick to it. Knowing how much money you have coming in and going out is crucial for any business - make sure you're tracking your finances and sticking to a budget.

4. Invest in good quality materials. Cheap materials might be tempting, but they won't do your work any favours in the long run. Invest in good quality supplies that will last.

5. Promote, promote, promote! Make sure people know about your work - whether that's through social media, word of mouth, or exhibiting in galleries or shows. Find what works best for you and where your target audience is hanging out online or offline. I have started to be more proactive in promoting myself and showing some of my design process and behind the scenes inspiration.

6. Don't be afraid to say no. You can't do everything - so if someone asks you to do something that doesn't fit with your goals or plans, it's okay to say no. Protect your time and energy so you can focus on what's important to you and your business. The past couple of years I have had to say no to quite a few opportunities as I was fully booked and overworked. I did feel bad about not being able to work with everyone who had contacted me, so now I only take on client work and collaborations several times a year.

7. Take care of yourself. Running a business can be stressful - make sure you're taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Schedule time for breaks, exercise, relaxation, and fun!

8. Believe in yourself and your work. It sounds cheesy but it's true - if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will either! Trust your instincts and don't second-guess yourself too much - at the end of the day, only you know what's best for your business (and art).

9. Get professional help when you need it. We all need help sometimes - whether it's with accounting, taxes, legal issues, website design, or anything else related to running a business. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it so you can focus on what you do best - creating art!

10 . Surround yourself with positive people : family , friends , other artists , mentors , etc . These people will provide support, advice, positive reinforcement, and honest feedback when needed. Choosing wisely who we take advice from is just as important as asking for it. Look for qualified experts whose opinions we respect, who have our best interest at heart, and who will give us an honest assessment – even if it’s not what we wanted to hear initially.

If we want to be successful in running our art businesses, we have to remember these 10 things : set realistic goals, get organized & stay on top of deadlines, create & stick to a budget, invest in good quality materials, promote our work constantly, learn how & when to say no, take care of ourselves physically & mentally and most importantly, surround ourselves with positive people & professionals who will help guide us along the way !

If you have enjoyed reading this and would like to keep in touch please subscribe below to join my list to receive studio news, product releases, behind the scenes and also exclusive discount codes,
until next time Kirsten.

I am excited to announce that my Eden Collection is now available.

This curated range includes art prints, designer home decor, accessories and gift sets. The vibrant colours and excellent print quality make the products in this collection a wonderful way to add style and the beauty of flowers to your home. The Eden collection includes modern art and colourful designs printed on tea towels, silk scarves, notebooks, brooches, wooden coasters, cards as well as wall art.

I'm so excited to share this collection with you and I know you'll love it as much as I do!

Shop the collection and enjoy adding a little Eden to your home!

It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget what we're doing it all for. We go to our jobs, day in and day out, week after week, month after month, sometimes for years on end, without taking a step back to ask ourselves whether or not this is really what we want to be doing with our lives.

It's important to take a break every now and then, sit down, and evaluate what it is that we love and what makes us happy. For me, that means reminding myself each day to "Do What I Love."

This was one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received to just "do what you love." It's so simple, but also so profound. When you love what you're doing, motivation comes naturally. You don't have to force yourself to get started because, you're already excited about the task at hand. And when you're motivated, it's so much easier to be mindful and present.

Whenever I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed, I take a deep breath and remind myself of my mantra. This simple act of mindfulness helps me to recenter myself and approach each task with a greater sense of motivation and purpose.

Once you know what your heart truly desires, you'll be amazed at how much more motivation and inspiration you have to pursue your goals. Doing what you love also helps to inspire others.

When people see you pursuing your passions, it can be a daily reminder for them to do the same.

This simple act of mindfulness helps me to recenter myself and approach each task with a greater sense of motivation and purpose. So if you're feeling lost or directionless, take a break, do some soul-searching, and figure out what it is that you're passionate about. Once you know what your heart truly desires, you'll be amazed at how much more motivation and inspiration you have to pursue your goals.

Do what makes you happy, and do what you love. It's the best way to live a fulfilled life.

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]]>Do What You LoveFabricsDesign CollectionsKirsten KatzFri, 08 Apr 2022 05:52:43 +0000https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au/design-blog/new-quilt-fabric-collection556fe28be4b046c1c9b9ed07:55727a9fe4b008083660e349:624fc5350227fc209e80f354

Infloresence

I am super excited to share with you the release of my 3rd quilt fabric collection for Spotlight.

This collection is called “Infloresence” and consists of 7 designs with two distinct styles. There are 3 designs with hand painted irises, lilies, pansies and orchids and ther are 4 designs with modern illustrated Rosella birds in amongst stylised Australian native flowers. The combination of styles makes for a really diverse collection and endless possibilities to mix and match.

The vibrant colour palette that I have used for these fabrics makes it easy to co-ordinate with each print and also be balanced out the the multi-colour geometric textural print.

Rosella Paradise

There are 2 designs in this collection with Australian Rosella birds set in amongst stylised proteas, banksias and other bush flora. When I was thinking of a name to call this fabric design I couldn’t go past the name Rosella Paradise, because they truely look like they are living in a wonderful garden paradise.

Rosella Paradise comes in 2 different sizes and also with two different colour backgrounds. All these designs are printed on 112 cm wide 100% cotton fabric. These fabrics are a great addition to quilting and patchwork projects, or for making items such as book bags, scrunchies, pencil cases, tote bags and other soft bags!

You can purchase these fabrics by the metre at Spotlight Stores throughout Australia or online via their website - just enter my name Kirsten Katz in the search bar and it will bring up my complete range of fabrics and bedding that is currently available.

They have been selling really fast and I cannot wait to see what everyone is sewing with this fabric collection. Please remember to attribute me as the designer of this fabric when you share your sewing projects online and so I can see all your sewing talent @kirstenkatzart #kirstenkatzart

Would you like to receive regular updates about my design studio, new products, and behind the scenes?

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]]>New Quilt Fabric CollectionFabricsKirsten KatzFri, 08 Apr 2022 05:14:18 +0000https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au/design-blog/a-painted-garden-fabric-collection556fe28be4b046c1c9b9ed07:55727a9fe4b008083660e349:624fb969bb2af4098a224ef3

Modern Botanical Fabrics

These fabrics are part of my “A Painted Garden” fabric collection that is available exclusively to Spotlight stores in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. The designs are printed onto a beautiful light weight silky smooth 100% cotton satin that is 150cm wide.

I hand painted the artwork for these designs and the colours of the final printed fabrics is not only amasing it matches my original paintings.

These fabrics have a luxurious look and feel and are silky in texture with a wonderful drape, making them perfect for dresses, blouses and skirts.

The new collection of 7 designs has a strong Australiana theme with proteas, flowering gum blossoms, eucalyptus leaves and sugar bush flowers.

SEWING PROJECT IDEAS

Look at some of the clothes you could make with this fabric collection.

Would you like to receive regular updates about my design studio, new products, and behind the scenes?

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Great news everyone,
I am really excited to let you know that I have just launched my new scarf collection

There are 6 designs in this collection with my some of my favourite original painitngs and hand painted designs. The scarves are printed on a beautiful lightweight cotton silk fabric blend. They have a really gorgeous soft drape and are silky smooth. They measure 65 x 180 cm and can be worn numerous ways and even as a shawl.

Would you like to receive regular updates about my design studio, new products, and behind the scenes?

Well you can join my newsletter list and also get a discount coupon! Sign up here

Viola Quilt Fabric Collection 

The inspiration behind this collection was the childhood memories of my grand parents garden. They had rows of garden beds filled with different flowers and bulbs that came into bloom at different times of the year. There were dahlias, cosmos, chrysanthemums, irises, lilies, daisies, ranunculus and violets to name a few. In front of the garden beds was a row of crepe myrtle trees and rows of roses and the back yard was filled with fruit trees and vegetables.
Shop Viola Fabric

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Viola Quilt Pattern is available to Download on the Spotlight Website Here