Red Bubble Love
Dear Red Bubbly people….
We were asked by Community to write a journal on how Red Bubble has changed our lives.. I had already done this, but it was a written work, so I’ve adjusted it slightly and uploaded this as a journal… you can do this too and you just have to tag your journal with redbubblelove, as we would love to hear from everyone! Here we go…..
Red Bubble has changed my life... I thought you should know…. I am a different person now….. people recognize me in the street….. people have respect for me as an artist now…. I have respect for myself… I found my way…. I was lost and when i reached Red Bubble, it felt like I was found…
I have for a long time (well all of my life) been looking for friends, for people that were like me…. there was no-one, absolutely no-one… until I met one artist friend who lived next door for a while, then unfortunately moved away, back to England, we got on like a house on fire… that got me thinking that artists were like me… if only i could find more artists, i thought… I could have more friends that think similarly, that understand what it’s like to be an artist, to live this lifestyle…. but my biggest question was, where would i find them… hmm … this continually confounded me.
One day, I came across Red Bubble, because my heart was wide open, and I knew I’d found something special… something i’d been looking for my whole life long….... friends, companionship, and people who think like i think…. it is more than just a little thing… it is a huge change for me… i feel at home at Red Bubble… like my favourite lounge chair… like sipping my favourite drink, or eating my favourite meal, or going out to my favourite restaurant… I found where i belong… Red Bubble is my watering hole, the place i go to renew my soul.
It is also the place where I get to share my heart and soul with others, it’s in me to love and encourage others, there’s not enough of it around, so I pour it out lavishly on whoever will receive it… and in return they lavish love on me.
There have been some hairy moments… I’ll admit that. But that’s life isn’t it… and I’m learning as I go… we all are… I am so moved and touched by the philosophy of Red Bubble, and how you accept everyone, it ties in well with my own philosophy of acceptance and encouragement. Not everyone feels the same way, but that’s okay, different strokes for different folks and all that.
I don’t know where I’d be today without Red Bubble, it was there for me at a very difficult time in my artistic and my personal life, where i felt all other doors had closed to me…..
It seemed to me then that all other avenues to expressing my art in the community seemed to have dried up and I was at a loss as to what to do, I almost gave up. It’s extremely important for me to me to see my art go full circle…
I like to see my art sell, to create is not enough for me, it must not only be expressed, but shared and loved enough to be received into someone’s heart and home.
Red Bubble gives me this opportunity each and every minute of every day…this is what i appreciate.
I would just like to say all this to you now… as it seems rather apt and timely to do so… you have embraced me, my art, who i am… I cannot thank you all enough… also for your understanding my wobblier moments… you dealt with things perfectly.
I also would like to mention that because of Red Bubble, the following wonderful things have happened to me in the last year and a half since I became a member, and all of them happened because i was ‘seen’ by others on Red Bubble, who since contacted me and contracted me…
I realise that I forgot to mention previously, in my letter of thanks, that I have been afforded a number of opportunities because of my presence on Red Bubble..
1. An art licensing agent in the USA discovered me and signed me up for a 2 year contract
2. A lingerie company in the UK asked me to design art for their start up
3. A company in the USA contracted me to create 5 designs for a children’s entertainment business that might go global
4. Through the art licensing agent I was contracted for 2 years by one of the largest mobile phone companies in the USA FunMobility to have 8 of my designs resold as wallpapers
5. I was made aware of a competition conducted through Creative Mums online website and my entry Madonna and Child was one of the chosen entries, in under 4 months, this artwork received almost 6,000 views
6. I have sold many of my works and received respect in my community
7. I have a contract with a company in China who are manufacturing prints for retail outlets using one of my designs
8. My work is appearing on thousands of reggae party posters and brochures coming up in September, October, November in Denmark through a deal with someone I met through Red Bubble (not a member)
8. I have met many new friends and contacts, including Frozenfa who is a member here at Red Bubble, without her support I doubt I would still be a member as she bouyed me when I was down, encouraged me to hang in there when times were low and sales were less than abundant, Fa now sells her work and my work together at markets in Singapore, such a friend and support she has been, that words seem inadequate… My huge thanks will always go out to muscularteeth who I adopted as a brother, and what a dear friend he turned out to be… I would not have continued on RB without the support of people like him and Fa… even tho RB is a wonderful place to be, it’s the special people, the characters I identify with here, are what makes this place…. the staff, the admin….not just this thing called RB… for without the love, it would be nothing.
9. Griffith University used one of my paintings Baby Bull Production in their periodical, they found my work on Red Bubble and emailed me, we talked on the phone, and it was another great opportunity for me, for which I’m very grateful
10. I’ve met the likes of iAN Derrick, Matt Mawson and his lovely sister, ginnymac, my dear friend natsky, Vicki Ferrrari, drec, etc in person and I learned that the members of red bubble are living, breathing, real people and it’s wonderful to know them and feel encouraged by them (forgive me if we’ve met and i haven’t mentioned you, but I feel like I’ve met you all in a funny way :)
11. 2008 my CHUNKIES were featured online at Thunderchunky
12. I’ve learned to understand that there are many different ways to look at things, many different talented people under the sun, and i am content and happy to be just one of them, that goes to making this whole creative world spin ‘round.
There have been so many of you that have helped me, that have loved me through thick and thin…and believe me, i am very thick at times … what can I say to you all…each and every single one of you knows that special contact we have had…those special words of encouragement like blessings that we have spoken over one another, those difficult times we have shared….. and there are too many of you to mention here, my soul feels full of goodwill toward you all and I cannot thank you enough for showing me that there is kindness, love, thoughtfulness, unselfishness here, as far as the eye can see, as strong as the heart can beat, and that you all went far beyond my expectations. I love you all…
Fascinating and brilliant, a whole new life…thank you Red Bubble
Thank you everyone….
Big love
from Karin
yanmos
wow!!!! I am happy for you, you deserve it!!! Thank YOU karin!
Karin Taylor
replied
thanx so much dear yannis, you have always been there, from day one :)
Jane Keats
Lol, it must be something in the air! I was just writing a small thank you to the Redbubble community as well, what a change it has made to me for the better! I love your work Karin, and I believe that you will go on to be one extremely successful artist. Your drive, creativity and inspiring positivity is a wonderful influence in this community and I feel very privileged to be able to pop into a small part of your life here on RB! So “Back at ya.” from me :o)
Karin Taylor
replied
..lol, it must be Jane! ... it’s even more wonderful if you were just doing it, without knowing about the Community request to do this! I am so grateful for all you said, and I believe you will go from strength to strength too – it is so heartening to hear that RB has helped make a change for the better in your life too :) xxxx
webbie
AWSOME Karin…Love reading this…and I’m so happy for you..but also you so deserver this…Your are one of RB artist that is truely great,,,,God has truely blessed you. there are others but yours truly stand out to me,,,hugggggggz
Karin Taylor
replied
thank you webbie, you’ve been there from very early on, and you’ve always encouraged, and i’ll never forget your life story…it has stuck with me permanently… whenever i see you, i think of your story… and feel I am not alone, that someone greater is watching over us always :) xxx
bev langby
oh wow Karin, reading of all the wonderful opportunities that have come your way via red bubble, u do indeed have a lot to be thankful for , im so happy for u and wish u every success in the future hugz bev xxxx
Karin Taylor
replied
bev, you’ve been such a familiar face in the last couple of months, and it’s been wonderful to have you in my circle, i’ve been very lucky, but I mainly say these things not to sprout about myself, but to show that even for someone like me, a virtual mouse, it is possible to be seen by people who are out there looking for freelance artists and photographers, thanx to Red Bubble :)
Linda Callaghan
What a brilliant article full of love and so inspiring Karin…so many of us can relate….it is such wonderful news to hear that your success goes ahead in leaps and bounds, as you so truly deserve. Your lovely, warm personality shines through in all you do and I wish you all the happy things in life! Bubble is always going to be a welcoming, friendly place to be with people like you on here xxxxx
Karin Taylor
replied
Linda, thank you for that beautiful response, I am so lucky to have friends like you … :) xxxxx
Jason Michaels
RedBubble provides the conduit, tools, and the environment, but you’ve put in a ton of work – blood, sweat, and tears. Kudos to you for stepping forward, taking risks, reaching out, and speaking up!
Karin Taylor
replied
.... you made me cry, thank you jason, thank you for noticing the hard work :)
Sarah ORourke
Wow Karin, so eloquently put… what more can i say… You’re an amazing artist… & even more so an amazing person :)
That’s wonderful RB has brought you so much success!!!
It’s like Red Bubble completes a circle… in discovering all these fantastic artists & like minded people they were opened to your wonderful work & beautiful, warm personality… & in turn you realise just how special you are yourself :) Which is perhaps the most important thing of all :)
You’re an inspiration & my life is brighter for it!
Xxx
Karin Taylor
replied
thanx so much Sarah, you’ve been there a lot for me lately and I really appreciate that and your sweet self, and yeah, a lot of things have happened all because I was visible on RB, they definitely would not and could not have happened without RB. I think you are right, the community here has shown me such kindness, that I’ve seen myself in a new light perhaps…. you make my life brighter too Sarah, you remind me of tink… tinkerbell :) xxx
Colleen Milburn
Dear Karin, what a sweetheart you are. I understand exactly how you feel – in just a few months, I can’t remember what I did before RB! Such a wonderful, caring, supportive, creative and inspirational community – and the individual friendships are just so special. You have brought sunshine to a lot of people, sweetie. Thanks for sharing this with us :)))
Karin Taylor
replied
Colleen, it makes my heart glad to hear that, to find that RB has had this effect on you also, it’s been really special getting to know you over the last few months too and I always find i’m smiling whenever i see your avatar, i love love love your work :) xxxx
lacitrouille
Such a beautiful tribute, and a splendid blossoming in your wishes and oppurtunities sweetie…And this is only the beginning…Love, Josette
Karin Taylor
replied
Josette, thank you because you are you, and somehow our two souls met even tho we live so far away…we now have a piece of each other in our homes and that’s really special to me….i love your print, and i see it everyday, it reminds me of friends in faraway places, living their lives, their dreams, their struggles, and that I am not alone in mine…that i have friends in faraway places is very very comforting to me :) xxxx
Eleni Hadjikir...
congratulations!these are very cool,and your work amazing!keep on!
Karin Taylor
replied
Eleni, thank you very much for your kindness.. I do really appreciate!
that forget me not tshirt of yours is a beauty by the way, a real winner, i love it :)
LeilaniMelayna
Karin, You are truly a very special & talented artist, as well as a respected & treasured friend. I am so glad to be a part of RedBubble love , also! When I read your comments here I felt the same way! This really is a very special & encouraging place to spend quality time with friends we make all over the world! It is like we have new sprouts every day we spend on RedBubble. Through encouragement & etiquette we have a beautiful garden of special friends. Here’s to All Hands on the Bubble across the world!
Smiles Leilani
Karin Taylor
replied
Leilana, thank you for those kind words, they mean a lot to me.
It’s great that you feel the same way, we really are lucky to have found this place….. it’s like a heartbeat…. and we are the body :) xx
elenaoleniuc
Congratulations Karin ! You are a special person, very creative, your art it’s amazing, you are lucky !
I hope still to change something in my life with the help of RedBubble.
Karin Taylor
replied
Thank you so much Elena, I really appreciate your kindness and ihope that you also experience some positive change too!! Stick with it, hang inthere, and never stop believing, because we believe kn you and your art is simply divine!
:) xxx
valzart
Woot lol! congratz sweetheART delighted 2B caring & sharing on the Bubz’ with you ;}happy hippy hugglez
Karin Taylor
replied
I second that Val, you are are bright and shining personality here, and rb is made all the more special by peoe like you ,)
hugglez xxx
AnitaInverarity
Beautiful and Wonderful to hear. I relate so much to finding “like minded artists”, for that rb is such a revelation, life changing. Your success is so inspiring to others and you deserve every bit of it- beautiful, uplifting and unique art by a beautiful, unique soul.
Blessings to you Karin and all the amazing bubblers who make this place so special xoxoxox
Karin Taylor
replied
Thanx so much Anita, I’m so glad we met… There are kindred spirits here in great number, you are one of mine, I’m a lucky girl and blessed to call you friend :) xxx
Pip Gerard
You are the still the one I think I’ve connected to on the deepest level here at Red Bubble and I thank you for it. You really are an amazing soul… ready to listen… ready to care… ready to share… ready to work…. ready to speak your truth…. and most of all ready to create your soul’s art.
I see I’m far from the only one that you’ve affected which shows how special you really are.
thank you for being you.
It’s truly been a pleasure and a highlight for me coming across you… my cyber soul friend :D
I see Sarah above and off to check her portfolio now xox
Karin Taylor
replied
Cyber soul friend is a lovely term, like a kindred spirit… Ever since I read Anne of Green Gables Id wished for a kindred spirit, and you are one of mine Pip… A very dear and special friend… You are in my heart always :). I am so grateful for your friendship and that you entered into my life… And meeting you mum just doubles that feeling pip :))))) xxxx
LeilaniMelayna
You are very welcome for my eatfelt words of sincerity, Karin! Thanks to you sparking my heartstrings!
Smiles Leilani
purelydecorative
You really deserve all those things Karin- you are a brave, generous and special creative soul! The universe is only giving back to you what you have given to it!
Karin Taylor
replied
Thx so much PD :). I’ve loved your style from the start! I think you have an amazing talent for design and admire you so much, you are quiet and lovely with a strong presence here, the place is so much the better for having your art and personality here, we are lucky to have you :))
Care
that is so beautiful to hear Karin…so very happy for you…it is such a wonderful place here…reading your words had me holding back tears…because I can understand that feeling of finding those similar souls…this place changed my life in such a huge way…
wishing you the very most of continued health and happiness in life : ) x
Karin Taylor
replied
You know, it’s great when I hear that rb has changed lives in significant ways and brought together people with similar ideas, provided new opportunities, etc… But more than anything Care, I think that’s just what the founders and staff love to hear, because I’m sure that’s what they hoped would be achieved…a realcommunity, where artists are supportive and creativity is fuelled.. Thank you so much fir sharing your heart and your kind thoughtful words :) xxx
Anni Morris
A joy to read dear Karin, well done my talented friend ~ Anni :) xxx
Karin Taylor
replied
thx Anni, I really appreciate you spent your precious time reading this… i’m very grateful and i think you are truly talented yourself, much more than I :) xxx
mobii
I love RedBooble because it’s free, and because it stays crunchy in milk!
Karin Taylor
replied
...aha, just like coco pops :) lol
lacitrouille
That’s the magic of the Internet, that faraway kindred spirits can meet. You’ve been such an inspiration to me. :)
Karin Taylor
replied
...it sure is Josette, that’s why Red Bubble is such a special place, it acts as an incubator for friendships to grow and develop, for artistic speculation to become a right of passage, for our hearts and lives to grow and thrive, it’s a place where kindness overflows… there are tough times too, and i’ve had my fair share… but all in all, the bubble is a treasure, and so are you :) xxx
Ulrikeart
Thank you for sharing your talent with us, you are a joy and a blessing.
Happy for your success…......
Karin Taylor
replied
Thanx so much …. It means a lot to me :)
MuscularTeeth
“My huge thanks will always go out to muscularteeth who I adopted as a brother, and what a dear friend he turned out to be…”
im more than slightly honored KT, big sistah. though you know im just some guy..
Karin Taylor
replied
Yeah, just some guy…... Lol
Anne van Alkemade
While Redbubble may have been a conduit, Karin it is you and your art and your beautiful personality that has won through for you. Your art is beautiful and deserves every accolade you have listed. Wow, what an amazing list it is too. Well done you! xxx
Karin Taylor
replied
Oh Anne, it’s people like you that just make red bubble the best place..
Thank you from my heart:)x0x
OWLGIRL69
I am only new bubbler but feeling very welcome and at home already. I really enjoyed reading your entry and am in awe of the amazing opportunities that were presented to you. I was referred to redbubble and also to you by Anne (above), and am very blessed to be able to share who I am with so many wonderfully talented people. I look forward to getting to know more about you. XOXO Tash!
Karin Taylor
replied
Hi Tash!
So nice to meet a friend of Anne’s :)
So happy you feel at ease and at home here too, red bubble is a special place….. And I warmly welcome you here for my part … I wish you a wonderfully warm time here in the community and much success in every way:)
Vicki Ferrari
Wow, Karin, you are inspiring – tomorrow morning I am going to bounce out of bed and get motivated and do more….. seriously!! I loved reading your story! and fave so I can re-read it and get re-motivated when I lose it!! :) stretchxo
Karin Taylor
replied
You go for it Stretch!!
There’s always something new we can try, starting a blog, joining other online communities, promotions … But just don’t wear yourself out ok!! Lol
just have fun!! :))))) x
Tom Douce
It really does show that some times people take a chance on something and it turns out to be a life changing event. Redbubble has been incredible for me so far but u have inspired me even more to continue… I can’t believe u have so many deals with companys. It’s so amazing. Congrats on all ur achievements Karin
Karin Taylor
replied
Tom, thanx so much :) I’m yet to see much of a financial return on those, but every little bit is a step taken on the journey, and translates into something new learned. Some lessons are hard, some don’t work out, but the ones that do are great blessings… You are right .. Take chances, go with hunches, explore ideas, and be ready for the opportunities when they knock on your door I reckon.. There have been lots of successes I’ve seen others have here on rb too, book deals, book covers, being covered in magazines, being asked to exhibit at exhibitions… Hearing and reading hese things about others successes on rb, was what triggered the realization that anythings possible Tom:) Thanx again!!!
Tom Douce
Once again thanks karin! My eyes have been opened today… Keep it up :-)
Pip Gerard
♥♥♥♥ xox
Vicki Ferrari
(Re your reply to my comment above…..)
Do you mean don’t wear myself out and find some balance?!!! Yeah sure sassie!! (but I will anyway, not leave the bub for so long next time!! I do like to see all the new work!!) love vickxo
(umm… didn’t jump out of bed quite so enthusiastically as I hoped i might! but favourited this (before) so i can go and be renewed, after I give my eyes a rest!!) :)))
elenaoleniuc
Thank you Karin for your support ! Without Red Bubble, my life would be very sad. Red Bubble is like a family.
Karin Taylor
replied
That’s beautiful Elena, thank you for your response :))) xx
vian
this is wonderful Karin, since i join redbubble it has inspired me to join an art class to learn art of course but to be around other artist’s I just fitted in straight away. May this just be the beginning of your success.
Karin Taylor
replied
thanx very much vian, it’s great to hear that red bubble has been inspirational in your life too, and so happy you have found other kindred spirits who are artists… it is a real relief to fit in and not feel different and on the outer. I guess that success is something I hope for, but there are so many levels and ways you can look at success. The way i try to look at it is this….. do my best work, and feel proud of it, then i can die a happy girl…knowing i gave my best to the work to the world… and just hope someone or other appreciates it and all the effort…but mainly it is for the deep satisfaction of creating something worthwhile and of beauty for myself. When i do something I think is good, I feel such a great wholeness and sense of wellbeing and satisfaction, I think that might be my success :) x
Karin Taylor
replied
i know you are going to be very successful, i’ve been interested in your work since the day i started on RB..there is something really unique and delightful about your style vian ;) x