The birth story of MADE by jagged

Starting Jagged Daisy design and photography was a non-decision. I studied graphic design, copywriting and advertising art and had been working as “graphics girl” for a few years in the corporate world. My hubbie, a computer geek, and I decided that we would like to have kids at some point and we both liked the idea of a parent that can have a more flexible schedule. So, weighing up pros and cons of each of us leaving our “safe” jobs (I love making lists) and starting our own venture, it just made sense that it would be me. This was 2004, and in 2008 our son was born. 3 years later our daughter made her appearance. A few years later a close friend of mine, Cornelia, pushed me to add my photography as a more official service to my line-up, and in 2013 I opened my home based studio.

Now I’m not gonna go into an extended tangent of how hard it is to work-from-home and balance kids and family life. Or that the idea we have of being able to sleep until noon and work until 2 in the morning quickly shatters (I’m a night owl, but most of the business world aren’t, so 7am I’m up, usually). That’s not the point of this post. Most of the time my design business does well enough to pay the bills, and I do mostly have the flexibility to be at home when a kiddo gets the sniffles.

But, as I guess happens with most long term relationships, I got a bit of an itch. Nothing to serious. Not, “I wish I became a lawyer” or anything. (Side note: my brother wanted me to become a lawyer and work at his firm. I think he liked the idea of having his little sister as a sidekick.) My itch stemmed from the fact that I had little to show for what I do. Yes, I see the logos I design on a store front or a business card, but although I designed it, it is my client’s. I see adverts I design in newspapers, even hold pamphlets and brochures in my hands. I can hop online and look at websites I built. But none of it is mine. And most of it fleeting. After the event, the posters I designed are taken down and probably end up in a bin. Hopefully a recycling bin.

“Sometimes in the digital age I feel I need something to hold on to….” 

A couple of years ago, while having sushi, a co-photographer friend of mine (Hennie from Cadmus) asked me, “what art have you made lately?” Say what? I’m a designer, not an artist! was my first reaction. (The “I am an artist” post is a post of another day.) But he insisted. “I designed and made a doll…” I offered and showed him a pic on my phone. He was super excited, and almost strong-armed me into a Facebook page.

Not long after an artist friend, Talita Olivier, showed me her work and told me I should draw. I can’t draw… was my first response. I was met with a blank stare. She introduced me to Zen Tangle and I was inspired. I have followed the Zia route – Zentangle inspired art – and never looked back. At some point I even noticed I can paint...

It is somewhere there that I realised; I want to have something in this world that I made on my terms. Not according to a client brief, but according to my (he)art. And that is the birth of MADE by jagged. I am still very happy to do design, writing, websites, photography as per the “rules” of my Jagged Daisy business, but with MADE I can expand into touchable, feelable, artsy things that I’m inspired to make on my own terms. And if I’m lucky, my art find its way into the hearts and homes of others and bring them joy.

MADE has grown. This year (2017), my mom-in-law (Cherry-Bee) and sister-in-law (Cally) has joined me with MADE by jagged. We are launching our on-line shop and crafting up a storm. And at night, when I close my eyes in by bed, there is a little fleece bunny next to me, keeping my warm and reminding me what I have MADE…

Love, art and happiness.
xxxSuki

Jagged Daisy website
Jagged Daisy Facebook

MADE by jagged website
MADE by jagged Facebook

You are allowed to get what you want

Why do we keep on making excuses to justify not doing or getting something we really want?

It might be something relatively small, like getting a massage, but time and time again putting it off.

It might be something really big, like starting an own business, but we keep on hiding behind "not having enough experience" or the product not being quite perfect.

It can be something personal, like having a photo shoot done, but never making the time (call me!).

It can be something that will make you happy, like going dancing, but first you wanna take lessons to get better at it (and of course you never get round to doing that either...)

Why do we do this?

Why can we find time to watch an episode of Grey's Anatomy, but not work on something we really want?

Marie Forleo - creator of B-school - has a saying: Everything is figureoutable.

If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.

You want a monthly massage? Then decide to do it; make that appointment.
Oh I can hear you say - but I don't have the money, I don't have the time, I don't I  don't...

It is figureoutable: Don't have the money? Have a few less coffees and don't eat meat for a few days a month to find the extra cash. No time? What about a massage therapist that comes to your office and gives you a head and shoulder massage right at your desk during lunch...

I you want a glamour/boudoir photo shoot done for yourself, then book it.
But Suki, I can't take off work, I need to lose weight...

It is figureoutable: Can't take off work? Yes you can - it is not selfish, leave days are there to do what you want and need. Want to lose weight? Then watch what you eat and start with the exercise, but you do not need to be your "ideal weight" to come for a photo shoot. Actually, I believe being reminded that you are beautiful right now can be just the motivation you need to commit to a change in lifestyle. And you can always come back for another photo session when you have trimmed down, but you can't get the time back that you wasted putting things off.

Stop standing in your own way - if there is something you really want, be it dance lessons or starting your own business, you can figure it out and you can make it happen.

Will it be easy? Probably not.
Can it be done? It is very, very likely.

Make the choice, get the info you need and then make it happen.

I believe in you.

Looking for someone to help with photography or design? Please give me a shout, or visit my website.

BshamelesslyU

I was looking through some old photies and generally just thinking back, when I came across this photo of my hubbie and I at a fun fair.

No make up, no filters, just plain old fun.

Of course I believe in the importance of making the time to have a professional photo shoot done, whether it's a family shoot, or for your CV, or whatever.

BUT - being willing to selfie on the tea cups while your head (and tummy) is spinning is a great thing too.

And that's why you have lately seen me write about "Be Shamelessly You" - I believe to truly be happy, you have to be you, and love the authentic you - and that's why we should be in photos in every stage of our lives. (Yes, even a few kgs over weight...)

So for the sake of hashtag length, "Be Shamelessly You" now is #BshamelesslyU

And I am trying to live it!

On being happy