Designer Photo Shoot

I had an absolute blast at my designer shoot a few weeks ago! Stepping in front of the camera was a little nerve wracking for me, but one thing I've learned from my model friends is that it's all about confidence! So, after working the day in front of the camera, I have to admit that I love being behind the scenes! That's more my style and my comfort, but nonetheless, this was a 1st for me so thought I'd share with everyone who has been following AVCD's progress in the last year and a half.

I've only been at this for a little over a year now, and although I have a long way to go, I think I'm making good stride. I'm learning as I go, and I'm gaining more confidence in what I do and how I want my line to look. Branding my line is so important because it's the essence of what I stand for as a designer, and I'm doing my best to execute the vision I have for all of this. Although my line is not everyone's cup of tea, it is my line..this is my art...this is my vision. I need to make sure I stay true to myself and what I want as a designer.

I have to give a tremendous thank you to my photographer and good friend Laura Drilling for taking the time to help me with this shoot. She is an amazing artist in her own right bringing life and incredible beauty to her artwork as a photographer. I hope you take the time to check out her portfolio online and see the amazing work she's been doing!

Check out Laura Drilling and her AMAZING work here!!
Help support other artists!!! We're in this together : )

https://www.facebook.com/TrueworldPhotography

http://www.trueworldphotography.com/

http://anyonecanwander.blogspot.com/

Another Day Closer...

My last photo shoot was in February, and I'm dying to set up another one! I've been working hard everyday on new sets of Rock Dollie tops. I'm hoping I can finish out this month with final touches to this line and a few side projects I've picked up. I should be ready to get behind the camera in June for some new pics!!

I know I've said it before, but getting to that step is such an amazing feeling. Knowing all the hours and long nights I've spent on those designs and then to see them in pictures and in my portfolio has made it all worth it. I love this, and if I have to trade sleep for progress then so be it. 

I do have another full time job, but I make it a priority every day to put a few hours into this. I still have so many ideas I want to incorporate into AVCD that it's important that I take my time and do this right. I'm building my foundation to what I hope and pray will be my full time job one day. I've never been more motivated and passionate about anything, and I'm gonna chase this dream down until I catch it! -Amber : )

Not Making The Cut

Sometimes it's really frustrating when people tell you no or reject you. We've all felt the disappointment at sometime or another. It's hard to keep yourself from sinking into that pit of feeling not good enough or not worthy enough of whatever you had your heart set on. I had my hopes set high on one specific fashion show that I thought could really jump start my clothing line career, but that dream was crushed earlier this week. It's hard to stay positive when you think you've lost your one big chance or opportunity. 

Although I didn't get what I wanted, I've realized I'm still fairly new at this. I need to give myself credit for even trying. You'll never know until you try. Even though I tried and was rejected, I'm still not going to accept the defeat. It might not have been the right time, and I may not be at the right level of practice for this show, but that doesn't mean one day I won't be. I'm not giving up on my dream of participating in these type of shows because I know one day my hard work will come face to face with that opportunity. And everyone who didn't believe in me will have been worth it because they taught me to fight and work harder for what I want. 

And yes, I will be reapplying for this show over and over again until I make it, but in the meantime, I'll be working my ass off on other goals I already have set and other independent shows I've been invited to. I'm not one who lets others define who I am, and although in the end it's going to be nice proving people wrong when I finally do make it, it's going to be even more rewarding knowing I proved myself right. I can do this, and I will do this. 

When things don't go the way you'd like them to go just think of them as obstacles. The great thing about obstacles are they are defeatable. They are not dead end roads. So pick a different route to where ever it is you're going because as long as you're willing to keep working hard you'll get there. Just remember to stay positive and have a lot of faith in yourself! -Amber : )