Kids' Art Inspires All!

by Patty Palmer • More.com Member { View Profile }

   After staying home with my children for 10 years, I needed a change. It had been a while since I worked in my last career as a clothing designer, but I no longer knew what type of job suited me. Contributing to our monthly income was necessary so I put out feelers. A friend told me about a position as an art instructor at her child’s school. I called the principal, and within a week, I was setting up my classroom for my first-ever teaching job. The salary wasn’t high, but the hours were perfect for this busy mom.
   I had no idea what projects to do or how to teach 300 children. I scoured the internet to find lesson plans, but there were few sources. I managed to complete my first year squeaking out acceptable lessons but knew I could do better.
   The more I taught, the more inspired I had become. Children’s books, greeting cards, and nature turned into lessons ideas. I developed an ease around my lessons and the children responded. Proud of their art, I took pictures and created a blog for the parents. Few were interested, but a growing number of art teachers left comments. It occurred to me this was the perfect opportunity to help other art teachers begin their careers. I began to post as many photo-tutorials, tips, and student examples as I could. The response was overwhelming. Within months, I had a large following. It soon occurred to me that producing an inexpensive PDF would be even more helpful. I produced eight theme-based art booklets, charged a low price, and the sales and requests for more piled in. I filled a need! Sales quickly surpassed my salary earnings. Next year? More booklets, more happy teachers, and more beautiful art!