The Pet Blogger Challenge 2012

After finding this information on some other blogs, I decided to participate for the first time. Thanks to Will My Dog Hate Me and Go Pet Friendly.

Challenge Questions #1: For bloggers who haven’t participated before

1. When did you begin your blog?

This blog has seen many incarnations and deleted posts since around 2006. When I decided to do pet portraits instead of illustration in November 2011, I overhauled the whole thing. I kept one post from 2010 that I really liked, but that doesn't really count for this current blog's existence.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

My original purpose for starting a blog was to write and display my illustration work. I was in college and creating work all the time. Everyone started a blog to promote their art.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Nope. I never really kept up with my blog when it was illustration related, even when I was working on a lot of pieces. I wasn't ever motivated to get out there and really market for more jobs. The stress of being a freelance artist got to me, especially in the big city of NYC.

If not, what’s different?

Now, I live in Denver am attempting to create a career painting pet portraits. I've really seen blogging as a tool to market my art to an audience that is interested in the same things I am. On top of my Etsy shop, I am putting up pictures all the time to try and get myself out there. Even when it gets crazy trying to sell my art, keeping a journal can be very cathartic. Also, I have my furry babies, Indiana and Onyx. They are just so cute and need to have their pictures put up on the internet for everyone to see.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

Now, I'm updating regularly and that is what I was always trying to get myself to do!

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

I definitely blog whenever I feel like it. I try to put up new art that I make it, but sometimes I prefer to wait until I stumble across an interesting article that I need to write about or my animals do something that is just too cute (and I have a camera around.)

If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?

I try to blog at least once a week. By then, guilt usually sets in.

If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?

Oh man, more things to worry about.

5. Are you generating income from your blog?

Not yet, but I'm not really looking to generate income from just the blog. I'm hoping it will generate interest in my portraits and paintings so that I can broaden my client base.

If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?

If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?

I'm looking to connect more with other pet bloggers and this is how I'm starting! I don't really want to advertise my blog, so much as my company and my services. So, I just need to participate more in the community. Step one, accomplished by submitting this for the challenge!

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

I love putting my pictures up and looking at them lovingly. Hopefully others will too!

7. What do you like least?

I'm not too fond of being tethered to blogger. I'd like to figure out wordpress (or whatever the proper program is) to bring my blog to my site and thus generate more traffic for my own url.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?

I'm going to meet more people through blogs and participate so that I'm using my blog to its full potential!