Art Studio: 2013

Five Steps to Choosing a Martial Arts Studio

When searching for a martial arts studio in Honolulu, the first step you should take is to decide what discipline you are interested in learning. In Honolulu, Tae kwon do, Karate, Hapkido and MMA are popular choices.

To decide on a discipline, start by researching in the encyclopedia, Google, and visit some websites dedicated to these martial arts. Watch some movies to see how each style differs. When watching movies, realize that Hollywood dramatizes everything, and is not always correct in portraying a martial art. It is also important to note that many movies focus on the violence, when they should focus on the style as an art form. Be realistic in how each discipline is actually used.

The second step is to visit local studios. The easiest way to find local martial arts studios is to look them up in the search engines online. For instance, you can type in "martial arts Honolulu" in Google and get great results. Another easy way to look up places is in the phone book. For example, look up martial arts, and you will find Tae kwon do studios in Honolulu, in addition to Hapkido and MMA studios.

Once you find a studio that you are interested in the third step is to call the studio and set up a time to meet the instructor. Before going in to meet them, create a list of questions that you want answered. For example, what is your teaching philosophy? What life skills do you teach? Do you have training in teaching? How do you keep up on your martial art skills?

Another important point to keep in mind is that unlike many other industries the government does not regulate opening a martial arts studio. This unfortunately, allows the possibility of under qualified and fraudulent instructors opening schools. It usually only takes acquiring a business license to open a self-defense school; but in contrast, setting up a day care, for example, requires licensing, background checks, and extensive paperwork. Due to this lack of regulation in the martial arts industry, it is essential to take extra precautions when choosing instructors, especially for children. Select an instructor that is a member of a recognized and respected martial arts organization, and that has proof of their rank and membership in the organization. Some examples of organizations are the World Tae kwon do Federation and the National Association of Professional Martial Artists.

Fourth, go in and observe several classes. Observe how the classes are taught, and how the students behave. Are the students respectful and disciplined? How is the technique of the students? What is the teaching style of the instructor(s)?

The fifth step is to take a class. Many academies will offer a free trial class. The best way to know if you have chosen the best discipline and studio is to experience the class. Take a class at several different studios so you can compare your experiences in each. For example, if you had chosen to take a class in Tae kwon do in Honolulu, be sure to also go take a class in Karate or Kung Fu. Try out several different styles, even if you already know which style you want to learn. Your multiple experiences will either solidify your choice, or open you up to new possibilities.

Eight Tips For Selecting a Martial Arts Studio

The main reason most people drop out of the martial arts -- besides life taking them in different directions -- is because they didn't take the time to do any research and found out later the studio they joined wasn't what they expected.

The time you invest researching studios will pay you back a thousand fold. It will also help you find the right studio for you. You'll be more enthusiastic about your training and you'll get more out of it.

Here are eight consumer tips to help you make a more informed decision before starting at any martial arts studio:

1. Belt Rank Isn't Everything. Just because an instructor is a high ranking black belt doesn't automatically mean they're a good instructor. What's important is if they can help you reach your goals and teach you what you want to learn.

2. Size of Studio. Quality of instruction can vary from studio to studio no matter its size or what they teach. A larger studio may have more convenient hours, but may not offer you the personalized instruction you're looking for that a smaller studio may provide.

3. Watch a Class. Don't overlook this step. This will tell you more about the studio than anything - especially when you show up unannounced. Most public studios welcome walk-ins.

4. Visit Several Studios. Just because a studio is close, doesn't make it the best place for you train. Wouldn't you rather train at a place Five or ten minutes further away if it better matched your needs? Visit at least three places before deciding just to be sure.

5. Talk to Students. Students will tell all. They will tell you what to expect and why they decided to train there. This may help you make a better, more informed appraisal of the studio and its instructors.

6. Read the Fine Print. Not all studios require a contract, but if they do, pay particular attention to the terms of any contract and make sure you fully understand your rights before signing on the dotted line.

7. Ask Questions. Don't be worried that you will offend the instructor because you look for clarification. If an instructor or studio owner doesn't answer your questions to your satisfaction, then maybe you should move on to the next studio.

8. Try Before You Buy. If the studio you're interested in offers a trial program, it is recommended you take it. This will tell you a lot about how you will be taught and what you can expect from the studio.

Interior Decoration and Art Studio

Every artist has a dream of owning a studio. As the space crunch is faced by many artists are opting for smaller studios having basic necessities. Even the backyard or the lobby or the garage will do as a make shift studio. Some tips to beautify your personal space and studio are as follows.

This studio represents the individual, their personal likes and dislikes, interests, education and creativity levels. Keeping in mind the artist's nature one can have individual display of art pieces. Successful and good works can be displayed on the walls as this gives feeling of confidence to the artist. Arrangement of art materials and canvasses can be done in a neat manner to make the place attractive. Hanging green plants and also having fresh water arrangements in vases can help enliven the environment.

Colour in any form is very attractive. Upholstery and furniture must be of attractive as well as dark colours to avoid staining with paints. Wooden flooring must be protected as spill of solvents and paints may mess up the coating. Avoid rugs and mattresses as they may accidentally be stained during sessions of painting. Have a display board to put up[ attractive pictures for getting new and fresh painting ideas. Each individual must display materials that encourage the creative spurt from within and depending upon the nature and likes of individual one can decorate the studio to represent their identity.

Art studio must be decorated keeping in mind the style of work as an abstract artist needs more space than any other style artist and keeping everything neat here would hinder the creativity of the abstract artist. Decorations in the studio must be such that which promote growth and encouragement for the artist. So all you wonderful artists go and decorate your studios as painting career does not mean to have the paint only on canvas and a boring studio, but all this can also be brightened by having colours around!

Art Studio Air Purifier - 5 Things It Must Do

Having an air purifier in your visual art studio is as necessary as having the right lighting, proper tools, and enough space to work effectively. Here are 5 things your purifier should be able to do to keep your air fresh and healthy while you create.

Remove Chemical Fumes---Many of the products that are used to create beautiful works of art contain volatile organic chemicals that evaporate into the air. These chemicals are contained in oil paint, inks, varnish, turpentine, and many other solvents. Inhaling even a small amount of these fumes can cause headaches, watery and burning eyes, sore throat, and dizziness.

Studies have shown that breathing these fumes day after day can cause long term health problems. And if your studio is connected to your home, these fumes can expose others in your family such as children and pets to the hazards of these chemicals.

Carbon has been shown to be the most effective type of filter to remove gaseous pollutants. An air purifier that is to be effective at eliminating these chemicals must have a carbon-based filter with an additive that increase its effectiveness at airborne chemical elimination

Eliminate Particles---Sanding, chiseling, and grinding can all send millions of particles into the air. Wearing a mask is effective to a point, but many of these particulates remain in the air for quite a while. An effective air cleaner must be able to effectively and continually eliminate these particles.

HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filters are the best for removal of airborne particulates. By definition they must be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 particles that are.3 microns or greater. This is the same type of technology used in hospitals to insure clean air.

Adjustable Filtration Speeds---Because no 2 days are probably the same in your studio, your air cleaner must be able to adapt quickly to the conditions around it. When you know there are more chemicals and/or particles in the air, you need to be able to filter the air faster to keep air quality high. A cleaner must have the ability to clean at various rates in order to keep the air fresh regardless of how many pollutants are being created in your studio.

Run 24 Hours----It may take hours for fumes to dissipate and particles to settle from the air in your studio. A cleaner with a split capacitor motor is able to run 24 hours a day every day. This is important because it can continue to clean the air while you are away. This means you are always able to enter a studio that smells clean and encourages the creativity within you.

Be Cost Effective----You are much more likely to use an air purifier that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to run. There can often be hidden costs such as frequent filter changes, and the cost of your time to maintain it. Your cleaner should be able to run for years without a filter change. And maintenance should be as simple as vacuuming the outside whenever you vacuum your studio. Any thing more in terms of maintenance is too expensive in both time and money and should not be considered.

How to Pick a Martial Arts Studio

What To Look For In A Martial Arts Studio

Most parents who choose a karate school make their choice based on convenience. While this is an important factor in selecting a school, this shouldn't be the only factor in your choice. So what qualities does a professional school have? Remember, martial arts training requires a commitment of time and money so you should know what to look for. There are many great schools and instructors out there and unfortunately there are as many not so good. How do you tell the difference if you have no experience? Having been in the martial arts industry for over 25 years, if I was searching for a school to train at, these are the things I would look for.

1. Positive and High Energy Classes-

Students and people in general thrive in a positive, friendly environment. Choose a school that brings out the best in yourself or your child. Does the school have friendly staff and instructors? Is the staff happy to be there with a smile, is it sincere? Do they cultivate an environment that you makes you feel better after every class? Are there parents watching their children in the audience area, or are they participating and encouraging their kids? Can you feel the energy when you walk in? A school that focuses on positive and high energy classes will do their best to encourage you, give you appropriate feedback, and ensure your success in their program.

2. Classroom Discipline and Management-

This might seem to contradict the first statement but in reality both concepts can exist simultaneously. While martial arts should be fun, when a student comes to class they should also adhere to studio etiquette and discipline. I would evaluate this by seeing if the instructor can hold class attention without being authoritative. Are students "hustling" from technique to technique? Does the instructor work from a lesson plan or just make it up as he goes along? Is the class moving as one unit or are kids being left behind? Can you hear the "snap" and "power" coming from the group or are kids just following along? A good disciplined and managed class should closely resemble the order of a military unit. Standardized movement,discipline, and order.

3. Quality Instruction-

Quality instruction is the hardest for a parent to spot without having any experience in martial arts. Since books can be written on this subject alone, I will describe what process it takes to have quality instructors. Unfortunately the way the industry is, anybody can say there a black belt by putting one on. Most martial arts schools that teach quality instruction do the little things to make sure they stay up-to-date on methods and training. Look for the not so obvious aspects of instructors like how long have they been practicing the martial arts, how long have they been teaching, how often do they go on courses to improve their own skills? Does the studio require CPR and First Aid qualifications? Some other important aspects to look at include: Do they do background checks, are they qualified to rank you once you get to black belt? Is their school a part of a larger organization that offers support and guidance to them? A quality martial arts school should have an infrastructure like an elite college institution. It should be stringent, have extremely high standards, and have a process of on-going training and development.

4. Effective and Challenging Curriculum

The signs of an effective, challenging curriculum is how many Black Belts are training? Are they able to retain students after their Black Belt? Does the program include life skills as well as martial arts? More importantly, do the instructors lead by example and live their creed? Are they able to retain 2nd and 3rd degree Black Belts? Can you study a lifetime and still not learn everything in their curriculum? Of course, with a new school you won't have this option, but after three to five years of opening you should get a pretty good idea.

5. Clean and Safe Environment

Since a martial arts studio will have many kids, safety should be first in importance at a martial arts school. A good martial arts school makes safety its principal goal both physically and mentally. Is the training equipment in good shape? Are there plenty of instructors on the floor? Cleanliness goes along with safety in protecting students. A school should be hygienic from it's waiting area to it's training floor to it's locker rooms and bathrooms. Is the school clean from the front door, to the bathrooms, to the training area? Are the mats washed on a regular basis? Does the school reinvest back into itself?

6. Month-to-Month Agreements

Having a 9 year old myself, I know from first hand experience that kids change their minds all the time. The last thing I want to do is sign a contract and then have to force my daughter to do something that she doesn't want to do six months later. Just look at the health industry, in the 80's and 90's contracts were popular and the industry made a lot of money off them. A person would come in and sign a contract, stop working out after three months, and never show up again. During this time, the gym would get paid for the next three years! In today's market, the gym's that are flourishing and thriving are the ones that give customers the options of canceling at any time. Think about it, if adults had a hard time sticking to a membership, how difficult is it for kids? Don't make this mistake!

Setting Up an Art Studio in the Home

It has always been the practice that artists should have their own art studios, and most artists think that it could be expensive if they have to have rent one outside their homes. The best thing to do would be to look for a place large and affordable enough where one or two of the bigger rooms can be easily converted into a studio. It is not very hard to do once careful thought and considerations are taken objectively.

First of all, what type of artists' studio is it going to be? This makes a lot of difference as having easels and paints do not take up much space as compared to sculpting using blocks of marble or tons of scrap material. Knowing what kind of studio is needed will put a firm hand on the budget that would have to well thought out.

If it is sculpting and there is a need to make a lot of noise, consider having it outside of a rented or owned home instead of an apartment. Neighbours can get cranky if the artist is in an artistic pounding mood at one or two in the morning. Painting, however, is a much quieter activity and a studio can be set up anywhere in the apartment, as long as there is enough light.

Some artists do not consider painting their walls colors that may distract them, but this really just depends on the artist. If the artist is one who likes to set a mood to a particular project, then they can always do that by painting the walls in the colors which will enhance the art rather than detract it. Others simply like white walls or cream walls as they are neutral colors and will serve as a display wall also.

Some artists may need a sink in their studio. Others need a full bathroom as they may just live and breathe in it once the muse sets in. An industrial type of sink would do well for a lot of artistic forms and it is also convenient to use because they could easily be cleaned compared to the neat and tidy porcelain sinks that would just get ruined by the various materials that are used by the artist.

The most important thing to consider would be the amount of light in the room. Painters need good sunlight because of the obvious reasons; some sculptors don't really need the natural sunlight to work and could just depend on it as well as a fluorescent lamp. There are T5 lamps that are cool and economical to be considered. To widen the spectrum somewhat, there are also T8 and T12 lamps.

Then there are the supply racks to consider. Think about what is needed to hold the materials or supplies used in a particular art. Some do not need tables others may need two or more. Some sculptors need shelves and boxes to stow their equipment in and some just lay them on a table.

Last to consider are the furnishings. Artists' studios do not usually look like a picture from Architectural Digest. A simple chair or stool and probably a folding table would suffice. Some artists forget that they have backs and may totally ignore the stool. Some simply lie down on the floor and pass out tired because they are too tired to go to bed, so a simple bed in a corner would be appreciated. The folding table would be used when they do finally remember to eat.

Fine Art Studio Paint Fumes - 4 Ways to Lessen the Fumes in Your Art Studio

Our lives are enriched by painters who can capture moments in time on canvas. What is not so beautiful is the smell of the paints, acrylics, solvents such as turpentine, and other powerful chemicals that are often a part of the creative process in a paint studio.

Many of the materials used in a fine art studio contain volatile organic chemicals that can cause acute side effects such as headache, nausea, and light headedness. And prolonged exposure to these airborne chemicals has been shown to cause more serious and sometimes irreversible health problems. Here are 4 ways to lessen the fumes and protect yourself from the fumes in your paint studio.

1. Proper ventilation is important to let the fumes leave the room. A fan that exhausts to the outside is important. It can be as simple as placing a box fan in the window and allowing it to blow out, pulling air from inside your studio to outdoor. The direction of the air flow is important, otherwise turning the fan inward only blows the chemicals around rather than getting them out.

2. When you have to use solvents, particularly to clean brushes and other equipment, do it outside if possible. This will eliminate the fumes from your indoor air. Be sure to properly dispose of solvents so they don't leach into the water and soil, and store any unused portions with the lids on tight to prevent off gassing from occurring while they are just sitting on the shelf. If possible store them away from where you work.

3. There are so many green products on the market now. Talk to your suppliers about using products that contain less, or even no volatile organic chemicals. These are not only less threatening to your health, but are easier on the environment as well.

4. Use a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier that can remove fine particulates from the air. If it also has an inner filter that can remove airborne chemicals your air cleaner will be able to eliminate all the airborne pollutants that, left in the air, will cause you problems. Allowing this purifier to clean your air 24 hours a day every day will insure that your air quality is always as clean and healthy as it can be.

Is It Arts AND Crafts or Arts OR Crafts?

Earlier in the year, I started an art program at the KidsUp! Parent Child Center on Bainbridge Island, WA. I began with craft-type, direction-based projects every other Tuesday afternoon. I ran into a number of obstacles, one being that the afternoon wasn't an optimum time for younger children, then, choosing a craft for ages 0-6 was very challenging. However, parents seemed to respond to the catchy titles and project descriptions and attendance was good for a new program.

The projects resulted in an esthetically pleasing finished project and the parents were happy. Unfortunately, while the children enjoyed the very simple projects (glue googly eyes on a pine cone), they were overwhelmed by multiple directions combined with the opportunity to think creatively. They struggled through the project and left the table as soon as they could. Not the vision I had for developing a preschool art program that would build a lifelong platform for making and appreciating art while learning fundamental skills like eye-hand coordination, creative and imaginative thinking, and enjoying self-reflective projects.

In response, I started an open studio - one table for clay or Play Doh, one for easels and painting, one for collage and oil pastel drawing. No directions, minimal supervision, just a room dedicated to art materials and exploration. This was loosely based on the Reggio-Emilia idea that a child should be provided a stimulating environment and learning should happen independently as the child explores without guidance or direction. Wow - what a difference. Children were running into the art studio when they were ready to make art, choosing the medium they wanted to use, and on their own, deciding what they wanted to make. Oftentimes, parents were relaxing outside of the room and the same kids that wouldn't sit though a 15 minute art project were spending 45 mins to an hour painting and sculpting. When the pieces were completed, children not only titled their works by describing what they had made, but would tell long, involved stories about the painting. Some children even painted in series. This was exactly what I was trying to do....build an enthusiasm for art which would grow in the years to come, allowing children to find a quiet peace when they sit down with a paper and paints or clay, and grow into adults who through all the busy, panicked dealings of everyday life can sit down for a few minutes and escape into their imagination to re-center their focus.

So why did the latter work while the other was such a failure (for the children)? A preschool teacher told me the other day that they had difficulty helping a child with an art project because they didn't always know what the child was thinking and when they tried to help, the child got very upset because they were doing something that the child wasn't trying to do. Then it clicked. As adults, we like to have a process that leads to a result. We try to categorize and define things in an attempt to find a logical and efficient solution. When we provide projects for our children, we are giving them opportunities to learn, or we are teaching them something. Teaching is a method, so it only makes sense that we revert to process=results. We want the children to have a good-looking result because, as adults, that is how we judge success. However, success for children is not necessarily results-based until they learn that results are important. Success is about achieving what they intended in their minds, not ours. Often what is successful to them is not aesthetic to us. But I believe that success in preschool art is achieved when the child feels he/she has been successful because that is what will create the enthusiasm for the next project.

So how, as adults, do we guide children with art, without directing them from their original intent? It clicked for me the other day when I was speaking to the preschool teacher. I had a moment after I spoke to her when I thought, "Why were you interfering with her art project?" Then I realized that they were actually doing more of a craft project so the child likely needed assistance with the tools or method to reach the intended result. What if we are able, as adults, to label preschool projects as art OR craft - not arts AND crafts? We can make a specific distinction. Crafts are projects with exact instructions, which when followed will lead to a defined result. Crafts are important because they teach us to use tools, follow directions, work with colors, develop eye hand coordination, etc... These are things that we use in every aspect of life and also the foundation for making art. Art is an experience. The materials provided are used to exchange thoughts and ideas, a basic and effective means of communication. Art allows the artist to interpret his or her environment while delving into the depths of the imagination. Art is something that doesn't need assistance and does not rely on a finished project.

Grow Your Martial Arts Studio With an Add-On Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

Do you run a martial arts studio? If so, you know that the competition out there is fierce, and your competitors are always looking at ways to improve their programs and increase revenues. Have you been doing the same? Chances are that you already have a variety of add-on programs and are always considering others; that is, if space permits and you are still looking for ways to grow your business.

If you are like most school owners, you are looking for programs that:

1) have synergy with your overall focus and values,

2) will excite your current students and keep them training with you for longer, and

3) will help differentiate your school from your competitors', thus helping with recruiting and enrolling new students to your school.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) meets these criteria for many martial arts schools today, and is an intriguing option as an add-on program. Having evolved from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and then Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consists of takedowns and ground grappling techniques which can be combined with most specialty martial art forms to give you and your school a competitive edge in attracting and retaining students. Under the direction of a BJJ black belt, an add-on BJJ program can be customized to fit into Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu schools, among others, and can be taught to children as well as to men and women of all ages.

There are a number of add-on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling programs available today. All you need to do is a simple Google search and you will find them. These programs are typically offered through an Association, which in turn is led by a BJJ Black Belt. Before moving forward with a BJJ program at your school, it is important to verify that the Association and Black Belt you choose to work with has the authority to promote your students, and to have these promotions recognized by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Furthermore, you should insure that the Association is willing to work with you to develop a syllabus that is consistent with the programs you already offer, and that it meets your scheduling constraints.

The key for implementing a successful BJJ program at your school and having it work over time is to have the complete support of a Jiu-Jitsu Association, which provides instructor training and certification, as well as providing a structured curriculum, an instructor manual, lesson plans and other support tools. With this relationship and these tools, you are not dependent on the whims of the individual instructor de jour. While books and DVDs are excellent support materials, most martial arts practitioners are not comfortable teaching a BJJ program after learning techniques this way. Regardless, a truly successful BJJ program cannot be dependent on the instructor (even the school owner / operator); instead, it requires a systematic approach to teaching, along with the guidance and support that is best provided by a partner BJJ Association led by a qualified BJJ Black Belt.

You as the school operator will always have the responsibility to hire your instructors, and to insure that they have the credentials required and the ability to teach. At the same time, it is important that your BJJ Association is involved with the direction and support of your BJJ instructor(s); in fact, they may be able to recommend or even provide one or more instructors for your school. Regardless of where your instructors come from, all should be trained and certified by the Association, and agree to abide by the Association's teaching methodology, syllabus and rules and regulations. This way, you can insure consistency of your program over time, independent of the specific instructor.

Tile Floorings Are Best For Art Studios

An art studio is a place where an artist is free to create. No unwanted intrusion is allowed here, whether it is the annoying sound of cars passing outside, the colored light from a billboard on the neighboring building or even the presence of the loved ones. In the studio an artist needs to be able to go beyond the everyday concerns and find what is hidden deep inside her.

Many persons turn their living-rooms or their bedrooms in artist studios. But these spaces have different purposes and that is why they have disadvantages. Perhaps you wake up inspired by a dream in the middle of the night and feel the urge to let your ideas flow under the fresh impression of your dream. If your easel is in the bedroom you might really disturb your partner who is sleeping. The living-room is an area where children play, the TV is on and your cat brushes around your legs. There is no room for creativity there.

If you manage to define a limited space meant only for your art you should decorate it in a practical, yet pleasant manner. The practical side is concerned with having a large table with several drawers where you can store your materials and tools away from the reach of children, while you are not working. Make sure you have enough natural light to be able to create the exact colors you wish or to see any unwanted shadow on your sculptures.

But one of the most important things is to install tile flooring in you art studio. Although wooden floors give a warmer feeling, they are not very practical. An artist should not be constantly worried about spilling paint on the floor, about its brushes dripping or about the falling pieces of clay. With this in mind you will surely lose any connection with your muse. Some paints are very difficult to clean off wood. For that you may need to use substances or tools which can visibly damage the floor. Instead, when the floor is made of marble tiles, you can clean easily any kind of stain without destroying the design of your art studio.

Your Own Home Art Studio

If you are a diehard ceramics fan and don't have a home art studio of your own, now is the time to get one. Taking classes through a community college or any other place can be restrictive to your creativity. For example, you are limited to whatever types of clays and glazes they have on hand. With your own studio, you also won't have to worry about trying to find a local store that will let you use their kiln to fire your work. If you create your own ceramic pieces with great regularity, than a studio is a great idea for you. It is now easier than ever for anyone to get started on his or her very own art studio.

What you decide to buy for your studio is based on your own personal taste. If you enjoy working with warm glass, then you should check out the latest selections of glass kilns. A glass kiln would be a valuable commodity if you quite often work with bits of glass for your projects. Your own glass kiln can also prove to be a creation saver. If you purchase a glass kiln with a shelf in it, you can compile your glass design directly in the kiln. This way you won't ruin your decorations when transporting to your local community glass kiln.

If you prefer to work with your hands in clay rather than with glass, perhaps you should start your home studio with a potter's wheel. With your own potter's wheel right in your own home, you will have access to your work whenever the mood may strike you. If you feel like working on your latest throw at two in the morning you will be able to. In addition to your potter's wheel, you might want to also purchase your own ceramic kiln. This way, when you are finished with your latest work of art, you will be able to fire your piece right away. With ready access to your own kiln, you will be able to see the results of your labors when you want to, rather than according to the hours of your local ceramics store. If you start your studio with a potter's wheel and a ceramic kiln, all you will need then is some pottery wheel clay and you will be ready to go!

However, if you don't have the budget that purchasing all these helpful items calls for, there is still a cheaper option. If you like working with clay but can't afford a wheel or kiln, all you need to do is buy some clay that doesn't require firing to harden. This way you can sculpt whatever you want then simply let the piece air dry or bake in the oven depending on the type of clay you use. A basic tool that you will also want to purchase is a simple rolling pin. This will prove invaluable in your clay creations. Also, be sure to have some nail hole filler on hand, just in case you have any cracks you need to fill.

Your Own Home Art Studio

Martial Arts Increased Popularity

The martial arts industry has stayed fairly constant over the past hundreds of years. The concept originally began in 450 BC and has developed and evolved overtime. The reason the trends are important to analyze are because the industry is always evolving to the needs of the people. There are more people practicing martial arts now more than ever and the industry has to grow to accommodate for this surge in popularity.

Martial arts are now seen more as treatments or therapies then they have in the past, as well as an excellent aerobic workout. Martial arts helps participants improve their health, control their mind and body, have self-confidence, humility, courage, and respect for others.

With the surge in popularity each of the studios need to be prepared for increase in participants. Here are three ways your martial arts studio can prepare for the rush of customers:

1. Add more class times. Becoming more available to the students is vital when the popularity begins to sore. If you have to increase the staff at your school and it makes sense in your budget and for your schools goals it makes sense to had more people to accommodate for the surge in popularity.

2. Order more supplies and uniforms. These added supplies will make the new students feel comfortable in your school even though they may not come prepared. It may be more money out of pocket but it will be made up by the increased revenue from the new business.

3. Make sure to have your school's name well marketed and noticed by search engines. With an increase in popularity it is important for the public interested in martial arts to know about you and your school. By having your school well known and well placed online with search engines your target market will easily find your school.