HOME by Becky Higgins launches today

See? Now I know how some people feel about defending Becky because I will go to the freaking mattresses to defend Brandi. I enjoy that it's not all the same lighting because nobody lives in the world of perfect lighting for every single photo. Ever. Her shots of her work are well lit, IMO, and everything else varies depending on where you live and if you're inside or outside. I don't care about shoes, but when she posts hers, it's because she's telling a larger story other than "Here's a pretty floor" or "buy these shoes and use my affiliate link so I earn $500 with every purchase". She's real and honest and isn't necessarily interested in all the media strategies, when it doesn't jive with her and how she feels. Who the heck wants to be told "post x number of times and only at 3:30PM"? Not me, but then again, I prefer actual substance and brilliant work over the people who are "doing it right".

I mean, Studio Calico and ABM will launch a kit(s) and it will be randomly put together stuff and sell out with their 101k IG followers. Brandi + Elise put out well thought out items and their hearts on IG and have less than 6K followers between them. I'll take their personal lives any day over the fake crap others post.

I totally agree with following whoever brings you joy and happiness and not making you roll your eyes or scream. As I tell my kids "it's a good thing we're all different or the world would be so boring". Brandi gives me all the heart eye emojis.

Thats exactly why I love following Brandi. 

Brandi Kincade

www.instagram.com/brandeye8/

@zingermack Brandi is my self appointed 'happy person' on Instagram. LOLShe always has something good, pretty or creative posted.

I think there must be a sizeable number of Project Life customers who love Becky and love glimpses into her world, like I do with Wilna F, say. I guess her media team know that she's the face of the product... and it makes sense to keep her out there, showing the products and generally hanging out with her fans.

I'd be tempted to say that if someone got me worked up for whatever reason, I'd just unfollow them on social media. I've unfollowed scrap 'stars' who've made me feel envious or a bit chubby or that my life is shabby in comparison to theirs... when actually my life may be pretty ordinary, but it's also very blessed.

I've never given much thought to how many real life/scrap photos I post... the way I see it, it's my feed and I can post whatever photos reflect what's going on in my life at that time. I guess you may have to think differently when you get a big following.

I know that it can be hard to read things about yourself, and part of me wishes this forum were somehow more private... I'm not sure fame or fortune protect you from feeling hurt when people express things that they might very well not say in person.

I loved what Tracie C said, when she commented that we all feel differently about things and that there's no pleasing everyone - that's so true and it's good to have a place like this to express our differing views. And in some ways, if BH want genuine feedback... well, I know where I'm posting the roughs for any future kit designs! Lol. xx

Sure, I do hear you, but the dancing around with wrapping paper thing was probably just a 'let's have some fun with this' move, don't you think? Btw, thanks for being sweet!

Aw, you're so kind! I get asked this all the time and I'm so embarrassed because it's all the camera... I don't know the first thing about photography, but my hubby is one of these men that can't just buy an item, it has to be the best item of it's kind, you know? You seriously can't get a bad shot with this thing, it's so good.

But I guess practically, putting things on a white background then lightening the heck out of them in an editing programme helps too, ha ha! xx

I don't think "you can't please everyone" is a cop out. You really can't please everyone. You may think BH is making mistakes, and you may have sent her your thoughts. It doesn't mean everyone she hears from agrees with you.
I don't belong to groups that only allow rainbows, unicorns and positivity. I think criticism is essential to creativity. I have left groups that don't allow any dissent. I don't expect them to conform to my likes. It's their group, their rules. This is why I like the thumbs down option on You Tube and the NSBR board.
All this to say, BH doesn't annoy me, but if she starts I'll unfollow her. I won't expect her to change because I think I know better than her how to manage her brand.

As consumers, it is reasonable for us to critique the products and companies that are out there. It is also reasonable to expect that those companies will take the opinions and do with them what they will. Maybe they'll agree and maybe they won't. The successful brands will look at it as an opportunity for growth.

This industry in particular has a lot of individuals who are also brands. Criticizing the brand is not the same as criticizing the person at all, but I can see how it would be difficult to separate the two. As social media blossomed, a lot of well-known crafters were thrown into the spotlight without boundaries between personal and professional. You'd have to have a pretty thick skin to put it all out there like so many have.

I don't follow BH anywhere, so I don't know about her personally. She has a lot of charisma and personality, which I admire. I can't help but wonder if she thought the video was a hit or a miss for her brand. It certainly is unique. 

DD1 has a BFA in Graphic Design and MFA in Sequential Art. In all of her creative classes (drawing, inking, design, etc), the students would have to present their projects to class and get feedback from their fellow students and teachers (except sometimes final projects that weren't turned in until the last day). I can't imagine what a thick skin she must have had to develop quickly to be able to properly deal with constantly being critiqued.

She is confident in her artistic abilities but also sees value in getting other people's opinions. Sure, there were times when she didn't really care what someone else thought about a favorite project, but she still listened to their advice. Often she'd say that she completely agreed with someone's critical assessment and make changes. Criticism is an essential part of creativity, unless you're being creative for just yourself and not for anyone else to enjoy the end product.

Sorry, I originally quoted you to say this: in the professional art world, it's not about how good you are, it's about what you can sell. And many undergrads view anyone earning a living as a sell out. Which makes me vomit. Why else would you attend college???

And what I don't understand is this: Why does her ad look so amateurish? She has a real business that has been off the ground for a long time. She should have staff that knows how to make a real ad that actually draws people in to buy the product.

That ad was just uncomfortable to watch.

I still think about that video and cringe.. and then laugh my ass off for a few seconds.

My sons are my hardest critics.  If I laugh too loud, I am admonished.  No way would that video be allowed and any criticism would be posted on my bathroom mirror.