Q: While many shoes have a little give for stretching, especially if made from leather, this give isn't much more than "breaking in" the shoe to fit you properly. There isn't enough give to change from one shoe size to another. Also, given the fine shaping of dress shoes, they are often less forgiving with stretching. If the shoes feel too tight, try another pair. For all their glamor and fashion, these shoes are the least comfortable of the bunch. They concentrate your weight on a smaller area than your foot was designed to walk on, increasing pressure and often creating pinch points. They can make balance difficult and sink into soft materials, like sand or turf. Go with low heels or flats as much as possible, especially if you will spend much time on your feet in these shoes. There doesn't seem to be as much space for padding in dress shoes as in athletic shoes, but take all you can get. Any layer of foam or rubber that can cushion the impact between hard pavement and your foot will make standing and walking more comfortable.
A: Don't purchase shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit. Consider avoiding tall heels, especially high, pointy ones. Look and feel for padding and cushioning.

Q: Every artist needs a portfolio -- the place where potential buyers or clients can see your work. Luckily, the internet is making it easy as website design spaces like Wix.com, SquareSpace, and Wordpress all have templates designed for artists portfolios. All you have to do is customize the name, color, and bio, then import images or videos of your art. Purchase a custom domain name if you are looking for professional clients. A site like www.MyPortfolio.wordpress.com looks much less professional than www.MyPortfolio.com. When done, attach this portfolio to all your social media accounts to make it easy to find. Consider printing (or drawing/designing, for memorable flair) some business cards to get the word around. Contact small galleries near you to see if you can put some work up. Look into that restaurant or coffee shop that puts work on the walls. And, if all else fails, throw your own art show. All you need is a space to hang everything, some refreshments, and friends willing to come and support you. Try to host shows with multiple artists when possible. That way, everyone brings their own friend groups so each artist can meet new fans. You never know if you can display your work unless you ask. Don't be intimidated -- they absolute worst thing that happens is the word, "no." Consider hosting "open studio" session once a month, where friends and curious spectators can watch you work and talk about your process. Few, if any, artists are so skilled that they can't benefit from some kind of formal instruction. Art classes can help you get past problems with your work that you haven't been able to solve on your own, identify areas in which you could improve, or just give you some direction and a regular time to devote to working on art. There are courses available for all skill levels at colleges, community centers, local arts centers, and numerous other places. Your teacher and fellow students are essential contacts as you build your career. They can point to new opportunities, team up with you for shows, and support your work in the difficult early years when you're still unknown. Never discount a connection or friend. In the word-of-mouth driven art scene, a wide, strong social network is king. It isn't always a ton of fun, but it is absolutely essential if you intend to be a professional. No one wants to champion your art but you. And, in its own way, this is a good thing-- you no longer have to hope the "right" person shows up in your gallery. Instead, hard work online can get your work into many corners of the internet, and even make some money. If you make smaller, sellable art pieces, consider a shop on Etsy or eBay. Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest, with their large pictures and big art networks, are great places to share and see work. Pick 1-2 social media accounts to run and stick with those. Trying to work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. all at once is impossible to do well without spending all day on the internet. Artists need to stick together, and many of the greats have come from collectives and groups. It is no mistake that many famous artists knew each other before striking it big, and some of the greatest moments in art (Paris in the 40's, NY in the 80's) come from shared creative communities. So go to local shows, enroll in classes, and collaborate with other artists. A rising tide carries all boats, so get out there and make some waves. If you're struggling to find a community, look online. There are tons of forums, sites, and communities (like the famous DeviantArt) that allow you to showcase work. Pay attention to your contemporaries, supporting their own shows and work. When you are first starting out, your best network will be artists in the same situation. If you don't make art a daily priority, then it's going to be really hard to be a good artist. That is just the reality of practice-- all the talent in the world doesn't help if you don't sit down and make art. Honestly, this may require some sacrifices in terms of work hours, salary, and living situation. But if you want to be a professional artist, none of this should matter. You get to make art every single day! Always remember, especially in the early years of practice, that all of your favorite artists went through the same process.
A: Put together an online portfolio to showcase your work and talent. Host shows to get your work out there. Take classes to grow skill and make contacts. Devote time every day to self-promotion and social media. Get involved in your local art scene. Provide yourself a lifestyle that allows you to make daily art.

Q: your album. Technically speaking, your music is copyrighted as soon as you create it. In practical terms, though, registering your copyright according to the procedures in the nation where you live and/or operate applies legal "teeth" to the copyright you possess. In the United States, for example, you can submit a digital or physical copy of your album to www.copyright.gov, pay the fee (currently $35), wait several months for processing, and receive a copyright registration that will protect the ownership of your musical creation in U.S. and many international courts of law. Whether you're working with a publisher, acting as your own publisher, or not using a publisher at all, register the copyright for your work. Protect your legal rights to your album. Just like registering your copyright, signing up with a PRO or utilizing a publisher (whether yourself or someone else) is not legally required. Instead, it is simply a better way to protect your rights and claim any money due to you by way of your album. If, for you, "publishing" simply means getting your album into the hands of listeners, you can upload your music to your chosen social media pages, personal websites, Spotify and so on. If you're an independent artist looking to distribute your album freely and start to make a name for yourself, this simpler approach might work; if you're seeking to control dissemination and earnings, follow a more structured publishing approach. Once again, depending upon your definition and expectations, publishing can be as simple as making up a batch of CDs of your album and selling them (or giving them out) at a coffee shop, flea market, or other venue. This may be your easiest route if you're a new, independent artist trying to spread the word locally.
A:
Copyright Upload your music. Make CDs and sell or hand them out.