You know that old (by now) chestnut "Do what you love and the money will follow"? Well, no. Not really. What you love has to sell for the money to follow. And it has to sell consistently and BIG. I say BIG because it's the people who make pots of money who throw out that little chestnut. Plus, it takes time, years, and consistent work and effort, another thing they don't tell you. As my mother would have said I don't have muggins written on my forehead.
There are certain items I make, because I love them, that rarely sell. But I never give up hope if I feel the item is worth it. This little piece was up for sale forever, at a very affordable price, but it went nowhere. Then one day, I got a request for gift suggestions and I threw the piece into the mix. Result: Not only did it sell, but the client requested 6 similar pieces.
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| work in progress |
Now, that obviously isn't going to make a fortune, but that's not the point. It's about not giving up on yourself. It's about being true to yourself, not trying to fit into someone else's idea of what you should make. Eventually you'll find your audience.
The elves and I are currently working on a huge order of tags. We are very, very happy! Fa la la la la....
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown
Beautiful; I needed to hear this~ I just started about a year ago to put myself out there. YOU are right it does take time~ Thanks for the motivational speech and being authentic! xo
ReplyDeleteSuch a good reminder and said with such strength and clarity. And with an example to back it up! I have some things that I think, should I just paint over this?? And of course sometimes I do. But like you, I have had things that I thought would never sell finally find homes. Your post reminds me of one piece I put at 50% off in my etsy shop then put it back up to it's original price when it didn't sell and then bingo, a bit later it went. So who knows sometimes!
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for the pep talk! They are always needed.
So true! I have yet to find my very own style and audience.
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this today. I know I have not been consistent. Family life has had me busy but if I tried I know I could have worked in some time for my art. I'm at a point where I need to decide where to put my energy. I have an empty esty store, I like writing for magazines but they seem to pick the art work I'm least fond of. I have many half done projects and ideas on paper. I want to enter art shows. Maybe i need to sit down today and make a plan. where do i want to be this time next year? WOW, you just helped me a lot. I've been drifting, not facing the fact that I had no plan or goals.
ReplyDeletexxox, jill
I LOVE your stitched birdie pieces!!
ReplyDeleteColette,
ReplyDeleteI can see why you got a big order on the bird tags. It just took the right person!!! They are precious. I think people are just buying less art these days. Such a shame. Things seem hard all over the world. You just keep it up...I am sure things will turn around!
Big hugs and thanks for your constant support,
Suz
Colette, this is exactly what I needed to hear today. I've been pretty discouraged with my Etsy shop this year. I do love what I create and sometimes wonder if anyone else does...but I am still creating the things that resonate with me. Who knows what will come of it, or if they will ever sell...but my love for making art is what keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteSo, thank you for expressing yourself here today... and I always come by to see what your heart has motivated you to create :-)
Hi Colette
ReplyDeleteApologies for sending you this through a comment but I couldn't find anywhere to contact you directly .
I saw this stamp and thought of you , it reminded me of a few of your blog posts where you've talked of 'the written word' I hope you like it :) Alexis ( Scotland)
http://thatscrafty.co.uk/acatalog/info_7463.html