For a couple years now, I’ve been trying to figure out how to become a successful full-time artist. After graduating from high school(2010), art was something I wanted to pursue, I just was trying to figure out what type of artist. I was definitely all over the place but in the same regards, I was trying to find what was right for me. In 2016, I made the final decision to be serious with my art selling and making prints or products from my art work. I’ll write a future article about what happen after high school. But for now, I’ll write about my art journey mistakes what I’ve learned from 2016 to now 2023.

Leaving the corporate world in pursuit of my dreams has been a life long goal of mine. But have had many times of loosing hope, wanting to throw in the towel, just finding a permit 9 to 5 job I didn’t hate (mind set in my 20’s), or absolute frustration. But, the sliver lining of it all is that I have learned sooooo much through the years of trying to grow my art garden. Boy has there been a lot of weeds. Through the past couple of years, my art has improved. I also learned a lot from my mistakes. Here is what I have learned and what I’m doing differently this time! I hope this helps to anyone trying to grow an art business.

Making a bunch of inventory and not really selling much at art shows. I needed to start out small first then go from there (something my partner has to constantly remind me to do) Or at least see what was selling first online before making a bunch of products for an art show. What I should have done from the start. Try print-on-demand first which I can thank my partner for that! From there, I’m not spending a bunch of money up front. I can create a digital piece or a painting, take some pictures or upload them, and just see what’s selling first. That way I’m at least not spending too much money up front on inventory. Yes, I’ll be spending time making art but not burning a hole in my pocket. However I will say this. In 2018,(after my art show fails) I opened an Esty shop. I did have a variety of products in my Esty shop. Similar in a way but all different. If you’re just starting out, this might be a good strategy. I had no followers or sales yet. I still made a bunch of inventory once again (which I do not recommend) however, I had a little bit of everything. This could be a way to see which item sells quicker for you and what’s still sitting there. Then that’s when you hone down on the product that’s working and create a shop around that. I think having too much variety in your shop (especially if they’re not similar in style or theme) can be distracting and overwhelming. But, if you’re trying to see what sells first, go for it!

I remember a customer came up to my booth once and said,” that’s a lot of work for a bag” For my first art show, I made a bunch of custom painted gift bags. As you can see in the picture above. It took me a bit to understand what she really meant. I spent countless hours on painting custom art bags day and night to have none of them sell. I needed to work smarter not harder especially on something just as simple as gift bags. Before going heavy handed on something, just start small! I’m not saying stop thinking big but you have to plant the seed first.

Also not properly planning. I’ll explain what I mean by this. You really have to ask yourself some serious questions before putting countless hours into something. How do I plan on becoming a fulltime artist? What products will I selling? Will I have a variety of products? Are they all similar or different? What are my services? Will I do art shows or gallery showings? Will I do commissions? Will you have a website? What’s my budget or pricing? I wasn’t really planning out how I was going to do all of this in the first place. I was all over the map and needed to get clear with my products and services. For me, it was to get out of that 9 to 5 corporate job. Which definitely kept me motivated but, I just wasn’t executing it properly. Which is fine it’s all a learning experience. Planning, strategizing your goals, and starting out small instead of throwing yourself into the deep end. Which yes, that’s one way to do it and learn from it but, you can save a whole lot of money and time before buying a bunch of inventory.

One thing also to keep in mind is that your products might not be right for that show or you might need to go back to the drawing board with your products. To be honest, my products were not that great. Which is alright. Its all a learning curve. Just learn and make the proper changes to sell and market your products.

Bonus Tip, practice setting up your booth in your backyard before the show. you’re only given a certain amount of time to set up.

Thank you artsy peeps for stopping by!!