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2013 was my first full year as a self proclaimed art business owner and I have to say it was sorta rough. I went into the year with all these big expectations and many times I fell short, only because of some crazy notion I had of measuring myself up to other artists. Yuk! Not the way to go at all. Because of this, I made myself shrink, telling myself I wasn’t good enough or doing enough. I also made myself feel smaller because I felt bad, and sorta guilty, that I had this awesome opportunity to stay home and do what I love.
NOT ANY MORE! Looking back, I realized how much I did achieve and accomplish AND how much flipping WORK it was! (I’m not sitting around eating bonbons over here!) I learned so much about myself and what feels right for me and my introverted ways. The biz part was a steep and winding learning curve, but I feel more confident on where I want to go next with my art (more local, less online). It ended up being a great year after all! I got a licensing contract with Bic, ran a successful e-course, had several commisions and two very successful art shows. 2014 is already piling up with lots of new work and several art shows are scheduled in. Most importantly, I am happy and I love what I am doing.
One of the most important things I learned this year, it’s that there is no special secret or magic formula to being a successful artist. And realized that I don’t need anyone’s instructional booklet on how to get to that magic place. The truth is, you have to work crazy hard, get yourself out there and repeat (over and over and over again). I found that I do better when people see my art in person and that I’m spending way too much energy for a few sales per month on-line where I am just getting lost in the sea of a million other artists.
So, this year I am going to SHINE. No more holding back from uncertainty, that was last year’s learning period. No more shrinking for others, I need to expand. AND no more comparing myself to others. No more!
I want to shine through my art, shine in my own skin, from the inside out, shine in the security and support from my family and close friends and I want to shine with the feeling that I am doing what I love.
wow Regina, You did great last year! I can relate to the frustrations, especially when we compare ourselves to others. For a first year I would say you succeeded rather splendidly – the art business is tough but you are so brave and you work so hard – you cannot not succeed. It takes time …. hang in there…. you have something valuable and precious to share with the world… the world would be so much poorer without it! May you be blessed out of your socks in 2014 !
Regina, thank you so much for sharing this! I struggle with comparison a lot. I think you are right, everyone’s success is a little different. I also feel the same way about online sales, I do much better in person. But I feel so much pressure to sell lots online. Anyway, I think you are fantastic and I’ve enjoyed watching you chase your dreams! Can’t wait to see where this year takes you.
Well I would buy a wood burnt spoon but I don’t think you are selling them. Also I’m in a different country so online is the only way you can sell to me.
Regina,
Even though we have never met and I live in another country, I want you to know how often your posts on your website or Facebook have inspired me, made me smile and kept me going in order to continue working towards my artistic goals. I appreciate all your post about what you are working on, completed projects and your personal history and creative process during your journey. You are a very talented lady and a unique and skilled artist. Your style is one of a kind and you are right as an artist myself I choose not to be competitive, I choose to celebrate with other artists and appreciate their styles and the unique way each artist expresses their soul. I think we can all learn from each other, like I have learn from you about being brave and making art what you do full-time to make a living and adjusting how you sell yourself and your work. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and inspiring me! Sincerely, TaraLee
This is such a wonderful post – thank you! I am so thankful when artists are HONEST – I am working through many of these things myself. I hope you will have an amazing year (by your own declaration) and if you are thinking about closing your etsy shop, I hope you will give us some notice!! xo
I’ve been following your blog for a while and enjoy seeing your progress as an artist and entrepreneur. We are often our own worst critics; it sounds like you’ve accomplished a great deal last year. Pat yourself on the back – you’ve done really good. Congrats.
You *do* shine, Regina. And you inspire. I miss you, hope to be a better correspondent this year.
congratulations on a wonderful year and looking forward to seeing you continue to shine bright!
I love it!! SHINE is a beautiful word and perfect for who you are:)
You are awesome Regina. I love this post. What great lessons you have learned. Thank you for sharing those with us. Wishing you tons of success with Bic! Congrats. Love your word and to me you already do shine. xo