If I can do it, you can do it.
Sounds cliché, right? But seriously guys, this time it’s actually true.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably your first time reading my blog...welcome!
A bit about myself...
I’m a 36-year-old single mom who’s jumped from every art modality under the sun (seriously). I’ve done oil painting, watercolor, textile work, weaving and even cement.
Ceramics has been the only one that has stuck. It grounds me.
I decided to start this blog so fellow artists could follow my journey from inspired artist to flourishing business owner. I make all the mistakes so you don't have to.
The first step I took towards selling my art was small. It was the easiest option we all overlook.
Facebook.
It’s what I suggest to any artist looking to do the same. I had to stop making things so complicated and use the resources right in front of me.
And it worked. And it still works.
Feeling like a lifelong imposter and never being able to call myself an artist, this gave me a newfound confidence…which lead me to creating my Etsy Shop.
But I never would have gotten to where I am if I hadn’t taken the first small step of listing on Facebook.
Just like you can’t edit a blank page…you can’t refine an action you don’t take.
From there I started to immerse myself in the art community and networking with other artists. This highlighted how far I was from where I wanted to be (que the new imposter syndrome).
Comparison will be the death of you…and your confidence. I had to keep in mind that every one of these successful artists was in the same exact position as I currently was. Everyone must start somewhere.
When my art started to sell, I didn’t have the feeling that I’d imaged I would. I don’t even remember feeling much emotion at all (this is actually normal).
Being a solo art entrepreneur, I wear many (I mean MANY) hats…from being a social media marketer, photographer, accountant, website designer and even a housekeeper…I forget that I’m also an artist.
Then one day it hit me…I was driving in my car and suddenly outload I said…
“I am a fucking artist…people are actually buying my stuff!”
In that moment I had such gratitude that I’ve somehow managed to produce work that speaks to people enough, that they want to spend their hard-earned money on it. My mind was blown.
I still feel as if I’m not fully living up to my potential as an artist...not yet anyway. But I finally understand this is normal. Every artist feels this way. You just have to act, regardless.
I’m no different than you…I’m 100% self-taught in every sense of the word. We have all the tools at our fingertips that we could possibly need to succeed.
The trick is consistency.
Keeping with the theme of gratitude, I’m so immensely grateful that you’re reading this. I’m grateful for all the lessons that I’ve learned so that I can now share them with you. I’m grateful that you’re on this journey with me.
If you’d like to keep up with my journey, learn the in’s and out’s of selling your own art and get weekly doses of inspiration (not to mention a sweet discount)…subscribe below.
If you’d like to follow me more closely and see how I create my pieces, check out my Instagram and say hi!
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week!
Anna