As
an artist and art school graduate, I began my career in the world of
graphic design. I loved creating graphics for print and working with
clients as I worked my way through many, many design positions in the
business world. I have always wanted to create artwork that others
could love and enjoy.
When
I had my two children, I decided that I wanted to be able to stay at
home with them and do something creatively and actually earn income from
home. So, one day, I decided to start a painting on canvas. This is
something I really hadn't done much of in art school. I was more into
learning about graphic design vs. fine art. But always looked at
painting from afar wishing I had the talent to paint! I then decided to
give painting a try! I absolutely loved it! I thought, if other people
were selling their paintings online, then why can't I do the same?
So
I researched the type of art that I wanted to create for hours and
weeks. I practiced painting, working with colors to get them just the
way I wanted them to look. I worked very hard before I even thought
about listing a painting.
I
finally listed and sold my very first painting on Ebay in 2006 and
continued to sell many more all over the world. I was so happy. I sold
there for a couple of years and then opened my own Etsy shop online not
really knowing what I was doing. I was not sure how long it would take
for people to discover my art on Etsy, but I was willing to be patient
and give it a good try as I kept creating paintings to list just in case
that one painting sold! When the first painting sold, I was kind of
surprised and happy that someone found me!
My best tips for selling my art on Etsy:
1. Define your own special style. Make the art your own and very unique to you. Buyers will take notice.
2. Do not compare
yourself to any other artist out there. Only do your best work.
3.
Work to create the best quality art you can using quality materials.
Work hard and don't stop! The more you paint, the more your learn about
your actual potential.
4. Create paintings that people want to buy and that you enjoy painting. You never know where they will end up.
(some
of the places my art is now hanging: doctor waiting rooms, lawyer
offices, patient exam rooms, baby nurseries, home and business offices,
elevator)
5.
Offer to do commissions. This is a
favorite of mine. You will be thrilled to find out how many people want
their own special painting from you. Always ask for the full payment up
front for commissions. Send an invoice through Paypal. It will make
them realize that you are a professional. You can give them a full
refund if they are not happy, but at least you are paid and not having
to chase them down for the rest of their payment if you only ask for a
deposit at first.
6. Offer prints from your paintings. I hesitated to do this but am really glad I have. It allows for people to purchase my art a
more affordable price. I print them on my own printer that I only paid about $200 for.
Thank you for reading my blog. I would love to hear from you. :))
3 comments:
how nice to hear your story! I worked a long time in the commercial arena as well!
glad you're having fun!
:)
ps - any chance you'd tell me the printer you like. i'd love to replace mine - haven't been as happy. thanks!
Hi Jenn,
I have an Epson Stylus Photo 1400 that can print up to 13 x 19 inches. I love it and it does an amazing job for my prints.:)
I really like your blog especially this article about starting an etsy shop. I tried selling jewellery on etsy with little success but have recently been thinking I should give it another go. I love your art especially the bold flower painting at the top of this article, you also have a great logo. Thank you, you have inspired me to give my creative dreams another go!
Brenda @ Firs Marketing
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