Roadblocks and Life Rafts.
The road to building a business is fraught with potholes, debris, and cracks that need to be filled, cleared away, or repaired. I assume, no one really talks about these hazards, because each business is unique and the issues that arise are never the same for everyone. Even between art businesses.
Where to start? I ran across an advertisement for a free, week-long workshop for artists who wanted to build a business from their art. The program challenged me in ways I hadn’t thought of and forced me to ask (and answer) the hard questions about WHY I want to do this. The workshop was held by watercolor artist, author of the book Artpreneur, and The Inspiration Place Podcast host, Miriam Schulman (I’ve also linked resources below), who introduced her concepts of marketing art. To say “I learned a lot” is an understatement, and this coming from someone who’d been the marketing manager for the Michigan Army National Guard. While I already knew how to gauge an audience, research the market, create a brand, engage media/social media, and build graphic materials for the Guard, I hadn’t the slightest idea on how to do this for my art. I had discovered a passion for sculpting, but how to turn that into a profit-making business felt completely different.
I’m a classic “Doubting Thomas.” While I felt armed with all the materials needed to begin and pointed direction upon workshop completion, I was overwhelmed. Doubts continued to fill my mind as to whether or not I was good enough, and whether or not people would like my art enough to buy it? Most of the people in the free workshop were established artists, who’d been creating in their respective mediums for many years. While I’d had a history with polymer clay, I certainly didn’t put myself into their category of “experienced.” I started to ask, “what does ready mean?” When I sell my first artwork? Been accepted to a gallery show or worked an art fair? After one, five, or ten years under my belt of working with polymer clay? Earned awards? When I was “good enough”?
Podcast to the rescue. Like with most things, I dove headfirst into research. One of the tools Miriam offers is The Inspiration Place Podcast which introduces common issues artists have identified before, during, and after creating their businesses. The second podcast I listened to was Episode 294: Sleeping Beauty Complex. Holy Moses, the lightbulb went on and it was like she was talking directly to me. Her concept of “Sleeping Beauty Complex” discusses three common problems artists struggle with. My doubts had been paralyzing. Till that podcast.
Life rafts everywhere. So, once again, I dove headfirst into the ocean of information and started doggy-paddling my way through. I’m still swimming. I’ve grasped several “life rafts” along the way, from one to the next, but so far, I’m still keeping my head above the water (thank you to the “life rafts” who have pushed, believed, cheered, challenged, and encouraged me). I’ve launched an ecommerce website, created a marketing campaign through Mailchimp, designed business cards, signage, and product packaging. I earned my first commission gig with my local groomer (thank you Handsome Hounds!). I’ve been working through issues and goals one step at a time and, so far, have seen success. I’m grateful for my customer base which continues to slowly grow. YOU make the future brighter.
Helpful Links found on during journey:
Main Website: The Inspiration Place
Podcast: The Inspiration Place Podcast
Book: Artpreneur
Coaching: Art Business Coaching
