I've been thinking a lot lately, and quite unproductively. Maybe it's just a malaise brought on by the constant snow, but the truth is I feel I'm in a deep, soggy rut. The kind of rut you can't get out of on your own; you're in serious need of a push or two, or it may even be time to give up and call AAA for a tow. Because I'm just spinning my wheels, and sinking deeper and deeper into the muck. (extended metaphor- nice!)
Like this towboat pilot, I can't get off the bank; I'm just churning mud. I'm stuck.
If I had to zero in on one particular theme amidst the huge tangled mess in my brain, it would have to be frustration. The source of my frustration is this: I spend quite a bit of time making my art, but then I don't really have any time left to promote or sell it. I don't have time to apply for shows, or set up an etsy store. My frustration has almost reached critical mass- the point where I consider giving up. And I'm not a quitter; to the contrary, I tend to just keep beating my head against the same wall until either it moves, or my head starts to bleed. (Wow, two extended metaphors in one post- am I a literary genius or what?)
So, something's gotta give- either my head or the wall; either the barge or the bridge, you know? And when it hits, there's bound to be a lot of pain for somebody, and I think we all know it's not the bridge.
I gave up on this dream once before, because I had no choice. But now I'm trying, and I just can't seem to get off the bank.
Alright, this part (above) was written last night, and I'm now finished whining! Ugh- disgusting! I just did my taxes, and the numbers were kind of discouraging, if you know what I mean. I'm moving on to more practical things, such as questions that some of you may be able to answer.
Questions:
1. How many years can you claim a business loss on your taxes?
2. How much does it cost to have an etsy store, and is it worth it?
3. I know this is hard to answer, but has anyone made a profit from selling things on etsy?
4. How do you generally get into shows- i.e. personal contacts, applications, other?
5. Does anyone do art outdoor art fairs, and if so, do you make much money?
6. In what way do you make the most money from your art?
As always, thank you for your help (and for putting up with me!). If you know anyone who you think might know the answers to any or all of these questions, please direct them to me, or me to them. And I promise to get an attitude adjustment before the next post!
p.s. I'm really not all about money (if I was I'd probably have some by now!), but it's either a business or it's not, you know? Also, it would be incredibly nice to be able to quit my day job...
Self-portrait: definitely my best side! haha!
Sharmon I think this is a tremendously courageous post, first of all. REALLY. And you are not alone in this stuck in a rut thing, this is quite common (not that YOU'RE common) but sharing our creative gifts with the world is scary so "getting to" the business of business tends to be the thing we avoid (preferring to play in our studios or dream or all the other good things that get our creative juices flowing). All that said, I have many of the same questions you do about selling and promoting my work so I'm really looking forward to responses you receive.
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is so wonderful...I know it will sell:)
1. don't know ask a bean counter
ReplyDelete2. cannot remember the amount, but free is best
3. I chose to go with a second free blog as my shop
4. make personal relationships, get to know dealers and gallery owners,
5. too much work...
6. my blog store is working out quite well!
xxo
Thanks to everyone, including those who emailed me, for your generous support. I'm over my little whiny fit now...ready to move on and forge ahead!
ReplyDeleteThe weather definitely can bring on the blues and the desire for hibernation! Still, great questions and a good time to reflect and plan for the spring.
ReplyDelete1. How many years can you claim a business loss on your taxes?
Probably forever, as long as it is true.
2. How much does it cost to have an etsy store, and is it worth it?
Etsy doesn't charge anything to set up a store, and the mark up is extremely low. From the Etsy website: "It costs 20 cents to list an item for four months. When your item sells, you’ll pay a 3.5% transaction fee." Having said that, my guess is, artists/crafts persons who make and sell lower priced items may do the best on Etsy. It’s worth a look-see, though.
3. Has anyone made a profit from selling things on etsy?
A recent article in my local paper suggests Yes: Try searching DenverPost.com for Etsy: “Crafting a whole new way to shop” (Jan 30, 2010) At least one artist says, and I quote the article, "Etsy enabled Charles Mason to make his Boulder-based Stone Gifts become his livelihood."
4. How do you generally get into shows- i.e. personal contacts, applications, other?
Nothing quite beats a personal introduction. If you know someone who shows in a gallery you’d like to show in, be brave and ask them for an introduction, or to show a couple of your pieces to the gallery director. Also check listings for call for entries for group shows. If you are in an area that has co-op galleries, see if there’s one that might ‘fit’ you.
5. Does anyone do art outdoor art fairs, and if so, do you make much money?
I have done art fairs for a number of years. They are usually a good part of my yearly income. Having said that, I don't generally apply to a fair I have not been to; it’s important to see if the venue would fit you well. This includes: is your artwork in the same level as the rest of the show? Same goes for your prices. Too low or too high on either of these things in comparison to your fellow booth mates does you no favors. Also going to fairs can give you a good idea of how good (or not) they are. Make mental notes on things like: Is the attendance good? Was there good advertising of the event? Is the weather cooperative? Do you see buyers walking out with purchases? Do most of the artists seem happy to be there? (More than one or two disgruntled artists can suggest that perhaps the affair is not being well run).
6. In what way do you make the most money from your art?
Ah, the trick question… as artists sometimes it is helpful to think in terms of ‘multiple streams of income’. For myself, no one thing is the ‘most’; it’s a cumulative matter; but most everything falls under the ‘art’ category’.
Hope this is a little helpful, if Way too long!