My Etsy Shop
The costs involved when using Etsy start with a minimal fee to post each item, then another fee goes to Etsy when an item is sold. Accepting payments via paypal also involves a paypal fee, and the end result is very similar to how it feels when a gallery sells work and takes their percentage. I will try and keep an open mind and re-evaluate end of summer.
In general, it feels like the art world has become even more competitive, plus galleries continue feeling the economic downswing of the current state of the union. Finding appropriate opportunities to show and sell my work seem few and far between. I thought going on vacation would refresh my outlook but I still have not felt the spark to "go get 'em"!
Recently my friend Mark posted about show competitions and jurors and I agreed with his conclusion - paint for yourself, and paint what you love.
Today I did a bit of gardening, something for myself, something I love. This was my "painting" of the day.
It is quite frustrating to have to spend so much money to try to get our art 'out there'. I haven't used Etsy yet, but I've thought about giving it a try sometime in the future. For now I think I'll monitor your results and evaluations, if I may be so bold.
ReplyDeleteAs for what you and Mark stated so well, we must paint for ourselves first. Otherwise, where's the fun in it? I've posted the following quote before, but always feel that it's relevant enough to post again. From the song, 'So Far', by BuckCherry, "I didn't do it for money. I did it all for free. I did it to fill the f**king hole inside of me". (Please forgive the obvious profanity.) That's why I paint.
-Don
Great quote! no offense taken, profanity sometimes say it best. I have a long way to go with Etsy, and think if I want to give it a fair shot I need to add more items. Definitely I will keep you posted.
DeleteI have tried Etsy and had lots of "looks" but no sales. A lady on my sidebar blogs ("Creative Carmelina") uses Etsy with success, however. She recently posted about one trick a few posts back. She is very open and friendly and I daresay she'd be a great source of ideas for you, Robin.
ReplyDeleteThanks for suggesting Carmelina, Sherry. I am going to look it over closer and see if I can learn from her success. I know lots of people using Etsy and wonder why it took me so long to put time into setting up there... time will tell.
ReplyDeleteRobin- I received your beautiful book mark Friday. I was glad to be able to order from you.
ReplyDeleteI know you'll discover what is best for you!
Your garden is gorgeous.
Before I went on vacation I noticed there was an option to put up an "away" message on the etsy shop and I didn't do it because I figured I wouldn't have a sale, glad you surprised me with the purchase! Happy readings, Pam, I need to make a few more book marks this week because you never know when I might get a next sale.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is overwhelming to see so much of competition to sell art online. I always wonder about the probability of someone finding my art, let alone buying it. Painting for the joy of it is best if we are not depending on art for a living, but what if we have to make a living out of it.. I guess it is getting tougher by day.
ReplyDeletepadmaja, It's definitely a conflict - painting what you love for the sake of loving it, then painting with motivation, knowing there are upcoming shows and sales opportunities. I have been trying to separate the two which is almost impossible. I have always focused on my teaching opportunities more than selling, but lately its tough everywhere. When I painted the Chakra Series it was my way of seeking clarity, working toward getting back to the truth and roots of why I paint. It's a work in progress for me, the right understanding. The Etsy shop is more for fun, not a serious venue, but it all helps!
DeleteYou ran, ran, ran last year. I think this is just a small rest stop. I love your garden. Don's BuckCherry song is perfect; I'll have to write it down.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I feel burnt out and really do need the rest stop, another great analogy, Hallie! I am also working through a possible shift in my moving/living plans effective next year, possibly heading south rather than to the midwest... still in flux about that whole life thing too, and that seems to suck up huge amounts of creative energy. Rest stops are a good thing.
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