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QUICK NOTE: Tim Holtz is doing his infamous "12 Tags of Christmas" again this year. It's always stunning to see how talented this man is - he's brilliant!
Onto the second part of yesterday's post. (Didn't know you'd get roped into a second part, did ya?)
Besides the things I brought up yesterday, I've had one other issue on my mind that's been driving me...erm...battier. This is the last time I'll bring this up - I think.
While thinking about all this stuff, it's crossed my mind that what I really enjoy, the part of art that really gets my hands moving, is making embellishments. Parts to go on bigger pieces. You know...polymer clay parts added to a canvas, jewelry box, or doll. Beads made of shrink plastic or acrylic sheeting. Handmade paper to be used on some larger piece.
Does anyone think this would be a viable business? For a long time, I've wanted to sell mixed media/altered art parts and pieces. What has stopped me is the plethora of other businesses already selling these things - and doing it pretty successfully. (I know because I spend every spare dime I have with them.) Every business has a little different offering and the prices vary slightly - but I feel like that realm is pretty well covered. I also don't want to compete with friends I've made - which is exactly what I'd be doing. There is enough room for everyone, but I just feel like that isn't the road for me right now.
There really isn't a place to buy "pre-made" embellishments - at least, that I know of. You can buy some things through different vendors - but there isn't really a place to get cute, handmade little things to add to your art. I'd like to offer those things - as well as offer customization. For example, I'd like to offer a selection of polymer clay embellishments. I would have a variety of colors available - and also have the option of offering custom colors, if desired.
After everything I've mentioned yesterday - about having a really hard time limiting myself to one or two mediums - and what I've told you today, what do you think? Am I totally off my rocker - should I just stick to creating masterpieces, as usual? (Hahaha) Or, should I follow my heart and set up shop, offering the embellishments I know artists can use? The things that artists away from creating their "big picture" - the details they have to stop and make in order to create their finished piece?
I'm really struggling with this. Someone told me not to post this on my blog - that this may give someone else the idea, and if I decide to go this route, I may lose money. I think the world is big enough for everyone - and I can't imagine trying to "corner" this market. It would be impossible. Even if I decide this is my path, I would still create my own art...but I've got to do something to bring in some money. Fact is, the monsters and I live well below the poverty line...and it's time I find something to fix that. I'm not looking to make millions - just enough to help with some bills. I don't want to stop creating...well, I can't. That isn't an option. If I didn't make art my soul would shrivel up and die. Not a nice thought, is it?
I'm begging for your input. Queens shouldn't beg - it's most unbecoming. I trust you guys and would love to hear your thoughts before I go jumping off on some tangent. I've learned this isn't always the best way to go about things. Don't ask me how, I'm not telling. Let's just say I know from personal experience. Let me have it...where do I go from here? Good idea...or not?
xx,
12 Royal Responses:
I think it sounds like a great idea! Many of the most successful sellers on www.etsy.com are shops selling supplies. I'll bet you could do really well.
I've been having a similar quandry myself lately, I've been doing crochet for a while but have felt like it's not fulfilling my creative needs at the moment. I'm working on learning how to draw now and want to get into painting as well, hopefully if I get good enough I can add my art work to my Etsy shop. It's a little intimidating, the artists on Etsy are so good! I think my problem is sort of the opposite of yours, I haven't been adventurous enough and I'm feeling a bit stuck trying to get out of a rut, so to speak.
I would love to give you my opinion but while reading your blog I had a sudden flash of inspiration for a great business venture, so I must go work out the details as quickly as possible...lol Just teasing :)
I think that you should go for it. You'll never know unless you try. What's the worst that could happen? I would love to be able to do something like this my problem is I just don't know how to get it all started. Whatever you decide I wish you luck and I can always offer some free advertising for you on my blog (not that it would be worth much) but just saying.
Definately do it. New things are always need in our business.
Thank you, as always, for your insight. I respect all of your opinions more than you know - and hearing what you have to say gives me a lot of insight and ideas.
@Ruth: I'm willing to bet if you picked up a paint brush, some paints, and a couple of canvasses, you'd be a much better painter than you think you will be. It's all about expressing your freedom to create...and FUN! If it turns out horribly, make it an abstract. That's what I always do. lol
@Ann: You are just such a sweet pea. I know your blog well enough to know that anything posted draws a lot of attention! You are a faithful reader of many blogs - and always manage to beat me to the punch. Every time I go to comment on something, you've already been there. I don't know how you do it! I love your blog and I think you're simply awesome!!
@Carol: Thank you so much for your opinion. I appreciate you taking the time to read my long winded post - and then giving me your opinion. It gives me a lot of confidence to just go for it! :)
xx
Your majesty,
It is my humble opinion (begging your pardon) that you have a good deal of talent in things polymer clay and that your idea is a good one.
I don't know what kind of success you can expect in these times, but "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
And I would also be willing to mention you with a link or put up an ad with a link on my sidebar.
I'm all about people doing what they love and earning a little something for it.
Begging your pardon,
xoxo
@Ms Vicki: You are too much! I adore you and think your comment was just entirely too sweet. Thank you so much for your offer - and I love what you said. Thank you, sweet pea, for being yourself - and for taking the time to post your (extremely valuable) opinion. I am taking it to heart. :) xx
I would give it a try on Etsy...that type of craft will probably do well there, you never know what people are looking for, and you may just be filling a needed void.
I agree that suppliers and especially handmade suppliers are a big market on Etsy. I would do some research to see what is already being sold and what is selling well. You won't be stealing but just doing your due deligence. I think it is actually a great way for you to focus all of your artistic energy into something that could actually be a good seller. Sounds like a win/win to me.
Katherine - that's a fabulous idea. You should DO IT!!! I think your art is outstanding and one-of-a-kind. Don't worry about competing with anyone. Your style stands out far above the rest!
And yes, it's so true about needing to 'create'. I'd be really unhappy if I wasn't able to design and sew bags anymore.
Go for it!
hugs,
Duni
I think you should go for it! Yes, there IS enough for everyone. Develop your style ... find a unique niche and make it your's with your own unique twist ... branding - get it RIGHT from the very start and KEEP it (logos, store name, colors, style, etc.)... work hard and always always follow your heART! :D
Keep us posted, ok?
I hope this means you'll be posting regularly once again. I've missed you
Great and innovative.....
Thanks for sharing.
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