Hello friend,
Today’s post is more an update than a story, and especially important for my {creative practice} subscribers. I am going to be taking a publishing break from February 20 thru March 4th. I’ll resume with my weekly {creative practice} posts and release the next {when the road disappears} essay on March 5th.
I would also like to extend a friendly reminder of the ways you can support me as an independent artist. I know my community would like to see new pieces of art, or a fresh batch of notecard designs, a published book, and to keep producing entertaining reads. However, I do find it hard to be both the artist and the business manager. Trying to create the work but also trying to sell and market it, too.
A pain point that is not mine alone. Every creative professional in your life feels this. Some do have help from a partner, and a lot of us just do what we can. Falling short from time-to-time and celebrating the occasional win in private while still juggling all the balls to progress forward.
For the last week or so I’ve really tried to listen to hear from all of you and that is part of the reason for a little time-out to focus on creating new work, wrapping up old projects and preparing for longer days of doing what I love. While I am in this phase of implementation, this is where I could use support from my community:
Online Art Print Sales
I went a little bonkers but I’ve made a ton of never before shared artwork, and some collector favorites from the last couple of years available as easy to frame, gift and mail fine art 8x10 and 4x5 prints (5x7s price point did not make sense at this time).
Watercolor Custom Art Commissions
This is the primary reason I’m taking a little pause from screen-time and writing — I’m approaching the finish line on outstanding work from the past year and would like to accept a limited number of orders for June/July/August. Deadline for commissions that are for the 2023 holiday season is July 1st. Something new I’ve added is my interest in producing custom note card designs/invitations/home stationary. Snail mail makes me so happy! I would like to formally “be on the hook” for such opportunities!
Patron Support
I used to feel shame in accepting this type of support until someone explained to me how those who love the arts also love to support the success of artists in their own way. Over the last few years the support of patrons, and those close to me who believe in the work I do, has often injected a fresh breeze of energy that has, every single time, helped me not only surpass challenging times, expand as an art entrepreneur. I’ve always used it to climb a little bit higher up the mountain that is “being an independent artist.” So I’ve made it easy for those who just want to see me grow.
Share My Work
It costs nothing to share what you love. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do — share what I love with others. I am that person who will sing the praises of the businesses I love, the people I adore and the services of those who bring me joy. I’ve been known to talk an ear off, or two, proclaiming my love for local anything.
Honestly, if it weren’t for a small handful of you who write, text and message me, reminding me that what I create has value… I’m not sure I’d be here sticking my neck out to humbly ask you to please, if you do one thing today, share with someone something you value. That could be a recommendation to your favorite pizza place, a local artist, or a good book.
Whether it’s this post or one of my art prints, it’s generally speaking quite easy to share what you enjoy most of what I offer with others. Mind you, sharing via social media is less effective, but you can always email a friend you know is looking to redecorate a space in their home. Or let someone know you have a friend who does custom watercolor art. Most of my income as an artist, photographer and writer has all come from referrals. I also try to pay that forward by referring others.
Thank you
Thank you for being here and taking all this in, your patience, grace and showing up for artist, writers and creators in your own life. Not just for me! Because everything I just shared holds true for all of us choosing the less reliable road to do the work that gives our life… well… life.
I’ll hold course and continue to show up for this community. All I ask is that when you can, please show up for me, too. 🌻