15 Lessons I learned My First Year as a Full-Time Artist
See this episode on video here https://youtu.be/lmfldxUpf6QCrucial First Year Steps (and Missteps) I took Things I did rightEstablish my name: Gave artwork away for free or super cheap (sometimes at a loss) -remember think long term!. Asked for referrals. NETWORKS not Net Worth. Donate to charity auctions and fundraisers. Focus on my Strengths: Furniture makeovers was going to be my foundation. I’m no fine artist so galleries were out of the question at this timeProper Mindset: Narrow focus, avoid time wasting (less tv and recreation) Avoid Limiting Beliefs - Read a lot of business, self-help, and marketing booksPatience: Put my focus on long-term strategy(make less money now to make more down the road)Be a good student: Pay attention to EVERYTHING. Take notes/keep a journalDidn’t stay comfortable: always experimented and forced myself to learn new mediums and techniquesControl costs: use recycled materials/dumpster dive for substrates. Bought the best supplies I could afford (at first that meant kids markers) I just made sure I splurged on a good spray varnish to protect)Multiple sales channels: direct sales(always asking for referrals), consignment stores, sell wholesale, arts/craft shows, selling through social network contacts, Craigslist, EBay, Etsy, Your own website.ECommerce storeInclusive pricing strategies:Multi-tier pricing for ALL BudgetsThings I did wrongComparing yourself to other more established artists - I had to get over this one quick. I knew I was late in the game and I had to hustle hard to “catch up” and be noticed. There was no time to waste worrying about how other artists careers were going (even though I would take a peek every now and then) Took on ALL Commissions- This was my “job” so I had to get the money when I had the chance. Right?Wrong!! I found out right away that commissions were more hassle than they were worth (at least the way I was doing it back then) now I require payment up front and a signed contract. Burnout/exhaustion - I was kinda nuts! I would do things like drive from Michigan to GA with a truckload of painted furniture. I would advertise in Craigslist in the cities along the way (Interstate-75 from Detroit to Atlanta) and I would meet customers in restaurant parking lots near the interstate and make sales - Then I would do the same thing on the way back! Dayton, Cinci, Lexington, Knoxville, Chattanooga, ATL. I did that three times, then I got the brilliant Idea to make an even bigger route which took me to Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Nashville, Huntsville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Lexington, Cinci, Dayton then back to Detroit. No wonder I got burned out. My suggestion, Keep it simple. Make it work from where you are at. Especially today where so much business is done online, you don’t really even need to travel!Tried to please EVERYONE (Overdiversified) - I was refinishing furniture in every style possible: shabby chic, whitewashed, rustic, faux finishes and my trademark FuNkY style. It became way too much. I had to turn my focus to my style only. Less stress on me and ultimately I was able to charge more money.Self Doubt: Am I good enough? Am I wasting my time? Sometimes these questions would creep up on me. My suggestion - STOP IT. You are good enough! Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep growing. Make it happen! Get your mind right.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rickcheadle)
