2023 and 2024 New Beginnings, Diversifying as an Artist

 

The strangest thing happened in July 2023 my website that was on Google Cloud was suspended due  to……..“We've detected that your Google Cloud Project Boast in Art Website (id: boast-in-art-website) is engaging in cryptocurrency mining, resulting in the suspension of all project resources displaying this behavior.”  I did go on appeal, but they said the security on my website was my responsibility.  I did not know how to solve that. At the same time, cannot believe this, but my external hard drive crashed almost at the same time which had all my large 300dpi images and images saved on the particular software I use to create designs.  Unbelievable! I felt I was being the Atmospheric Force that is was I was getting so passionate about being online and on so many platforms.  Is someone trying to shut me down is this a spiritual battle? Or is God trying to tell me something?  The only thing I can say I had an urgency not to give up, not to be deflated or discouraged. It felt like I was pushing "you know what" uphill.  BUT, I managed to recover some of my images that were in the "cloud", perhaps the moral of the story is "backup everything"!!!  I use Google Drive, you may have to pay  bit extra for extra storage but the the first 100GB is free and DropBox, I think the first 3TB is free.

So, due to the loss of my images, I have had to almost start again creating content and designs.

I then had to research and find other platforms like Shopify integrated with Instagram to sell my products. While some claimed to sell 1000 units monthly, others suggested it could take 3 to 5 years to see significant results. I deactivated Shopify as in 6 months I made no sales. These are some of my products I try to sell on this platform.

I also closed my Etsy shop that had Apparel and printable which was not making that much either, and Etsy by the way has changed its fee structure.

In 2023, I continued learning and made additional sales not significant by no means but a small amount less than $100 but was encouraged, amazing enough what a couple of sales do. I set up 3 new websites in November 2023 and now in February 2024 set up a mailing list with a Landing page with Mailchimp, creating more exposure on the web.

I found this amazing blogger where I have learnt so much about blogging and various new platforms like Payhip.  Timing was everything, my bio link on Instagram had to change as Lintr.ee expired in early 2024 as it was bought out by Koji which was paying platform, so I had to find an alternative.  With Payhip you can add printable products to sell(why I shut down Etsy), had various websites as well.

In March and April 2024, I had 2 fairs scheduled where I was selling handmade notebooks and gift bags.  This opportunity presents another avenue for me to showcase my products and connect with potential products in person.  These fairs allow me to engage directly with my audience, gather valuable feedback, and gain insights into their preferences and needs.  

I actually sold mostly mushroom products(some were with the assistance of AI) and some gift bags that were created using fabric and other types of placemats.

I also sold these cute glass jars and were favored by quite a few people.  What do you think?  Busy working on design inspired by AI assisted generated images, working with a local printer so the transfers are dishwasher safe and waterproof but the jar label says "not dishwasher safe" has to be hand washed.  So I might use some of these designs on mugs.  Another door has opened I think.

     

Print on Demand POD the beginning of the online artist

 

In my journey of selling online, I started by setting up accounts on Redbubble in January 2021 and

 Zazzle in August 2020. These platforms allowed me to create digital artwork using my paintings. I

 quickly learned about digital terms like DPI and colors, which differ from the painting world. Despite

 the differences, I made some sales between July 2021 and October 2021, although most were under

 $20. These initial sales encouraged me, showing me the possibilities of online selling.

One of the benefits of these platforms is that they handle production and shipping, providing royalties to

 creators. However, communication with clients is limited, and building an email list is challenging.

As I progressed, I realized I needed to better understand what products to sell and what the market

 wanted post-pandemic. This led me to find reliable manufacturers for quality products. By 2022, I had

 designed and ordered products to sell at fairs.

I also ventured into creating notebooks and journals on Amazon KDP self-publishing and started

 making royalties in November and made some sales in December 2022.

The rise of printable as a new income source during the pandemic caught my attention. The market was

 saturated with courses on selling on Etsy, which I found to be a steep learning curve. These courses

 emphasized the importance of quality and understanding Etsy's algorithm. I took several courses that

 advised diversifying to multiple platforms.

I then had to research and find other platforms like Shopify integrated with Instagram to sell my

 products. While some claimed to sell 1000 units monthly, others suggested it could take 3 to 5 years to

 see significant results. I deactivated Shopify as in 6 months, I made no sales.

In 2023, I continued learning and made additional sales not significant by any means but a small

 amount less than $100 but was encouraging. I set up 3 new websites in November 2023 and now in

 February 2024 set up a mailing list with a Landing page with Mailchimp, creating more exposure on

 the web.

If you need a Bio on your Instagram try this website, I had Koji for years but then Linktr.ee bought

 them out and now you have to pay a monthly fee.

https://payhip.com/reneboastart - this is my Bio on Instagram and Facebook

Also if you are just starting and need a website check out this company they have free website hosting.

There is no e-commerce so you have so use their products (Printful) to place your designs on.