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.

     

Where did the years go!

How did I get from having a passion for the craft in 2014, cannot believe how the years have gone by.  Well actually along the way I lost my log in details for blogspot which is now called Blogger.

What has happened in the past years, where do I begin? I did some courses between 2013 to 2015.  One of them was doing a painting course with Craig Bone.  Although he paints in oils and I started with acrylics I managed to learn so much in a short time, and even better Craig's family and I became friends.

Zebra Eclipse

Leopard Rock

Three Musketeers
SOLD

You've Got The Look

SOLD

Wild Soul

Some sayings I learnt along the way:-

“The Lord created artists, who make life more pleasant by creating beautiful things for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others.  God has greatly enriched our lives with beauty.  And we in turn express our gratitude by displaying His glory in our art” – Julie Ackerman

Found even a better one…..

“Man doesn’t create art, we make it. Only God can take absolutely nothing and create something. We don’t create anything; we put several existing objects together to build an art piece.”

Jack White

“Allowing Outside Influences and Opinions Stunt Your Growth: One week the art student is elated with her progress, only to return to class the next week telling me, “He thinks this looks funny” or “They said this needs to be done differently.” While I welcome some outside commentary simply due to the fact that art is subjective, it’s frustrating when that opinion matters more than mine. I’ve seen some pieces never finished due to an unkind remark or criticism from an outsider. That is unfortunate. I’ve seen artwork finished with pride, and then placed under the bed because it wasn’t received as well as the student had hoped. I’ve seen commissioned pieces rejected and my students crushed when the client was dissatisfied. It’s all a part of the process, my friends, and you must toughen up. Be proud of your work regardless of outside opinions. If your happiness is hinged on the reaction of others, you will often be hurt. Love what you do and do your best. Please yourself first” – Lee Hammond

 I will be trying to blog every day to catch up as I have still quite a few more years to go to show where I am now in my art walk.  Its been a long ride.

Family is Everything

Lion of Judah

Help the Children

Behind the Cloud