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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All about Fares

I did various fairs between  2020 and 2022, some were successful and some were not.  I

 learned that people were not interested in paintings so much but in handmade items as gifts. 

 But remember when C happened in 2019 there were no fairs until December 2019. People

 were not buying so readily and always looking for deals.  My friend and I then started selling

 at Vintage Fairs, rather than Craft Fairs.  Booths were also becoming expensive at the craft

 fairs.

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