As we draw towards the end of the year, I thought I would post where I am with my art business. At the moment some would call my business a hobby as it hasn’t earned any money. Reality is, I have not marketed myself much at all this year and haven’t created connections with people. This is something I plan to do more in 2025.
I am also on a lot of different platforms including social media type sites. They say don’t put all your eggs in one basket, but I am sure it is not good to spread yourself too thin over too many of these baskets. On the other hand, a lot of my work can be spread across multiple selling platforms, so you could say that it shouldn’t be that hard to be on multiple platforms. I have limited energy, have a family (an energetic 5 year old boy) and in the near future; a job and future employer. That is a lot in of itself and if I was free and breezy with no other commitments other than work, then maybe I could spread myself across multiple platforms. Now I am not saying people with no children are free and breezy by the way- there are various ways you might not be. I am explaining some of my situation which also involves some health issues that I am still working through with my doctor.
I currently have my own website, I’m on Etsy, Redbubble, Spoonflower, and YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Not to mention I am here on Substack. That’s seven places. I have limited energy and focus having a family to focus on and a day job (I am currently unemployed, but will need one next year).
Goals for 2025
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Simplify- reduce where I focus my time
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Focus- double down on my efforts on the chosen platforms
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Create- continue to create art
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Social- connect
Simplifying where I put my energy, focus and time by either deleting accounts, or ignoring some accounts (keeping them). I feel like deleting certain accounts would be easier.
Focus on the fewer platforms with more intention and consistency.
Continue to create art of course!
Connect more socially. I am toying with the idea of markets as there are a lot of them in my area and entering some local art competitions.
Lastly, I am wondering if I should try commissions or even some sort of illustration work. I don’t know much about how to do commissions or freelancing, but this may be an avenue to explore as my replacement for job and being employed by someone else.
