I realize the tagline of this blog says writing, art, etc. but is 90% writing and 5% etc. Today, to shake things up a little bit, I’m focusing on the OTHER 5% (finally) and talking about art. Actually I’m asking you guys some questions about art, which is totally the same thing. Lately I’ve been giving heavy thought to the question how can I make a steadier income with my art and my lovely fellow human on Facebook and Instagram have been throwing out some frankly genius ideas.
Here’s the thing – art takes time. It takes years of practice. It’s hard work – and people like art. Some of us even love art. We love seeing a favorite character come to life, or one artist’s take on a film concept. Art makes life better – but it can also be expensive. I’ve had so many people tell me, “If I had the money, I would so commission X piece from you.”
As someone who’s definitely never fallen into the ‘rich’ category, I can say from the bottom of my heart, I feel you. And I want to do something about it.
Some of the suggestions tossed out to me are as follows:
• Why don’t you sell pages of your sketchbook once you’ve finished them?
• What about blind date with sketches — someone buys a sketch from you and doesn’t know what they’re getting until it arrives? (This would probably be a monthly thing – think OwlCrate or BirchBox, but with sketches — possibly multiple sketches per ‘envelope.’)
• What about accepting commissions for those color sketches you do?
• What about offering custom trading cards? (These would be available in various mediums.)
I LOVED these suggestions, and when I publish my ‘commission info’ page on this site, you’ll see these options available for purchase. However, my Facebook and Insta peeps aren’t the only ones out there – I want to hear your ideas. What would YOU like to see? What artsy dream do YOU have?
Check out my art on….
And because I like to be a little unconventional, I’ll be open to unusual methods of payment. Have an unused Target/WalMart/WHEREVER gift card lying around? You could totally trade that for some art. Have a product you sell, or something unused-but-neat sitting in a dusty corner? Feel free to suggest a barter!
I’m a big Etsy person, and I would suggest you check it out for selling your art work! It is a cool online vendor setup, and very craft-oriented. Your art is so cool!
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Thank you! ♥ I’ve definitely checked Etsy out (and discussed it with a friend yesterday) but I’m not certain it’s a platform I want yet….we’ll see.
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*Following on all platforms now!* How about an etsy shop selling prints &/or originals of some of your art?
I make little necklace charms and earrings (and the rare figurine) out of polymer clay. perhaps someday I’ll attempt a barter!
Out of curiosity, do you like doing commissions? I’ve done a few polymer clay commissions but decided I don’t really care for it most of the time. I want to make whatever I want to make, you know? Not a very professional attitude, I suppose, but it’s my relaxing hobby and it’s not relaxing when I’m not enjoying it anymore.
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I LOVE doing commissions, actually. I reserve the right to not TAKE a commission if I don’t think I’ll like it, because honestly enjoying it makes such a huge difference. I can honestly say, though, that in years of doing commissions I’ve only ever not enjoyed a handful out of dozens, and only refused one or two.
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Also I’d love the link to your etsy shop!
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Here’s my shop but there’s not a lot on it – https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNaggingCrane
You can see a lot of my clay creations at http://sparksofember.deviantart.com/gallery/
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I would totally commission you to illustrate one of my books. I think your style would fit perfectly with one that I’m currently writing. I still haven’t decided if I want to go the traditional or self publishing route (and there’s still a lot of editing to do. Ugh) but if ots something you think you’d be interested in, I can keep you updated
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Definitely!
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Sweet! It will be a while before the book’s ready, but I will contact you when it comes picture time.
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Bartering for art? YES. I LOVE THIS IDEA!
Speaking of random art things: my acrylic painting skills get used in the most peculiar way for the common cause. I was commissioned to paint a bunch of sagebrush on a formerly ugly lamp yesterday because /reasons/.
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I only wish I could get a piece of art by you!
I opened a Redbubble shop last month for my own art, and it hasn’t been successful AT ALL. But I’m trying to keep my hopes up!
I love the idea of the giftcards, and the quirky exchanges! I might need to try that one…
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