Why is it that if you make more money it means that your work is more important. To me it means that you have good work, but also you have great skills at promotion, been in the right place at the right time, and have been just plain lucky.
Gosh I know so many artists who should be selling the crap out of their stuff because it rocks, but because they are not good at self promotion, or haven't been recognized by the "right' people, or a ton of other things, they just fall in the cracks.
Sometimes I feel like I am in a crack... so I am going to take the day to finish decorating the house for Christmas, make some beads, take pictures of my super cute snowman and load some stuff on my Etsy store.
Libby, I am exactly in that same head space...I feel like I have been in the crack for too long...while I have gotten some recognition in the jewelry world, that doesn't mean customers flock to me or my store! Like you, I have stepped back a bit and tried to focus on other things. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand this blog post. I have been questioning my worth as an artist and find myself constantly justifying to others the worth of my work. How did Gucci and Versace do it! Is my name not catchy enough? Or do I have to put some rediculous price on my work for someone to say "hey that must be something really fab because it cost the earth to buy and I want it now!"
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough I have eased off the bead making and stopped making so much jewellery and people are now commenting on why I'm not producing so much. I am thinking more about family time and picking up a good book to read. Merry Christmas to you and don't ever think your work isn't good enough because it is :)
So glad to see I am not alone in these feelings. Sometimes it's good to get these thoughts out into the world and then sit back and think what is really important, our friends and family.
ReplyDeleteYou are def. not alone, many great artists and musicians are really struggling. My husband is a prof. Musician and I am the artist. Our income is never consistent . We have gotten some that think we should give up doing what we do, but we do what we do because we need to do. It is in our soul to be creative. I believe if we never quit, we never fail. We may have to take time out and rest a bit but we shall continue sharing our gift of art to the world. Don't quit, keep on keeping on. Cyber hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you could have hit the nail on the head any clearer. I am right there with you. I create, play, share and still have no sales. I am trying not to be bummed.
ReplyDeleteNow, your work is amazing! I had a trunk show today and made earrings out of your wonderful pods - they ALL sold! I could just lick your business post card! Thank you for what you create!
Thank you so much for everyone's thoughtful posts. Salzanos You are so right if I am not creating my whole attitude changes and when Mama's not happy, nobody is happy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so there with you. I feel like I make good quality jewelry that people like. After all, they stand at my booth every month and ohhhh and ahhh over it. Then they turn and leave without buying anything. I go home bummed,and wonder if it's me, or the economy, or my jewelry. And lately I've been wondering if I should just sell all my beads and do something else, like volunteering, or organizing events for our community, spending more time with family and so on. I don't like the thought of throwing in the towel, but I may have to.
ReplyDeleteIn 2012 I plan to work harder on promoting my work, and also evaluating if it's worth it to keep going.