Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Looking for a Little Advice ...


The last couple of days I have been focusing my time and energy into giving my little Etsy shop a face lift. I woke up a little discouraged Friday morning about how things have been going so I went to The Etsy Seller Handbook and began taking notes. I redid my banner, retook pictures of all of my listings, twice, changed tags, and removed all of my Christmas items. I am so tired of taking and editing pictures, it’s frustrating just when I think they look great, they don’t. I probably took at least 40 pictures of each piece twice. Sunday I took them by the back door, they didn’t come out right so Monday and Tuesday Abbey and I bundled up and spent sometime in the great outdoors taking photos. I sit here like a nut holding the art work next to the computer, I want to get the photos as close to the actual painting as possible. I keep asking my husband, does this look clear, does it look like the painting, and does everything look uniformed. I think he was more excited than me when I listed my final painting last night.
Sometimes I feel like a needle in a haystack, there are so many amazing artists on Etsy; I wish I knew how to make my works of art stand out. I am very critical of my work, I am my toughest critic. I joined Etsy in May of last year and did not list anything until October. I kept dragging my feet. I was nervous that I would fail miserably. I have sold 11 items in the last four months, I know it is a slow process, I know it takes time, and I know I have a limited amount of time to put into the shop. I am first a stay at home mom so creating takes a backseat to life most of the time. I am so happy that I did set up the shop it has given me something that is my own, I love creating first and foremost but I would also love to establish a successful business for myself. So far this has been nothing but a positive experience for me I just want to make it better. I would love some advice on how you make your businesses successful. It doesn’t even need to be an Etsy shop I would love to hear some great tips and learn a few things . Thanks for listening to me ramble, Heather

11 comments:

  1. Heather, you have a unique style, which helps when selling work because you stand out among other artists. Keep honing your style, and your customer base will continue to grow.

    Have you thought about selling some of your work in brick-and-mortar stores? You're in a good area with a lot of country/prim/shabby chic retail stores. Of course, you need to negotiate your consignment price vs. a wholesale price if the store buys outright. Selling in brick-and-mortar stores is a great way to get a local following that could eventually grow over time.

    Hope this helps.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have just read my mind!! I feel much the same way about my shop as you do about yours! I feel like I am moving in slow motion when it comes to my little shop.

    I just tell myself to hang in there and take things one at a time. There is so much to learn and so much to do. Every journey starts with the first step and then the second step. I love your paintings! I really like your new banner and pictures. I feel, as LIz said above, that your customer base will continue to grow!!

    Jennifer :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think that you did a great job updating your shop! The pictures are so clear and crisp, and the new banner looks great! Just stick in there and don't be too hard on yourself. Etsy is so oversaturated. You just have to be the best blueeyeddragonfly you can be!

    I know you can do it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just found your blog through friday follow and I have to say I am going to check out all your work as you are a wonderful artist. I love your work:) I am glad to have found your blog today, Thanks from Organic Girl and Today's Diva!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love your blog and I hearted your Etsy shop. It is so nice. Facebook is really great for exposure. I am a Friday Follower.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have to tell you - you are a big step ahead of me. I haven't done more than think about putting together a shop. I love your work - so will a lot of people. Stopped by from Friday Follow - so glad I found you! Now following so I don't miss anything!
    Susan
    www.BlackberryJamCafe.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good Morning! Happy Friday Follow! I am your newest follower. Come visit me :) and have a great weekend!

    Bridgette Groschen
    The Groschen Goblins
    http://www.groschengoblins.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I know what you mean about Etsy. I don't even have any of my paintings on there yet! I really need to spend some time on there.
    I love your work. I love connecting with other artists.
    Following you from FF. Hope you come by when you get a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi from Friday Follow! What a beautiful blog! You're very talented.

    Come see me at www.zen-mama.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful work!Happy Friday follow.Going to visit your etsy now.Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I absolutely love your whimiscal art!!

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments. I like knowing that I am talking to someone other than myself for a change.