Do you have a passion for Art and dream of being an Artist?
Below are my trials and triumphs. How I started an online Art Shop. Helpful tips from a handmade watercolour Artist.
Knock, knock. It's me again
A soft touch of warmth starts in my center leading up to my chest...
Hello extra beat
It feels like Fluffy clouds are hugging my heart.
My soul so badly wants to stay here...
but the regular day-to-day pulls the shades
It all fades
Again
I hold onto the feeling
somewhere it wanders deep within me.
You know you love Art, and you're a Creator. Being an Artist in this world seems unreachable, but you're ready to put in all the work to become the artist you've always hoped to be.
I'm a firm believer in Dreams. I hope to inspire, share truth and guide you forward.
I've been working on becoming my Artist self for over three years. I had no idea I'd be where I am now. Especially not having a heavy wallet, independently owning and working our small business, and all the in-between life along the way.
Let me share my journey with thus far.
Creating My Art Portfolio
You'll need Artwork to start if you want to sell online. I create physical Watercolour Art. Drawing has always been something I could do, but I didn't take it seriously until 2020. When I started my "FRUITPLANETS" I only had enough for a tin of watercolour pencil crayons, a black square pad of paper and my mom's old paintbrushes. The love of my Cats and my mom, who all left for Heaven. (Tippy, 2020 "TIPPY JOURNEYS". Nike, 2021. QT 2022 and then my mom 2023) helped push me to lead a life full of love and joy like they wanted. Creating my Art Portfolio allowed me to build hope and to heal. I'm starting my Art Shop with 20 pieces of Artwork. I think ten pieces of artwork will do just fine to start.
"Don't be ashamed of your story it will inspire others"
Creating my online shop - check it out, be inspired!
Before I started, I had no experience/interest in anything Tech. I personally only used Facebook and Pinterest. My dreamer self decided to make not one but two shops online. In 2023, I started creating my Etsy shop and Wix Website. I was creating an Etsy and Website shop at the same time. It took me approximately 1008 hours in 2023 to "complete". (A 1008-hour day would be awesome, eh?) I'm about 50% more tech-savvy and possibly almost living up to my millennial potential! There's a lot of hard work, learning curves, and SO many details required for a quality online Art shop that's uniquely you.
Everything takes time, and nothing is simple at first, especially when you're just learning. Don't give up. You've got this!
Helpful Online Sites
This might be different for every Artist. These were some of the most valuable online sites that helped me create and grow my online shops. They can cost money, but these online tools have been so helpful for my Art career,
PhotoShop and RU- Touch-ups for art pictures and video editing for socials
Vista Print- Business Cards
Amazon Business- Shipping Supplies
Canva- Designs
Canvy- Mock-up rooms for photos
WIX- Personal Website for online shop
ETSY- Online shop for Handmade sellers
One Note- A place to save all your notes and write-ups.
Meta Business suite- Boosting and advertising social media
Supplies needed
Again, this may be different for every Artist. Before you buy anything, do your research. Make sure it works for your business.
Business Needs:
Printer. ( To print an art picture myself. You will still need a basic printer, even if you don't plan on printing your artwork from home.)
Printer Ink
printer paper
Notebooks, Calender, File folder, Pens, tape, calculator
Paper Cutter. (I like the machete, Paper Cutter. The sound it makes is so pleasing!)
Camera
PC and screen
All shipping supplies- This one altogether has a huge price tag.
USB
Thermal label printer
Thermal paper
Business extras
Blue screen glasses
Storage cabinets
Comfy work chair
A stool for under your desk. If you're short like me :)
Desk
Tripod
microphone
mouse pad
It was slow seeing everything come together. However, the outcome has been very rewarding!
Important Notes
Pay for Copyright on all your original artwork
Cover all the legal stuff
Start with ten art pictures at least
Where do you want to sell online?
Tax/Log Taxes
Pick a shipping Company
Register your business
Find a scan/Print Shop
Put money away
Be consistent on Socials
Be Original. You can be inspired, but do not copy
Learn SEO
Figure out your prices
Dream BIG!
Self Care
From 2020-2023, I had some of the most difficult trials of my life. I didn't take enough time out for myself. It's so important to include a self-care routine. It can also help to get your creative juices flowing!
Does making time for yourself help you to be more creative?
Make sure to dedicate a space for you to create.
Prioritize time for yourself. Creating an Online shop will take a lot of your energy.
Put your family and animals first. Life is too short.
You will get frustrated. You might cry. Maybe you won't believe in yourself. Step away, and then come back to it later.
Get outdoors. Your body and soul will thank you for it.
Being an Artist, whether it's online or not, is reachable!
Take one day at a time. Listen to your heart and Let it move you forward, whatever that might mean to you. It might seem hard right now, but it'll all be worth it and get easier the more you learn!
I hope all these tips from my Artist journey help you in yours!
Bunches of love 🤍
Megan McKiernan