One of the coolest things we can do with our surface pattern designs is get them printed on actual products. Calendars, blankets, notebooks, and even someone's wallpaper or clothing halfway across the world. If this sounds like something you want to do, then print-on-demand might be just what you need.

Getting your patterns on products used to feel like a dream. Something only possible if you had the right contacts or got licensed by a big company. But now? The only thing standing in your way is choosing where to start.

Services offered by Printful and Printify make it possible for artists to transform their artwork into physical products. All without needing to invest in stock, worry about shipping, or rent space to store inventory.

It’s one of the most accessible and creative ways to start selling your art online.

Of course, there’s more to it than just uploading a few JPEGs and hoping for the best. Let’s look at how to actually make it work.

In this post, I’m sharing:

• The different types of print-on-demand
• How Printful and Printify work
• What makes POD so exciting (and full of potential)
• How to know if this is the right next step for you

Whether you're just starting out or have a portfolio full of designs you're itching to monetise, I've made this guide just for you. Here, you're going to learn how to build a shop that puts your art into the world. And I'm not going to sugarcoat it, so you go into it knowing exactly what to expect and set you up for success.

What Is Print-on-Demand (and Why It’s So Powerful for Artists)?

Print-on-demand (POD) is an online service that allows you to sell your artwork on physical products. It’s designed to handle the technical side of selling your art so you can stay focused on being creative. They do everything from printing and manufacturing to delivering to your customer.

But what type of POD service you choose is the most important decision you'll make when you go down this path. And it all comes down to one crucial choice: Do you want to build your own physical product brand, or simply sell on someone else's platform?

When artists first learn about POD, many encounter the Marketplace Model. Massive marketplaces like Redbubble, Spoonflower, or T-public. All you have to do is upload your designs, and they handle everything else. And at the end of the month, you get a commission on the sales they made.

If you're someone like me, whose main income stream comes from other sources, POD Marketplaces can be a great side income! But there is a big trade-off to relying solely on income from them.

When you join them, you become one of tens of thousands of artists, which makes it a challenge to stand out from the crowd. On top of that, you have no control over branding or access to your customers. And as a result, you're ultimately building their business, not your own. 

But if you dream of having your own product line and plan to make this your primary business, there's a much more powerful path: the Fulfilment Model. This is how you build a scalable product-oriented business using Printful as an example:

1. You upload your artwork to Printful.

2. You choose which products you want your designs to appear on.

3. You integrate your Printful account with your own online store (like Squarespace or Shopify).

When a customer visits your website and places an order, Printful automatically prints, packages, and ships the product, all under your brand. You keep the profit, without ever touching a printer, box, or shipping label.

For you, this means:

• No inventory to manage

• No upfront manufacturing costs

• No shipping or fulfilment stress

This is how you can be working on your next design while someone across the world orders from your shop, and it ships without you lifting a finger. And that’s not even the best part….

The Real Benefits Of Fulfilment POD For Artists

Fulfilment POD comes with some benefits that you might not have thought about. That truly sets it apart from marketplaces. These three benefits are what make it such a powerful model, not just technically, but also creatively and strategically. 

1. It Makes Your Art Easier to Sell

I know from experience that selling and promoting your artwork can feel awkward. It can even feel intimidating, especially if you are just starting out as a new artist. But something shifts when your art becomes a physical product.

It’s no longer just a digital image or pattern on a screen. It’s something you can hold, use, photograph, and talk about with confidence. That makes it easier for you to believe in what you’re offering,  and easier for your customers to connect with it.

For example, it’s much more natural to share how you use a notebook with your design. You can share why you chose the size, the colours, and the layout.

Products also give your designs purpose, which can translate into more sales. People are more likely to buy something they feel they “need” or can use, rather than just something they like the look of.

This is especially true for surface pattern designers or anyone creating commercial artwork. Everyday products like desk mats, calendars, or sketchbooks give your designs a real-world use. They give customers a clear reason to say yes.

And the best part? You don’t have to guess what products to start with. Platforms like Printful show you which products are already bestsellers. So you can begin with something that’s proven to be popular and has great reviews, and start building from there.

2. It Lets You Test and Learn as You Grow

One of the biggest advantages of using a fulfilment POD service is when it is paired with your own e-commerce platform (e.g. Squarespace, Shopify). This makes this business model very scalable, allowing you to start small and gradually grow. 

Most e-commerce platforms offer free trials and affordable starter plans. So you can get started quickly by opening a simple online store. Shopify even has an affordable option that allows you to sell on social media. Allowing you to test the waters before you invest the time in building your storefront. 

By starting with a trial or one of the starter plans, you have a great opportunity to learn:

• Which products fit your art best, and what people want

• What kind of mockups and visuals help your designs stand out

• How customers respond to your ideas

You don’t need to get it perfect right away. You just need a place to start, and this lets you do that without the pressure of a big financial commitment.

3. You Can Build a Brand That’s Uniquely Yours

One of the biggest differences between fulfilment POD and marketplace selling is this:

With fulfilment, you’re building your own space. Your own website. Your own visual style. Your own rules.

You're not sharing a storefront with tens of thousands of other artists. You're not competing to be seen on a crowded search results page. When someone visits your shop, they’re only seeing you, your designs, your pricing, and your products.

And most importantly? You're in control.

After years of selling on platforms that could change overnight, I learned this the hard way. I once went from earning thousands per month on Etsy to owing them money, simply because of a change in their ad system. It took just one change to wipe out my shop’s income.

That experience taught me something valuable: If you're building on someone else's platform, you're building their business.

When you connect Printful to a shop you fully control, you’re building your own.

That means:

• You decide how your shop looks and feels.

• You control your pricing and profit margins.

• You’re not forced to compete in a race to the bottom just to stay visible.

• You can connect directly with your audience — and even grow your email list, so you’re never relying on algorithms to be seen.

This is how you create something sustainable.

Not just a listing. Not just a product. But a brand that grows with you. A creative space you own. A foundation you can build on, expand, and evolve, no matter how the rest of the internet changes.

Choose the right POD service for your Shop (Printful vs Printify)

If you’ve made it this far and feel fired up and ready to start your own store, the next step is choosing the right tools to bring it to life.

Your print-on-demand provider plays a big role in which products you can print. It will affect how your customers experience your brand. And how smoothly your shop runs day to day. So, it's really worth taking a moment to choose the option that fits your goals and brand.

While Printful and Printify are both based on the same dropshipping model, they work in slightly different ways. Depending on what you’re building, one may suit you better than the other.

Printful operates mostly with in-house production facilities. This often means more consistent print quality with repeat orders. This is great since we need consistent colors and quality between prints.

Printful also has fantastic branding options. They offer features like custom neck labels, branded packaging inserts, and personalised packing slips. With these, you can create a premium unboxing experience that reinforces your brand identity. Their mockup generator is also easy to use and has lots of options with a pattern uploader.

• Consistent Quality: Operates with in-house manufacturing
• Worldwide Shipping: Manufacturing around Europe and America
• Branding Options: Create a better unboxing experience
• Pattern Uploader: Perfect for selling patterns

Printify - Best For Produt Variety & Cost Optimization. Printify is different as it works with a network of print providers instead of in-house manufacturing. This grants access to a larger and more diverse product catalog you can print your patterns on. (e.g., specialized home goods, specific pet accessories, etc.).

While quality can vary between providers, they do provide different prices for production and delivery which can lead to lower costs. Potentially you can expect to see higher profit margins and more sales with Printify the larger selection of products you can print.

• Lower Costs: Select from a network of print providers with different prices
• Large Catalogue of Products: Different print providers means a large selection of products you can print on
• Worldwide Shipping: Find different printers in a large selection of countries.

What Most Artists Don’t Expect (and Why It Matters)

This part is important because while starting your own POD shop is exciting, it’s also a real business. And there are a few things many artists don’t think about when they’re just getting started.

Let’s go through them one by one, and how fulfilment services can help you handle them from the beginning.

1. Ordering Samples 

When you’re using a fulfilment partner like Printful or Printify, you’re trusting them with your brand. And even though they do the printing and shipping for you, you’re still the face of the shop.

This means you want to make sure that the product your customer receives meets your standards. Not just in design, but also in quality, packaging, and experience.

That’s why, before launching any product in your store, it’s a great idea to order samples. 

Here’s why:

• ✅ To check the print quality and colour accuracy

• ✅ To make sure the design is placed correctly, patterns repeat smoothly and looks as you imagined

• ✅ To experience the unboxing exactly like your customer would

It matters because:

• First impressions count

• Positive reviews are everything, especially when you're new

• Repeat customers and word-of-mouth can grow your shop faster than any ad

If someone’s first order feels thoughtful, polished, and high-quality, they’re more likely to come back for more and recommend your shop to others.

Both Printful and Printify make it easy to order samples of your products before launch. You can even get sample discounts (especially with Printful), which means you can test your items in a more affordable way. And if you’re ordering multiple similar products, like different patterns on the same pillow, you can get an even bigger discount by bulk ordering. Which brings us to the next point…

2. You’ll Want to Create Your Own Mockups & Branded Photos

If you have ordered a few samples, you can put them to good use and use them to make your own product images. Real-life photos feel authentic, build trust, and help your shop look polished and professional. They perform better because they feel real and tangible rather than digitally created images. They show what your product really looks like and help people imagine it in their own lives. 

You don’t have to overthink it. To take product images, all you need is your phone and a nice-looking corner in your home. (Remember, no one can see the mess off camera!)

But getting good product photos takes time, space, and tools, and all of that costs money. And, if you’re just starting out and you don’t have a big budget, that can feel out of reach. 

That’s why mockups are such an important tool when you’re beginning.

The mockup generators from Printful and Printify are perfect for launching quickly. They give you clean, ready-to-use product images that are great to start building your store.

But once you're ready to step things up, creating your own mockups (or customizing the ones provided) can make a huge difference. It helps you:

• Match your visual style and branding

• Stand out from other shops using the same default images

• Give customers a clearer idea of what they’re getting

And you don’t need a studio or a fancy camera to do this.

How to create better mockups on a budget:

• Use Printful’s mockup generator to get lifestyle photos, flat lays, or transparent PNGs.
• Download product images from Printify and adjust them to suit your shop’s vibe.
• Use Canva or Adobe Express to add backgrounds, props, or branding elements (just make sure the mockup still reflects what the customer will receive)
• Keep it simple: clean, clear, consistent visuals are more important than full-on "Instagram aesthetic"

Over time, you can order samples of your bestsellers and gradually build a photo library you love. But until then, mockups will absolutely get you through the early stages, and help you get those first few sales.

3. You’ll Need to Share Your Work (Even If That Feels Weird)

Here’s the truth: your shop isn’t a “set it and forget it” project.

Even if your designs are amazing, they won’t sell themselves. People need to see your work, understand what makes it special, and feel a connection to you as the artist behind it.

That doesn’t mean you have to become a marketing expert overnight or do awkward sales pitches online.

You don’t need to be loud or pushy. You just need to share your journey.

Talk about your creative process. Share what inspired a design. Show what your products look like in real life. It’s less about “selling” and more about storytelling, inviting people into your world.

Here are a few content ideas that feel authentic and don’t require you to turn into an influencer:

Content ideas to promote your shop (without being salesy):

• Behind the scenes: Sketches, work-in-progress designs, mood boards
• Design process: From idea to final product, what inspired it, what tools you used
• Day in the life: Your creative routine, setting up your shop, celebrating your wins and sharing your struggles
• First sample unboxing: Your honest reaction to seeing your product in real life
• Product highlights: Show off one product at a time, what it is, why you love it
• Styling tips: How you use or wear your own products in daily life
• Customer shoutouts: When someone buys or shares your work, repost it and thank them
• Packaging previews: If you’ve ordered samples, show how your product arrives
• Shop updates: Let people know when you’ve added something new or improved a design

Even 1–2 of these per week can help keep your shop visible and your audience engaged. So many people shop from small businesses because they want to support other creatives. That's why sharing your journey is so important. It helps them feel like they are part of it. 

Start small. Share consistently. Over time, you’ll learn what kind of content resonates with your audience, and it’ll feel more natural, too.

4. It Takes Time to Grow

This part is easy to underestimate, and just as easy to feel discouraged by.

Your first month might not be full of sales. In fact, you might open your shop, promote it a few times, and see… a couple of views. A click. Maybe a like on Instagram.

It can feel disheartening, especially when you've poured so much energy into your products.

When I first started selling online, I remember refreshing my shop constantly, watching the views trickle in… but no sales. It was incredibly discouraging, and I thought my products weren't good enough.

But I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I just didn’t understand how online shops grow.

Here’s what I learned:

Sales don’t come before visibility.

Most shops don’t start making consistent sales until they’ve built up traffic, trust, and a bit of social proof. People need to see your work a few times before they buy.

Conversion rates are a thing.

In e-commerce, even a great shop converts around 2–3% of visitors. That means if 100 people visit your shop, only 2 or 3 might make a purchase. So, if you’ve had 20 views and no sales? That’s completely normal.

If 100 views feel unachievable right now, don't worry. If you start sharing your process like we saw on point 3 you will get results. You just need to allow yourself time to build a routine and learn the skills you need to market your product. If you keep that up, 100 views will fly past in no time at all.

The 80/20 rule matters.

As someone with dyslexia and dyscalculia, math makes me deeply uncomfortable. BUT there's a rule I love that saved me so much mental strife in my years selling and licensing my designs:

80% of your results will come from 20% of your products.

That means it takes time (and testing) to figure out which designs and shop layouts turn in that 20%. Don’t judge your shop based on the first week or even the first month. Experiment and find your 20%.

How to prepare for slow-but-steady growth:

• ✅ Set small, realistic goals at first: focus on actions, not numbers
• ✅ Keep track of what gets views and clicks, it teaches you what’s working and what designs need more attention
• ✅ Don’t change everything after a quiet week; give it time to gather data
• ✅ Keep adding new quality designs to increase your chances of hitting that “20%” winner
• ✅ Stay consistent with sharing and promoting (see previous section!)

And most importantly: remember that this is a long game. POD is a business model that rewards consistency, not overnight success.

You’re not doing it wrong if it takes time. You’re doing it right if you stick with it and keep learning.

5.  Knowing the Business Side Helps You Stay Creative (and Protects Your Energy)

When you first start selling your art on products, it’s easy to get excited about the fun parts. Designing your store, selling your work on real items, and making an income. But there’s another side to this: the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes your shop actually run.

And here’s what I’ve learned: Knowing what to expect on the business side won’t take the magic away; it helps you protect it.

The more you understand things like fixed costs, refunds, and admin, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed, take things personally, or get discouraged when something doesn’t go perfectly.

Here are a few things that helped me stay grounded:

Understanding your monthly costs. Instead of feeling caught off guard by subscriptions or expenses, plan for them. Some basics to expect:

Some basics expenses to expect:

• A storefront plan (after the free trial) — for example, Shopify with an approx $39/month for a full website or $5 for a social shop. A custom domain & email — around $10–$45/year. Optional tools like Canva Pro, mockup bundles, and an email provider.
• The cost of ordering samples (which double as marketing tools).
• Advertising budget from $0+ depending on whether you create social media content or run ads.

Once I started budgeting for my monthly costs properly, I felt less overwhelmed. I was more confident about how much I needed to make to keep my shop profitable.

Knowing refunds will happen (and it’s not your fault)

The first time I got a refund request, I felt awful. I assumed my product wasn’t good enough or that I had done something wrong. 

But the good news is that refunds are completely normal, and you can actually plan for them.

For small POD e-commerce businesses, refund rates are usually relatively low.

On average, most small online shops see 5–10% of orders refunded or returned. But with POD, it’s often lower, around 2–6%, especially if you focus on quality printing and clear product information.

Why might someone request a refund? Common reasons include:

• Sizing issues (mainly with clothing)
• Color looks different than expected (that's why proofing is important!)
• A misprint or manufacturing issue
• Shipping delays or damaged packaging

It’s smart to be prepared. Refunds are just part of running a real, profitable business. Knowing how to handle them professionally can actually build trust with your customers.

With Printful and Printify, both platforms offer support for these kinds of issues.  If the item is being refunded because it’s their fault (like a damaged product or misprint), they usually cover the cost or reprint it at no charge to you.

But since your customers are buying from your shop, they’ll reach out to you. That means you’ll be the one managing the customer service, and then passing the issue to the print provider if needed.

How to make refunds less likely:

• Order samples before listing a product, so you know exactly what your customer is getting
• Take photos or use mockups that reflect the real product (especially for colour, size, and placement)
• Be clear about sizing, especially for clothing, use charts and explain fits (e.g., “runs small”)
• Set expectations early in your product descriptions, especially around shipping time
• Have a visible TOS and refund/return policy on your site so it's easy for customers to get information or contact you.

The reality? You’ll probably get a refund request here and there, and that’s okay. When you handle it kindly and quickly, it becomes a positive part of your brand, not a problem.

Both Printful and Printify have help articles, live chat support, and built-in order tracking to help you stay on top. You’re not doing this alone; the tools are there to support you.

How Shipping Is Part Of Your Pricing Strategy

Shipping is one of those behind-the-scenes details that’s easy to overlook. But it plays a big role in customer satisfaction and your profits.

The good news? Printful and Printify handle the actual printing and shipping for you. You don’t need to pack boxes or figure out couriers. But, you do need to set up your shop to clearly communicate shipping costs and delivery times.

Here's what to keep in mind:

• You choose how to price shipping in your storefront (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.). You can charge a flat rate, set region-based shipping, or offer free shipping by building the cost into your product price.
• Both Printful and Printify offer shipping rate calculators and delivery estimates. Use these to set accurate expectations.
• Be clear about processing and shipping time in your product descriptions and FAQs, so customers know what to expect.

Pro tip: Offering “free” shipping by adjusting your product price slightly often leads to more sales. It just feels better psychologically for customers not to have to 'add' more costs in the cart.

Learning about taxes early (so they don’t sneak up on you)

I know the idea of paying taxes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. But here’s a helpful way to reframe it: If you’re paying taxes, it means your shop is making money. And that’s a good thing. It means your business is growing, and you're doing something right.

The key is simply knowing that taxes will become part of the process, so they don’t catch you off guard later.

Here’s a snapshot of what every new shop owner should know, no matter where you are in the world.

1. You'll Likely Have a "Tax Threshold"

You probably don't need to pay tax on your very first sale. Most countries have a "sales tax threshold," which is a specific amount of money you must earn in sales before you're required to register and pay tax (It's your responsibility to know the threshold in your country).

2. You'll have to collect Sales Tax

E-commerce platforms have built-in tax settings. These tools are designed to help you collect the correct sales tax (like VAT or GST, depending on your country) from your customers based on their location.

3. Keep Track of Your Money

From day one, get into the habit of tracking your money. A simple spreadsheet is perfect for this. But there are many apps that streamline this and make it super easy to track. All you need to do is keep hold of:

• Income: Every sale you make.

• Expenses: Costs like supplier charges, platform fees, and marketing.

This simple step of tracking your money helps prepare you for when you do have to pay tax.

4. When in Doubt, Ask a Professional

Tax rules vary significantly from country to country and can be complex. The single best step you can take is to speak with an accountant or tax professional in your area. They can give you clear, accurate advice for your specific situation.

Pro tip: It's helpful to always set aside a percentage of your income for taxes. That means you don’t have to worry about not having enough for an eventual tax bill. Some business accounts can even do this automatically, so you don’t have to worry about calculating it every time a sale comes in. So, always keep a 'tax' bucket ready for when those bills come in.

This might feel like a lot, but if you know what to expect and take it one small step at a time, the “business side” doesn’t have to be scary.

When you enter this prepared, you give yourself the space to stay focused on creating, experimenting, and growing. You’re not getting thrown off every time something unexpected pops up — you’ve already accounted for it.

Knowing what to expect is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself. It will help you separate your self-worth from the numbers and help you see things from a healthier perspective. You’ll be able to look at the data with a clear mind and use it to help you grow every day.

Starting a print-on-demand shop isn’t just about selling products—it’s about creating something that’s fully yours. A space where your creativity, your ideas, and your art can live away from algorithms and other people's whims.

Yes, there’s a learning curve. Yes, there will be small hiccups along the way. But that’s all part of building something real and sustainable—and it gets easier with each step.

Whether you start with just one product or a full collection, the key is to simply start. So,I encourage you to create a test product with Printful or Printify—upload one of your designs, order a sample, and see how it feels to bring your art into the world.

Ready to take the first step?

Start by picking the POD platform that fits your goals best — and launch your first product.

Try

Try

Disclaimer: Please remember, this information is for educational purposes only and is not financial or tax advice. I am not a financial advisor. Be sure to consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your own circumstances.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I genuinely use or believe will help you build your creative business.

The Thrill and the Burnout

Have you ever felt like you should be creating what's 'popular' to grow your following? Torn between following trends to sell more or making art that feels like you? I have, and it almost cost me everything.

Early on in my art business, I decided to focus on creating trend-driven art. I believed it was the best route to success.

At the time, it seemed like I had made the right choice. I was able to achieve financial freedom, travel, and support my family. And every Etsy order notification seemed to confirm it. I was making hundreds of thousands of sales. 

But little did I know that this dream would turn into a nightmare... 

The constant pressure to keep up to create the next popular thing started to suffocate me. I'd wake up with a knot of dread in my stomach. Thinking of even picking up a pencil filled me with exhaustion. 

After a few years of working like this, burnout caught up with me, and it completely consumed me. I'd become so focused on what sold that making art had become a chore. I lost my love for creating and nearly quit my art career altogether.

If you're struggling with this too, I have good news: There is a better way, and it doesn't have to be like this. 

There is a way to find balance. You can use trends to your advantage to grow your audience and make more sales. And you can do this while still creating art that's fun and feels right for you, without feeling fake or burning out.

I know so many other creatives struggle with this same challenge. And I want to share the system that worked for me, so you don't have to go through the same struggle of trial and error.

In this blog post, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process I developed. You'll learn:

• How to identify your core artistic values and niche. This makes it much easier to pick the right trends and create work you actually want to create.
• How to decide how much of your portfolio should be trend-focused based on what type of artist you are.
• How to use my simple 3-Question Framework to pick trends with confidence. You'll learn how to put your unique spin on them and solidify your brand instead of diluting it.

But before we jump into the how, let's talk about why this is important. There's a hidden trap in blindly following trends. Understanding this is key to making this system work for you.

The Trouble With Trends

It is easy to assume that trends are the golden ticket to success. If you create what’s popular, you’ll sell more, right? While there’s truth to that, it’s not the whole story. 

Many creatives get excited about the idea of going viral. They jump on every trend, hoping one will be a big hit. But all that chasing can end up with burnout, creative stagnation, and a weak brand identity. 

If all you ever do is follow trends, then it makes it harder for you to stand out from the crowd. You become a follower, not a leader. Your work starts to look like everyone else's.

On the other hand, completely ignoring trends can also hurt your art business and growth.

Maybe you make beautiful, unique art, but it doesn't connect with what people are looking for right now. Or maybe you want to attract people within your niche, but because you never use trends, you’re finding it hard to be discovered. 

Ignoring trends completely is like planting a delicate, shade-loving fern in a sunny, arid garden bed. Your art might be stunning, but if it doesn't fit the current 'weather' (what people are interested in), it might not get seen or do as well as it could.

So, what can you do?

Well, instead of changing our art to fit trends, we could make trends fit our style and what's important to our art.

Of course, you get to decide if a trend can even fit your style or niche. That's totally up to you.

If the big new trend is maximalist florals, that might not fit your simple, cutesy animal prints. But there are so many trends coexisting at the same time. Maybe there is one that you can work with.

So, let’s see how we can use trends in a healthy, smart way to reach more people who might love your art.

How I Integrate or Skip Trends In My Creative Business

Sometimes, we need a little help to decide which trends to embrace and which ones to ignore. So, I want to share with you the system I developed that's helped me get a more structured approach to do just that. 

Let's break it down.

Step 1: Define Your Creative Type

Before chasing any trend, you need to know who you are as an artist. What makes you excited to create? What stories do you want to tell? How do you want your art to affect people?

Knowing your art 'voice' helps you figure out which type of artist you are. Think of it as a guide for dealing with trends. To keep it simple, let's put artists into three main types:

Independent Artist

This is the classic artist archetype. They create art to express themselves, and what they create comes from their own experiences and passions. They sell to people who connect with their stories or the meaning behind the art itself. 

Mostly collectors and fans.

Commercial Artist

This includes surface designers, book illustrators, medical illustrators, concept artists, animators, and graphic designers, etc. They make art to meet a specific need, often for companies that use their designs on products.

Businesses (B2B licensing), print-on-demand customers, and individual customers (B2C).

Hobby Artist

If you make art just for fun, you're likely doing it to relax or feel good. You're not trying to sell much, just enjoying making it and maybe sharing it with friends and family.

Individual customers (B2C) and family/friends.

Think for a moment. Which type sounds most like you? Knowing your main artist type is the first big step to using trends well, and it will affect how you approach the next steps.

Step 2: Define Your Niche – Your Trend Filter

Once you know your core artistic type, it’s time to zero in on your niche.

Your niche is your special blend of theme, subject matter, style, medium, and audience you serve. And you can think of it as your ultimate filter for trends. 

Knowing exactly who you create for and what your unique artistic territory looks like is key. It helps you decide if a trend is a real opportunity or just noise. This is especially important for you if you fall into the Commercial Artist category.

It helps you answer the big question: "Does this trend even belong in my creative world?" 

A well-defined niche keeps you grounded. It makes sure that even when you use trends, you do it in a way that feels authentic and strengthens your brand identity rather than diluting it.

Figuring out your niche is important for your whole art business, not just for trends. It affects everything from making art to selling it. It's so important that I wrote a whole post about finding a niche that's fun, feels right, and can make money.

If you're still figuring out your niche, I really suggest reading my guide, "How to find your art niche: The ultimate guide," before you go to the next step.

Step 3: To Trend or Not To Trend–A Type-Based Approach

Now that you know your creative type and niche, let's talk trends. Whether you follow them or not depends heavily on which artist category and niche. 

So, let’s dive into each category:

Independent Artists: 

Your originality and ideas are your biggest strengths and your unique selling points. You probably don't focus on one small niche, and you don't want to change your work to try and appeal to the masses with trends. 

However, you can use trends in a powerful way to get your art in front of more people. For example, if you make art inspired by folklore and old traditions, and suddenly something like Yule becomes trendy, you could use that trend to get your work in front of people who love your folklore art. 

You could also choose to go against a trend if it doesn't resonate with you. Your audience might like that you have a different view and enjoy your counter-perspective. This can be a powerful way to stand out even further and strengthen your place within your niche. 

Suggestion: Maybe focus about 10-20% of your art time on trends you carefully choose (or go against).

Commercial Artists: 

You often cater to larger niches, working in a business-to-business model. If you want your art in a big store (selling clothes, home items, etc.), big companies must cater to what “most people like” to be sustainable. To attract these companies to license your work, you need to follow trends and appeal to larger audiences.

Even "niche" or "edgy" stores have surprisingly large audiences, so don’t feel like you should abandon them completely. If a trend fits your style and values, making art related to it can bring in more clients, even with these smaller niche stores.

Suggestion: You might aim for 50-70% of your art to relate to trends.

Hobby Artists:

You make art for fun! Trends are totally optional. If a trend looks interesting, try it! If not, don't stress about it. You are freeee!

Based on your artist type, use these percentages as ideas to start with and write down what percentage of work you want your art to be trend-based. Change them based on your own goals. Think about how using (or ignoring) trends might help or hurt your collection of work.

Step 4: How To Follow Trends Without Losing Integrity

Okay, now you should have a better idea of who you are as an artist, your niche, and how much energy to put into trends. Next, you need a quick way to decide if you should use a trend or skip it without overthinking or feeling like you're missing out (FOMO).

Here are my simple 3 Alignment Questions to ask yourself whenever a trend catches your eye:

1. What are my values?

Does this trend align with my core beliefs? 

If it clashes, then it's a clear no. You don't want to create something that goes against what you feel is right.

Let's use a couple of “polarising” examples for the sake of clarity. Try to notice how you feel about each of these trends:

(I can't answer for you because we all have different values. Here’s how I might react)

I don't eat meat, and a trend about BBQs often focuses a lot on meat, which clashes with my values. My first thought is "no thanks". But maybe I could do a twist and focus on vegan BBQ (going against the main trend).

I like the idea behind it, like nostalgia, playfulness and self-expression.  The look really isn't my style (it feels too modern for me), but it still sparks my interest. Maybe I could adapt parts of it to my art.

I love history, folklore, and seeing the world through a lens that allows for a bit of magic since real life can be tough sometimes. Everything about it is fascinating to me, and it’s a trend I would be happy to explore in my art.

At this point, you should know how you feel about a trend. You might be turned off, not care either way, or feel interested.

Any reaction is okay!  If a trend has a red flag for you, you can just say no right now, and it is perfectly okay. I know a few people who would not touch a tarot deck with a 10-foot pole. And if that’s you, that's ok! You don't have to, and it won't ruin your business if you skip it.  

But if you do want to explore a trend and put your own spin on it, ask yourself the next question...

2. What can You offer?

Even if you're not totally sure about the trend, can you add your own unique touch? Can you make something different that your audience would like? Can you mix parts of it into your current style? Or could you make something that goes against the trend to show a different viewpoint?

You embrace the trend: If you are happy digging into some traditional bbq, you can go for that without changing the theme.

You dislike this trend: As a vegan artist, maybe you could draw yummy vegan BBQ food, showing a different side of the trend.

You embrace the trend: You immediately start looking through your storage boxes, looking for your old flip phone to use as reference.

You dislike this trend: "What is all this scrunchies and pink nonsense?" You have happy memories of being a goth girl in high school in the year 2000. Do you remember what that was like? Can you create a gothy Y2K for your people?

You embrace the trend: You want to dive in and create your own deck inspired by herbalism and the mythical creatures of Scotland. And nothing can stop you.

You dislike this trend: Fortune-telling isn't something you can get behind. Plus, your style is modern and youthful, and you create content mostly for stressed-out college-age women. You mull it over for a while. Maybe you could create a "Self-Care Tarot Deck"? It would look like tarot cards but focus on positive affirmations and mental wellness rather than traditional tarot readings.

3. What do I create?

Does this trend fit my brand and the kind of art I make? Consider your existing style, subject matter, and target audience. If the trend feels forced or out of place, it's probably not a good fit.

For me personally…

It is completely out of the question. My brand is timeless, inspired by fantasy and art history. So BBQ spatulas and ketchup have no place in it, no matter how popular they might be.

I love playing with color, so I might play with a more playful collection that uses bright Y2K-inspired colors in heritage designs. But I wouldn’t go as far as drawing flip phones.

I can integrate more celestial and tarot themes in my designs, as this feels like a natural evolution of my art.

(I actually did use the tarot trend, and it went well! But your choices might be different and still be successful. I have a friend who designs cute BBQ patterns for fabric and party stuff, and she does great with it.)

Ask yourself these three questions for some current and upcoming trends. Let them help you decide if you should use any of them and how to make them your own.

Step 5: (Bonus Step) - Create Evergreen Pieces To Protect Yourself Against Trend Fluctuation

So how do you maintain a steady income without frantically chasing every trend under the sun? The answer lies in creating "evergreen" pieces. 

I could talk about this topic for hours, but here is what you need to know right now. Trends come and go, tastes and values change all the time, but there are a few things that stand the test of time. 

Think about the seasons changing, the weather, traditions, animals, and everyday things people do. These other activities have been around for 100s of years, and they’re here to stay for 100s more.

Evergreen art stays relevant no matter what's trendy right now. They give you a stable base for your income. 

You might worry that too many artists are already making art about these themes. That can be true. But it is also true that the demand for them is also very high. 

Companies often need more and more designs like these each year because they are popular and a safe choice for them – which means they can be a safe choice for you too.

The important thing is to bring your own voice to these evergreen themes you're drawing. If you want to stand out from the crowd, then you need to bring in your own twist and lean on your originality.

So how do we find Evergreen Trends?

1. Look at the calendar: What big events happen every year? Think about holidays (big or small), the changing of seasons, or big sporting events. Even your own daily life (like horse riding, reading, cleaning, gardening, doctor visits) can spark ideas for evergreen themes. The key is that these things happen regularly every year.

2. Find common themes within your niche: What topics or events do you always see where your ideal customers shop or hang out online? For example, if you make art for babies and kids, evergreen themes could be birthdays, age milestones, boats, fairy tales, dinosaurs, woodland animals, or space.

Create a list of evergreen themes within your niche and start to develop a portfolio of designs that you can sell all year round. This means that even as trends shift, you will still have a safety net to provide you with a steady income.

(P.S. If you want to learn more about evergreen themes, my surface design course has a list of over 140 ideas, organized by month, to help you start! [link to waiting list])

Make Trends Work For You

So there you have it – the system that pulled me back from the brink of burnout and helped me rediscover the joy in my art while still growing my business. Remember that knot of dread I used to feel? It's gone! Now, I'm excited for what I get to create next, knowing I have a way to navigate the ever-shifting world of trends without losing myself in the process.

You don't have to choose between success and your passion. By knowing who you are as an artist, defining your special place (niche), and using the 3 Alignment Questions, you can decide how trends fit into your world, not the other way around. You can leverage their power strategically, connect with a wider audience, and maybe even find unexpected inspiration, all while staying true to yourself.

Don't just read this and forget it. Right now, think of one current trend you've noticed – big or small. Grab a notebook (or open a new doc) and use the 3 Alignment Questions: Does it align with your values? What unique spin can you offer? Does it genuinely fit your brand and art style?

Take that first step today towards building a creative practice that's both thriving and deeply fulfilling. You've got this!

The question hanging in the air is, "How do you focus and turn your art into a sustainable career when you're interested in so many different things?"

I've wrestled with this question myself, so I understand. That's why I wanted to share my thoughts on this with you here.

I get it… You wake up full of ideas, eager to dive into a new digital painting, maybe try some collage, lino printing, or finally finish that watercolour you started last week.

But by the end of the day, you've dabbled in a bit of everything and completed nothing. 

This is such a common scenario for many of us who love exploring different mediums and techniques.

While exploring various art forms is exciting and fulfilling, it can sometimes feel like you're just spinning your wheels and not making progress.

You might wonder if you'll ever be able to turn your passion into a profitable business, especially when you're constantly jumping from one project to another and your portfolio feels all over the place.

The good news is, that you can absolutely be multi-talented and profitable—it just takes a bit of strategy and focus. In fact, being multi-talented can be a huge advantage if done right.

I've taken some time to think about what has worked for me to find balance, and here are the steps that worked for me:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Creative Freedom & Business

Step 1: Understand Which Phase You Are In

Maybe I am a hopeless romantic, but I believe that most journeys worth taking start by looking inward. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on where you are in your creative journey.

I like to think about growing as an artist in two separate phases: the Exploration Phase and the Mastery Phase.

• Exploration Phase: This is where you spend most of your creative time trying out lots of different mediums, techniques, and styles. It's about learning and discovering what resonates with you. In this phase, you learn more than you earn – but every skill you acquire here is an investment for the next phase.

• Mastery Phase: This is when you focus on a specific path or vision for your work, honing your skills and developing a signature approach. You will never stop learning and exploring as a creative, but during the Mastery Phase, all the skills you gathered in the Exploration Phase will work as a strong foundation that allows you to still produce signature work reliably while you keep learning.

Are you in the Exploration Phase, where you're trying out different mediums and techniques? Or are you in the Mastery Phase, focusing on refining specific skills?

Knowing your phase helps you set realistic expectations for yourself and put into perspective the fact that if you aren't yet selling your work, you are making an investment in the future.

Step 2: Managing Expectations Vs. Reality On The Path To Mastery

It’s crucial to take a birds-eye view of the journey to mastering a skill and becoming proficient enough to make a living from it. 

One way to see this is to look at the graph below. 

In the beginning, when we learn a new skill, we don’t have massive expectations, and we might even learn really fast.

Think of learning how to speak a new language. You might get “Hello, how are you?” fairly fast, but after you introduce yourself and have to continue that conversation forward, it becomes exponentially harder.

And that’s where we often quit.

Whenever we learn a skill in art (or anything else), we get the beginner's high and feel good about ourselves. But then we get to a point where it gets much harder, and we often feel overwhelmed. 

It’s at moments like these that we often go seeking something new, something easier, where we can get the good feelings again and the confidence that comes with it.

I’m just as guilty as the next person for doing this, we all do it.

The way to get past the quitting point is to stick by it no matter what, knowing that the hard time will eventually pass, and our confidence and skill will continue to build in the process. 

Only when we do that can we start the mastery phase and really get to a point of earning a liveable income from those skills.

Give yourself some tough love and ask yourself:

Are you quitting a skill because you’re getting to the quitting point and getting overwhelmed? 

Are you trying to juggle and learn all of those new skills because you’re passionate about them, or are you seeking a beginner's high?

Step 3: Create Boundaries to Set You Free

Being creative and having the constant urge to try new things is amazing.

That desire to see what happens and push yourself to try new things is what makes you an Artist.

But the truth is, we can live with our heads in the clouds only when we have our feet firmly planted on the ground. That means you need to grow a skill to a point where it is "good enough" to make a living. 

So, you will eventually have to settle on something long enough to get proficient with it.

In the short term, that means you might need to sacrifice some interests to make progress in others. 

I know it's not fun to hear…and I had to come to terms with it myself, but I've learned to see the short-term sacrifice as fuel for future freedom.

If you play your cards right, you will eventually balance to a point where you have a strong foundation of skills, a steady income, AND plenty of time and resources to learn new things and play.

So, how do we set these boundaries without stifling our joy and creativity?

Step 4: Find Your Niche and Clarify Your Service

If there's one point I want you to take away from this entire email, its this: If you know who you are creating art for, and what service you provide to them, it doesn't matter how many different mediums or styles you use.

The first rule of making money in ANY kind of business is to ask yourself, "Who do I serve?"

If you are making art for fun right now, there is nothing wrong with that. Just remember that, in this case, you are actually offering a great service to yourself!

It’s true, that some people are lucky, and the things they create for themselves have huge appeal to buyers. But most of us have to find a sweet spot between what we love and what sells (that was me a few years ago).

I have a full blog post about finding that sweet spot (and your niche) you can read here, which breaks down every step with examples. 

Step 5: Work In Series To Create a Great Portfolio

The single most important action I took with my art to both find my style and help manage my impulse of constantly trying every new medium, style, and idea was forcing myself to work in series or collections.

A series is anything from 5 to 12+ paintings that share the same theme, mediums, and style.

They can tell a story or just be designed to complement each other, like a set of prints of cats as zodiac signs painted in red ink. Or coasters with different wildflowers etched in them... Anything you can think of that appeals to both you and your target audience.

This not only helps build your skills but also deepens your style and develops a consistent body of work.

By the end of your first series, you will have improved more than you would have if you had created the same number of stray art pieces.

You will also have created a "mini portfolio," which is more marketable, as collections are often more appealing to buyers and licensers. 

The best part? After you finish the series, you can choose to stick with the style, tweak it, or try something completely different!

You can have it all once you’ve learned to find balance. 

So never feel bad about your creativity, and remember, being a multi-talented creative is a gift.

With a bit of focus and strategy, you can turn your passion into profit without losing the joy of exploring new things. 

Now it’s your turn! I want to gently encourage you to implement these steps and see how they transform your creative process. I'd love to hear how it goes for you!

Managing our time is a big challenge for many of us. Walking into a bookstore, you’ll find entire sections dedicated to time management. But are these books really designed for artists? And with so many options, what are the most important points to pick up on, and how can we implement them into our lives?

One problem I’ve found with the typical productivity guides is that they don't seem to be written for artists. They tend to be more tailored towards people in corporate positions, working in an office, or entrepreneurs. They don’t take into account the countless hours we have to put into our designs and paintings. While somehow finding time to run a business on the side. It’s a unique problem and something I hope I can shed more light on. 

Here are some strategies that have really worked for me, which we will cover in the blog post:

• Keeping yourself accountable with a plan

• Checking in with how you feel before starting your workday

• Manage priorities by scheduling them at a time when we have more energy

• Staying more focused during tasks outside our comfort zones using time-blocking

• Track your work hours and increase productivity with a timer

• Set your next working day up for success by finishing when you know your next step

Why Artists Need Better Time Management 

Time management was not my strong suit when I started making art as my full-time career, and I only gave it little thought. Of course, I thought, “I am an artist, and my job is to make art”, but during that time, I didn’t consider all the other work involved with running a business. If I were working on an art piece, I wouldn’t put it down and end up ignoring all my other responsibilities. Managing them into the time I had to work on top of my art felt impossible. After all, I felt like they distracted me from making my art since it took me a long time to make a piece that I was happy to say was complete.

What would end up happening is that I would finish an art piece, and then I would have to take all the photos for Instagram, make a tutorial, write copy, and the list goes on. It was overwhelming because I was doing so many things outside my comfort zone all at once. And I was doing everything except making art during these moments–or days! 

I began to resent doing these things, and I wanted to escape to bed so I could draw on my iPad and not have to think about “business” for a while. This was an unhealthy problem that stemmed largely from my lousy time management!

I began to pull myself together and dug into reading all sorts of books and ways I could better manage my time. It included reading and studying different productivity science and books guided towards entrepreneurship. Although there was so much great information, I felt I needed to tailor it to being an artist. And that's what I did. I adapted them, so they worked to help me be productive with both my art and growing my business.

What Does Good Time Management Look Like?

While I was healing my own time management issues, I realised it was not immediately obvious what good time management should look like. And also, what will it feel like once you have it in the bag? We're often exposed to the two extremes: people who are chaotic and don’t manage themselves at all and others who are meticulous and can be a bit overboard. But what does a healthy and somewhat balanced time management look like? 

Like so many other things, there isn’t such a thing as “perfect” time management. After all, everyone is different, and we all have different ways of working and lifestyles we want to live. It was only later I realised that the important thing is that what you settle on feels right for you. After all, the goal is to give you the space for your creativity and running your business. Some people like to be meticulous, while others want to loosen the reigns a little bit. And art is a large field that covers a wide range of skills and time requirements. It would be hard to say that any one method will work for all of them. 

Luckily, good time management can still bring great benefits no matter what it will end up looking like to you. Done right, it relieves a huge amount of the pressure that builds up and can lead to feelings of overwhelm when we're trying to juggle everything. Good time management assists you in having more time dedicated to what you really care about.

Taking Back Control Of Your Time

These strategies worked great for me, and I hope that they can help you relieve some of the pressure and overwhelm you feel while trying to juggle all the tasks you have to deal with as a working artist. Remember that embracing trial and error is the only way to find what really works best for you. So, modify these time management tips in any way you need to fit them into your lifestyle!

Check In With Yourself

Let me ask you this: are you going to be able to have a great workday if you’re under the weather, ill or didn’t really get any sleep last night? Well, probably not! Everyone seems to love a story from someone who pushed themselves to their limits to achieve success fast. But, it can all come crashing down when their health, relationships or even the running of the business suffers. And usually, it's because they never took the time to look after themselves. I know this from experience!

Being motivated is great, and really pushing for your success is admirable. And yes, there is a level of sacrifice involved in building your own art business, but you get to choose where that sacrifice is, and you’re worth looking after. So, before you start your work day, check in with yourself and how you’re feeling today. Just like stretching, we want it to be intense so it’s effective, but it’s not good if it’s painful. So, work to the point where you feel challenged, but not to the point where you're burning the candle from both ends.

Keeping Yourself Accountable

We all love to plan. Planning can be fun and exciting, and we always seem to be doing it. But do you know what’s not so fun? Keeping yourself accountable and actually do what must be done to fulfill that plan! 

I know how hard it is to hold yourself accountable sometimes. Planning used to be my favourite form of productive procrastination. I used to have stacks and stacks of painstakingly detailed papers and to-do lists of all the wonderful things I had yet to do. But very little got done—for years! Let me tell you, finding a balance between making plans and taking action is a must!

My favourite way to help maintain this balance is to plan my next day’s work the night before. I then push myself to fulfil that day's plans before making new ones. Yes, I still plan out the entire project —If I didn’t, then who knows where my brain might wander off to!

I also make time at the end of my work day to plan and review what I’ve done, keeping myself accountable. This allows me to get a realistic view of what I can fit in in one day. So, when it comes to planning my work, I know how much I will be able to do each day without overloading myself and risking burnout.

Make Your Priorities a Priority 

Being swarmed by priorities nagging at you and demanding your attention can hijack your entire day. But what exactly makes something a priority? 

For me, priorities are what we need to do for our business. They are tasks that can have negative consequences if you don’t do them. Or maybe everything stops running altogether if they're not done first. Quite often, priorities are time-sensitive, and they tend to fly around your head and distract you while you work on other tasks. Like, time-sensitive communication with a client, finishing an art piece for a deadline, managing payments, or even taxes.

For artists, producing art is also a priority. And even though art can have deadlines, much of our work takes many hours to produce. So, if we focused only on producing art, we would never get any other work done. So, we need to make sure we're also dedicating time to our other priorities.

The best way I've found to tackle priorities is to take advantage of your natural energy levels. Throughout the day, we have both ups and downs with how much energy we have. Some of us have higher energy and mental clarity in the morning and some later in the day. 

The trick here is to figure out the energy levels you need when working on different tasks. Like many other artists, you may find drawing relaxing, so it requires less energy. If that's the case for you, it may be more beneficial to draw when your energy levels are lower. And, if you find the day-to-day running of a business to be more tiring and stressful, do these tasks when you have more energy. That could either be in the morning or in the evening–whichever time is best for you.

How Not To Get Distracted During Your Focus Time

Making art as an artist comes as naturally as breathing (most of the time) and is the part of our business that we love to do. Heck, we would do it for free if we always had food on the table and a roof over our heads. But growing and running a business doesn’t usually come naturally for many of us, and it's often overwhelming. So, we need to be intentional and set aside time each day to focus on those tasks outside our comfort zone.

But how do we do the difficult things that need to be done and schedule time for them each day?

Let's expand the idea of managing our priorities according to our energy levels above by setting each set of tasks into its own block of time. This is called “Time Blocking.” These blocks can be hourly, daily, or even monthly, but let’s first look at how they work.

Say you wanted to run a blog alongside your art. Well, now you need to set aside some time to write. Using time blocking you could make a 1-2 hour block each day during the moment you have higher energy, which for most of us is in the morning. 

So, your day will look like this: 

• First block: Dealing with time-sensitive priorities; 

• Second block: Working on your blog post; 

• Third block: Working on portfolio or commissions; 

• Fourth block: Planning your next day and general admin.

And the best bit is, if you find this hour-by-hour approach too restrictive, you’re not limited to having time blocks that only cover the hours. So, another less strict approach might be to expand it over the week and have each day dedicated as a time block. Monday might be your day for working on social media, Tuesday for blogging, etc.

You could even stack both daily and weekly time blocks on top of each other to manage your time! The point is that you can really shape your blocks to suit you and move them around to match your energy. Once you get to know your energy levels more, planning a project or taking on another task will be much easier!

Get Yourself An Accountability Timer 

Running your own business comes with a lot of freedom, which is great, but lack of structure is not. When we feel lost and lack structure in our work, it is easy to get frazzled and procrastinate. I used to struggle with this a lot in the beginning —and still do at times. One technique that helps me stay on track is using a Pomodoro Timer. Typically, this timer works by timing you with 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 to 10-minute break, and you repeat this loop throughout your workday.

One of my favourite benefits of using Pomodoro Timers is that they can prevent you from using your phone while you work. This is especially good if you love to procrastinate on your phone like me! And using it, you may even notice that you'll feel much less fatigued since it forces you to take breaks regularly. After all, breaks are just as important as work because if you don’t let yourself have a moment's rest, your work will suffer in the long term. And since I always seem to forget to take a break, they've really helped me not burn myself out.

And Pomodoro timers can also help you in another way. By using them, you can track how much time you're spending working and how much you're getting done in that time. I've created a worksheet to keep this data organized, and it comes with a bonus! Every time I score off a 25-minute work block, I get a small win, and it creates a positive feedback loop that helps me stay motivated. 

If you want to grab the worksheet I made for myself, you can download it here. 

Stop Your Work Day When You’re Winning

Starting your work day can feel daunting, especially when you need to pick up where you left off the day before. It’s even more challenging if those tasks waiting for you are difficult. So, how can you kick off your mornings feeling more energized and ready to go? Here's a counterintuitive but powerful trick that's really helped me start the work day smoother.

This little trick is known as the Hemingway Method. Whenever you wrap up your work, try to stop at a point where you know exactly what your next steps are. Ideally, the next step should be clear and, if possible, easy. This strategy means that when you sit down to work the next day, diving back in won’t need much effort. You might even be itching to get back to work as soon as possible!

Time For You

After a decade of working as a professional artist, I've learned that managing time is a lifelong journey. Sometimes, we can feel like we are on the right path, and at other times, we feel like we are lost in some dark, hunted forest—and that's all perfectly normal.

Remember, each of us faces unique challenges, and that means discovering your own effective strategies is a part of the journey. Don't worry if it takes a few tries to get it right. The important thing is to keep exploring and adjusting.

I encourage you to pick one tip we discussed and try it out this week. Whether it’s blocking an hour for creative work on your calendar or downloading the Pomodoro worksheet, see what difference it makes. You have the power to shape your time and feel more in control over your life. Start small, and enjoy the process of finding what makes you thrive!

There’s no easy answer to the problem of ‘there is simply not enough time in the day’, and often, the answers we do have are easier said than done. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t parts of your life you can’t streamline, places where you can get back time for what you love and your goals. Importantly, getting more time in our lives for our art and creativity shouldn’t come at the cost of our relationships and health. That price is often too high, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of sleepless nights and unhappy spouses.

Like me, you’ve probably given up on many goals because you didn’t have time. However, if you take on board what I have to say and make some small adjustments, you’ll have more time for the things you want to achieve. It worked for me, and I know it can work for you.

Where Can You Find Time

Have you tried to get time by fitting your creative work and drawing during your free time and breaks? If so, you know how exhausting and completely unsustainable it is. Working in breaks and your free time doesn’t work because there is a lag in the brain time when switching between activities. It would be like trying to work on what you care about while in constant jet lag. So it becomes crucial to have a timeslot dedicated to you in your day where you can deeply work.

I’m proposing to make that extra time not by squeezing it into every opportune moment, which will lead to burnout and less quality in your work, but by choosing a time in your day that suits your daily rhythm. When I have dedicated time to work, I have more energy and can look forward to it because I’ve set time aside and don’t feel rushed. I want you to have that same confidence and control within your work – time to grow and achieve the goals you’ve set out to do.

Achieving anything requires dedication, and sometimes it requires a lot of hours. That might mean you must make sacrifices and shift your lifestyle, but that’s okay because your goals should be things you genuinely want and something worthwhile to pursue.

If squeezing in your work within the extra time between responsibilities doesn't work, then how on earth will you come up with the extra time needed to put in your schedule? Well, I want to show you what I’ve done to get back some more time for myself and create fewer obstacles so I have more time to work and less time procrastinating.

How to Make Time

Getting time back for the things you love and where you want to grow in life requires steps. If you’re like me and work hard and put in lots of hours into your business, it can sometimes still feel like you don’t have enough time. But there are things we do that eat up time when there might be a better solution. Here are a few things I want you to try:

Tip 1: Set Up An Environment For Working

When I started learning to draw professionally and set up a business, I struggled to find a place for my drawing. My partner and I were in a shoebox-sized room while living with his parents, and we had no space for drawing. It was often difficult for us to work because we never had a fixed environment separate from our sleeping arrangement, which is a big problem when trying to switch focus to a working mindset. To make matters worse, whenever I wanted to draw, I would have to waste time clearing a space and finding all my drawing tools.

The best solution we found was to set aside time to draw on the desk and have the environment ready for me. It meant I had the only desk in the room to work, and my partner would work on a laptop sitting in bed. This might be a more extreme version of not having an environment set up for work, but it’s a reality for many living in small spaces. 

If you have space in your home, make a small corner for you and your art, claim it and ensure it’s always ready for you. I’ve also found it extremely helpful to keep my working space sacred to working. Doom scrolling and social media are not allowed at my desk! If you want to ‘get in the zone’, then make sure you’re working in a space that is for that alone. If you mix up your environments for your free time and work time, you might find that distractive itch to check your phone creeps up on you while working. And we all know how much our phones zap our time away at incredible speeds.

Tip 2: Lower Uncertainty

One of the places I wasted a ton of time regularly was choosing and cooking food. I would spend 10-15 minutes (sometimes more) choosing what we would eat, and then I’d have to cook everything for another 15-45 minutes. It was an obvious area for improvement in my life and a place where I could get back a lot of time. Slow cooking and cooking in batches came to my rescue because instead of choosing what I would eat and cooking every meal, all I had to do was grab the food out of the fridge or freezer, heat it up and eat. I can’t overstate how much time I’ve saved by doing this. 

Making choices in the face of uncertainty is expensive for your willpower and time, and you only have so much in the day. If you’re spending a lot of time making choices because there is no certainty in what’s happening next, then all that time you spend choosing is wasted. 

There are many other ways to save time around your work associated with uncertainty. Plan your personal and work week, choose your clothes the night before, plan and cook meals and more. If there is a choice, see if you can make it at a better time so you have more time during your deep work hours. 

Tip 3: The One Thing

If you’re anything like me, and you enjoy working on many things at the same time, it’s so easy to get distracted when new innovations come out, you get new commissions, or an idea spontaneously comes to mind. Trying to juggle multiple projects at once is the sure-fire way to get overwhelmed and waste a lot of precious time either procrastinating or obstructing your workflow.

Something I've learned from Gary Keller's book "The One Thing” to help deal with the many things demanding my attention is to ask the simple yet profound question, "What ONE Thing can I do, such that by doing it, makes everything else easier or unnecessary?" So if you were working on a drawing, instead of getting distracted during your sketching phase and going too detailed in one small part, the one thing you should focus on is finishing your sketch and doing all of the problem-solving before moving onto the lineart and details. By doing that, you won't have to waste time having to erase an area and redo it because you never got a piece of anatomy correct or the perspective was a little wonky.

Focusing on one thing can sometimes be easier said than done because things always come up and demand your attention. But when you take on yet another thing to do, you remove the time you need for, quite often, the more important thing to you and your goals. I'm not saying you can't have time in your day dedicated to tasks, but make sure you stick to the task dedicated to your time slot and focus on ‘the one thing’ that will bring you forward in your journey. It really does save a lot of time to be focused.

Tip 4: Managing Responsibilities

We all have responsibilities, and the older we get, the more we seem to get piled on top of us. Maybe you’re at university, helping your family, caring for someone or working in a job? These are responsibilities you can’t escape from, and sometimes you might feel like they dictate what you can and can’t spend your time on. If you have a lot of responsibilities, maybe you’re using all of your time and effort on others and not taking some of it to nurture your own growth and fulfilment. 

It’s important to realise that your time doesn’t become less important because you have many responsibilities. If anything, it becomes more important! If you’re not dedicating time for growth and personal fulfilment, you’re in less of a position to help others when needed. I’m not asking you to drop all of your responsibilities, but there are a few things you can do to save some time:

Stop Taking On More Responsibilities

It’s easier said than done, but there are a few of us (you know who you are) who, if asked by someone, take on their problems and become responsible for yet another thing. It can be hard to say no, and you’re probably a kind soul, but you must take more time for yourself and not give it all to others. Don’t trade your personal time to take on someone’s problems; give your free and extra time when you can.

Schedule Your Week 

It might sound obvious, but how often have you had to do last-minute things and remove yourself halfway through work because of a responsibility? It shouldn’t surprise you when you need to be somewhere or do something. Organise yourself, schedule time for you, schedule time for your responsibilities and stick by it!

Broadcast Your Boundaries 

The time you spend on yourself must become sacred. Make sure everyone knows that when you go to work, you’re turning off your phone, and you’re not going to be reachable. You need to dedicate time to yourself; responsibilities can have their time when you’ve scheduled them, but they can’t take yours. Stand up for your boundaries because self-growth and fulfilment mean you can help more people, sometimes in more meaningful ways.

Tip 5: Sacrifice What You Can

Sacrifice is a scary word, and it’s something of a taboo topic in the world of making time for yourself. No one wants to sacrifice cake because it’s the healthy thing to do, and no one wants to sacrifice time playing games for more work. But the truth is, if you want to get good at something and achieve your goals, there will always be a level of sacrifice somewhere in the journey, and it’s easy to confuse self-love with self-coddling. I mean, who wouldn’t want things to be easier and take that time to relax instead of doing something hard? 

Many people who you see with success are sacrificing something in their lives. However, there are places where you should draw a line. We don’t want to be rich and lonely because we sacrificed our time with friends and loved ones. For me personally, it’s important not to sacrifice my health, and you are unique and entitled to what’s important for you in your life. 

The easiest way to find something you can sacrifice is by asking: Is there something in my life that’s not bringing me value? Are you spending too much time playing games or sitting in bed in the morning? Or maybe you spend too much time in front of a TV? These smaller things are easier to let go of, so you can spend more time on your goals and ambitions. Large sacrifices will be harder and something you need to think long and hard about before making any decision.

Making time for your goals and work is never as easy as people make it out to be, and it’s something you’ll probably continue working on throughout your creative pursuits. Life won’t stop throwing you new and unexpected challenges, and there are more distractions around us than ever before. But there are things you can actively do to get some of that time back. A little time goes a long way, and the more you can get by making more informed choices and letting go of the things not serving you in your journey, the closer you'll get to accomplishing the goals you've set out to do.

Well, to answer this question, there are a couple of truths about motivation you need to know, and once you understand them, you will have a much easier time trying to achieve what you’ve set out to do this year. And, if you can incorporate these lessons into how you tackle your goals this year, it might be the year you change your life.

The Truth About Motivation

Have you ever been motivated by watching others achieve spectacular results and dreams, but then you never get started with your own? I know I have, and falling into that trap is easy. You think you just need to motivate yourself, psyche yourself up, and have a positive mindset. Then you can sit down and do all the work necessary to achieve your goals. But then nothing happens. You might work a couple of hours or even a few days, but that motivation runs out, and you try to find another inspiration hit somewhere else. It’s an addictive cycle, leading to work not getting done and little to show for by the end of the year.

When I first started creating goals, I went all in. I gave myself huge goals and mapped out the life I wanted. I would go in inspired and then burn out soon after. But throughout my years running my business and being forced to keep myself accountable, I learned a pattern that has kept me motivated. 

Having an initial spark of motivation is great, but the real push forward comes from accomplishing goals, not setting them. You don’t need to attend motivational videos or have everyone around cheering you on, nor do you need to meditate and have a big holiday. These are great, but unfortunately, they won’t complete any of the necessary work to achieve your goals for you. 

The Mindset Paradox

In the entrepreneurial world, you’ll hear entrepreneurs repeatedly say, ‘It’s all about the mindset’ or ‘You’ve just got to have the right mindset’. But having the perfect mindset isn’t what you need to get motivated. Even worse, if you’re too busy trying to curate the perfect mindset before any action has taken place, you’re only holding yourself back more! 

Mindset is something you cultivate over time with experience and meeting new challenges while you take action. Most people who have been working longer than you and have found success find it easy to state, ‘It’s all about mindset’ because their actions over the years have given them the tools to act even when motivation is low. You might have a bad day and lose motivation. In times like these, if you’re relying on a motivational fix or external factors to push you forward into taking action, progress will be slow, and maybe you’ll give up before you get to see what you’re capable of.

But if motivation isn’t enough to kick your butt into gear, then what is? How can you make sure you stay in the game long enough to achieve those big goals and give yourself the time you need to develop an entrepreneurial mindset? Here are some things that Jeff Haden suggests in his book “The Motivation Myth” that have fundamentally changed the way I stay motivated.

Action Drives Motivation

If you’ve ever set yourself something to do and then achieved it, you’ve probably felt that exhilaration and motivation to do it again. 

When I created my first Etsy shop, I didn’t necessarily have an end goal of making 100,000 sales. Instead, my daily actions eventually produced the same result – even surpassing it. I had a system of making products, posting them and growing my shop. Selling was an inevitable part of the actions I was taking. The feeling of selling my very first item brought relief and motivated me to continue. However, accomplishing the goal of making my next product and publishing it is what encouraged me to take action each day. And that motivation only grew when I made sales.

Ultimately, motivation comes from the actions you take each day and gaining lots of small achievements. Motivation isn’t a prerequisite to success. It’s the result. But how do you take action if you’re not motivated to in the first place?

Build A System Around Your Goal

Suppose you’ve set an ambitious goal like earning “six figures”. Then, set that goal, work out a system to get you there and forget the goal exists. You heard me. Forget it exists.

If you have a goal to earn six figures, and then at the end of your first month, you’ve only made $500, then the disparity between where you are now and your goal is too large. They aren’t even comparable.

By forgetting your goal, you’re not comparing yourself to where you want to go, but what you are doing right now. With a solid process and a system you can follow, you will inevitably reach your goals. Most importantly, your motivation will never dry up because you consistently achieve something. By the time you’re earning your income goal, you’ve built up the skills and the systems to continue it and even teach others how to get there.

You might not know exactly everything you need to achieve that goal initially, but that’s where you should focus your attention. Artists don’t become master painters by striving to recreate the Mona Lisa as their first painting; they don’t know how to. But with a focus on practising and honing their painting skills for years, they become master painters. You need to love the process and focus on the achievements you’re making every day; you’ll eventually get where you want to be.

The First Rule of Motivation Club

The first rule about motivation club is we don’t talk about motivation club. It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re excited about something and want to achieve a goal, say you want to run a marathon. Something happens when you talk to your family or friends about your goal, and they praise you for wanting to do such a hard thing. 

Research shows that if someone praises or compliments you for something you're still working on or haven’t even begun, your brain might think, "Oh, we're done here!" and give you a feel-good boost as if you've already finished. It's like getting dessert before eating your meal – suddenly, the main course doesn't seem as exciting. So, while it's great to get encouragement, getting it at the right time is super important. And if you made that goal to impress someone else and doesn’t originate from a place of personal desire, the effect is even stronger. 

Of course, we need to talk to others about our dreams and ambitions, and we should. But it’s important not to let praise get in the way of achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself. Focus on the next action you have to take to get things done instead.

The people we should strive to have around us are those who support our goals with action – fostering an environment that encourages working hard and always accomplishing the next step. We want to encourage each other to do the actions we need each day.

The Path To Achieving Your Goals

To keep ourselves on track, we need to stop relying so heavily on feeling motivated or having the perfect mindset. What really helps is creating systems that support us even on tougher days, and gradually, we can make those tough days rarer. 

I want to share with you the strategy I use to keep myself aligned with working toward my goals both in my personal and business life.

Step 1: Set A Goal

First, we need something to work towards. Not 'smart' goals you can obtain in a week. Dream big. What is a goal you want, not something to impress others or which is unobtainable, but one which is important to you? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to build a community? Become financially independent? Or do you want to get really good at something? Whatever the goal, write it down now. 

Example: When I started my Etsy shop, I aimed to make a passive income stream that allowed me and my fiance to work from anywhere while we travelled the world together.

Step 2: Know What Makes That Goal Real

Now, I want you to break down the goal into everything you will need to achieve that goal. It could be building an active social media account, creating a mailing list, or publishing a newsletter every week. Break it down as much as possible into what you need to meet that goal. It’s important not to confuse the what with ‘how’, we’ll get to that later. Look at others who are successful or have what you want for inspiration. What are they doing now, and what were they doing at the beginning of their journey? Don’t compare your workload with someone with a team of 10 – whoever you’re looking at, you need to be able to achieve similar results. You’re looking to build the systems you need where you eventually need a team.

Example: To achieve my goal, I needed to create an Etsy shop, post lots of products, research my target market needs, write product descriptions, SEO, tags and more. 

Step 3: The Process Is King

This step is the most important part of achieving your goals, creating the process. Defining the how. Your process will become the core of your business – I can’t overstate this enough. You should have a plan of action for what you need to do to get to your goal, and you need to be as specific as you can. It is true that plans don't always work out as we want them to, but without a guide to help us move forward, we are left to stumble in the dark. As the Eisenhower quote goes: “No battle was ever won according to plan, but no battle was ever won without one.”

Example: I wrote a detailed way of making product previews, descriptions, tags, and more. I had a formula I followed for each step. I also had a list of the seasons, events and holidays that needed to be covered with my designs. Nothing was left to chance. I was ticking off a list of things to do. And in my creative time, I had full creative freedom, but that was a calculated step in my process.

The Creative Freedom Problem

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, but I’m a creative person. I don’t want to box myself up into a rigid plan, and I need my creative freedom. But, it is important to realise that sometimes we use creative freedom as a crutch.  It becomes an excuse to avoid working hard on one thing, especially when life gets in the way, and we feel overwhelmed. So, instead, we jump between tasks when things get tough, using creative freedom as a disguise. I used to struggle a lot with this issue, and the best solution I found was to give creative freedom space within the bigger picture of my system. I gave myself set hours and tasks when I got to do nothing but be creative. But I still follow all the other “less glamorous” steps to keep on track with my projects and goals. 

Step 4: Find Your People

Wanting something better for yourself and following your dreams can be lonely. This journey often involves a unique path that not everyone will understand or join you on, and it can mean spending a lot of time focused on goals that others may not share. This is why it's crucial to find like-minded people.

When surrounded by people who share your work ethic and dedication, you not only combat loneliness but also gain a support system. These individuals understand the challenges and joys of striving for big goals. They can offer invaluable encouragement, advice, and a sense of community on this journey.

Engage in communities, both online and offline, where people are discussing and working towards similar dreams and goals. Network at events, join relevant support groups or forums and don't shy away from initiating conversations about your aspirations. Let your motivation be fueled by people who consistently put in the effort and take concrete steps towards their goals. Doing so creates a network of support and motivation, making your journey towards your dreams a shared and more fulfilling experience.

Step 5: Forget About Your Goal

Yup, it’s time to forget you even set a goal or resolution. Instead, you’re going to focus on your newfound process. Goals without a plan are just dreams. And if we’re too busy focusing on the goal, we will be too distracted by how far off we are from obtaining them, especially in the beginning. Your goal is inevitable with your day-to-day actions while working on your process. If you had created a process for writing 1000 words a day, you’d eventually write a book, and whatever you’ve chosen as your goal is no different. 

Step 6: Review Your Process Weekly

You won’t get your process perfect the first time, and that’s perfectly okay. Creating a great process is a skill you will learn while working on your goals. Every week, look at the work you’ve done and review how it has gone. Did you manage to achieve everything you had to that week? What could you have done differently? Did you get overwhelmed? Do you need to give yourself more time for certain things? There are many ways you can improve what you’re doing each week.

Once you have found any potential improvements to your process, adjust it and start on it next week. Keep refining your process, and sooner or later, you will have one that feels right for you and has the greatest potential to bring you closer to your goals and aspirations. If your goal is longer term and will take months or even years, improving your process will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

Every day you work on your process, it brings you a step closer to your goals, and that's a significant achievement in itself. Let's debunk the myth that we need constant high motivation to be successful. Instead, understand that your steady, committed work on a well-defined process is what truly leads to achievement. This approach not only guides you to your goals but also cultivates a lasting self-motivation, fueled by each small success along the way. Trust in your process and celebrate your daily progress – achieving your goals will be inevitable.

My Resolutions For 2024

I have to admit although I did achieve many of the goals I set for myself to tackle this past year - some other art projects fell by the wayside. So, for the sake of accountability, this year, I decided to start posting my resolution in the open. Now, I'm well aware that plans can take a turn. Life's unpredictable like that, and I believe that it’s okay to change your resolutions as the year unfolds. Goals shouldn't be rigid rules but more like signposts guiding you along. If something isn't working or if life throws a spanner in the works, you can always reassess and shift your approach. Here are the resolutions I'm putting into action:

Making Yourself Visible

Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about what I learned from quitting my 15k followers Instagram account and how it changed my views on using social media and building an audience as an artist. This year, I want to take everything I learned and shared in that post and put it into action. Making a point of sharing more of my life and experiences by stepping in front of the camera rather than just posting my art. Whether through social media, my blog, or my newsletter, I want to create a more authentic personal connection with my audience. I believe that being an artist is more than just showcasing your skills; it’s about building a community that resonates with the ideals and experiences we share. And with AI shaking up our industry and leaving so many talented souls anxious about what's ahead, it’s super important that we stick together and lift each other up. 

Prioritise Doing What You Love

This Year, I’m committing to building the habit of dedicating time each day to my craft, refining my skills, and doing more of what makes me truly happy. I believe that creating work you want to see in the world is fundamental to maintaining long-term motivation and passion in what you do. So, this year, I want to focus on this authenticity because it will help make my work as a creator more sustainable. And when we create from a place of genuine passion, it shines through in our work, and that's what really connects with people.

Embrace Experimentation

Trying new things is so important, not just in your art, but in your business too. It's about daring to step out of your comfort zone and finding reliable ways to do things that scare you a little. Maybe it’s using a new medium in your art or trying a different way to share your work online. Sure, not every try will work out. But that's okay! When things don't go as planned, it's a chance to learn, especially how to handle negative feedback. Facing what scares you helps you grow. Every new step, big or small, keeps your art and business fresh and interesting, which helps draw in new clients and keeps your work exciting.

Remember Self-care isn’t Selfish

This year I really want to give a reminder to all of us to take care of ourselves. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustaining the energy and focus needed to run a successful creative business - believe me, I had to learn it the hard way! When you're in good health, you're able to put your best effort into your work. Regular exercise, meditation, and taking breaks can save you from burnout, making sure that you can consistently produce high-quality work and bring the best version of yourself when you engage with clients and your community.

Focus on the Value, Not Just the Numbers

This year I want to not focus as much only on the numbers, like how many likes or followers I have on social media, since these numbers don't always show the whole picture. I know it might feel really important to have a big audience when you run your own creative business, but from experience, I learned that what really makes a difference is the impact and value of what we create, not the numbers shown on your account. When we pour our hearts into making art and resources that truly speak to and help people, we start building a "community" that, even if small, is much more united and valuable than a big fancy number of "followers". A community is special. It’s not just people who follow you. They are people who truly like your work and support you. And in return, you create work that supports and inspires them too. It's like a circle of support and inspiration. It’s these connections that form the heart of a thriving business and make your creative journey so rewarding.

New Year's Resolutions Ideas For Artists

So, that’s my plan for diving into 2024. I'd love to hear about your resolutions. Feel free to post them in the comments, DM me or send me an email - I would love to hear from you. And if you are still working on your list of goals and need some new year resolution ideas, here are a few more you might find inspiring.

Are you ready to make 2024 the year you thrive with your art?

Learn a New Skill or Technique

The art world is always evolving, and so should we. This year, challenge yourself to learn something new. Whether it’s a different style of painting, digital art, pottery, or even a new software tool, expanding your skillset not only adds versatility to your work but also keeps your creative juices flowing. Free online courses, workshops, and tutorials are great places to start.

If you want to get into surface pattern design, you can watch my free video course here!

Create a Series or Collection

Think about making a series or collection instead of just single pieces of art. This means your artwork tells a story or has a theme that goes through all the pieces. This can make your work more attractive to businesses and potential licensing opportunities. It also lets you explore a topic or style more deeply, showing off your unique artistic style. For example, you could create 12 drawings for a 2025 calendar or a set of 8-12 matching designs for fabrics."

Set Up an Online Shop

If you don't have one yet, think about starting an online shop for your art. It's a great way to show your work to people all over the world. You can use websites like Etsy, Society6, Spoonflower, or your own site to sell your art, like prints, original pieces, or things with your art on them. This helps you earn money from your art and lets more people see and enjoy what you create.

I have an entire blog post on how I started selling on Spoonflower if you want to sell your art on fabric and wallpaper.

Regularly Update Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your visual resume. This year, you can make sure to regularly add your new work to it. Keeping your portfolio fresh and up-to-date is important for attracting clients and opportunities so always pick your very best pieces to include in it. My art school teacher had a saying: 'Show me your best 30 pieces, not just the first 30 you made.' It's tough advice, but it's good advice. Your portfolio is how you show the world what you're capable of, so you want to always make the best impression possible

Practice Mindful Creativity

Finally, make time for mindful creativity. Have you ever tried the idea of an "artist date" from Julia Cameron's book, "The Artist's Way"? It’s a wonderful concept where you set aside a little time each week just for yourself to explore and nurture your inner artist. But here’s the twist – it’s not necessarily about making art. It could be anything that inspires and refreshes you creatively. Maybe it’s a walk in the park, visiting a gallery, or just sitting quietly in a cafe observing the world. The point is to give yourself the space to be inspired and to reconnect with your creativity. Many artists find this practice really rejuvenating, and it often leads to beautiful, unexpected bursts of inspiration.

Need inspiration or a little extra help with your resolutions? Check out this blog post on how to set goals and stay motivated throughout the coming year.

This will be my last blog post for 2023 as I'll be signing off soon to recharge, but I'm cheering for you, whether you're wrapping up the year, working full steam through it all or taking a well-deserved break.

I want to give you a huge thank you for being a part of my journey in 2023. I wouldn't be where I am today without your support. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and an incredible new year, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll do in 2024.

Today, I want to share with you a technique that has helped me conquer some of my biggest fears, including starting a business, moving countries, teaching online, and even launching this website where you're reading this blog post!

Why This Matters: The Cost of Inaction

Before we dive in, let's talk about why overcoming this fear is the most powerful thing you can do to change your life. Fear is a natural, powerful, and primitive human emotion. It signals danger, causing us to fight or flee. While this was super useful back in the caveman days to keep us from becoming a sabre-toothed tiger's lunch, in modern times, fear often holds us back from reaching our full potential. Now, why is it important to overcome fear? 

Here are a few key reasons:

1. Personal Growth: When you face your fears, you grow. You gain new experiences, learn new things, and build self-confidence. It's like levelling up in a video game; the more challenges you face, the stronger you become.

2. Unlocking Opportunities: Fear often keeps us from seizing opportunities that could lead to success. Whether it's starting a new business, investing, or even going on a date, overcoming fear opens doors you didn't even know existed.

3. Quality of Life: Living in constant fear can be paralysing and stressful, affecting both mental and physical health. Overcoming fear can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

4. Relationships: Fear can also hold you back from forming meaningful relationships. Whether it's the fear of commitment, rejection, or vulnerability, overcoming these fears allows for deeper connections with others.

5. Creativity: Fear of failure or judgment can stifle your creative process. Overcoming this fear allows you to think more freely, explore new mediums, push the boundaries and make your unique voice come out from the shadows.

6. Self-Understanding: Facing your fears helps you to get to know your current limits, strengths, values, and areas where you need improvement. 

7. Inspiring Others: When you overcome your fears, you not only help yourself but also inspire those around you. Your courage can act as a catalyst for others to face their own fears.

So, in a nutshell, overcoming fear is like unlocking a new level of life. It's not just about avoiding danger; it's about enriching your entire existence.

The STEPS System

Alright. We probably all know that doing the work to break free from fear is worth it, but what does "the work" even look like? To explain that, I have to first tell you a little story.

A few years back, I wanted to publish my first Skillshare class. The problem? I was terrified of being on camera. The thought of people watching me, judging me, maybe even laughing at me was paralysing.

For a long time, I procrastinated and had a lot of false starts where I would begin trying to make a class, get quickly overwhelmed and quit, only to repeat the same cycle of fear and failure a few months later. After an entire year passed, and procrastinating made me feel so bad about myself, I decided I just had to do something and get a result, no matter how insignificant or small.

That's when I accidentally stumbled on what I would then refine into the S.T.E.P.S. System, which is a practical framework designed to hold your hand through facing (and winning over) your fears.

What is The STEPS System?

S.T.E.P.S. is an acronym for Shed, Target, Ease, Progress, and Sustain. It is a structured approach that combines psychology, my experience of overcoming fear, and actionable steps designed to eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed and lost. 

STEP 1: Strip Perfectionism

The first step in the STEPS System is to shed perfectionism. Now, why is perfectionism such a problem? Isn't it just about having high standards? Wanting to do things well is a great attitude to have, but wanting to do something perfect is a form of self-sabotage that traps you in a cycle of fear and procrastination. You see, perfectionism disguises itself as a virtue when, in reality, it's a defensive wall you build around yourself because perfection is impossible to achieve. So it becomes the ultimate excuse to never really put anything out there, where others will see and judge it. This wall protects you from potential failure or criticism - sure. But it also traps you in a never-ending loop of inaction.

Mind The Gap

On top of that, perfectionism is the enemy of motivation. In the book Motivation Myth, Jeff Haden explains how small wins and steady progress is what keep us motivated and fuel us to continue practising. But sometimes, the gap between our current skills and the end result we want to achieve is so large that it's impossible for us to see our improvements towards it.

And every time you compare yourself to someone else or tell yourself that you should be better than the level you're currently at, you're widening that gap.

So, how do we let go?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but what worked for me was making a promise to myself that I would allow myself to make mistakes.

Making mistakes is important because if you want to increase the level of success, you need to increase the level of failure. By accepting that you'll make mistakes along the way, you make room for the small wins and progress Jeff Haden talks about, pulling yourself out of the perfectionism trap, fuelling motivation and clearing the way for genuine growth.

Sometimes Lowering Your Standards Is a Good Thing

In practice, this just means lowering your expectations in the short term. You can still have your big long-term goals - but instead of focusing on the final result you want, you focus on smaller, more manageable actions in between where you are now and where you want to be. And accept that your initial attempts towards those goals may not be as good as you want them to be, and that's not just okay - it is as it is perfectly normal.

STEP 2: Target Your Goal

The next step is to identify the specific part of your broader goal that causes fear. General goals like "I want to be a successful artist" or "I want to launch my own business" can be overwhelming. Without a specific target, you're like an archer shooting arrows blindfolded into the sky, hoping to hit something - ineffective and frustrating. 

So, how do we take off the blindfold?

How to Identify Your Target

First, you need a measurable goal so that you will know for sure that you have achieved it. For example, "I want to launch my own business" could become "I am going to open and stock 20 items on my Etsy store." Or "I want to teach art online" could become "I want to publish my first Skillshare class.”

We will call this a Broad Goal.

Next, break down your Broad Goal into all the different aspects, skills or components required to achieve it. 

We will call these Target Goals. 

For example, my Broad Goal to create a Skillshare class can be dissected into small potential Target Goals such as understanding filming equipment, creating a course curriculum, and learning to record voices over and speaking on camera. 

Find Your Achilles Tendon

Now it's time to identify the specific elements that trigger your fear and choose just ONE as your Target Goal. For me, the main sources of fear were creating voiceovers and being on camera. I decided to tackle voiceovers first, with the plan to work on my on-camera presence once I felt comfortable with voiceovers.

STEP 3: Ease Into It: Finding Your Starting Point

Alright, you have your Target Goal. You know what you want to work on. And now you might be wondering... Now what?

We all have to deal with different circumstances, and life doesn't always roll the dice in your favour, but that doesn't mean you don't get to play the game. The key here is to find a starting point that's right for you because no matter how far behind or flawed you might feel, as long as you start and don't stop, you will get to where you want to be.

Starting Small is a Big Deal

In this step, it is particularly important to be honest and kind to yourself - If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed, it's crucial to recognise that and find a starting point that feels manageable for you.

But what does this look like in the real world?

Every scenario is different, but as an example for me, as a painfully shy introvert with the Target Goal of getting comfortable in front of the camera, my starting point was literally just setting up a microphone and sitting in front of it. 

No talking, just sitting there completely petrified - and that was okay.

I didn't force myself to talk. I'd tried that before, and that only turned out in panic, self-loathing and depression. I felt pathetic and flawed for not being able to do something as "simple" as speaking a few words into a microphone, and every time I tried this approach, the only tangible result was stacking up more self-doubt and ultimately giving up.

Nope. This time, I would sit there in silence until I was no longer scared. I am genuinely tearing up as I write this to you because I now realise the importance of that moment. By embracing what I had once considered a 'flaw' - my silence - I met my fear on my own terms. And the moment my anxiety eased, even just a little, while I was sitting in front of that microphone, I scored my very first small win.

STEP 4: Progress Gradually

Now, we're at the part where the magic really starts to happen. You've found your starting point, had your first small win, and you're ready to build on that momentum. This is where the Modified Fear Ladder Technique comes into play. So, what's modified about this fear ladder? 

Climbing a Ladder Beats Jumping Off a Cliff

Before diving into the solution, let's first understand the landscape of fear and growth through the concept of three distinct zones:

• Comfort Zone: This is your safe haven, where everything is familiar and comfortable. However, staying here means you're not growing.

• Learning Zone: Just a step outside your comfort zone. This is where the proverbial magic happens. You're slightly uncomfortable, which is a good thing - it means you're growing and learning.

• Panic Zone: Venture too far out, and you hit the panic zone. Here, stress and anxiety are so overwhelming that they become counterproductive.

So, how do you ensure you're spending your time in the Learning Zone without accidentally stepping into the Panic Zone?

Enter the Modified Fear Ladder. In a traditional fear ladder, technique often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to ease phobias and fear, you list situations that scare you from least to most frightening, tackling them one by one. It is designed to keep you in the Learning Zone, which is the optimal area for personal growth and skill-building. It acts as a safeguard, preventing you from crossing into the Panic Zone, where stress could overwhelm you or push you to quit. 

On top of that, with the modified fear ladder, you're not just tackling fears but also building skills in a manageable, paced way. It's like getting a two-for-one deal: face your fears and improve at the same time.

For example, my target goal was getting comfortable in front of the camera. My fear ladder looked something like this:

1. Step One: Use my selfie camera and sit in front of it until I don't feel scared anymore.

2. Step Two: Use my selfie camera and talk about how feeling anxious about recording feels!

3. Step Three: Set the laptop camera, introduce myself, talk about how I feel and add an outro.

4. Step Four: Set the vlogging camera, introduce myself, talk about how I feel and add an outro.

5. Step Five: Set the vlogging camera + Rode microphone + introduce myself, talk about how I feel and add an outro.

6. Step Six: Set the vlogging camera + Rode microphone + introduce myself, talk about a specific topic without script and add an outro.

The Power of Small Wins

These small wins are more than just tiny victories; they are the stepping stones toward larger accomplishments. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a battle won against your inner monster. It's proof that you're capable of more than you give yourself credit for. When you look back, you'll realise that these small wins have paved the way for something bigger - your dream project, your business, or even just a happier, more confident you.

STEP 5: Sustain

So, you're climbing that modified fear ladder, conquering obstacles and acquiring new skills. Awesome! But how do you make sure you lock in the progress and don't slide back down? The answer: build a system. James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits," put it best when he said, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."  So, what does a system look like?

How to Build Your System

The idea of building a system might sound daunting or technical, especially if you're just starting out. But in reality, it boils down to one fundamental principle: Documentation.

The key isn't to construct a perfect system from the get-go. Instead, focus on documenting each step as you take it, and then refine your approach based on what you learn. This way, you're not just building a system; you're building a living, evolving guide that adapts to your needs and experiences.

Document Each Rung of Your Ladder

Whether you use a Notion page, a physical notebook, or an app, make it a point to document each rung of your ladder. Note down the challenges you faced, the solutions you found, and any tweaks you made to your strategy.

A Real Life Example

Personally, I like to document each step of my Target Goal in a dedicated Notion page. For example, when I switched from using my phone to a professional microphone, I asked for advice from my boyfriend, who's experienced with photography and videography. Then, to make sure I didn't depend on him every time I wanted to record, I took his wisdom and created detailed notes and a mini-tutorial in Notion. This way, I don't have to worry about forgetting anything or wasting time solving the same problems again. I can just refer back to my notes.

Having a system like this helps you maintain your progress. Your work quality continues to improve, and you stay comfortably in the Learning Zone. Essentially, each new step feels as manageable as the first, even if you've already come a long way!

Your Story

Conquering fear isn't just about gathering courage or erasing fear from your life. It's about acknowledging and honouring where you're starting from and sticking to a plan that's tailored for you.

The Hidden Journey

When you see someone you admire doing something that seems out of reach for you, remember—you're only seeing the tip of the iceberg. What you don't see are the countless hours, struggles, and personal battles they've fought to get where they are.

Conflict Drives The Plot Forward

It's true that what terrifies one person may come naturally to another, but we all have our own monsters to tame. Doing the work isn't something to be ashamed of - it's part of your unique story.

In every compelling story, it's the monsters that force the hero to face their fears, develop new skills, and rise to new challenges. That's what makes the story worth following. 

Happy Endings

And speaking of stories, remember the Skillshare class I wanted to make in my example? Well, I did publish that one, and I've since created several more. These classes now generate passive income and attract new subscribers every month. 

I share this with you because I want you to see the potential in facing your fears and embracing your monsters. Your 'monster,' whatever it may be, isn't just an obstacle; it's an opportunity for growth and transformation that could become your biggest strength.

So take that first, shaky step. The world doesn't just need more stories; it needs your story. And who knows? Your next chapter might just be the turning point that transforms your life into the epic tale it's meant to be.

I want to begin by saying that quitting social media and Instagram was not something I had planned. When it happened, I was actually planning the exact opposite. I was travelling full-time with my boyfriend, and I was pretty active in sharing my travel and art on the platform, which had grown to 15k followers at the time. We were even about to invest in more camera gear to document our journey and improve our content production. But then, life took an unexpected turn when I suddenly got diagnosed with stage 3B blood cancer, and I was forced to quit social media to take care of my health.

"Because even if it is still a tiny little blog, it brings way more traffic to my website and products and more value to my community than my Instagram account has EVER done"

The Problem With Social Media

For the first year of treatment, I didn’t quit all at once, but during that time, I slowly realised how toxic my relationship with social media was. I was going through a pretty intensive 7 months of chemotherapy treatment, which I was not handling very well(might be a bit of an understatement). Meanwhile, Instagram still demanded to be fed constant content, which it quickly chewed up and discarded. My community, with which I worked hard to build a relationship, was barred from me because I was no longer meeting the algorithm’s daily quota.

But, at the time, I believed that the only way to grow as a successful artist and a creative was to meet the platform’s demands, to adapt and provide what was trendy and popular. If Instagram said it is time to only draw pretty girls or jump on video, you had better jump and with a smile on your face - otherwise, you could wave your engagement bye-bye. Back then, I didn’t have eyebrows, let alone the strength to jump on anything.

This made me realise how much control over my life, mental health and business I had handed over to a platform that, much like my illness at the time, I had no control over. Honestly, I kept going as long as I could because I thought if I stopped creating content, my business would crumble in an instant.

But, I become overwhelmed by the endless pressure to constantly create more and more content while, honestly, trying to stay alive. It wasn’t easy, but in the end, I braced for the worst to happen, and I pulled the plug on my Instagram account.

The Truth About Building An Audience

I waited for the worst-case scenario to unfold, for my art sales to dry up, for my business to burst into flames and disappear into a little pile of ash - but, to my surprise, something marvellous happened instead.

No smoke and ruins were left after my silent quitting, my sales didn’t drop but instead started rising, people kept reaching my website just as much as they did before, and I would still get questions and kind messages of encouragement from time to time. What had happened?

It took me a while to find the answer, but 4 years after I quit Instagram as an artist, here are the 4 key lessons I have learned.

Lesson 1: You Don’t Need Social Media To Make a Living As a Creative

I wrote an entire blog post about this before, but at its essence - There are plenty of options out there for you to make a comfortable living without sharing your work online. You could work as a freelancer, as an in-studio artist, or if you want to focus on print-on-demand or licensing, you could study trends and evergreen themes to create work that people are already looking for and eager to buy so that clients are more likely to find you without having to spend too much time on marketing.

Lesson 2: Re-Think What It Means To Build An Audience

If you decide working for someone is not quite your tempo(I get you!) and you are ready to start building your audience, but you dread the thought of adding another full-time job in social media marketing to your already full to-do list Then, it’s time to redefine what building an audience means.

Building relationships with an audience goes beyond the narrow scope of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms. It’s time to start thinking outside the box.

I have met some wonderfully resourceful creatives that built their audience from scratch on platforms like Twitch, Discord, Skillshare, Gumroad, and DeviantArt(old school, but hey, it still works) and let’s not forget blogging, Etsy traffic and craft fairs - you will be surprised how many people are willing to subscribe to your email list for a free cat sticker or a small discount.

If you’re a complete beginner and don’t know where to start, don’t worry! I’ve got more tips on how to start building a mailing list in the roadmap section of this blog post.

Lesson 3: Social Media Can Lead You Down The Wrong Path

This is a bit of a controversial lesson, but hear me out. I have been licensing my art for years now, and I have noticed that sometimes what my clients need is not what gets the most likes on social media. In the past, I fell into a pattern where I would study my analytics and follow what was most popular on Instagram. However, that did not always reflect increased sales - in fact, it was quite the opposite at times! I can’t say that this applies to everyone, but if you don’t have a clear image and understanding of your art target market and trust what’s popular on social media, you might be tempted to tweak your work, style, and voice, which might not work in your favour and might even lead you to burnout and feeling like your art is no longer fun to make.

Sometimes what my clients need is not what gets the most likes on social media.

After I quit Instagram and doubled down on creating content with my target market in mind, my sales increased significantly. Yet, when I posted the same successful/most profitable work on Instagram, it got barely any views or likes. Is it annoying? Absolutely. Is it important for my business’s bottom line and my potential clients too? Probably not, if you play your cards right.

Lesson 4: There is some good stuff on Social Media

In the immortal words of Samwise Gamgee, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for”.

Last but not least, after “quitting” my Instagram account, I realised that although I gained a lot of my time and independence back, I also felt that something really important went missing.

For instance. When art AI art started making waves, I was pretty upset. At that time, not many of my friends and family members around me could understand why I was having a full-blown existential crisis over some pixels - it was my artist friends who understood. I found myself drawn back into social media to reach out to those fellow artists who were going through the same turmoil. Thanks to social media, we could share our grief and worries together, and we were there for each other, even though we were miles away or had never met in “real life” before.

It was a connection and care that would have been impossible without being online. This experience reminded me that social media could be more than a platform for self-promotion. It can be a way to help others, share your knowledge, and feel less lonely when times get tough. This wasn’t just about posting content; this was about human connection.

Like many things in life, social media isn’t black and white. It’s complex and can both give and take. It can push you into some dark places, or it can connect you with love, understanding and compassion you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.

So yes, quitting Instagram was a necessary step for me, but it’s not a condemnation of all social media. There’s good in there if you know where to look. Just like in the world, there’s some good online, and it’s worth fighting for.

A New Approach To Building An Audience

If you’ve made it this far into the blog post, you’re probably feeling pretty fed up with social media and ready to do something about it.

So, let me share a secret: social media doesn’t have to be this hard. We become so overwhelmed and scared of social media because of its power - it can make you and break you overnight, and you have no agency beyond “putting in the hard work.” - It sounds a lot like a 9-5 doesn’t it? When I had that realisation, it hit me like a ton of bricks, and I knew something had to change.

So, what is the secret to escaping from its power? Taking back Control.

Taking Back Control

You decided to become a creator because you didn't want someone else to tell you what you can and can't do, and so you should have control over your path as a creator. The first step in reclaiming your autonomy is acknowledging that social media is not the master but a tool. A tool that, while powerful, should never dictate the terms of your life or your creativity.

Once you recognise this, you begin to see alternatives, and that’s where the real magic happens.

Thinking Outside The Social Media Box

Having a social media presence is undoubtedly powerful, but it is not the full picture. There are many other pieces of the "building an audience puzzle" that are perhaps less shiny but equally as important.

Mailing List: Start creating a mailing list. This isn’t just about gathering email addresses; it’s an excellent tool for fostering a community of interested people who genuinely care about what you create. Your mailing list becomes a direct line to your audience, free from the whims and changes of social media algorithms.

Self-hosted Website: Own your space online by hosting your own website. This platform belongs to you, and you alone decide what to do with it. Share your art, sell your products, or write your thoughts. It’s your digital home, decorated by your rules.

Personal Brand: Develop your personal brand. Your personal brand is your promise to your audience. It’s what you stand for, what you offer, and what makes you unique. This is something that transcends any platform and will follow you wherever you go. Remember, people connect with people. Let them see you.

Step 1: Identify The Struggle

ake a moment to step back and analyse the areas that are draining your energy and time. Recognise what’s holding you back, and be honest with yourself. Identifying these struggles is the key to moving forward - and remember it is okay not to be able to handle it all.

When I first did this exercise, I had so many breakthroughs. For example, since my cancer treatment, I’ve been wrestling with chronic fatigue, which makes creating daily content impossible. I don’t have a lot of time or energy during the day (sometimes none at all), So I have to pick what I put effort into carefully and only choose 1 or 2 activities instead of trying to do everything everywhere.

Another breakthrough was that I struggled so much on Instagram because of my shyness, which made it difficult for me to create Reels and especially Insta stories without feeling overwhelmed by social anxiety. I discovered that I prefer creating one bigger piece of content, such as Skillshare classes and video courses where I can prepare myself with a script and take as much time as I need to film.

Take some time to figure out what your struggles are, and don't feel defeated by this process. You are not giving up. You are giving yourself grace and putting your needs first.

When You Go Through This Step, Here Are a Few Questions You Can Ask Yourself Think:

• Do you have enough time for this?
• Do you have the necessary tools and skills?
• Are you honouring your health and well-being first?
• Are your emotions affecting your choices and ability to progress?
• What type of content comes easier to you (writing, video, live events, dm, etc.)
• What kind of content do you struggle with the most?

Step 2: Take Back Your Time

Once you have done some introspection and figured out all of the Social Media tasks that you “should” do but are not fitting in with your current life situation, it is time to decide what to do with them. From my experience, I have come across 3 main options: delegate, eliminate or set aside until you have a better strategy in place or flat-out eliminate it.

A. If you have resources: Choose all the tasks that you no longer want to do and either automate them through software such as a social media scheduler or a service like Zapier if possible or delegate them to someone else such as a social media manager or graphic designer.

B. If you don’t have resources: Don’t let fear of what could happen hold you back. Set your tasks aside and only put the minimum viable effort into tasks that are not essential, or even stop them altogether if you want to. Then, channel that newfound time and energy into something that will truly build your audience.

C. If the task no longer serves you: Letting go of something you’ve invested time and energy into is never easy. This phenomenon even has a name. It is called the sunk cost fallacy. It makes it hard to let go of things that you put effort and resources into, but letting go can free you from a constant drain on your time and energy. Remember, if a task has been draining you until now, it’s likely to continue doing so. It’s more than okay to say goodbye to it. Trust in the process because sometimes stepping away from what’s holding you back is the very thing that will propel you forward.

Step 3: Craft a Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is essentially a valuable piece of content that you give your audience for free in exchange for their email address. If the idea of dipping your toes into email marketing gives you the eek, try to think about it as not just a way of obtaining a list of emails; but as providing something meaningful that resonates with your audience’s needs and connects you with them in a nurturing and mutually beneficial way. It’s an invitation to a relationship rather than a transaction.

Understand Your Audience’s Needs

The first step in crafting a lead magnet is understanding your audience's wants and needs. Dig deep to uncover their struggles, desires, and aspirations. Think about where they are now and where they want to be, and give them something that helps them take the first step to bridge that gap.

Examples Lead Magnets For Different Products:

• Paint Cats In Watercolor For Beginners Course: Perhaps a guide to buying watercolors and brushes for beginners would make a great lead magnet.
• Fabric with Cat Art: In your online store, you could offer a lead magnet on How To Sew a Bowtie For Your Cat.
• Cat Illustration Art Prints: If you frequently visit craft fairs, you could print out mini cat stickers and give them away for free in exchange for emails.

Step 4: Post Your Lead Magnet

Once you have the lead magnet, depending on your situation, you have two options: Post it where your target market will find it easily or create evergreen searchable content that leads to your lead magnet.

Find Where Your Community Hangs Out

As an artist, Gumroad and my Skillshare teacher profile are two good examples of places that get targeted traffic organically, and I don’t need to do much advertisement there.

If you know what your community wants and provide it for free in places where they already hang out, the sign-ups happen all by themselves. This is a great strategy to start with if you are just at the beginning of your journey but keep in mind that these people don’t know you yet when they sign up, and mostly they might just be looking for free stuff, so they are more likely to unsubscribe later, which is still perfectly fine. You want to be a good match for each other - don’t get discouraged by the unsubscribes and nurture the people who stay.

Create Content Around Your Lead Magnet

The second option is to create content around your lead magnet on a platform you are entirely in control of, and that works for you, such as a website or blog. This content should be targeted and valuable to your ideal customer, searchable on Google and ideally evergreen, which means it won’t go out of fashion in a few months.

For me, it was my blog. Because even if it is still a tiny little blog, it brings way more traffic and value to my community than my Instagram account has EVER done, even when my Instagram account was getting crazy engagement and thousands of likes per post.

Step 5: Return To Social Media (If You Want)

Now, with a fresh perspective and new strategy for gaining control in place, you might find that the thought of returning to social media doesn’t carry the same weight. It’s just another channel of communication, not a life-or-death platform.

In the end, what I learned from this journey is that the goal is not to abandon social media but to harness it, to wield it without being consumed by it.

Moving forward, I plan to slowly get back into social media, but this time with a secure strategy in place and focus on the platforms that align with my long term goals and values.

Perhaps one day, I will even try to revive my old Instagram account - but that’s a story for a future blog post. (Let me know if that sounds like something interesting to you!)

It might seem like a huge task to take back control of your space, but it is actually easier than it looks.

Start with one small change. Maybe it's implementing a new strategy or taking the time to truly understand what resonates with your community. Break it down into manageable steps, something you can do today, and feel the difference it can make.

You will have to put in some work to set things up in the beginning, but when you implement these strategies, you will pave a new path where you dictate the terms, foster genuine relationships, and build a community that resonates with your values - away from the whims of the algorithm.

So, I encourage you to take the first step! Your voice and your art deserve to shine in a space designed just for you.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. You can check out my full disclosure for more info. Thank you so much for your support!

Are you an artist itching to break away from your day job and generate some extra cash with your creative talents? Or maybe you're a budding surface pattern designer who's been searching for the perfect place to sell your fabric designs. As someone who's been in your shoes, I'm excited to share my personal experience selling on Spoonflower and offer some tips to help you get your first sales on the platform.

As a fellow creative soul, I know how important it is to find ways to monetize our passions and turn them into a thriving business. I have been doing my own thing working as a surface pattern designer for nearly a decade, and I am always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to leverage my portfolio.

So, when I heard about Spoonflower, I decided to take the plunge. It's been a little over a year since I started, and now that my shop is gaining momentum, I want to share my journey with you, including the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and the strategies that helped me succeed.

So if you’re asking yourself, “Should I be selling on Spoonflower?” read on!

Is Selling on Spoonflower Worth it? My Story So Far

Since I have been working as a surface pattern designer for a few years, I already had a large portfolio of surface pattern designs that I could upload to my Spoonflower account, so it seemed like an easy choice to give it a try. (After all, you can never have enough sources of passive income.) But before jumping in with both feet, I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision, so I did a lot of research to see if others had experienced success with Spoonflower.

After scouting the web and getting fired up by some inspiring Skillshare classes, I was finally convinced that you could make good money selling fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and even build a full-time business around your designs! After getting the green light from other designers online, I decided to go for it and get my shop up and running.

One year later, I can honestly say that setting up a shop on Spoonflower has been a fun and rewarding experience! Not only have I been able to generate another revenue stream, but it's also given me extra motivation to create more designs and stay inspired.

The customer service on Spoonflower is top-notch, and orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately. Additionally, the Spoonflower community is full of awesome makers, interior designers and companies looking for fresh new patterns and designs to license for their products, which has helped me get my designs in front of more potential customers on and off the platform.

So, If you're a surface pattern designer considering selling your pattern designs on Spoonflower, I think it could be a great opportunity for you.

How Much I Earn On Spoonflower

Overall, Spoonflower has been great for me so far. As of March 2023, I have already made more in these three months than what I earned in the entirety of 2022. Of course, my little Spoonflower shop is still in its early stages, and I am nowhere near the 10k a month other top sellers have achieved on Spoonflower, yet I have reached a monthly income of $300 to $1100, which is a decent amount of extra money every month, considering I only occasionally upload new designs and I only work on it a couple of hours a week.

The Benefits of Selling Your Patterns on Spoonflower

There are so many benefits for surface pattern designers to sell their patterns on Spoonflower, but here are some of the biggest advantages I've seen so far:

It Has Great Earning Potential

Spoonflower is a great way to make passive income. Many experienced surface pattern designers have created successful businesses on the platform, earning thousands of dollars each month. Even better, Spoonflower's base payout rate is also great, with a 10% royalty on each sale compared to the industry standard of 5%. Spoonflower is also non-exclusive. This means you can also sell your designs on other platforms, so you're never tied down to just one platform, and you can still sell your designs on other print-on-demand shops.

It's Easy to Set Up and Manage

Setting up the shop and account settings was super fast and easy compared to other print-on-demand shops - to post on all Spoonflower products, you only need your seamless swatch, a few tags and a short description, and you are ready to go. The whole process is a breeze compared to other print-on-demand platforms, which can be very time consuming as they require you to create and upload different files for each product they offer. And managing the shop doesn't take much time at all - you can set up automated “thank you” messages for orders, and Spoonflower fulfils the orders for you, so it's almost totally hands-off.

It has A Fun Bonus Commission System

This is probably my favourite part about selling on Spoonflower: the bonus commission system. As your sales increase above certain thresholds, you can qualify for bonus commissions which can really add up over time.

For example, if you sell between $300 - $999 per month, you will qualify for an extra 1% bonus for a total of 11% commission on all your sales! The bonus commission can bring you up to a total of 15%, meaning if you make $1500 in sales per month, you are bringing home $2250 after the bonus has been added.

I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty awesome! If you find having a sales target goal motivating, you are going to have fun with this one, but be warned - there will be a few months where you will miss the mark by $1, and it will be a bit of a bummer. I try to think of it as practice for your patience and perseverance - after I have a good pout, of course.

It to Can Help You Find Licensing Opportunities

One of the great things about selling on Spoonflower is the chance to get amazing licensing opportunities! Many companies search Spoonflower for unique patterns they can license and feature on their own products. So, just by sharing your designs on Spoonflower, you are also building an online portfolio without having to worry about marketing and driving traffic to it - although it isn’t a substitute for your portfolio website, it is a fantastic addition to it.

And that's not all - Spoonflower also holds weekly design contests where they feature the winning designs on their home page and social media channels. This is an awesome way to get more exposure and Spoondollars and is another opportunity for potential licensing agreements.

It Has a High Barrier Of Entry

It may seem strange to list a high barrier of entry as a benefit but hear me out.

Having a high entry barrier can be a good thing. While it may deter some people from starting, it also means that there is less competition in the marketplace, giving you a better chance to stand out and make sales. This might sound harsh, but if you have ever tried selling digital downloads on Etsy you probably know that not everyone posting on these open-to-everyone marketplaces has the best intentions or ethics (reposting lots of stolen work from hard-working artists and designers), and these people don’t like having to spend a small printing fee, so they are more likely to stay away from the platform.

My initial investment was $72.72, which has paid itself back very quickly.

The cost of a test swatch on Spoonflower is only $0.45 per design, which is significantly less than fees on other platforms such as Etsy. However, the fact that there is a cost involved makes you think more critically about what you post. This encourages you to choose only your best work and to keep your target audience in mind, giving your designs the best chance of selling.

So, while the barrier of entry may seem daunting at first, it ultimately results in a higher-quality pattern portfolio and a better chance of success for those who are willing to make the investment.

To be completely transparent, my initial investment was $72,72, which has paid itself back very quickly, and now I can comfortably use my shop's profit to proof new designs. I also didn't pick the cheapest swatch samplers to proof my first batch of designs because I didn't know any better, so It could have been much less. Whoops.

It Cares About Sustainability

Spoonflower prides itself on being an environmentally-conscious company. They use water-based inks and have some sustainable fabrics like organic cotton available to customers. So if you're looking for a platform that cares about the environment, Spoonflower could be it.

It Uses Quality Materials

In addition to its sustainability efforts, Spoonflower also uses top-notch materials to produce their fabric and wallpapers. As a serious artist or designer, you probably want your customers to have a positive experience when they order your work, so using quality materials is important. You don't have to worry about that when you sell on Spoonflower because they make sure their fabric is durable and high-quality, ensuring your customers get the best possible product.

Pro Membership

Finally, the last benefit of using Spoonflower is their Pro Membership, which offers exclusive discounts and free standard shipping. This could be a great way to save money if you plan to create a dropshipping business or sell your fabrics on your own website too. I don't currently have a Pro membership, so I can't speak to the details, but I have heard great things about people who have successfully integrated this system into their Etsy store, e-commerce business or website.

So there you have it - a few of the reasons why I think selling on Spoonflower could be a great option for you. With its commission structure, licensing opportunities, quality materials and sustainability commitment, Spoonflower has much to offer. So if you are ready to start selling your own designs, let's dive into some tips to get you started.

Tips for Success On Spoonflower

If you have made it this far, you are probably rearing to start designing fabric and start selling your art on Spoonflower. To give you a bit of a head start, I have compiled some tips and tricks I've picked up during the last year to help you get more sales on the platform.

Know Your Target Market

I have spoken at length before about how important finding your niche is as a surface pattern designer, and it is no different when selling on Spoonflower. It is worth taking the time to understand who your target market is and what type of surface pattern design that they will be looking for so you can tailor your designs, tags and descriptions accordingly. This will help you create a more focused collection that has a higher chance of success. If you fall into the trap of creating blindly, it is quite easy to lose focus, dilute your brand or create designs that no one is searching for - we have all done it, trust me. It is a painful waste of time, and it can be avoided! I even created a free workbook that can help you narrow down your target customer, so you can skip the learning curve and get straight to creating for your ideal customer avatar.

Action Points:

• Know your market: Tailor your designs, tags, and descriptions to your ideal customer on Spoonflower.
• Use the free workbook: Get the free workbook to help you understand your audience and create designs that resonate with them.
• Avoid creating blindly: Take the time to understand your target market to create designs that are more likely to sell.

Keep The Final Product In Mind When You Design

When creating designs for Spoonflower, it is important to keep the final product in mind. This means taking into account how the fabric or wallpaper will be used. For example, if you think about wallpaper, you immediately think about decorating walls, but there are some crafty wizards out there who use it to line drawers, make notebook covers, and even lampshades!

If you do the work and figure out what your ideal customer is looking for, comes October, for example, you should be able to think about whether your ideal customer will need spookily cute Halloween wallpaper to make party decor for their kids or if they are more likely to be looking to cosy up their livingroom with some luxurious fall aesthetic velvet curtains.

Action Points:

• Design with use in mind: Consider how the fabric or wallpaper will be used when designing your patterns for Spoonflower.
• Get creative: Think beyond the obvious use of the product and explore creative ways in which your customers can utilize it.
• Cater to your market: Identify the needs and preferences of your target market and design patterns that cater to those specific needs.
• Stay on trend: Keep both evergreen, seasonal and holiday trends in mind and design patterns that align with them.

Think About Color

I cannot stress enough how important a role colour plays in the success of your designs. The right combination of colours can make even the simplest surface pattern design stand out, while the wrong ones might cause confusion or make the most beautiful design look unappealing. All surface pattern designers can benefit from understanding, at the very least, the basics of color theory, as it is a key element of what makes a repeating pattern looks professional and well thought out.

When it comes to selling designs on Spoonflower, uploading multiple color versions of your popular designs can be a great way to maximize your sales and reach. This is because the more options you provide for customers, the easier it is for them to find something that fits their needs. I like to upload one of my designs in at least 3 colour variations, but I have heard great things from designers who upload up to 10 different colorways for their best sellers.

Action Points:

• Learn color theory: Understand the basics of color theory to make informed choices when creating your surface pattern designs for Spoonflower.
• Use color strategically: The right combination of colors can make even a simple design stand out, so use color strategically to make your designs more appealing to potential customers.
• Offer multiple color options: Uploading multiple color variations of your designs can increase your chances of making a sale by providing customers with more options to choose from.

Brand Your Shop

There is no way around it, we like pretty things, and when it comes to spending money, we want to spend it on great quality products in shops we trust. Would you buy something in a back alley store from a faceless seller? Probably not! So, branding your Spoonflower shop is important to build trust and show that you are fully invested and believe in your own designs.

Branding, in broad terms, means creating a cohesive look and feeling for your shop that helps customers identify it quickly and recognize your work. Remember that customers are always looking for something they can relate to, so make sure your shop reflects who you are and what type of design you produce.

Branding yourself can be time-consuming and scary, but it is time well spent, and you should not be afraid to put your name out there. It isn’t “show offish” - people genuinely want to meet the artist behind the designs they love.

Branding For Fun and Profit

Now if the idea of going back to the drawing board to design banners and logos makes your stomach churn - I feel you, but hear me out for a moment.

Good branding is so powerful it can change how we feel about a product, how much we value it, and even how much we enjoy it! Cue the famous wine experiment where participants were given three bottles of wine to taste, one cheap, one medium price, and a fancy-looking premium one. While tasting the wines, the participants were told the prices of each bottle, and when asked to rate the wines in terms of taste, their answers were heavily influenced by the price and look of the bottle - the fancy wine tasted better. The plot twist? All three were actually the same wine! So the moral of the story here is, make sure you are the fanciest wine bottle in the room, and your shop (and your customers) will see the benefits.

This doesn't mean you have to look like a posh brand. If you dream of licensing your surface pattern designs on baby clothes, you don't need to make your shop look like a high-end fashion boutique. It can simply look like an adorable kids’ corner full of fun and colourful illustrations. The point is to make sure you visually connect to the right people who appreciate what you do and clearly communicate your vision and value to them.

Action Points:

• Create a cohesive shop design: Make sure your Spoonflower shop looks consistent and reflects your personal style and design aesthetic.
• Include your name or logo: Including your name or brand logo in your shop can help build trust with customers and make your brand more memorable.
• Cater to your target market: Consider the needs and preferences of your target market when branding your shop, but also showcase your unique personality and design style.
• Invest in good branding: Good branding can enhance the perceived value and quality of your products, so put effort into creating a memorable and appealing brand for your Spoonflower shop.

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to selling on Spoonflower, quality over quantity is always a great rule of thumb. After getting my first few sales, I made the mistake of posting a few "common" simple designs for the sake of having more designs in my shop - I liked seeing the “designs for sale” number go up, but alas, long story short, they didn't sell at all.

Sure, it might be tempting to upload as many designs as possible in the hopes that one or two will become best sellers, but realistically this tactic won't get you far if you don't do so strategically.

People come to Spoonflower to find what they can't buy in a conventional store, so posting 100 different colours of simple polka dots is not going to make your shop attractive. Instead, stick to a posting strategy that covers your target market's needs and seasonal and evergreen trends that are harder to find anywhere else.

Action Points:

• Focus on quality designs: Create designs that cater to your target market's needs and seasonal trends, rather than posting common designs for the sake of having more products in your shop.
• Offer unique designs: Stand out by offering unique designs that customers can't find in conventional stores.

Offer Different Scales Of Your Designs

I had a few designs that I was proud of, yet none sold for months until someone kindly asked me to upload a pattern in a new size. Once the altered pattern went up, it became an instant hit! This opened my eyes to the fact that people might like a design but could be looking to purchase it in different sizes or colors.

To save yourself from missing out on potential sales, create scale variations of your best sellers. For example, if you are designing fabric for quilting, the scale of the pattern will be very different from the same design on a roll of wallpaper. Since Spoonflower also offers a wide range of home decor products going from tiny napkins to bedding and tablecloths, it is worth uploading multiscale versions of your designs so they can be used in different projects.

Action Points:

• Create variations: Create different scales and color variations of your designs to cater to customers who may be looking for a different color palette or different use for your design.
• Upload multiscale sizes: Upload multiscale sizes of your designs to cater to a wide range of Spoonflower's home decor products, from tiny napkins to bedding and tablecloths.

Getting Your First Sale

"It took me 34 days from ordering my first fabric swatches to getting my first sale on Spoonflower."

Alright, now we have covered all the basics for branding your shop and of course making sure you have quality designs. The only thing left is to get that first sale!

Maybe you have heard stories of people who uploaded their designs on Spoonflower and only got crickets. Maybe it even happened to you - If so, I am really sorry you had to go through that. I know how demotivating and upsetting it can feel - I have been building passive income from my art for over a decade, and I know how hard it is at the beginning when you put in so much effort and don't get any revenue back.

To help you make sure this doesn't happen to you and that you can start selling as soon as possible, here are some valuable tips that can help you skip or troubleshoot the cricket orchestra.

Build It (Tailored To Them) And They Will Come

Art can be quite self-indulging. We start the creative journey by making things we love because it makes us feel happy, but to turn your art into a reliable source of income, (especially with a commercial art form like surface pattern design), you have to think about it as a service you do to others - Michelangelo didn't paint the Sistine Chapel because he loved painting the heavens, he did it because the Pope paid good money for heavens, I doubt he would have got hired at the time if he insisted in only painting rainbow cat portraits (although that would have been spectacular).

The truth is that plenty of people are surfing the internet right now, ready to purchase something from you, but if you aren't selling what they need, they won't find you.

Define Your Target Market

First and foremost, it is vital to make sure that you are designing for your target market. This might sound obvious, but do you actually know who your ideal customer is? If not, it's time to do some market research and define the person behind the profile.

What I am trying to say is that it is essential to research your target market and make sure you are creating designs tailored to them. Gather some insights on what they need, what they are looking for, and what trends they prefer in art, fashion, interior design, and so on - Then make sure you have pattern designs that fit those needs.

If that sounds daunting, don't worry - I wrote a big blog post to help you figure out your art niche in a way that is authentic to you and what you love while still being hugely profitable.

Join Weekly Design Challe To Gain Momentum

A great way to get your designs seen and gain momentum for your shop is by joining and participating in weekly design challenges. Spoonflower hosts a challenge every week, and they usually revolve around a certain theme or color which is trending. So if you are still unsure about your target market, joining the challenges is a pretty good way to start creating popular designs.

Another perk is that if your design is in the top 20, you can also make it available for purchase without having to order any swatches. I have had the luck to win third place in one of the challenges with my Witchy Things pattern, and it became a really popular design in my shop, but most of the designs I have enrolled in the challenges had considerably better sales on average.

Patience Is The Virtue Of The Strong (And Successful!)

Now for the big question: How long does it take to make your first sale? How long it takes will depend on a number of factors:

1. Are you posting your best work?

2. Are your designs targeted to your ideal client?

3. Are your tags optimised to reach your clients?

4. Are your patterns the correct scale for their purpose?

5. Does your shop properly branded and looks trustworthy?

6. Do you have enough patterns for sale to test the market?

It took me 34 days from ordering my first fabric swatches to getting my first sale on Spoonflower. I wasn't sure if I wanted to commit yet at the time, so I ordered 60 swatches and went on with life as usual for a bit to see what would happen. Nothing happened… until it did!

Once I started getting some orders, I took it as "proof" and began uploading more designs regularly. Now, at the time of writing this blog post, my shop is just shy of 400 designs and is making sales daily.

Now 34 days can sound either painfully slow or pretty fast, depending on your perspective, but the truth is that it takes time, strategy and patience to establish a successful shop.

If you already have a shop and you are past the 30-day mark - don't give up just yet! Perhaps you just need a bit more time, maybe tweak a few things, or if you feel like your brand might need a bit of help, you could go over the art niche builder guide on my blog to give you a new perspective on what kind of surface design you could offer.

Moving Forward

We got to the end of the blog post, but this isn't goodbye. I plan to keep you updated on my journey every few weeks, so join my newsletter to stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to set up a successful shop with Spoonflower.

In the meantime, remember that you don't have to be perfect in order to start - You just have to show up! I know firsthand how frustrating and confusing setting up a print-on-demand shop can be in the beginning, but I'm here to tell you that you can do it and that it's all worth it in the end.

Keep in mind that every top seller on Spoonflower was once in your shoes. They faced similar struggles and setbacks but didn't let that stop them. Instead, they persevered, learned from their mistakes and kept pushing forward.

So, don't let fear hold you back. Embrace the journey, celebrate your wins, and learn from your losses. Remember that every small step you take towards your goal brings you closer to success.

And if you ever feel discouraged or stuck, know that you're not alone and that you will make it if you stick to it.

Above all, keep showing up and putting your heart into it. The more you create, the more you learn, and the closer you get to your dreams. So keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing your unique gifts with the world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more tips and insights with you soon.

Before we get down the rabbit hole, here is the short answer:

The short answer is no. You don't need social media as an artist. In fact, some of the most successful artists out there don't even have social media accounts. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be on social media.

The truth is that there is no universal answer, but there is an answer perfect for your situation! Depending on what your goals as a creative are, social media can be a great way to connect with your fans and build your brand. Plus, having an online presence will also give you the advantage of showing up as a human being, which with the current climate of AI-generated art, is more important than ever.

Likewise, if you prefer to be your own boss and take full control of your creative career instead of working as an in-office artist, you might need to at least dip your toes in the social media waters.

Now that that’s out of the way, we can discuss both the pros and cons of being on social media as an artist, how to be successful without it, and help you decide whether or not you want to take the plunge. Let’s get started!

WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA, AND HOW CAN IT BE USED BY ARTISTS

For us artists, social media is crucial for promoting our work, connecting with potential collaborators and fans, and staying updated on current industry trends. But not all of us love the process of posting and interacting on social media platforms. We can feel overwhelmed with the constant pressure of keeping up with our posts and always looking presentable and happy. Especially when art already takes up so much of our time and energy to make.

I personally struggled with overcoming the fear of posting my art online at first, and after having a health scare, I had to take a step back and re-assess my social media strategy so that it wouldn’t take such a huge chunk of my time and energy.

So, I stopped thinking of it as an extra chore and instead found ways to make the experience more enjoyable. What worked for me was to broaden my perspective - when we hear the word social media, we tend to think about big platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, but I like to think of social media as ANY online platform where users can create and share content, interact with others, and access news and information. This approach opens up a ton of new possibilities for what kind of content you can create and where to post it, such as forums-style platforms like DeviantArt and Reddit, Discord groups, or even blogging.

From my experience, I believe these "alternative" platforms can give you better results and offer a more intimate way to connect with your audience, something that larger social media sites don't always provide. So, if you don't enjoy creating content for big platforms such as Instagram, many other options are available that match your creative style and fit into your own life and schedule - you just have to find the right one.

THE PROS OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST

Let's face it most artists have something to share with the world. Whether you're a musician, painter, surface pattern designer, or sculptor, social media is a great and free way to share your work with a global audience. With over 4.70 billion active social media users worldwide, the potential reach of your work is virtually limitless. Gone are the days when artists relied on expensive marketing campaigns or gallery representation to get people to see their work. Nowadays, social media is free and allows you to bypass these traditional channels and reach your audience directly.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Another great thing about social media is that it levels the playing field for artists. No matter your budget or location, you can have a presence on social media and build a following for your work. All you need is a phone or laptop and an internet connection. This democratization of the art world has led to the rise of many successful independent artists from all walks of life. And the best part is that anyone can get started - all it takes is some dedication, a clear vision for your art business, and consistency.

YOUR PEOPLE ARE ONLINE TOO

Additionally, social media is a great way to connect and build meaningful relationships with other artists and potential collaborators. Platforms like Twitter and Discord offer great opportunities to network with other creatives in your field. You can also use social media to connect with art buyers and collectors who might be interested in purchasing your work.

THE ALGORITHM - YEP, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

Love it or hate it, ultimately, it is the algorithm's job to put the right content in front of people who want to see it and resonate with your artwork or message. Imagine it as having a personal assistant whose only job is to make sure your art is in front of the right eyeballs. Which means that, thanks to the power of algorithms, if you create high-quality content consistently, there's a good chance it will be seen by a larger targeted audience, which could lead to new opportunities for your career and more art sales.

IT BUILDS YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Another huge benefit of using social media as an artist is that it allows you to build your personal brand. In today's digital age, personal branding is essential for any creative looking to build a successful career.

By sharing your work on social media, you can control how the world perceives you and your work. You can use social media to share your story, connect with your target market and audience on a personal level, and position yourself as an authority in your field.

IT FUTURE-PROOFS YOUR ART CAREER AGAINST AI

In the age of ever-evolving technology, it's more important than ever for artists to future-proof their art business by utilizing social media. With the rise of AI, many jobs that once required human interaction are now being performed by robots or algorithms. Until recently, we thought art was one field that would resist automation. However, that is no longer the case with the advent of AI-created art. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it's important for you to use social media to showcase your personality, process and overall human-ness. By doing so, you can create a meaningful connection with your audience that can't be replicated by a machine.

PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE THEY KNOW, LIKE, AND TRUST

If you want to sell your art online, you must show up and build a rapport with potential buyers. At the end of the day, people want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Having a strong social media presence is a great way for artists to build genuine relationships with their audience. Being online gives you the ability to show the world who you are as a person, not just an artist. You can also help others by sharing your story, knowledge and values - when your audience feels like you have got their backs, they'll be more likely to support your art career in return.

THE CONS OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST

There's no doubt that social media has its fair share of advantages for artists. However, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of before diving headfirst into the world of online promotion. You might already have encountered some of these challenges yourself, but here's a rundown of the most common cons of using social media as an artist.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A TIME SUCK

The first con is that social media can be a huge time suck. If you're not careful, you can easily find yourself spending hours upon hours working on a single post which the algorithm will toss into the void after only a couple of hours. This can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement, which can turn into creative block and imposter syndrome.

The solution to this problem is to be strategic about your social media use. Build the habit of setting a timer each week to work on creating one high-quality evergreen post per week. Evergreen content such as blog posts, YouTube videos, or Pinterest pins are great examples of content that you can create once and will continue to bring in now followers and sales long after you hit publish. This strategy will help prevent you from getting burnt out and ensure that you're creating content your audience will see.

THE COMPARISON GAME

Another downside of social media is that it can be a breeding ground for comparison. When you're constantly bombarded with images of other artists' perfectly curated feeds, it's easy to compare your work to the seemingly perfect lives and careers of others. It's important to remember that what you see on social media is often only a highlight reel and that people only share the best parts of their lives. Don't compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else's red carpet.

YOU'RE ONE IN A MILLION

As an artist, it's easy to feel like you're just one in a million, competing against a never-ending sea of talent. And while it's true that the art world can be competitive, it's important to remember that you are one in a million - in the best way possible. Your unique perspective and voice are what sets you apart from everyone else. So, don't let comparison or competition get in the way of you sharing your work with the world.

YOU ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE ALGORITHM

Another downside of using social media as an artist is that you are completely at the mercy of the algorithm. The algorithms used by social media platforms determine what content is shown to which users, and there is often little transparency about how these algorithms work. This can be frustrating for artists who feel like their work is not being seen by as many people as it should be.

And social media algorithms can frequently change, meaning that what works one day may not work the next. This can be particularly frustrating for artists who have built a following on a particular platform only to see their reach, followers and engagement decrease due to algorithm changes.

THE QUALITY OF YOUR ART MIGHT SUFFER

Another aspect of being a slave to the algorithms is that they dictate how much output you have to produce as an artist in order to stay relevant and visible. This can lead to pressure to constantly create new content, which can be overwhelming and may ultimately affect the quality of your art. It's important to remember that it's okay to take breaks and focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity of content you produce.

Also, the pressure to constantly create and share new content can lead to a fear of experimentation or trying new things. You may feel like you have to stick to a certain style or subject matter in order to appeal to a broader audience and maintain your social media presence instead of focusing on finding a profitable art niche you love. This can be stifling for your creativity and may ultimately lead to burnout.

It's important to remember that as an artist, your work should come first. Don't let the pressures of social media dictate the direction of your art. It's okay to take breaks and experiment with new ideas, even if it means that your social media presence may suffer temporarily. In the end, the most important thing is to stay true to your artistic vision and create work that is authentic and meaningful to you.

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

While social media can be a valuable tool for promoting your art and connecting with others in the industry, it's not the only way to succeed as an artist. Many successful artists have no social media presence at all, and they have found other ways to showcase their work and build successful careers. If you prefer to avoid social media or are simply looking for alternative ways to promote your art, here are a few strategies you might consider:

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

One key to being a successful artist without social media is to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity of content you produce. It's okay to take breaks and focus on creating a small number of high-quality pieces rather than constantly churning out new work. This will not only allow you to put your best foot forward and showcase your talent, but it will also help you avoid burnout.

GO OUT INTO THE REAL WORLD

Another way to succeed as an artist without social media is to get out into the real world and connect with people in person. This might mean exhibiting your work in galleries, participating in art fairs, or maybe even setting up a booth at local events. These in-person connections can be more meaningful and rewarding than virtual ones, and they can also lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Another key to success as an artist without social media is to get involved in your local art community. This might mean joining an artist group, volunteering at a local museum or gallery, or participating in community art projects. Being an active member of your community can help you build connections and showcase your work to a wider audience.

COLLABORATE WITH OTHER ARTISTS

Collaborating with other artists can also be a great way to build your career without social media. This can be a great way to learn from others, create new work, and reach a wider audience. Collaborations can take many forms, from working on joint projects to sharing resources and knowledge.

SELL YOUR ART LOCALLY

Finally, don't forget the power of local sales. While social media can be a great way to reach a global audience, selling your art locally can be just as rewarding. This might mean setting up a booth at a local fair or market, selling your work at a local shop or gallery, or even offering commissioned pieces to local collectors. By focusing on your local community, you can build relationships and a loyal customer base that will support your art career.

WORKING AS AN IN-STUDIO ARTIST FOR COMPANIES

If you love the idea of being an artist but prefer the stability and support of working in a studio, there are still options available to you. Many artists have no social media presence at all but are very well known in the industry and have no problem landing what to many people would be dream jobs. However, you may have to be willing to relocate in order to find these opportunities.

As an in-studio artist for a company, social media can still be a valuable tool for building your personal brand and connecting with potential clients, friends and collaborators. However, it's important to remember that your social media and website presence should align with the values and goals of the company you work for. Be sure to follow any guidelines or policies the company has in place for social media use, and be mindful of how your online presence might reflect on the company.

THE BOTTOM LINE: SHOULD YOU BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ARTIST?

There is no easy answer to this question. It really depends on your goals. Some artists find social media to be a valuable tool for promoting their work and connecting with their audience, while others prefer to focus on more traditional methods of marketing and networking.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and your art. If social media feels like a chore or hindrance to your creativity, it might be worth considering alternative methods of marketing and promoting your work. On the other hand, if you enjoy using social media and find it helpful for reaching your audience and building your brand, then by all means, go for it!

It's also important to remember that social media is just one aspect of being an artist. There are countless other ways to share your work with the world and build a successful career.

Whether you choose to use social media or not, the most important thing is to stay true to your artistic vision and work consistently towards your goals. With dedication and consistency, you can succeed as an artist no matter what medium or path you choose.

Save this post for later:

FAQ:

Q: Do I have to be on social media as an artist?

A: No, you do not have to be on social media as an artist. Some of the most successful artists do not have social media accounts. However, social media can be a helpful tool for promoting your work and connecting with your audience, so it's worth considering if you feel it would be beneficial to your career.

Q: Is social media the only way to succeed as an artist?

A: No, there are many other ways to succeed as an artist besides social media. Some artists find success through working for companies, exhibiting their work in galleries, participating in art fairs, using traditional marketing techniques, or selling their work locally. It's important to find what works best for you and your art.

Q: Can I be successful as an artist without social media if I'm an in-studio artist for a company?

A: Yes, it is possible to be successful as an artist without social media, even if you work as an in-studio artist for a company. While social media can be a helpful tool for building your personal brand and connecting with potential clients, it's important to remember to follow any guidelines or policies that the company has in place for social media use. Focus on building a strong working relationship with the company and communicating effectively, and you can succeed as an in-studio artist while still maintaining your creative vision.

Q: What are the benefits of using social media as an artist?

A: There are several benefits to using social media as an artist. It can help you promote your work to a global audience, connect with potential collaborators, friends and fans, and stay updated on industry trends. Social media also allows you to bypass traditional channels and reach your audience directly, which can be particularly useful for independent artists.

Q: Are there any risks associated with using social media for artists?

A: There are a few risks associated with using social media as an artist. One risk is that you are at the mercy of the algorithms used by social media platforms, which can determine what content is shown to which users. This can be frustrating if you feel like your work is not being seen by as many people as it should be. Additionally, social media algorithms can change frequently, which can affect the reach and engagement of your content. There is also the risk of negative feedback or criticism from online trolls, which can be damaging to your mental health. It's important to be mindful of these risks and find ways to protect your mental health while using social media.

Q. How can I use social media to promote my art?

A: There are many ways to use social media to promote your art. Some strategies you can try include:

• Posting updates and images of your work on your social media accounts.

• Using hashtags relevant to your art and industry to reach a wider audience.

• Interacting with other artists and industry professionals on social media to build relationships and collaborate.

• Participating in social media challenges or events related to your art.

• Utilizing paid promotions or sponsored posts to reach a larger audience.

Q: Are there other methods of promoting my artwork besides social networks?

A: Yes, there are many other methods of promoting your artwork besides social media. Some options you might consider to sell art on include:

• Exhibiting your work in galleries or art fairs.

• Selling your work locally, through a physical storefront or online marketplace.

• Participating in community art projects or events.

• Offering commissioned pieces to collectors or art buyers.

• Creating a website or blog to showcase your work and share updates with your audience.

Q: How do I stay true to my artistic vision while using social media?

A: To stay true to your artistic vision while using social media, it's important to be authentic and genuine in your online presence. Don't try to fit into a certain mould or follow trends just to gain followers. Instead, focus on creating content that reflects your values and artistic vision. It's also important to be mindful of the types of projects or collaborations you take on and make sure they align with your artistic goals. Finally, don't be afraid to take breaks from social media if you start to feel burnt out or like it's impacting your creativity negatively

As artists and content creators, we all know the importance of constantly learning and growing in our craft.

But let’s be honest, as much as I wish I could tell you otherwise, making beautiful art or valuable content is only one side of the coin in this field. Honing your creative skills is not enough. Making it in a creative field is a constant balance of obtaining new skills, mastering your craft and, somehow, finding a way to keep a positive mindset through the ups and downs of being a creative.

So what can we do to help us keep this balance? I have personally found that reading has helped me learn new skills, expand my perspective, and even maintain my sanity during challenging times in my creative career.

Books have been a constant companion, and I have accumulated a perhaps unhealthy amount of them. Over the years, some of these books stood out over the rest, so today, I want to share with you some of my top non-art books that every working artist should read.

Whether you're looking to improve your productivity, cultivate better habits, or turn your creative pursuits into a business, these books might have what you need to help you take the next step. So if you're looking to level up your skills as a content creator and build better habits, give these books a try and see how they can help you grow and thrive in your craft.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This novel is a beautiful reminder of the importance of following our dreams and passions, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. It's a great read for artists who may be feeling a little lost or unsure about their path. This heartwarming tale of self-discovery is a great reminder to always follow our hearts and chase our dreams, no matter what obstacles come our way.

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

As artists, it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others or feeling like our work is never good enough. This book is all about the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in our lives, and will remind you to embrace your unique voice and perspective as an artist. This book is all about the power of vulnerability and authenticity in our lives and relationships, and encourages us to embrace our flaws and imperfections, and to be courageous in sharing our true selves with the world. This is a must-read for artists who struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome.

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

If you're feeling overwhelmed and like you're constantly juggling multiple projects and tasks, this book is for you. It teaches you the power of focusing on just one thing at a time and helps you prioritize your workload. By learning to focus on the one thing that matters most, we can achieve greater success and fulfilment in our lives. This book is a great resource for artists who struggle with productivity or finding the time to work on their craft. It will challenge you to narrow your focus on just your “One Thing”, which for those with a creative mind, can be the most challenging task of all.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book is all about the power of small, incremental changes in our lives, and how they can lead to big results. It's a great read for artists who are looking to build new habits or break old ones in order to improve their work and productivity.

If you are looking to nurture your skills as a content creator and build better habits, then you might want to check out my other blog post on how to stay motivated and productive with  Atomic Habits for Creatives, where I share how applying the book’s teachings drastically changed how I approach my creative work.

The book discusses how small shifts in your routine over time can help you become more productive and successful. So if you're feeling stuck into the procrastination quicksands or struggle to get a consistent practice going, this is a must-read!

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

This book is all about the concept of "flow," which is that state of complete immersion in an activity that leads to optimal performance. Like when you are so immersed in your work that you forget to eat or sleep - although that might be the extreme version of flow. As creatives, it's important to find ways to get into that "flow" state as often as possible, and this book will give you valuable insights on how to do that. Whether you're working on a painting, writing a screenplay, or composing music, this book will give you valuable strategies to get into the zone and stay there.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Whether you're a freelancer or part of a team, this book will teach you valuable habits that will help you manage your time, set goals, and communicate more effectively with others. As artists, it's important to have strong time management and communication skills, and this book will give you the tools to develop them. This classic book has helped millions of people become more effective and successful in their lives, although if you decide to pick this book up, be warned, it is going to be a long ( and a bit outdated ) read.

Launch by Jeff Walker

If you're an artist who is looking to turn your creative pursuits into a business, this book is a must-read. It takes you step by step through the process of creating and launching a successful product or service, and is filled with practical tips and strategies. Whether you're an artist looking to sell your work online, or start a creative business from scratch, this book will give you the tools you need to

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

This book is fun, geeky and actionable! It is all about the ways in which our brains often make irrational decisions, and how we can learn to make better choices.

By learning more about how our brains work, we can make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. This book is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which our brains often make irrational decisions, and is a great resource for artists who want to understand the psychology behind consumer behaviour and make better choices in their work and marketing.

Deep Work by Cal Newport

This book had a huge effect on how I structure my work day. Before reading this book, I often found myself feeling overwhelmed and unproductive because my focus was so scattered across too many tasks. Reading Deep work helped me address my scheduling mistakes and lifted a huge cloud of stress from my workday. The concepts in this book are simple but powerful. It explains why it can be hard to find time to focus and how we can really sink into our work. This book is all about the importance of "deep work" (i.e., intense focus on a single task) and how to create enough discipline to do it regularly. As artists, it's important to find ways to stay focused and immersed in our work - to get into the flow, and this book will give you valuable strategies to do just that.

Getting Things Done by David Allen

If you're struggling to stay organized and productive, this book is for you. It teaches you valuable time management and productivity strategies that will help you get more done in less time. This classic book is all about streamlining your workflow and staying organized, and is a must-read for anyone looking to increase their productivity and tame procrastination.

Whether you're an artist with a full plate of projects and tasks, or just looking to be more efficient and effective, this book has something for you. By learning to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks, you can get more done in less time and feel more in control of your work.

So there you have it, ten non-art books every working artist should read. I hope you'll give them a chance and see how they can help you become more effective and successful in your creative pursuits and perhaps help you never get stuck into the quicksand again. Happy reading!

Do you have any book suggestions to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

So, to help you stay motivated and on track with your goals, I've put together some tips that have helped me stay focused.

Set Goals The Right Way

One of the most important steps in staying motivated and achieving your goals is setting them up for success from the start. Be specific about what you want to accomplish, break it down into manageable pieces, and set short-term deadlines for yourself along the way. Setting achievable goals can help prevent burnout or disappointment if things don’t go as planned.

Pick Your One Thing

It can be tempting to take on a lot of projects at once, but it’s best to focus your energy and attention on one thing at a time. Pick the project that is most important to you and prioritize it over all the rest. That way, when things get tough, you’re more likely to stay focused and motivated.

In The One Thing, authors Gary Keller and Jay Papasan argue that the key to success in any area of your life is to identify and focus on the "one thing" that will have the biggest impact. They suggest that by focusing on one thing at a time, you can eliminate distractions and make the most of your time and energy.

According to the authors, the "one thing" is the most important task or project you should work on at any given time. It might be a long-term goal or a short-term priority, but the key is to identify what it is and make it a priority.

To find your "one thing," the book suggests asking yourself the following question: "What is the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" By answering this question, you can identify the task or project that will have the greatest impact on your success and focus your efforts on it. This can help you eliminate distractions and make the most of your time and energy.

Set Goals That Will Help You Grow

Think about what type of growth you want to see in yourself this year. Maybe it's mastering a new skill, starting a blog or business, or just reading more books. Whatever your goal is, make sure it's something that will push you out of your comfort zone and help you reach the next level.

Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals not only helps you to focus on what's important, but it also keeps you accountable for taking action. Put your goals somewhere you'll see them every day, like a vision board or list near your desk.

Break Your Big Goals Into Tasks

Start by writing down your major goals for the year, and then break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to improve your art skills, create a list of things you need to do: take classes, watch tutorials, practice a certain amount of time each week, etc. This will help make it easier for you to take action instead of getting overwhelmed by the big goal.

Measure Your Progress

In order to stay motivated, it’s important to track your progress. Having something tangible to look at can help you stay on task and focused on the end goal. You can use a simple spreadsheet or journal to track how much time you have invested your project, any milestones you’ve achieved, and what your next step is.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I have written a lot in the past about goal setting for artists and creatives.

Plan Ahead And Be Flexible

One of the most important tips for staying motivated is to plan ahead and know when to be flexible. Set a schedule for yourself and plan out what tasks you need to accomplish each week. But also be aware that things won’t always go as planned, so be prepared to adjust your plans if needed.

Set a Schedule

Now that you have broken your goals down into tasks, set up a schedule to help keep yourself on track. This could include setting aside specific days of the week to work on certain projects or tasks or even hourly blocks of time throughout the day in which you can focus on a specific task. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're making progress toward your goals.

Take Breaks

It's easy to get overwhelmed when working on a big project or goal, but taking regular breaks can help boost your motivation and creativity. Taking a few minutes to step away from the project can help clear your head and give you a fresh perspective when coming back to it. If you're feeling burnt out, be sure to check out our blog post on 'Conquering Burnout as a Creative Entrepreneur' for tips on how to stay energized and avoid burnout.

Adapt To Your Circumstances

If you find yourself struggling to stay motivated, take a step back and assess your situation. Things like stress, fatigue, or other commitments can interfere with your ability to stay focused on your goals. Adapting your plans and expectations to fit your current circumstances can help you maintain momentum without burning out.

First and Foremost, Be Kind To Yourself

The most important thing to remember is that life happens. Be kind to yourself, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t accomplish everything on your list. Celebrate even the smallest successes along the way, and know it’s okay to adjust your goals as needed.

Make the Journey Its Own Reward

At the end of the day, it's not about reaching a certain goal or achieving a certain result but rather about enjoying the journey. Focus on creating a workflow you enjoy and designing your new habits in a sustainable and fun way. After all, you will have to keep up with them for a long time, so make sure you're designing a new lifestyle where you're not just surviving but also thriving every step of the way.

For more tips on how to develop healthy, productive habits as a creative, be sure to check out my blog post on Atomic Habits for Creatives.

Find Inspiration

When it comes to creativity, inspiration is key; however, finding it can be difficult. That's why it's important to set aside some time each week for activities that spark creativity and motivation. This could include anything from walking in nature to reading a book, watching a movie or listening to your favourite podcast. In The Artist's Way, author Julia Cameron also suggests a daily practice called 'morning pages,' which involves writing three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing first thing in the morning to help clear the mind and uncover hidden feelings and ideas. Cameron also recommends taking weekly 'artist dates,' which are solo outings or activities that are specifically designed to feed the artist's soul and stimulate creativity. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can create more opportunities for inspiration and keep your creativity and motivation fueled.

Tiny note here in case you are considering picking up this book: The Artist’s Way is definitely not a book for everyone as it gets quite spiritual, I am not a spiritual person, but I have found it quite helpful and therapeutic as the author’s background as a counsellor shines through all the universe talk.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

As an introvert, I know this piece of advice can feel especially difficult to hear. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and surround yourself with people, especially when you're used to working alone or in small groups. However, having supportive people in your life can be incredibly motivating and make all the difference, especially when things get tough. It might mean joining a mastermind group or online community of other creatives or simply finding a few close friends who can act as your cheerleaders. Don't underestimate the power of a good support system, and try to find ways to connect with others who will encourage you to keep striving for your goals.

So, if you want to make this year your best one yet, it's important to set clear goals and establish the right habits. It can be tough to stay motivated, and on track, but with a solid plan in place and a positive outlook, you can make real progress towards achieving your dreams.

To get started, take some time to think about what you want to accomplish this year and break it down into smaller tasks. Set a schedule for yourself, and make sure to take regular breaks to stay energized. Don't forget to be kind to yourself along the way and find inspiration wherever you can. It's also a good idea to surround yourself with positive people who will support your growth. By following these steps, you can make this year your best one yet!

If you're anything like me, and you love to be creative and express yourself through your art, or if you want to make art full-time, you probably have heard how vital consistent practice is. But also, if you are anything like me, you know that it can be tough to stay motivated to do something consistently, even if it is something you love doing.

I used to struggle with this a lot, and I still do sometimes, but over the years, through experimenting and reading books from people who are much more disciplined than I am, I have found some things that help me to stay on track.

One of the most impactful things I have done is to read the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. In the book, he talks about how small changes in our habits can lead to significant results over time. He also talks about how our environment and the people around us play a huge role in our habits and how to change them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with motivation or consistency or wants to learn more about how habits work and how to change them.

But if you're not ready to read the book just yet, here is a summary of my 5 favourite strategies from the book Atomic Habits that have helped me to stay motivated and productive as an artist:

• Build Systems - forget Goals.

• Implement the 2-minute rule.

• Lookout for Decisive Moments.

• Create a Ritual.

• Standardise before you optimise.

• Plus, 1 bonus tip I will share with you at the end of this blog post.

Why Do We Need Strategies?

As a creative person, You probably have good intentions of creating every day, but then something comes up, or you don't feel inspired, and you miss a day or two, and then before you know it, a week (or a year!) has gone by, and you haven't created anything. So you start doubting yourself, wondering if you're really cut out for this creative life, and you begin to get discouraged or even think of giving up altogether.

Falling into the procrastination spiral happens because excitement and motivation are unreliable energy sources. They come and go, so you need to find something else to sustain you during the tough times. And that is why having a strategy like a daily habit or ritual you look forward to is so important. It will help you stay consistent no matter your mood or how your day is going, and it will get you through the days when you feel unmotivated or creatively blocked.

Once you start developing a habit for your creative work, your life will become more organised and structured. You'll be able to focus more on your projects and get them done more efficiently.

Plus, you'll start to see constant improvement in your skills and be able to produce better pieces of work. Lastly, you'll have more fun and enjoyment when doing it because you'll know that you're taking small steps forward every day.

This doesn't mean we have to force ourselves to always be in crunch mode and never take a break. It's essential to find a balance that allows us to have the output we need to achieve our goals while also enjoying the process and taking care of ourselves.

There will always be moments when we feel like we can't or don't want to create, but if we have a system or ritual in place, it'll be much easier to push through those moments and come out on the other side feeling accomplished and proud of ourselves without feeling overworked or overwhelmed.

Now let's dive into each strategy in more detail.

Build Systems Forget Goals

The first strategy is to build a system, not a goal. Not setting goals might sound counterintuitive because usually when we want to be consistent with something is because we have a goal in mind, like quitting your job and make art full-time or starting a YouTube channel, for example.

And while setting goals can be helpful, I have found that it is much more effective to build a system when it comes to creative endeavours. A system is something you can follow even when you don't feel inspired because it is not dependent on your mood or how you feel in the moment, but it becomes a habit that you can do on autopilot.

So over the years, I have been working as an artist. I developed a set workflow I go through every time I create a new illustration, which takes me all the way from brainstorming to the finished product. So even if I am not feeling inspired in the moment, I know that if I start with the first step of my workflow and follow it through, in the end, I will have an illustration that I am happy with. And usually, inspiration will come as I work through the system.

If you are interested in learning more about this, I have a free resource on my website that goes into detail about how to develop your own sketching workflow.

Implement The 2-Minute Rule

The second strategy is to implement the 2-minute rule. This rule is basically about starting small. The idea behind it is that if we can make it easy to begin our creative practice, it will be easier to keep going and do it every day.

So as the name suggests, we make a deal with ourselves that we will do the thing we want to do for just 2 minutes every day. So, if your goal is to write a book, you can start with just 2 minutes of writing every day, or if you want to draw for an hour every day, you can start with just 2 minutes of drawing.

And because you are asking yourselves such a small amount of effort. So you think it is only 2 minutes, I might as well do it. And once you start, you tend to want to keep going for longer than 2 minutes anyway. So it's a great way to ease yourself into your practice.

Also, if you are just not in the mood that day and only draw for 2 minutes, it's ok to stop because you can feel accomplished that you kept your promise to yourself and are still moving in the right direction. I tend to feel guilty if I don't do something I said I would do, and I find this strategy helps take away all that guilt and pressure we tend to put on ourselves.

Lookout For Decisive Moments

The third strategy is to be on the lookout for decisive moments. In his book, James Clear describes Decisive Moments as a fork in the road that either brings you to a productive or unproductive action.

For example, in the morning, when I start my work, I know that If I turn on my computer first, then I will most likely spend hours doing admin work and not get any artwork done. So for me, I know that If I want to be productive with my art that day, I need to start with my art supplies first, not the computer.

The same thing happens in the evening when I am usually pretty tired, I can choose to go to the living room after dinner, and I will probably end up watching tv or spending time on social media there, or I can choose to go to my home studio and work on a project I enjoy for 30 minutes or so.

And if I choose the latter, I know I will feel better because I will have accomplished something meaningful with my day instead of throwing away precious life points by scrolling on social media.

And as a cancer survivor, I can tell you that life is precious, and when you are sitting on the chemo chair, you don't wish you had spent more time on social media or watching movies. So these decisive moments are critical because they can shape the entire direction of your day and, ultimately, your life.

So my challenge to you is to start paying attention to these decisive moments in your life and see if you can consciously choose to do the productive thing instead of the unproductive one.

So be on the lookout for them!

Create A Ritual

The fourth step is to create a ritual around your habit - and make it comfortable and easy.

A ritual means creating a specific routine of actions you do every time before you start your creative practice, creating an enjoyable experience for yourself so that you actually look forward to doing your creative practice every day.

For example, I like to make myself some tea in my dedicated work mug, put on an audiobook or podcast, and then get started with my work. You can also make some healthy snacks or listen to music or anything else that gets you in the mood to be creative.

Our brain loves routine, so if you can establish a time and place for your creative practice, it will be much easier to stick to it because your brain will start to expect it and crave it every day at a specific time or when you see a particular cue, like filling up your work mug with tea or putting your headphones on, for example.

I like to have a dedicated desk where I do all my drawing work. I only have my drawing supplies and reference books on it, so there is no distraction, and every time I sit down at that desk, my brain knows it is time to be creative and get some drawings done.

Standardise Before You Optimise

The fifth and final strategy is to Standardise before you optimise. This next tip from Atomic habits has been so helpful for me, not just for drawing but for any habit I want to create. The idea behind it is that when starting a new habit, it is more important to do it consistently first rather than worrying about doing it perfectly or optimising your process.

So make it fun, and stay in your comfort zone at the beginning. I know that you probably want to improve your skills and create amazing pieces of art for your portfolio, but in the beginning, it is more important to focus on developing a consistent habit. And over time, you can improve and optimise your process as you get better at staying consistent.

Quit Before You Are Done

The final bonus tip is to stop when you know what you need to do next. I think a lot of the time that we struggle to stay consistent is when we hit a roadblock that we don't know how to solve. And so we procrastinate and put our projects off because it seems too difficult or painful to continue them.

At this point, imposter syndrome starts to kick in, and we start doubting ourselves. Self-doubt is a really dangerous state to be in because it can lead you to give up on your projects altogether, and it can make you think that you are not good enough to follow your dreams, so you stop nurturing your skills and miss out on the life you could have if you stick to it.

So, how do we solve this?

The key is, whenever possible, to stop when you know what you need to do next. There is a quote from Ernest Hemingway that says:

Stop when you know what happens next. The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day when you are writing a novel you will never be stuck.

Hemingway gives this advice to novelists, but I think it applies to all types of creative work. I take this advice to try my best to stop at the end of each session when I know what needs to be done next.

I know that it is difficult to stop when you are in the flow and you are feeling inspired, but trust me, it is worth it because it will be so much easier to start back up again the next day since you won't have that feeling of dread or anxiety about not knowing what to do.

Also, because your mind is engaged in the project in a good way after you stop, it will keep you thinking about it throughout the day and night, and you might even have a lightbulb moment on how to solve problems in the project or come up with new ideas you want to implement that will get you excited about getting back to work on it the next day.

So this strategy is especially useful for keeping your creative momentum going and the motivation high so you can stay consistent with your work.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this article and found these tips helpful! If you struggle to stay motivated or consistent with your creative work, I encourage you to try these strategies and see how they work for you.

And remember, the key is to focus on small improvements and to build good habits rather than trying to be perfect. The more you can focus on taking consistent action and enjoying the process, the more likely you will stick with it and see success in your creative pursuits.

If you want to learn more about developing good habits, I highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It is one of the best books on the topic, it has helped me immensely in my own journey of creating better habits for myself and my business, and it can do the same for you.

So go out there and start building some good habits! And if you liked this article, please share it with others who might find it helpful, and leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts. Thank you for reading.

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With all the talk about how artificial intelligence is going to change the art world, it's easy to feel discouraged as an artist. After all, if a machine can create a work of art that's indistinguishable from one made by a human, what's the point of even trying?

But cheer up, my friend! You're not so easily replaceable. In fact, now is the time to focus on what makes you unique.

Work on your style and message, share your experiences and show up as the wonderful, crazy, messy human being that you are.

Now more than ever, the world needs artists who can speak their truth. And AI will never be able to do that.

Why Uniqueness Matters

In a world that's increasingly homogenized, your uniqueness is what sets you apart. It's what makes you valuable. So don't try to be like everyone else. Embrace your quirks and let them shine through in your work. When you're authentic, people will respond to that. They'll see your work as a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness. And they'll be drawn to it because of that. So don't be afraid to be different. It's what makes you special. And it's what will make your work stand out in the crowd.

Message Matters

In addition to being unique, your work should also have a message. What are you trying to say with your art? What do you want people to know? What do you want them to feel? Your message doesn't have to be heavy-handed or didactic. But it should be there. Because when you have something important to say, people will listen. They'll be drawn to your work because it speaks to them on a deeper level. So find your voice and use it to say something meaningful with your art.

AI Might Change The Rules

Right now, many artists are feeling betrayed by the AI developers, there is much uncertainty about copyright and consent on the images that have been used to feed the algorithm. The edges are very blurry on the laws of copyright already, and personally, I can't help but wonder how big IPs and brands will respond to their logos or products being used without permission in paid services like Dall-e and Midjourney.

Let alone the fact that many of the real-life models and other fellow humans in general (perhaps even children?) have has their photos used without permission. This could quite easily lead to a slippery slope of people getting quite upset and rightfully defensive about their own personal data and information being used without their knowledge, understanding or consent.

I am looking at you "In the style of..."

We need to think about how the world will look when AI in the near future, laws will be made, and things will get very complicated very quickly. There might be a need for separate AI copyright, which doesn't currently exist. These regulations have the potential to either protect artists or potentially disrupt the AI itself because these algorithms can only work by using images humans made in the past.

Here is an unsettling example of a popular AI recreating a very known logo. It is easy to see where it has got its sample images.

I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how it all plays out!

The Future Is Always Bright

No one knows exactly how artificial intelligence is going to change the art world. But one thing is for sure: the future is always bright if you look at it with a positive attitude. Every obstacle can become a stepping stone if you have the right mindset. So don't let the fear of change hold you back. Embrace it and use it to your advantage. After all, it's only through change that we grow and become better versions of ourselves. So don't be discouraged by the changes that are happening. Remember, you're an artist. And that means you're always evolving. You're always changing. You're always growing. So embrace the future and use it to make your work even more unique, more meaningful, and more powerful.

Conclusion: 

So don't despair, artists! The future is bright for those who are willing to embrace their uniqueness, use their art to connect with the world in a meaningful way and stay true to themselves. So keep creating and never give up. The world needs your art now more than ever.

What do you think? Will AI change everything? Or is there something about art that will always remain human? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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You're standing in front of your canvas, paintbrush in hand, and you feel stuck. You've been told that you need to find your niche to be a successful artist, but you have no idea where to start. You love so many different art styles, and you don't want to feel limited by just one. And what if you choose a niche and then get bored of it? You've been putting off finding your niche for months (maybe even years!), but you know it's time to take the plunge.

I feel you. I've been there too. Finding your art niche can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. And trust me, it's worth it. Once you find your niche, you'll be able to focus your creative energy and produce your best work. Not to mention, it will make marketing and selling your artwork much easier. So how do you find your art niche? Keep reading, and I'll walk you through my step-by-step process.

WHAT IS AN ART NICHE

The definition of art niche is a specific category or style of art that you focus on, but I like to think about it as a shared interest or passion between you and your target audience. It can be as general as landscape painting or, more specific like portraits of cats dressed in royal garb in the baroque style.

But hey, this could mean your art niche can be anything, right? Yes. 

This is where the problems begin for many people because with freedom comes paralysis by analysis. Too much choice can be overwhelming, so I want to break down what a niche is even further so we can get clear on what yours might be.

THE 5 ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL ART NICHE

What helped me find my niche was realising that you can break art niches into 5 elements: Theme, Subject Matter, Style, Medium and Use. So, Let's look at each of these elements in depth together.

THEME:

A theme is the main idea or message behind your artwork. This could be something that is dear to you, like empowering women and helping them to feel confident and beautiful, for example. But it doesn't have to be a global issue unless you want it to be, it could be as simple as celebrating nature or making people laugh, and your theme can be as loud or subtle as you want it to be.

SUBJECT MATTER:

The subject matter is the "subjects" or "things" you paint, draw, or photograph. The subjects could be landscapes, seascapes, animals, portraits, food, elves, ballerina frogs, goth dolls, or anything your heart desires. For example, my subject matter is often elves, women, animals, and botanicals. Again, the sky's the limit here, so try not to get too caught up in this one. Think about what you would love to draw over and over.

STYLE:

Usually, when we think of style, we think about how you execute your artwork. This is the technical stuff like shape language, colour palette, and composition. Although when we talk about finding your art niche style, we can think of style as a "label" or name that your audience will recognise the style as.

Some labels or "styles" examples are realism, abstract, anime, contemporary, boho, goth, farmhouse, fantasy etc. These are just some examples, and your style can be a combination of many different ones or something entirely new that you create yourself. A broad label is important because it will help you find your people and help them find you.

MEDIUM:

Medium is the actual tools or materials you use to create your artwork. For example, my medium is usually digital, but I also use watercolor, and ink. Yours could be anything you love making art with, from oil paint to digital or even 3D printing. The medium element of your niche is the most flexible one, so don't feel like you have to stick to just one, but it can be helpful to focus on one or two to start.

USE:

The Use Element is how customers will use your artwork once it's complete. For example, my art is sold on home décor, apparel, and wall art among other things. Other examples of how people can use art are murals, tattoos, illustrations in books and magazines, or even gallery pieces. 

FINDING YOUR ART NICHE

Now that we know the different elements of an art niche, let's talk about how to find yours.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding your art niche, but I'm going to share my process with you so that you can have a framework to start with. These steps are inspired by the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which is often translated to "life's purpose". The goal here is to find something you love doing, you can stick to and that people will actually pay you for.

So, grab your journal and brainstorm with me!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE? (THEME AND SUBJECT MATTER, STYLE)

This question is where you get to think about what themes, styles and subject matter you are most drawn to. Your answers to this question will be the foundation of your niche. Look at your current work and see if there is a common thread. If not, that's okay! You can try out different things until you find what feels right for you.

For example, I love painting and drawing portraits, animals, and botanicals. I am also drawn to themes of freedom, dark fantasy, mythology, mental health awareness, concept art, animation, heritage patterns and nature. 

These are a lot and all over the place, which is normal. Don't worry if you are listing a lot of different things here. We will narrow it down in the next step.

WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT? (MEDIUM AND SUBJECT MATTER)

Now it's time to take the list of things you love and narrow it down. The goal here is to find something you are passionate about and good at OR something you are passionate about and willing to put in the work to get good at.

You don't need to be the best at something to make a living from it, but you do need to be good enough that people are willing to pay you for your work.

Think about what mediums and subject matter you are good at (or better at). This step is when we have to start to be more selective and give ourselves honest feedback.

For example, you might love to paint both human and animal portraits, but your animal paintings always get more attention. Perhaps your linework is stronger than your painting skills, or you enjoy digital art, but your traditional work gets more compliments and requests.

This step will require a lot of honest self-reflection, and it's okay if you need some time to sit with this question. It's also okay if your list here is shorter than your first one. The goal is not to have a long list but a focused one.

You might think, "I'm not good at anything", but that's not true! You have skills and talents, even if you don't realize it yet. 

And If you are just starting out, it's likely that you haven't found your artistic voice or medium yet. And that's okay! Keep exploring and trying new things until you find a combination that works for you. Finding your niche is quite an advanced step in your artistic journey, so be kind to yourself and take all the time you need.

WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED? (USE, STYLE)

In this step, you think about how your artwork can be of service to others. How can it make someone's life better? This is a great question to ask if you are struggling to come up with ideas for your niche. Now is also the time to think about the final product you want to create.

• What kind of product do you want to make, and who would buy it?

• Can you imagine them using it in their everyday life?

• What words would they use to search for it?

• Put yourself into your client's shoes; what do they need/want?

WHAT CAN YOU GET PAID FOR? (THEME, SUBJECT MATTER, MEDIUM)

This step is all about thinking practically. What are people willing to pay you for? This step will help you focus on your niche even more and ensure it is profitable. By now, you should have a big list of things you love and are good at, but not all of them will be things people are willing to invest in.

For example, I love painting portraits but not as many people are willing to buy them. On the other hand, I get a lot of requests for animal art and custom patterns which people are happy to pay for. This result is my personal experience tho, and yours may be different! You will need to do some research to figure out what people in your target market are looking for and what they are willing to invest in.

Some things to consider once you narrow down your choices: 

• What type of product will this artwork apply to?

• Can you find any examples of people selling similar work?

• Are there enough people interested in this type of product?

• What is the best way to sell this work? (Licensing, limited editions, stickers etc.)

• What is the going rate for this kind of artwork?

Now it's time to put it all together and come up with your final niche! Your niche should be a combination of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what people are willing to pay for.

For example, a niche description could be:

• painting cute animals and plants in a modern style to license for children's home décor and apparel brands.

• drawing black and white cityscapes with a focus on architecture to sell as prints and postcards to tourists.

• Inspiring calligraphy and hand-lettering artwork to sell on posters to college students who are into self-care and are looking for wall decor for their dorm rooms.

Get specific and make sure your niche is focused but also broad enough that you have room to grow. Remember, this can always be tweaked and changed as you go along. And if you get really stuck, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

CREATING A WINNING PORTFOLIO BY SETTING BOUNDARIES

One of the best pieces of advice I was given when I first started to find my niche was that just because you can draw something doesn't mean you should/have to put it in your portfolio.

And it's true! Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean it has a place in your body of work. The key is to be selective and only showcase the type of artwork you want to be known for. Setting boundaries can be SO hard when you are just starting out and want to show off all the things, especially when they are new, shiny, and possibly profitable, but trust me, it's worth setting boundaries with your art.

Having a tight focus on your portfolio makes it so much easier for people to understand what you do and what they can expect from working with you. It also helps you to attract your ideal client and weed out the ones that aren't a good fit.

Trying to do everything can dilute your message, confuse your audience, and ultimately make it harder to sell your work. Not to mention, it's just plain exhausting! So when you're putting together your portfolio, be ruthless and only include the very best examples of the type of artwork you want to be known for.

WHAT IF I GET BORED OF MY ART NICHE?

One of the best things about having a niche is that it gives you a clear focus and helps to move your career forward. But what happens if you get bored of your niche or find that it's no longer profitable?

First of all, don't panic! It's perfectly normal (and expected) for artists to change their focus as they grow and evolve. And secondly, it's not the end of the world if your niche doesn't work out. You can always try something new!

The most important thing is to stay true to yourself, stick to your core values, and remember why you got into this in the first place. If you find that your artwork is no longer bringing you joy, it might be time to try something new. Transitioning away from an established profitable niche is complicated and has to be done gradually not to lose all your income or the trust of your audience, but it is possible.

The best way to do it is by slowly introducing new artwork into your portfolio and seeing how it goes. If you're selling originals, start with one or two pieces and see how they do. If you're licensing your work, try pitching some new designs to your clients or look for opportunities to branch out into new products.

And as always, keep your audience in mind and make sure you're still giving them what they want. If you make a sudden 180 and start selling completely different art, they might not be too happy! But if you take the time to build a good relationship with your audience, many will support you through your changes and be excited to see where you are going next.

TIPS FOR STAYING CREATIVE IN YOUR NICHE

The best way to stay creative in your niche is to keep your mind open and never stop learning. Continue to look for inspiration everywhere you go, and don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques and mediums. Take classes, read books, and most importantly, never stop taking care of your creative self.

It's also essential to give yourself permission to create art for the sake of art without worrying about whether or not it will sell. Make time for personal projects, and don't be afraid to explore new ideas even if they don't fit your current niche. These side projects can be a great source of inspiration and help keep your creative juices flowing.

And finally, don't forget to take breaks! When you're feeling creatively stuck, it's often because you've been working too hard and need some time to recharge. Step away from your work, take a few deep breaths, and allow yourself some time to relax. Once you've had a chance to rest, you'll be surprised at how much more creative you feel.

MARKETING YOUR NICHE

Now that you have your niche all figured out, it's time to start marketing your work! And thankfully, this part is a lot easier when you have a tight focus.

I used to spend so much time and energy trying to be present on all platforms to market my surface pattern designs. Nowadays, I have a select few that bring in more traffic than when I was trying to market everywhere.

Because when you know exactly what you do and who you do it for, you can be much more strategic with your marketing efforts and target the platforms and channels that will reach your ideal client.

You can also create marketing materials like website copy, social media posts, and email newsletters tailored to your niche, which will help you attract the right people to your work.

MAKING A LIVING FROM YOUR ART

Finally, let's talk about making a living from your art. Earning enough from your art to sustain yourself can seem difficult, but making a good living from your artwork is possible if you play your cards right. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

GET INVOLVED IN THE ART LICENSING WORLD

Licensing is a great way to get your work in front of a larger audience and make some passive income from your art.

There are a few different ways to get involved in licensing, but the two most common are working with an agency or going the self-represented route.

If you decide to work with an agency, they will handle all of the marketing and sales for you and take a cut of the profits. Agancies can be a great option if you don't have the time or energy to market your work, but it's important to do your research and partner with a reputable agency.

If you go the self-represented route, you will be responsible for marketing and selling your own work. Handling everything yourself takes a lot more time and effort, but you will get to keep 100% of the profits.

Either way, licensing is a great way to make a good income from your art.

SELL YOUR WORK ONLINE

Selling your work online is a great option. You can use several different platforms depending on how you want to present your work and what type of art you make.

If you sell prints, Society6, Redbubble and Inprnt are popular options. If you sell original paintings, limited edition prints or other physical artwork, creating your own store on your website will give you the most control over prices, customer experience, fees and aesthetics. If you are interested in selling fabric and wallpaper, Spoonflower is a fantastic place to check out.

And if you want to sell digital products like tutorials or courses, Gumroad and Skillshare are great platforms to use.

The great thing about selling online is that you can reach a global audience and sell your work 24/7. I have an entire blog post dedicated to selling art online, which you can check out if you want to know more.

START TEACHING ART CLASSES

If you're passionate about your niche, chances are other people out there would love to learn more about it. Why not share your knowledge and start teaching classes?

Teaching is a great way to connect with potential clients, build your brand, and make some extra income. You can teach classes in person or online, depending on what works better for you and your audience.

CONCLUSION

Finding your art niche is a crucial first step in any artist's journey. It can help you focus your efforts, connect with the right people, and make a living from your artwork.

I hope this article has inspired you to find your own artistic niche. If you need some help getting started, be sure to check out my free step-by-step guide.

And if you're ready to start making a living from your artwork, check out my course, 3-Days To Your Perfect Art Niche. The course will help you find a profitable and enjoyable art niche in just 3 days without feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

It's the perfect way to start your journey to a successful and sustainable art career.

Now it's your turn: what tips do you have for finding your art niche? Please share them in the comments below!

When I first started out with digital art, I would look at other artists' work and feel so discouraged because their work looked so much better than mine.

(I know we shouldn't compare our work to others but as you may know, it is hard not to sometimes.)

I would sit there and wonder how they did it. How did they make their work look so effortless?

In the beginning, I thought I was missing some tool, a fancy drawing tablet, brush or secret technique that they were using.

So I launched myself into an endless search for the perfect software, hardware, and brushes to use, never really stopping in one place to improve my skills.

I wasted so much time and money buying professional equipment and software that I didn't need thinking it would magically improve my art.

And after a while, I became so overwhelmed with all the options that I became paralyzed and didn't want to create anything anymore.

I was stuck in this vicious cycle for months until I realized that none of that mattered.

I realized that what I was really missing were the foundational skills of art.

As soon as I realized that, I started to focus on honing my skills and learning the basics of art. I started improving immediately and became so much more confident in my work.

The thing is, you don't need the latest and greatest gadget to create great art.

You just need to learn and master the basics, once you have them you can apply them to any software or medium and it will always give you great results.

I can't go over everything in one email but here are 5 tips I wish I had known when I first started out, that will instantly make you a better digital artist:

1. Use references

References are your friends. Use them often, especially when you are starting out. Drawing from imagination is great but it takes a lot of practice ( with references ) to be able to do it well. When you are starting out, use references as often as you can to help you learn how to draw the different elements you want to include in your work.

2. Mind your contrast

Your work will instantly look more polished and professional if you add the right amount of contrast. Make sure to have a good range of light and dark values in your work, to add depth and dimension.

Extra tip: Having your lightest colours next to your darkest colours will instantly attract attention to that spot so you can use them strategically to guide the viewer's eye to the image's focal point.

3. Embrace color theory

Color is such an important part of digital art, and there is so much to learn about it that I have dedicated an entire blog post to everything you need to know about color theory. For now here are a few quick tips to get you started:

Pick a Color Harmony

There are many different ways to combine colours but a good place to start is by picking a harmony such as Complementary, Analogous, Triadic, Split Complementary, Tetradic etc.

Once you have picked a harmony, start experimenting with different values, saturation and tints of those colours to see what works best.

Create a Signature Colour Palette

A great way to keep your colours consistent throughout your work is to create a signature colour palette that you can use over and over again.

To do this, start by picking a few of your favourite colours and saving them in a swatch file. Then, when you are starting a new project, load up your swatches and start experimenting!

Use Color Psychology

Color has the ability to affect our moods and emotions. So it's important to be aware of the messages you are trying to communicate with your colours.

For example, red is often associated with danger, anger and passion while blue is associated with peace, serenity and calm.

Keep this in mind when you are choosing colours for your work and try to pick colours that reflect the mood or message you are trying to communicate.

If you want to learn more, check out this blog post where I break down the meaning of each color.

4. Check your composition

Before you start working on a new piece, take a step back and think about the composition.

How do you want the viewer's eye to move through the image?

What is the focal point of the piece?

Are there any elements that are distracting from the main message of the image?

Asking yourself these questions before you start will help you to create a more well-rounded and visually appealing piece.

Here are a few quick tips for composing your work:

The Rule of Thirds

One of the most basic and easy-to-remember rules of composition is the Rule of Thirds. The idea behind this rule is to imagine your image divided into nine equal sections using two vertical and two horizontal lines.

Then, place your main subject or focal point at one of the intersections or along one of the lines. This will help to create a more balanced and pleasing composition.

Leading Lines

Leading lines are another great way to guide the viewer's eye through your image. Look for elements in your scene that can act as leading lines and position them in a way that leads the eye towards the focal point of your image.

For example, a road or a river winding through a landscape can act as leading lines and lead the viewer's eye towards the mountains in the distance.

Simplify your composition

One of the most common mistakes that artists make is trying to include too many elements in their work. This can often make the image feel cluttered and busy, making it more difficult for the viewer to focus on the main subject.

If you find that your composition is starting to feel busy, try removing some of the elements that are distracting from the main message of the image.

5. Deliberate Practice

A small amount of deliberate practice beats a large amount of "just draw a lot!" kind of practice any day.

If you want to get better at digital art, you need to be intentional about your practice.

This means taking the time to break down the skills you want to learn and practice them in a deliberate and focused way.

For example, if you want to get better at drawing faces, start by practising head construction, then move on to facial features, hair, expressions, etc.

Drawing from imagination without any structured approach or specific goals in mind is not going to help you to improve as an artist.

So take the time to figure out what skills you want to learn and then create a practice schedule that will help you to focus on those skills. It will save you so much time and energy in the long run!

I hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment

I hope these tips were helpful and that you find them useful in your own

By breaking down the skill into smaller pieces, you will be able to focus your practice and see more significant improvements in your work compared to just trying to draw from imagination without any structured approach or specific goals in mind.

Conclusion

Digital art is a complex and ever-evolving field, but by following these simple tips, and learning the fundamentals of art, you will be well on your way to creating beautiful and impactful digital art no matter what new shiny software or tablet comes out!

So if you want to create digital art that will stand the test of time, be sure to focus on the basics and practice with purpose. You will be amazed at how far you can go!

It's no secret that being a creative entrepreneur can be challenging. You often have to juggle a million different things at once, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But when you add burnout into the mix, things can quickly become a mess. Burnout can cause all sorts of problems for creatives, including decreased productivity, and creativity which can make you feel bad about yourself and cast a shadow on everything you're working so hard to achieve.

It's not fun, but the good news is that there are things you can do to conquer this beast. As an artist running my own business, I've dealt with burnout on more than one occasion, and I've learned a thing or two about how to overcome it. In this post, I'm going to share my best tips for dealing with burnout so that you can stay productive and keep your business running smoothly without sacrificing your mental health.

What Is Burnout And How It Can Affect You

Before we get into how to deal with burnout, it's important to understand what it is. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that is caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It can make you feel like you're running on empty, and it can be difficult to recover from if you don't take the time to address it.

Burnout can affect anyone, but it's especially common among creative entrepreneurs. This is because we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be constantly creative and productive. We also tend to wear many hats and juggle a lot of different responsibilities, which can be overwhelming.

If you're starting to feel burnt out, it's important to take action before it gets worse.

I don't want to sound dramatic, but I know what it is like to experience extreme burnout and I don't want you to have to go through one more minute of this modern-day torture than necessary.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Burnout

If you're dealing with burnout, you may be feeling any combination of the following symptoms:

• Exhaustion (both mental and physical)

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Loss of motivation or interest in things that you once enjoyed

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness

• Increased anxiety or depression

• Irritability or impatience

• Severe artist block and lack of creativity

• Social withdrawal

If you're experiencing any of these "delightful" symptoms, it's a good indicator that you're dealing with burnout and you need to take some steps to recover. Keep reading for my best tips on how to do just that.

Causes of burnout for creative entrepreneurs

Burnout can hit you from all angles when you're running your own business. Here are some of the most common causes of burnout among creative entrepreneurs:

1. Doing too much yourself

When you're first starting out, it's easy to try to do everything yourself. You wear all the hats, and you try to juggle all the balls. But eventually, this will catch up with you, and you'll start to feel overwhelmed.

2. Working too hard

Working hard is a good thing, but there's a fine line between working hard and working too hard. When you're so focused on your work that you're neglecting your personal life, it's easy to start feeling burnt out.

3. Putting too much Pressure On Yourself

One of the biggest causes of burnout is putting too much pressure on yourself. We often expect ourselves to be constantly creative and productive, and we beat ourselves up when we don't meet those expectations.

4. Not taking care of yourself

When you're running your own business, it's easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But you are the cornerstone of your business, so if you don't take good care of yourself, your business will suffer too.

5. Comparing yourself to others

Are you constantly comparing your success (or lack thereof) to others? If so, you're setting yourself up for burnout. Comparing yourself to others is a recipe for disaster, because you can never truly know what someone else is going through.

6. Trying to do it all

We live in a society that tells us we can have it all, but the truth is, we can't. When we try to do too much, we spread ourselves too thin, and we end up feeling overwhelmed.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. If any of these sound familiar, it's a good indicator that you're at risk for burnout.

How to Recover From Burnout As a Creative

Now that we've gone over some of the signs and causes of burnout, let's get to the juicy part: how to recover from it.

1. Take a Break

The very first thing you need to do when you're feeling burnt out is to take a break. It doesn't matter how big or small the break is, just take some time for yourself. Step away from your business and take some time to relax and recharge. Rest is the water that quenches the burnout fire. It is your first line of defence against burnout, and you can't skimp on it if you want to recover.

If you are internally screaming that you have a million things to do and no time for a break, I understand. But I promise you, taking a break will actually help you be more productive in the long run.

Resting restores our physical and mental energy, but it also gives us the chance to come back to our work with fresh eyes. We can approach our work with a new perspective and creative solutions when we've had a chance to step away from it for a bit.

Removing your attention from your work also engages your subconscious mind to problem solve for you (Hello delegating!) so, if it helps you step away from your desk, you can tell yourself you are still working while taking that stroll in nature or taking that well-deserved break.

2. Set Some Boundaries

Now that you put out some of the burnout's fire, it is time to make sure you start cutting out the fuel supply. One of the best ways to do this is to set some clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life. When you're running your own business, it's easy to let work take over your life. But it's important to have a healthy balance between work and play.

Set some office hours for yourself and stick to them. When you're not working, don't allow yourself to think about work. This is easier said than done, I know, but it's important to give your mind (and body) a break from work.

You should also set boundaries with the people in your life. Let your family and friends know that you're not available to talk during certain hours. This will help prevent interruptions when you're trying to work, and it will also help the people in your life respect your time and boundaries.

3. Simplify Your Life

One of the best ways to reduce stress and avoid burnout is to simplify your life. Get rid of anything that's adding unnecessary stress or complexity to your life. If there's something in your business that's not working, streamline it or get rid of it altogether.

When I was struggling with burnout, I realized that I had taken on too many responsibilities in my business. I was trying to do everything myself, and it was overwhelming. So, I decided to streamline my business by outsourcing some of the tasks that were taking up too much of my time.

This helped me to focus on the things that were truly important, and it took a lot of the pressure off. It also helped me to delegate some of the tasks that I wasn't good at or didn't enjoy doing.

Since I work at home I also streamlined my home life, I took as many chores as possible off my plate, outsourced all the tasks I could, and subscribed to a healthy meal service, so I didn't have to cook lunch n the middle of my work day. This freed up my time so that I could focus on my business and my health.

4. Get organized

Part of simplifying your life is getting organized. When you're more organized, you can spend less time looking for things or on productive procrastination tasks and more time doing the things you love.

This is the one step that was a game-changer for me. I used to be a total hot mess, and my desk (and desktop) was always cluttered with half-finished projects. But when I built a system for running my business, everything changed, not only did the burnout fade away, but I also gained some much-needed clarity, which transformed into less work and more profit.

Using a system to organize every aspect of your work might seem restrictive or daunting, but it's actually quite freeing. Once you have a system in place, you can simply follow the steps and trust that it will work. A structured system gives you the freedom to focus on one thing at a time, and to stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed and lost.

5. Set Some Goals

When you're running your own business, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of your long-term goals. This can lead to burnout because you feel like you're not making any progress.

One way to prevent this is to set some goals for yourself and your business, and then break them down into smaller, manageable steps. When you have a goal to work towards, it's easier to stay motivated and to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough.

It's also important to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. When you reach a milestone, take a step back and give yourself a pat on the back (or a slice of cake!). This will help you to stay motivated and inspired, and it will remind you of why you're doing this in the first place.

Having a set goal will also help you not stray from the path and add more and more to your plate. You are a creative so you are probably always coming out with amazing ideas you could pursue, but the secret to being happy and successful in a creative business is to find focus and complete the task or project you are currently working on before moving on to something new.

6. Make Time for Yourself and Protect it at all Costs

One of the most important things you can do to prevent burnout is to make time for yourself. This might seem impossible if you're always working, but it's important to schedule some time each day (or week) that is just for you.

This is time that you can use to do something you enjoy or to simply relax and recharge your batteries. It's important to find an activity that helps you to unwind and disconnect from work so that you can come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

For me, this is usually reading or going for a walk outside. I also like to do some yoga when I need to really relax and clear my head.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you protect this time at all costs. This means saying no to work commitments and setting boundaries with the people in your life. Let them know that this is your time and that you're not available to work or to do anything else during this time.

Learning to say no is one of the most important things you can do for your business and your sanity. It's impossible to please everyone all the time, and you'll only end up spreading yourself too thin if you try. So be selective about the projects you take on, and don't be afraid to turn down work that doesn't interest you or that you don't

7. Find a support system

No one can do it all alone, so it's important to find a support system that you can rely on. This might be a group of like-minded friends or colleagues, or it could be a Facebook group dedicated to your industry.

Having people to talk to who understand what you're going through can be a lifesaver when you're feeling depleted. They can offer advice, support, and encouragement when you need it most.

If you don't have a support system in place yet, there are plenty of online communities that you can join. Do a quick search for groups or forums related to your industry, and see what pops up. You might be surprised at how many people are out there going through the same thing as you.

In Conclusion

Running your own business can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but you can make it so much easier on yourself by taking steps to prevent burnout. By setting goals, celebrating accomplishments, and making time for yourself, you can stay motivated and inspired, and flourish in your life and business.

If you're feeling burned out, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You don't have to go through this alone. I want to help you create a business and life that you love, so I created a Free Printable Goal Setting Worksheet which you can download below. This will help troubleshoot your current struggles and help you to get clear on your goals, and build a sustainable business.

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So, you are finally confident creating beautiful patterns, and you have a few you are ready to share with the world. What do you do next? How and where can you market and sell your surface pattern designs?

There are a few main ways you can market and sell your surface pattern designs: through online marketplaces, stock graphics websites, licensing your designs to companies, or creating and selling products with your patterns on them. Let's explore each of these options in more detail.

Online Marketplaces

There are a number of online marketplaces where you can sell your surface pattern designs. Marketplaces can be a great place to start selling your designs, as they are usually very easy to use and have a large audience. They can also help you figure out your target audience and what designs sell well, and even possibly expose you to licensing opportunities. However, you will typically receive a lower commission for your designs than you would from other selling methods.

This can be a great option if you want to have someone else handle all of the selling and marketing for your designs, and it can be very lucrative. However, you do need to have a large collection of designs before you start earning a liveable income.

Stock Graphics Websites

Another option for selling your surface pattern designs is stock graphics websites. These websites allow artists to sell their digital artwork, including patterns, for a flat fee. They are also an easy way to start letting your first sales roll in, but the flat fee could be a bit of a gamble. I have personally gone on holiday and found a huge company mass producing products with one of my designs, which they purchased on a marketplace for a handful of dollars. I learned my lesson on that one!

Competition between designers on these marketplaces can trick you into lowering your price, which is a big "no no" in the long run. Your work is worth your price, so don't be afraid to hold your ground.

Licensing Your Designs to Companies

One of the best ways to make money from your surface pattern designs is licensing them to companies. This means that you grant a company permission to use your design for a certain purpose, such as printing your designs on their products, and in return, you receive either a flat fee or a royalty for each item sold.

Licensing is a great option for artists who want to focus on quality over quantity, as you will likely only receive fewer licensing deals, but they can be more valuable. It also allows you to stay true to your brand and work with companies you admire and respect, which can be a great experience.

Creating and Selling Products with Your Patterns

Another way to market your surface pattern designs is by creating and selling products with your patterns on them. This could be anything from fabric to stationery to home décor, the sky is the limit!

This can be a great option if you want to have full control over your products' design, production, and marketing. It can also be a lot of work, but it can be very rewarding when you see the entire process of your designs coming to life.

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How do You Market Your Surface Pattern designs?

There are a few ways you can market your surface pattern designs. You can start by creating a portfolio of your work and putting it online. You can also start a blog, or social media account to showcase your work and connect with other designers. You can also participate in online and offline design competitions, and attend trade shows where you can sell your designs.

By using various marketing strategies, you can reach a larger audience and sell more of your designs.

Create a Portfolio Website

The first step to marketing your surface pattern designs is creating a portfolio of your work and putting it online. This is the best way to show off your work to potential clients and buyers. Your portfolio should include high-quality images of your designs and a brief description of each design. You can also include videos of you discussing your work or demonstrating how you created it.

Tap Into The Power of Social Media

Another great way to market your surface pattern designs is through social media. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtubr are a great way to connect with other designers and buyers. You can post images of your work, share upcoming projects, and connect with other people in the design community.

Social media can be a double-edged sword, it can be a great way to connect with people and build relationships, but it can also sap every ounce of your time if you're not careful. If you can pick just one platform that you feel most comfortable with and grow your following there, you will be much better off than being spread out thin across all of them.

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are a great way to meet buyers and sell your designs in person. You can attend trade shows all over the world, and there are a variety of different shows catering to various industries. Attending a trade show is a great way to make connections with other designers and buyers, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the industry.

Start a Blog

Blogs can help you show your personality as a designer and build authority for your brand. You can use your blog to showcase your work, share your process, and write about industry news. Building an audience for your blog will help you connect with more people in the design community and nurture your relationships with people who love your work.

Enter Design Competitions

Another great way to market your surface pattern designs is by entering design competitions. Many competitions are open to designers of all levels, and they can be a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience (and you don’t even need to win!). You can also win some great prizes, and who doesn't like a little extra recognition? Finishing close to the top could help you land some great new clients too.

Submit Your Designs to Licensing Agencies

Marketing is not everyone's cup of tea. If you are not the marketing type, consider licensing your designs to companies who will do all the leg work for you.

These agencies represent a variety of different brands and can help you get your designs in front of the right people who are looking for them. They have years of experience in marketing and licensing products, so they know what will work and what won't.

There are a few things to keep in mind when submitting your designs to licensing agencies. First, make sure you have a portfolio of your best work, and meet the standards of the brands you're targeting. Second, you can include a complete product proposal that outlines your designs, their features, their potential market, and any other information about your past collaborations and even your social media reach. Finally, be prepared to negotiate your licensing fees.

If you're interested in submitting your designs to licensing agencies, start by doing some research online. There are a number of resources available that can help you get started. And don't forget to read the agency's submission guidelines carefully to make sure your designs are a good fit.

Conclusion

So, those are a few of the main ways you can market and sell your surface pattern designs. Whichever option you choose, remember to stay true to your brand and be confident in your work. Selling your surface pattern designs can be a great way to make a living doing what you love. So, don't be afraid to start sharing your work with the world. You will be surprised at how far it can take you.

When you think of surface pattern design, what comes to mind? Perhaps you envision a world of bright colors and bold prints. Maybe you imagine women's fashion or home decor. While it's certainly true that surface pattern design can encompass all of those things, there's so much more to it than that! In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at surface pattern design and find out what it is and how you can get into this magical industry. Stay with me – it's about to get interesting!

What Surface Pattern Design Really Is

So, what is surface pattern design? In a nutshell, it's the process of creating repeatable designs, and illustrations that can be applied to various surfaces. It's a fun and challenging art form that can be both profitable and rewarding. You can print the designs you create on fabric, wallpaper, or any other surface. This art form has been around for centuries, and it’s still going strong today.

Surface Pattern Design (SPD) is a delightful blend of creativity and geometry, and it's a skill that anyone can learn. It involves creative and strategic use of color, shape, and texture to create visually appealing designs that are aesthetically pleasing and commercially viable.

What Can You Do With SPD?

There are many career opportunities for surface pattern designers. You create your own patterns and sell them online, license them to retailers, and even print them products for your own business.

In addition, you can use SPD to embellish and personalise your own handmade crafts, such as making your own fabric for clothes and quilts, wrapping paper, personalised gifts, accessories, and more. You can also use it to create beautiful digital scrapbooks and cards.

The sky's the limit when it comes to what you can do with pattern design.

Surface Pattern Design Industries

There are an impressive number of industries that you can work in with SPD. You can pick just one or several that match your style, interests and brand voice.

The following are just a few of the industries you can work in:

• Home decor: create beautiful patterns for wallpaper, soft furnishings, furniture, and more

• Fashion: create unique designs for apparel and accessories

• Product Packaging: design patterns that can be used on product packagings, such as boxes, bags, and labels

• Graphic Design: use SPD techniques to create interesting and eye-catching graphics for marketing materials, websites, and more

• Gifts: design patterns for wrapping paper, cards, and other gift items

• Paper Goods: design patterns for notebooks, journals, and other paper products

• Textiles: design patterns for fabrics, and other textile products

• Nursery and children: create fun and vibrant patterns for bedding, wallpaper, toys, and more

These are just a few, and each of these industries is deeply varied. So, if you're not sure which industry to start in, take a look around you and see what inspires you, look at the types of products you have been buying and using, and think about the types of patterns you would like to see more of in the world. Then, start creating!

I have been working as a surface designer for years and I am always discovering new creative ways people use patterns for different products so the opportunities are endless and I believe, there's an industry out there that's a perfect fit for you.

Types of Patterns in Surface Pattern Design

The world of surface pattern design is vast and varied. There are literally thousands of different types of patterns that you can create. Here are just a few:

• Geometric

• Floral

• Animal Prints

• Nature

• Historical

• Contemporary

• Folk

• Abstract

• Novelty

• Seasonal

• Inspirational

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. And every theme can also come in an infinite number of variations and styles. This means that as a surface pattern designer, you really are limited only by your own imagination.

Surface Pattern Design Can Be a Great Income Stream

Do you love fabrics? Do you love to draw and design? Do you love to make things pretty? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then surface pattern design may be the perfect creative outlet for you. Not only is it a fun and challenging art form, but it can also be a profitable one.

If you're interested in selling your designs, there are a number of online marketplaces where you can sell your patterns. Some of these marketplaces include Spoonflower and Fabric on Demand. You can also license your patterns to retailers, who will then use them to create finished products.

There's also a growing demand for surface pattern designers in the home decor market. Home decor companies are always on the lookout for new and innovative designs, which means there are plenty of opportunities for talented surface pattern designers to find work.

How to Get Started in Surface Pattern Design

If SPD is starting to sound like something you might be interested in, the next step is to get started. And luckily, it's not as hard as you might think. Here are a few tips:

1. Take some time to explore the world of surface pattern design. Study the work of some of your favorite designers and see what makes them successful.

2. Experiment with different design styles and techniques. Try out a variety of mediums, such as drawing, painting, and digital art.

3. Get involved in the online surface pattern design community. There are a number of online forums and groups where you can learn from other designers and share your work with others.

4. Join a surface pattern design course. There are a number of online and offline courses that can teach you the basics of surface pattern design.

5. Start designing! The best way to learn is to start creating and not be afraid to make mistakes.

The best way to get started in surface pattern design is to just dive in and start creating. Try out a variety of techniques and mediums, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. And most importantly, have fun.

If you're interested in learning more about surface pattern design, be sure to check out my post on advanced tips for creating beautiful patterns.

Start Small

When you're first starting out in surface pattern design, it's a good idea to start small. Try designing some simple patterns before moving on to more complex designs. This will help you get a feel for the process and allow you to build up your skills.

You can also start by designing patterns for personal use. This can be a great way to experiment with different design styles and techniques.

And who knows, you may even come up with a few patterns that you can sell later on.

Keep an Inspiration Journal

As a surface pattern designer, it's important to keep an inspiration journal (or a good old Pinterest board). This is a collection of images, textures, and anything else that inspire your work. Having this resource at your fingertips will help you come up with new and innovative design ideas and keep your creativity flowing.

What You Need To Get Started With SPD

The tools of the trade for surface pattern designers vary depending on the medium you're using. If you are a traditional artist and create your designs on paper first, you could invest in a good scanner to bring your designs into the digital world. If you're working in digital mediums, a good graphics tablet is essential.

Other tools that can be helpful include:

· Your favourite art supplies

· A good camera or scanner

· Adobe Photoshop, Procreate or other image editing software

· Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer or another vector drawing software

· A printer and paper for testing out your designs

No fancy stuff is required. Just some basic supplies like paper, pencils, and most scanners will do. And of course, don't forget the all-important graphic design software. This can feel like a bit of a splurge when you are just starting out but is well worth the investment in the long run. I currently use Illustrator, Photoshop and Procreate, which, if you have an iPad, I highly recommend. In fact, I have an entire course on painting in Procreate.

The Future of Surface Pattern Design

The world of surface pattern design is always changing and evolving. As new technologies and trends emerge, so do new opportunities for designers. SPD is a dynamic industry with a strong history and a bright future. So if you're interested in surface pattern design, now is a great time to get started.

Conclusion

The world of surface pattern design is a vast and varied industry. There are thousands of different types of patterns that you can create. If you're interested in creating or designing, there are plenty of opportunities for new designers to find work and build a stellar career. The future of surface pattern design looks bright and exciting, and it's waiting for you to join in!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends. And be sure to check out my other posts on surface pattern design for more tips and information.

Want to learn to create your own patterns?

Join my FREE course and add a new revenue stream to your creative business with patterns.