Art is a business. I know that is not a popular opinion but I can tell you it is definitely true. Once you decide to take your work out of your “studio” (i.e. basement, diningroom table, shed, floor of your garage etc.) and decide to put it out into the world, congratulations! You have become an entrepreneur.
I have been lucky that a good deal of my work appeals to other people, which I am thrilled about because I basically just like to make things that I find interesting. With that said, there has to be some compromise. Ornaments, accessories, even handbags have made their way into my inventory. I have also come to realize that the majority of my sales are made in person. That means although I keep telling my partner, “I am never vending again.”, he knows I am lying. When he suggests mermaids might be trending, and I say “No more mermaids”, I am absolutely lying. When I sign up for 3 outdoor vending events in the middle of winter, he starts looking for his warmest hat and hopes there’s a Starbucks nearby. He’s a keeper.
In 2023 I did a few less vending events, a few more exhibits and went back to selling on consignment. This is the #artistlife; how many ways can I monetize these pieces that keep popping up in my head and filling up my walls at home? I don’t think this outlook makes me less of an artist, being an artist is not something I do, it is who I am. I work quickly (usually) and get bored easily so that means I am constantly experimenting with different materials and images.
Art is a full-time job, in addition to everything else and every other job in your life, but that’s ok. I accept the challenge because if I am not doing this, then I am not being my authentic self.
Here’s a bit of the work that I finished in 2023, some are sold and some are still around. Visit my etsy shop and see what’s available – https://www.etsy.com/shop/pattemade.
Told you, art is a business 🙂
Patty
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Pattemade 