Becoming a full time artist: how it all began
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ม.ค. 2018
- In this video I share my personal story of what led me to make the decision to become a full-time artist and how life's challenges pushed me to succeed.
See works in progress on FB at:
/ ellenbrennemanstudio
Find my prints and original work on Etsy here:
www.etsy.com/shop/EllenBrenne...
All of the opinions I share in this video are based on my personal experience which may not be the same as yours. Please contribute to the conversation but let's all be respectful of one another. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
My biggest struggle is figuring out what I need to create vs. what I think others will enjoy!
Well I cheated in a way - I waited until I retired from 45 years of factory work to become a full time artist - but the dream of doing so kept me going every day of my employed life - and now I cherish every moment working in my studio.
So happy to know you're living out your dream! ☺️
Artists are great. It's so wonderful that we help each other.
Hi Ellen, thank you for sharing your story. Realised your story is very similar to mine. The only difference is I had my surgery in 1998 and it changed my perspective in life. Lost my job in end 2008 and thought I will go back to another job but never happened. Started bringing out my brushes to create (a childhood dream though no school/background in arts). Lost all my savings (no spouse) and it was really a scary journey.... now I am slowly putting things together and still painting after 10 years... Thank you Ellen for all your videos …. they have been encouraging.
So glad you picked up that paintbrush, Irene - thank you for your comment!
I walked away from a very stressful advertising sales job and at that time, took out limited retirement and started painting furniture which lead to painting on canvas only 45 days ago but already sold a few pieces. I need to ramp my business up quick and I am researching and thankful for the sharing of your wisdom, as it will make a quicker path for some of us to reach decisions. I am finding painting and color bring me joy: and i try to paint 3-6 hours a day now. Wonderful video!
Ellen, you are incredibly generous to post all your videos and I have relied on them so much to begin marketing my art. I am 70, retired, and getting back to art after a busy life that did not include art except for personal use. I think that the most important thing I have learned from you is that art, like any other income producing field, is a business. That has guided me to begin producing work in volume and to keep doing it every day. I am selling locally and have begun the transition to social media. Please consider yourself hugely hugged and thank you so very much for all you have done for me and all of us who are fans.
Thank you for your kind words and best of luck to you in your art career! 😊
Thank you for sharing your story.
Wonderful story.... Inspiring!!
Amazing & inspiring. Love your channel. Thank you
Thanks so much, you helped me to believe in myself and my art x
Thank you for sharing this storytime It is helpful . Again Thank You.
Thank you so much for sharing. Very inspiring and helpful!
Lisa thank you so much for watching! ☺️
Thank you so much 😍 This helped me a lot
That picture behind u is beautiful. Love all the colors! I’ve been painting for a year and would love to become professional but have not yet taken the leap. Thank u so much for your story. U give us such important information to know that not all artist will share! Love watching you.
Thank you so much for this video. I loved hearing your story. I enjoy your videos very much and find them helpful as I am in the beginning stages of starting my art career.
Brigitte, thank you for your kind comment and good luck in this exciting new venture!! 😊
Thank you for sharing🙏🙏🙏
Hi Ellen, thanks so much for sharing your story on here! I have just subscribed. I am in the research phase. My world turned upside down 2 years ago due to some weird physical symptoms i developed and needed to leave my job. I started painting again after 10yrs plus. Only bits and pieces. I've been making some really iffy pictures! eek and i am struggling a bit with keeping the momentum going but i feel like now is my opportunity. My symptoms are chronic so it is an added challenge being in and out of activity. Watching videos like yours here is really encouraging and inspiring. I have some new ideas. Thanks again and all the best with your creative work.
Very helpful video ... Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Im so glad i found this video.
thanks for sharing Ellen ;) A wonderful story!
Many thanks for you kind comment! 💕
Thanks for another great video Ellen. I am working my way through all of them. I am 61 and just starting out .Your videos are helping me to structure my art business the right way . Avoiding pitfalls is always my aim. The less time I spend making mistakes with my marketing the more time I can spend making mistakes with my art, which is the only way to grow and get better I reckon.
I listen your story and how you work yourself within your struggle so I agree it every one has some expectation in their life they want to make progress doing something good in life, and it is a life journey that we all are going with the way we like.I am also doing some other work just like your business for our safety and for our happy life and it is necessary for every one. either anywhere we live. so I will also do my work as well as possible and come to know on internet that is the only way because of technology is getting together with the purpose we want. so thanks for your kind cooperation.
Hi Ellen our story inspired me ...Thanks ! I also did a art degree but I but my believe system stopped me to invest in a full time as an artist until I had a emotinal brake down witn anxiety and depression. nowday Iam rebuilding my belive system ...and it brings challenges...Love your sharing. peace and love to you.
Thanks so much for the video it was super inspiring !
Thank you for your comment! :)
I just discovered your artwork recently and am IN LOVE! Then I stumbled upon your TH-cam channel and am so grateful you are on TH-cam! Thank you for taking the time to share your story, your wisdom, and your artwork with us! ❤️
Thank you for your generous and kind comment! 😊
This video was great! Thanks for sharing. It's great to know that I'm not alone!!! I have been doing a lot of gallery shows but still no bites. I know that it takes time to build a following but hearing your story has given me the motivation to keep it up. So thanks Ellen
Nathan, thank you for your comment here and I'm so glad you've decided to keep at it! , Best of luck to you! 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your concern about having savings to fall back on really resonated with me. I quit my job to be an artist after having saved up enough money to hold me for a while. Hopefully it will last me until I'm successful as an artist!
I am starting to market myself so I was very interested in your story. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching and good luck to you!
You remind me of my elementary school art teacher. You give the full detail to your story and you hit all the questions with well given answers. Thank you for existing and being an artist. You next to Vincent van Gogh art my favorite artist yet
That's very kind of you - thank you!
Thank you for sharing this video! I'm working to become an artist too. It's hard not to get discouraged by having no sales, but your advice is reassuring that I should just keep creating and diversifying potential revenue sources. I quit my job to pursue art, so I had money saved up from my previous job to support me during the beginning so at least there's that.
I love this. Many of my artist friends enjoy the solitude, but all agree that you have to put yourself out there, connect and have your social time, best to schedule it I think. I know some who have isolated themselves so much that they loose touch with what is acceptable, like personal grooming and looking "together" not disheveled, burning out on all night youtube binges. Some loose perspective such as if they are a little "stiff" or a touch of a headache their day is "ruined". Also isolation without a schedule is not too good. Spending all morning cleaning brushes, guessing boards or looking at youtube with a cup of coffee sort of paints a weird picture in the course of a week. So at the end of the week you became an expert at building straw-bale homes and you have ideas for building the "Tiny house" that will never happen. washed the windows looking out from your studio, and ordered another brands alizarin crimson when you already have three other tubes. No good, one needs discipline and accountability and a schedule when you "run your own studio". It IS a business. I personally LOVE it! The problem I have is all the folks that think I am available at all hours for them to hang at my studio. They think my evenings and weekends are free-for-alls, NOT the case here. There are so many compromises to get jobs through the door, or even have a relationship! To have a supportive significant other is awesome, but outside of that, many people are not as open to such demands on us artists. Thank you again!
Thank you for contributing to the discussion, Annie! :)
A very good idea is to donate a painting to your community synagogue or church to help in it's fundraising. This gets you & your work known in a caring community
Thanks for sharing your story. I also have a healthy journey that lead me to my art. Have not yet figured out how to become independent through my art or to sell art online.
I do need to be creative though, in order to improve my health.
Its daunting to put yourself out there, but having confidence in your skills means that people can then have confidence in you. I think my biggest thing so far is not hiding the fact that I make art, and actually showing it to people how you would show someone some nice jewelry you have. Though that exposure have I come to terms that, yes, I am an artist. Thanks for sharing Ellen and much love!
Ellen, I wan to thank you so much for the video and sharing your story. There are so many of us who need courage and determination and you are wonderful putting things together and inspire us. I will soon write some more about my own journey, but thanks to you I am getting a bit more confident. After we all have to begin to evolve at some point. Thanks again, and I truly wish you much success in your career as an artist. Blessings.
Absolutely right, we all must evolve at some point - and it's true what is often heard: the best things can come from the darkest of places. I have found this to be the case over and over again. It's like the Universe getting our attention. I'm glad you're gaining confidence; that's one of the hardest parts. BEST of luck to you!
Thanks so much for sharing the journey. I have been selling my work here and there but I have not done much. I focused so much on working hard at other things that I neglected this part. Thanks for all of your videos and putting things in perspective. I need to put the same amount of work and passion I do everything without fear. Fear has been a big thing for me. Thanks for inspiring and sharing your story
You are very welcome, Diana - thank you for your comment. Putting your fear into perspective is half the battle so you're already ahead - best of luck to you!
What an encouraging American story! Ellen, thank you for sharing it, together we are stronger.
Raimondas Marciulevičius thank you very much 😊
Always love your videos, they're truthful & straight to the point... No gimmicks such as promoting another website or something... Just the facts, insight, advice & knowledge we're looking for. Keep it up & hope to see new vids soon!
Thank you!
Thank you so very much. You are like a angel falling in my knees and sending the message from the gods of creation. God bless you and bless your family as well!
Thank you for your kind comment ☺️
Thank you for sharing your history, is very motivational for me. I'm going to pursue my passion for the art because I understand that is possible, won't be easy but is possible.
Best of luck!
Thanks, Ellen! our youngest just started school this year and my wife is starting up her art career, her first local opening is this weekend! We've been hard at work applying our art school degrees getting her pieces ready to hang. Thankfully I have a great full-time job in the internet industry that affords us some space for her to learn and get started. Love having a resource like your channel to share with her to help her visualize going from these early days (almost nothing in sales) to a successful business. Having Artists such as yourself share this candidly is a great resource for the greater community. Your content is super helpful!
Dustin LeBlanc what a nice comment, thank you! And I have to say, having a supportive spouse is one of the greatest gifts there is. Please give your wife a hearty congratulations from me on the start of this new journey in her life, and I wish her the best of luck at her opening this weekend! 😊
Thank you for sharing your story! I have a full time job, work on n minimum 11 hours a day and i just decided that i dont want to work for someone anymore and my current health issues is getting much worst due to working environment. So i started my Videos 3 months ago. Its very hectic working a full day and 2 hours of driving and then having to do my videos and paintings. Also having the stress of not getting my full salary due to Covit 19. But i know it will all be worth it.
Thank you for sharing your story here, and good luck to you!
thank you for sharing! inspiring from Philippines
Thanks for watching!
I always worked FT and did my art as well. Although I had a degree in business, I really want to get a BFA in painting and study updated marketing methods. I agree with you about art fairs, I personally never had much luck with them. The weather could be detrimental to fine art, with wind, rain or excessive sun exposure. The thing they don't really teach in college is step by step techniques on the computer for submitting art proposals. I have had a number of marketing classes and workshops on what galleries want to see and how things work in the art world using technology. I was old school, slides and all. Now, I am looking forward to having a comeback with the art world in an electronically connected world. No more slides. Thank you for your videos, which I only just discovered. :)
you are amazing
Thank you for all of your insight. I’m still ramping up my art business. Each week I’m starting to get a sale. Now I need to double, triple, quadruple that. You are so generous with your experience, thank you again.
Thank you for leaving such a kind comment; I'm so glad to know they are helpful to you! ☺️
Hi I’m Chris, and I’ve always been an Artist and teacher. I’m struggling a bit to find the energy to paint- or even to think, since I work full time teaching Art to students in College. I have a degree in Fine Art and have a website too. So I’m taking it slow, and the holidays are a great time to get started on new ideas. I was widowed in 2019 after caring full time for my husband. Just getting back to life and working.
I’m having a studio built as soon as I gave planning permission from the National Parks people. So I’m just following your advice to keep creating- when I was in lockdown I painted and made prints, even took part in an online show.
Good times are ahead! Hope you had a great Christmas x
Chris, thank you for your comment. I hope your new studio fuels even more creativity! Best of luck to you! ❤️
thanks fir the reply!
Love this video ita optimistic and yet realistic, its harder when you dont have artist friends to feel like this is possible but im just glad for the online communities willing to share their knowledge, it takes years to even learn about this all and im just beginning to believe in myself enough to try, thank you for the videos!
I completely understand where you're coming from. The online communities are proof that compassionate artists are out there and willing to share their skills, knowledge and to give support. I've learned so much myself! And btw, I am thrilled to read that you're having more faith in yourself. That is the one thing I find myself needing to protect and nurture because without it, there is no success. BEST of luck to you and thank you for your comment 😊
Ellen Brenneman Studio 😊😊 thank you! 🙇♂️🙇♂️
So helpful and encouraging!! I am right where you were. 55 though, married and just lost a well paying job because of financial issues at the company. I have severance and unemployment and am truly seeking to be self employed through my art works, teaching and whatever else I can do. I have set up 2 FB pages - 1 for my own work and one for my painting party business and will be working on a web page. Everything you said resonated so perfectly with where I am at. Would never have tried without the encouragement of my family. Thank you for posting your story- it helps more than you know!! ❤️
so glad you found it helpful, Valerie - best of luck to you!!
Thank you Ellen for your video. I can relate to the other posts about self confidence in my abilities. I started drawing when I was 5. My dad brought home a huge roll of newsprint paper and I would roll it out on basement floor and go to town. I've been laid off of blue collar jobs several times, then I thought a business degree was the answer. Almost a year later and no new dream career, I'm coming back to what I know and do well
Art always has a way of pulling us back, doesn't it? I'm glad you're listening to that inner calling - and let me add that a business degree will be a VERY useful asset should you decide to pursue art as a career. I wish I'd had minored in business; it would have made my life so much easier in the beginning. Good Luck to you!! :)
Very helpful, thank you for sharing👌✨🙏
You're very welcome! :)
Dear Ellen! Thank you for sharing your story with us! You are an amazing strong woman! I am not a fulltime artist yet,but I am working twords that. My biggest fear and issue that I have is my selfconvidence that I definitivly do not have and being patient with myself! I am such a patient person with everybody else and with my two cats and so on, but when it comes to ME I am so unpatient that others who know me do not believe it! I am always scared of never being good enough,cause of my tremor! But I love to paint in my medium which is acrylic! Thank you again for this video,Ellen and be blessed! Love from me, Manuela from Germany,to you!
Manuela Herr thank you so much for your kind comment, and I completely understand you feeling a lack of confidence. I think all artists feel this way, even the most successful ones, at some point in their career. The best thing you can do for yourself is not listen to those thoughts and keep pushing forward, keep creating and keep practicing. I don’t feel I was good enough when I started my art career either but I felt I had to make it work so I just kept my head down and kept practicing. Best of luck to you!
Ellen Brenneman Studio Thank you so much for answering me,Ellen! I truly appreciate it a lot! My first thing I wanna tell you is,that most of my fears and being not good enough come especially in to place when it comes to painting my tribute painting for my two lost cats! I know already that I am emotionally too much involded in it! But I will give it another try and giving up like last time will not be an option for me this time!!! I have already traced their pictures on the canvas and have all the information I need to paint this painting...except for one! You do a lot of animals and I hope you can help me out! When painting a cat portrait, she and him are completly on the canvas,where do I start? What do I paint first,second and so on? Can you please give me an advice what order works best for you? I am painting with acrylics. Already thank you and please help me out with that,cause that is right now the only reason why I have not started,yet! God bless you,Ellen! I really like you and your kindness and your videos! Lots of love from me, Manuela from Germany,to you! Keep going!
I'm so happy to know you've started this artwork! You will do great! While I don't work in acrylic paints very often (I mainly use inks) I generally begin with the underpainting first. This takes a lot of pressure off of you trying to make it look good from the beginning because all you are doing is laying down color so it's not supposed to look good yet (I hope that makes sense). I suggest searching here on TH-cam about 'acrylic underpainting' and you'll get a good idea of what I mean. There are a lot of good videos out there about this. Once your underpainting is done, you can then concentrate on making the cats look more realistic. Also, by that time your fear of starting will have vanished because you'll well be on your way! Good luck to you!!
Ellen Brenneman Studio Dear Ellen! Thank you for helping me out! I took your advice and searched on TH-cam for acrylic underpaintings and watched a lot of them. Sorry that I have to barder you again :-( As I watched these videos I remembered something that "The Art Sherpa" said. She said in a video: first we are starting blocking in the colors and continue from there... You as a professionall artist probably know the answer to the question I have now! Is it possible that some teaching artists call things different and is underpainting the same as blocking in the colors,values etc. the same? Just in another words? Thank you already for answering me,again! I feel right now guilty cause I am asking you so many questions and stealing your time with my questions! I am so sorry about that, Ellen! And YES your last answer was helpful to me!!! There is just this one question left,that I asked you and then I know my starting point. Thank you for answering my question and sorry again,for bardering you with my many questions and stealing your limited time! I really appreciate it! I love your channel and the fact that YOU really answer questions,though a lot of teachers say on TH-cam that they always answer any questions but in reality they do not. Thank you again,Ellen! May God bless you! I wish you only the best in every part of your life! Lots of Love from me, Manuela from Germany, to you Ellen!
Yes, that is exactly right - some artists just say it differently, but the words mean the same thing. Just think of it as a 'paint by numbers' at first. You lay down the initial color and then continue building color on top of that, layer by layer. Doing it this way creates value, makes your highlights more bright and lowlights a richer hue. Good luck!! :)
Thank you so much for the inspiration! I’m currently in the stage where I’ve almost got enough work to sell. I worry about not having enough space and packaging but also managing taxes. Recently subscribed to you and would love to hear more about those topics. I’m also getting to the point of running out of money so I’m worried I’ll have to start a part time job again... but fingers crossed!
Thank you for subscribing and best of luck to you!
I'm kind of a full time artist now. I quit my full time social work job when I had my baby and used it as an opportunity to fully focus on my art as a career. I've done fairly decently with my art and hope to start doing painting videos again too.
rachelsstudiodotcom that’s wonderful! Congratulations on going after what you want and succeeding in that 👏🏼👏🏼😊
How do you sell on line. Thats the onley thing holding me back is knowing how to sell my paintings on line.
Loved hearing your story :) I became an artist after quitting my web developer job. I couldn’t stand doing something I didn’t enjoy for 40/hrs a week. I need to create to be happy and make beautiful things. My computer skills have helped in my art career so it’s kinda all working out in some weirdly unexpected way lol
what a beautiful coincidence! I am also a web developer and I am at the exact moment when I left my job because I could no longer continue with it to start following my passion for art. It's good to hear from someone who has the same job profile.
Inspirational video thank you , I am venturing in to this field after leaving work and everything you mentioned has crossed my mind at some point , thankfully my wife is very supportive.
Stuart MacInnes Having a supportive spouse is so incredibly helpful. I’m very glad to know you have a cheerleader by your side to help keep you focused and moving forward. Congratulations on this new journey in your life and best of luck to you!
Thank you Ellen.
Hi Ellen! Thanks for sharing your story. I'm a single mum, and am just embarking on building up an art, graphic design and illustration business in between temp jobs. I love the work that you do and am taking note of all your tips. xx
Thank you for your kind words - I'm so glad to know that some of my information is proving to be useful to you! ☺️
Ive purchased a canon pixma S10 and an epson workforce with an A3 scanner and am ready to go now. Thanks for the printer advice. It really helped. I saw you keep your prints flat when you send them out. I was thinking of using tubes to save on costs, but dont know if there are any implications with this idea... I'm very new to this. xx
Hi, Ellen. Thanks for sharing your story. I totally can relate. I had to leave the job I had because my mother had a stroke. I hated losing that income. I really want to pursue the art thing. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I did other things but always found myself drawn back to it. I wanna do it for a living but my biggest fear is my art not being good enough. I had an art teacher in college tell me one of my drawings looked cartoonish.
When I was in high school I wanted nothing more than to win an award that was presented to a select number of art students each year. Every year I tried to win this award and my art was never selected - not once. Time and time again I was being told that my art wasn't good enough and for a brief time I stopped creating altogether. I don't believe that any of the students who received that award are creating art today and I'm so glad I didn't listen to my inner voice. While it's important to realize that you ARE good enough, it's also equally important to practice every day so you can become a master of your craft. Good luck and keep moving forward!
I lost my job and have been on unemployment for five months. I'm single and fortunately do have savings. Luckily I purchased art supplies years ago as I dabbled. I'm trying to spin this positive as the universe screaming to me to create art and strive to make a business of it. Thank you for your stories and encouragement!
Oh Mary, I'm so sorry you lost your job. I am VERY glad you're keeping your spirits up and focusing on your art. All my best to you!
Thank you for sharing! I have learned so much from your videos. I have sold a few paintings and a couple of prints but nothing I can live off of. Still trying to figure out this marketing thing. I am on FB, Instagram , Twitter, and have my website with lots of flattering comments on my art on all the social platforms but no one seems to be interested in buying. Just seems like a very slow process. Thank you again!
Sarah Edmondson it is a slow process - for me, anyway. And social media can be deceiving, don’t forget. I know of artists that have 20,000+ followers on Facebook and other platforms and cannot sell their artwork. So those whom you think might be successfully producing work and making a career out of it may not be. I don’t have tens of thousands of followers, but I am able to make a living doing what I love and I think the biggest part is figuring out where your audience is. Where do you receive the most attention? Which platform provides you with the most engagement from those who follow you? These are the places you want to focus on, in my opinion. Good luck to you!
Ellen Brenneman Studio Thank You! You are most kind and I appreciate you taking your time to share with me!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. My journey is a little different. I have had many starts and stops along the way because I am bipolar. Do you have any experience with this friends, fellow artists, family?
Hi! How not to judge your art work too much? How to be good enough? Thanks for being an artist! We all should be!
Rimantė Čaplinskaitė Try to remember why you are creating art in the first place. For the pure joy of it. Once we get out of our own way, and let the creativity flow, the stress we put on ourselves tends to disappear.
Hi Ellen, thanks for this video. I have recently quit my job in an attempt to live a more balanced life. My life was so focussed on my job that it consumed all my life. So now I'm a freelance graphic designer, but my goal is to become a fulltime artist :-) This is the start of my 2nd month as a free person! I now do only a few hours a day work for my old job, and the rest of the time I am trying to cultivate my talent and to find my style as an artist. I opened a society6 shop, and I completely understand when you said how difficult it is to get it up and running.
Nicole Kruger congratulations on taking that plunge - It is scary, but you have worked past that part which isn’t easy to do! I wish you nothing but the best! 😊
I appreciate your honest account of your experience. I'm an art educator in the public school system and dream of being a full time artist. But with the demands of teaching-there is very little time and energy to build skills. I live in an art saturated area also. I see my students making art and selling through social media - which is rewarding but I want to do the same. When I go to produce art I'm too critical and confused about what I actually like because of having to be diverse in knowledge of materials and techniques. I guess I done have a specific question.
Hi, Victoria - and thank you for your comment. Sometimes just putting your thoughts down into the world can bring a bit of clarity. Putting yourself out there for all to see is extremely challenging and can bring all sorts of negative thoughts (speaking from experience here) but if you've been teaching art then you are already at such an advantage. You can do it! :)
I was intending on selling my work once I built up a body of work. I was advised by an Artist friend that I was ready. I was doing landscapes in oil and after getting a sufficient amount of work done and framed this whole global pandemic hit and out local farmers market shut down and now only allows "Groceries" most gift shops are still shut down and I'm not sure where to go from here. I do have a facebook Gallery and have sold a few pieces from there.
This pandemic has made things incredibly difficult for so many. I'm sorry to learn it affected your plans to see at your Farmers Market :(
Thank you :)
You're most welcome, Wendy! 😊
Big thanks
I just start painting 5 months ago
My husband is artist..but l don't know nothing about art..l pray to God so much to start be an artist...and just started painting and l couldn't stop anymore...l want sell ..l did the same thing about search...love and l will fallow u♥️🙏
Inspiring
Thank you for your kind comment 😊
❤️
I can understand your story but is different when you are the only source of income in your household.... I could not even think, nor dream of simply walk away from my job for experiment into art.... I just paint for my pleasure and from time to time I sell a piece... I only have 6 more years to go for my retirement, then I can pursue my art more intense...
I was a graphic designer and lecturer prior to becoming a single mum. My daughter is 8 now and i feel that the time is right to do it. Im looking to do illustration, graphic design and marketing to support myself too.:)
That's wonderful news, best of luck to you!
I recently started working part-time and have been trying to invest more time in art. I am having so much fun with the art I am producing and getting some interest, but sales are difficult. I am also an international artist which makes thing a bit tricky... Lately, I did something where I sent out a message to people in my area and offered prints by donation. I actually made more money this way that I ever have before! I usually utilize print on demand sites to sell my work. I wish there was one where people could donate towards the art instead of having a set price.
I think that is a brilliant idea. So often we feel the need to conform to what everyone else is doing but honestly, there is no 'one way' to be successful (I learned this the hard way - lol). Most of the time it truly takes trial and error to see what works for your art and your following. This might be worthwhile for me to try....hmm! Out of curiosity, did you ever receive offers that were too low and if so, how did you handle your response?
...and oh my gosh yes, international sales are SO tricky! I used to sell to Australia and Britain quite regularly but the cost has become so extraordinary that it costs more to ship than the print prices! 😳
Appreciate your honesty. I am an RN. I am my most happy creating. I talent people say. I would love to be able to create and make a good living, even just to supplement. I have big fears of rejection and currently do not have a pc or printer. I am the major bread winner of the family. A lot of obstacles. Just putting everything in God’s hands. I def could use the extra money
I can certainly relate with the feelings of being rejected. Such a fear of mine as an introvert. I wish you the best of luck on your creative journey; thank you for your comment :) xo
Thanks for sharing your story, and congrats on transitioning to a full-time artist. I still haven't sold any art. Maybe I need to make an etsy store. I think part of the problem is that I'm not sure if I'm good enough, and part of it is marketing my work.
Adnan A Thanks so much for your comment. I have to tell you, I don’t believe there is an artist out there who doesn’t have those same thoughts: am I good enough? I can honestly say that when I started my business and looking back on it now, I don’t feel I was good enough. But I practiced seven days a week, 52 weeks a year and as I became better, my business grew. Remember, you have to start somewhere. The important thing is to just start. Best of luck to you!
@@EllenBrennemanStudio Correct you are!
I want to be an artist whenever I created something my family and friends think I do great, but I've taken a break from it and it's been a while since I've done it. I wanna get back into it and become an artist, I guess I'm worried for the struggles ahead to become one.
I think most of us feel/felt exactly as you do, so you definitely aren't alone.
Interesting to hear your story. I was a graphic designer (and single mum) until one day BAM medical errors seriously injured me, made me disabled and I lost my health, job, home etc. Tried to take legal action but failed: the docs falsified my medical records. Social security not enough to live on = huge debt so had to sell my home to pay the debts off & been using the rest to live on but dwindling very very fast = so stressful and no proper health insurance. Trying to sell my art but with my extreme fatigue (brain injury) and constant pain and movement difficulties I can't do as much as someone in good health. Sadly no partner to help & support me. I work very hard on my art and do all exhibitions I can - they are exhausting and take so long to prepare canvases and frames and labels etc. I'm in exhaustion burn-out and fear becoming homeless = huge stress. Currently working hard to get my art ready for a small group exhibition, I'd love to sell some of my art but the last time I did this expo I only sold one (and at the expo before) = so disheartening. I wish there was more help for artists like me: trying to do online selling is too difficult for me sadly and people promise to help but don't know if they are: not seen any results yet... Drowning in canvases, paintings, prints etc. that I've made, can't keep creating more: already living in mess & chaos, hate it but can't sort it - my brain injury. And living in unsuitable dangerous rented accommodation = insecure & unrepaired & uninsulated (varies between 31C summer to 6C winter - no proper heating) = awful. But I know that at the moment I'm 'lucky' to not be homeless, I'd put all my money into my home to pay the mortgage off as fast as possible, never dreamed I'd lose it/have to live on it from way way before retirement age - and even at retirement I won't get enough to live on = scary. People say nice things about my art but they don't buy it, instagram: jennyhughes_art but I can't keep up with doing that either often. Well done you for making it work, I don't know if I can...
Thank you for sharing your story; I'm sorry to learn of all your struggles :( An art career is a gamble for sure; any entrepreneurial job can cause so much stress. I hope things look up for you very soon!
@@EllenBrennemanStudio thank you for your reply. I never suffered from stress in my self-employment as graphic designer: I thrived on it/deadlines etc - but that was pre-accident. All the best to you.
my biggest fear? in one word rejection. i have been "an artist" my whole life. i have always drawn, always painted but i started trying to sell jewelry at first. i have hundreds of dollars in supplies and already made work that no one buys. i would always hear "oh, that's pretty" or "don't see that everyday" and even at cut thoat prices they would just move on... i have hundreds of pages of artwork here and a few dozen paintings and no idea what to do with them. i live in the middle of nowhere and the only way to do anything here is to know who to talk to or be related to someone with influence, which i don't have. i don;t have a large friend pool and while encouraging they can't buy all my art. i have started this week with just trying to figure out were to go from here, especially since public fairs are out with covid going around. thank you for putting these q&a vids out, they are the most info for questions i have been stuck on that i have found so far.
Isn’t it interesting how often adversity can bring out the best in us. Btw your work is absolutely beautiful.
so true, Diana - and thank you for your kind words!
Thank you Ellen for your generous sharing. It is so helpful. Having sold my art for a bit on eBay I am just now starting to paint more regularly again after being a bit sporadic about it because of the busyness of life and other necessary endeavors and life challenges. Would like to be more regular and disciplined in the marketing part of it also which is so challenging. My biggest problem I think is getting distracted too easily or getting in a rut sometimes with the art . Do you have suggestions on how not to get in a rut?
Jane Schleppenbach I have had the problem of being in a rut and I think it’s common for most artists, especially those who create a considerable amount of work. For me, most of it stemmed from the fact that I was doing well using one style and felt boxed in. I started forcing myself to create using a different medium and substrate altogether and that eventually led me back to creating in the style I was most known for. Sometimes we just need a break from the day to day. Good luck to you!
Thank you Ellen! That is great advice. Sometimes I also feel the need to venture off in different directions and ways of painting and seem to get bored easily with doing things just one way. Maybe that is why like to get out of a rut and stretch myself. Thanks again for the wise words.
for me I don't mind being along when im doing art, I love that. what I mind is the instability of art as a career...it takes years to make it and get successful until you can live from this. its scary. and I've been in the arts for years, but just do it for myself and don't sell anything .
Fear, what makes you think someone would buy an artwork from a fearful, insecure artist ? No one , not even for free
I think a great way to start is to do art in your free time while having a full-time job or during your paid leave. It will make the transition much easier if you know you have the income you need and you have the space to explore your options. Though I think that for many people a difficult situation is needed for them to completely turn their lives around and focus on something completely. It must be difficult, however, to maintain your business, especially right now. I really like the idea of investing money so you get some kind of passive income to support you.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment on this topic! :)
You are so inspirational. .i am 61 years old and have been so sick fo 3/4 of adult life with terrible headaches and vommiting. but I am doing some better. After all these years I am getting serious
about my art. What art site would you recomend to find friends.
Right now, Facebook is the place I'd recommend for friendships. There are so many art groups there, and people are always encouraging and quick to offer help to those who need it.
Hi Ellen, great advice as always. I’ve been working to build up my online presence and sales - my next step is building a more local presence IRL. What are your thoughts about selling in local venues, from local shops and cafes to galleries, and the commission those places require? I’m finding the whole commission thing daunting.
Thanks for this chat. I am just starting to gravitate towards selling my art online. I have several mixed media pieces, and I am also a photograher. T did the same thing you did, naively put my art on etsy in 2012 just hoping it would sell. After a year of no sales, I took it down. I kept the etsy shop but was inactive until 2016, when I started a vintage collectibles business. I just re-activated the shop and filled it with collectibles to sell. Now, I want to sell art online, or try again. I am not sure if I should start a new shop on etsy for art or should I list my art on my vintage shop? I have lots of sales and reviews in the vintage shop, and it tells customers that I have been on etsy since 2012. Would that make a difference in buyer perceptions, being a shop since 2012 versus opening a new shop with no sales or reviews? Also, I am wondering about having an website for my art, like shopify or wix. Do you have a separate artist website? do you recommend having one. Thanks.
Having a shop that has good reviews and many sales will certainly make a difference as opposed to starting from scratch; you've already developed trust with your customers and that is something that already takes a lot of time. It's always important to have a shop that looks cohesive.
An art website is a must, in my opinion. Not only for SEO purposes but if something were to ever happen where you couldn't sell on Etsy anymore, you'll always have your own website as a backup. I use WIX and I love it. SO user friendly.
Not quite the same, but my "start" sounds a bit similar: I quit my job for personal reasons, but when I went for a few jobs that I really wanted, it didn't work out and so I wasn't sure what to do. My dream is to be a full time artist, and honestly, if it was nothing but pet commissions I would be pretty happy!
Being financially secure in general, I decided to put forth all of my energy toward this goal, and away from the sad part time jobs that I would always prioritize over all else. I'm a month or so into it, and it's looking a bit dire.
The problem is, I'm not just starting. I've been half hustling for almost a decade making youtube videos, using etsy, blogging, social media, juried shows, craft fairs and patreon. So I'm impatient at this point. I should be proud to pull in pocket change after a month of full timing it (and I guess I still am), but it's not REALLY a month. It's a decade. Shouldn't I have done it by now? My friends are so busy with commissions that they have to say "no" regularly. It's hard to stay motivated/positive with all of this extra experience under my belt - ironically!
What i want In life is to become someone how work really hard every day and enjoy his work and also i want that i can get better and keep learning New things i think that being full time artist Its the best for me becauce if i do somethings i don't really like i will start to become an artist when i become 50 or 60 when i think about my self when i 50 years old i will tell people to be nice and do what they like it is just one life you have if you didn't work hard and do what you want to do then when you will do it (me when i 50 years old) i am 16 by the way
Try not combire yourself with other people and do work that you really want to buy and try to having fun if your enjoying while Doing things your work will have something better if you combire yourself with other how draw more than you and have so many experince and they fail alot then get up
Great story, I like that you was persistent threw it all, I would like to ask what was the hardest part as far as the financial side of things, like taxes, registering your business. Basically what are some of the cost of business you had to go threw.
Well for me early on, I wasn't required to register my business or pay taxes because I made too little - LOL. Luckily I had prepared a little bit for this and saved some money back so I could focus all my energy on it. Once I started making a decent living I knew I needed to protect myself and my business so I registered as an LLC and hired a tax accountant to help me figure out how to get everything in order. Now I'm pretty set and have him handle taxes, deductions, etc while I do my regular bookkeeping throughout the rest of the year.
Lol okay sounds good.. thank you so much you been very helpful
I try many things In my life swimming, volley ball, programing(idk make program XD), and so many other things and always i didn't do any thing related to art even when i think that i have huge imgaintion i was so scared what other will Say that i am lazy that i am wasting my life on drawing or comics or writing books but idk know why that i am always loved creative people i didint think that i can be one but idk why 2 month ago I start draw i think Its the first time i draw becauce i want to and Its was great (really bad drawing XD) and now i start drawing every day i think my dream is to become self taught artist and i really enjoy add value to the people's lifes i am 16 i know Its will be so hard but i know that what i want to do and my biggest fear is that when i 25 and still live with my parents that was so shamful for me but when i see alot of artist they live with someones that can support you while you build your art work
It's wonderful to know you have a clear idea of what you want in life at 16 years of age. Best of luck to you!
@@EllenBrennemanStudio 😭💞best of luck for you too
This is a compliment, not a bad thing, but you remind me of the actress who played the evil woman in the movie "Annie". The character who was trying to take advantage of Annie and the rich man who adopted her. I always found the actress' face really interesting and memorable. I liked it. Lol. You have a beautiful face!
I find your comment charming and I thank you! :)
If it's not too personal what do you make a year or month as a professional artist?
exactly what I do. I studied art and fashion design BUT really I only dabble in it and thought I secretly wish to live from it ---- IM also really scared of being poor forever and not making it. lucky you have your husband to support you, im all by myself and $30,000 in debt.
I'm by myself too but I do not want another soul sucking job. It IS SCARY! I actually cried last night thinking,, what if I fail?? I'm using everything I have to get this going. I understand feeling alone.
@@tobyfitzpatrick565 I know it sucks. im trying to focus on it but I think for now that I'm starting to loose interest in this. I don't want a soul sucking job either but at the same time I don't WANT to be jobless or have no security at all. Im very concerned. Im looking at other avenues of income possibly with other skills that I've garnered over my life. Art is too risky for me and there is too much waiting on other people to buy your art or products etc. Im looking more at service based businesses for now. wishing you luck and honestly if its what you really want, I do honestly believe that perseverance will get you there but you have to persevere and work at it. You need a lot of drive and patience to do art and that is my problem I think. I don't lack talent but I lack drive and that can sorta go for a lot of areas in my life-for me its simply an issues of : "its time to grow up and time to get serious about my life." Blessings to you. I pray it all works out for you. I know how you feel. I've been doing soul sucking jobs for 30yrs.
very nice advise. i have started my channel and i am getting clients and paying like 450 dollars for their portrait.
I think I'm most afraid of money, though I have funded an entire year's worth of car payments, should I lose my job. I have all the art supplies I need (though I do need a new computer) and, thanks to Dave Ramsey, I have no debts except my car. I work every night after work, on art, but it's hard to promote during those hours. I am working on some downloads for artists and others, to organize our lives, as 'passive income', but other than that, I'm longing for the day my job is over!
Did you ever try ebay back then?
Where do you have your prints made? How do you get good quality prints? I’ve had trouble
Hi, Kayla 😊 I have several videos where I discuss printing questions. I think the one you might find the most answers would be this one: th-cam.com/video/8DIVpbZH_Kw/w-d-xo.html
Were you able to sell outright or did the stores want you to put them on consignment?
My apologies Sherry, just saw this comment. It depended on the shop. Many prefer consignment while others just want to purchase wholesale.
I really want to prove to my parents that i can live by painting . They dont really understand me how much i love painting they keep saying study and go to college (which is not really a problem for me ) but the thing is what im learning is nothing to do with art (im currently in highschool by the way ) I was planning to take architecture but i to be honest i chose that so my parents will be proud that im taking something higher than engineering but i just dont see my future as an architect but i see my future as a painter . I told them i want to be a full time artist . My parents says that who will buy my art if i dont have degree . Is that true ? You cant sell your out without knowledge from school and dont have degree ? I go to school but they just dont teach art sometimes i will just stay at home painting
Hi, Hana Rose 😊 I can only speak for myself here, but I've never had a buyer ask about my degree before purchasing work from me.
If I were to sell art on Etsy, would I sell prints of original pieces or just the original piece? What is most successful? What did you start with? How are you currently selling pieces? Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼
I tried answering your question in one of my videos - you can find it here: th-cam.com/video/htIe5yfomfg/w-d-xo.html
How do u know how to price your art?
Shersan2 That is one of the hardest things, in my opinion. One of the simplest ways to start is to be competitive with others who are creating works similar to yours and who’s achievements match your own. Once you become established you can start charging per square inch or decide how much you want to make per hour and then multiply that by how many hours it takes for you to create a work of art, plus materials. It’s really a personal decision and every artist does it differently.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am just now starting to try selling my art online on the side. I love your videos. I find them incredibly helpful and inspiring! I was wondering do you have an email list? If you do, how did you grow it?
I have a newsletter that visitors can subscribe to on my website; I also have a mailing list option handy when I'm at fairs; but other than that, I am not the best marketer for email lists 😕
@@EllenBrennemanStudio if I hear any good tips I'll bring them back here 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping new artists.. like me! Lol. Pricing still concerns me, but the formulas you talked about make sense. I also never thought about using art fairs to help figure out who my target audience is. Brilliant!
Do you make your own prints or do you send out to a graphics company?
I do both. I have a few videos that answer questions on who I use and how I print/ship. If you are interested in those, I'll include links here: th-cam.com/video/htIe5yfomfg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/8DIVpbZH_Kw/w-d-xo.html
@@EllenBrennemanStudio Thank you!