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Post by michelle on Sept 19, 2019 12:58:56 GMT -6
Such an odd phenomena goes on in my brain. When I’m just piddling around with jewelry making, I have fun with it. I’ll try new things and I’m patient with the process. But when I start to think that one of these days, I’m going to have a pretty good pile of stuff and I ought to think about how to sell it - like I did with the artisan fair - suddenly my jewelry is no longer art; it’s a commodity. All the fun goes away. I become impatient.
I don’t know why I can’t hold the two thoughts in my brain at the same time. It’s very odd. I don’t need the money, so it’s not like that’s a worry. The only thing I can think of is that I worked for a year as a financial advisor on commission only. It was one of the most challenging and terrifying year’s of my life. Maybe this feeling is inserting itself.
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togan
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Post by togan on Sept 19, 2019 13:33:49 GMT -6
I would say ignore those thoughts and continue to have fun if that's what suits you. For some, there is a balancing act. Their soul drives them to express themselves in artistic ways, but they also have to support themselves...and thus their output becomes a commodity. I'm sure it varies from person to person in terms of how they handle it (whether they're happy or not). Most people I know are happy to be able to do what they love but also benefit from it financially. I also know a few who would never sell anything they make. They either give it (as gifts) or they keep it. I suppose that brings into question 'intent' too. Some may have the intent of using artistic ability to make a commodity...others may have the intent of just enjoying the aesthetics for themselves.
I also read an article that had a quote with regards to craft fairs: "Art fairs are not places where aesthetic or intellectual fields of value are created. Art fairs are competitive fields where the destruction of aesthetic and intellectual values takes place for the benefit of consumptive value." - Todd Levin of the Levin Art Group
This reminded me of what you were saying about participating in the artisan fair.
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Post by caeterle on Sept 19, 2019 14:33:25 GMT -6
I also read an article that had a quote with regards to craft fairs: "Art fairs are not places where aesthetic or intellectual fields of value are created. Art fairs are competitive fields where the destruction of aesthetic and intellectual values takes place for the benefit of consumptive value." - Todd Levin of the Levin Art Group That's very interesting, Togan, thank you for sharing. Michelle, I understand you very well because I often felt I'm bouncing back and forth between those two things. Expressing myself, experimenting, having fun AND feeling the need to sell something as if to justify my "playing". I know that that has several reasons. One of them is the perception of me as an artisan, my own perception and that of others, too. Am I even allowed to be an artisan without being a businessperson as well? A good businessperson? A good seller? Opinions are all over the place, I can tell you, and sometimes it's hard not to listen to all of them and being torn in every direction possible. Lately I have noticed that I'm not feeling that pressure that much anymore. I don't know the reason for that, but I'm doing my best to be happy with it as long as it lasts. Maybe you should ask yourself what you think will happen if you don't sell much or maybe not anything at all. What would you do with the pieces? Give them away as gifts or to charity, try to trade with other artisans, wear them yourself ... and how would you feel about that? Is selling the only joy or is the joy in making something? I remember someone saying - those were still the ArtFire times, nine years ago or so - they would just throw the stuff out of the window now for people to pick up. I said okay, but what if no one picks it up, how would I feel about it then? Wouldn't that even be worse? I still have some pieces from back then and that's okay. It could be worse, afghans or sweaters take up much more space than jewelry ;-) Sorry if I'm rambling a bit, I should really work on an English translation for a flyer, but I'm not very motivated right now ....
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Post by Michele on Sept 19, 2019 15:19:57 GMT -6
You have to do what you are comfortable with.
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Post by michelle on Sept 19, 2019 15:30:32 GMT -6
I also read an article that had a quote with regards to craft fairs: "Art fairs are not places where aesthetic or intellectual fields of value are created. Art fairs are competitive fields where the destruction of aesthetic and intellectual values takes place for the benefit of consumptive value." - Todd Levin of the Levin Art Group This reminded me of what you were saying about participating in the artisan fair. I like this quote! And maybe this does speak to the feeling I’m grappling with. I’ve always thought it would be nice to be able to make money from my passion, but the whole selling process just takes me out of the zone. I get the same feeling that I had when working as a financial advisor and my supervisor would tell us to scare people into buying life insurance. I couldn’t do it. Excellent observations, Togan. I appreciate you taking the time to help me try and sort this.
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Post by michelle on Sept 19, 2019 15:48:15 GMT -6
Michelle, I understand you very well because I often felt I'm bouncing back and forth between those two things. Expressing myself, experimenting, having fun AND feeling the need to sell something as if to justify my "playing". I know that that has several reasons. While I’m sorry you are grappling with this too, I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. I think you’ve hit on something about feeling the need to justify my hobby. And I don’t know why. My husband is my biggest enabler and has pointed out on numerous occasions that he doesn’t make money from his hobby (motorcycles) and his hobby is more expensive. One of them is the perception of me as an artisan, my own perception and that of others, too. Am I even allowed to be an artisan without being a businessperson as well? A good businessperson? A good seller? Opinions are all over the place, I can tell you, and sometimes it's hard not to listen to all of them and being torn in every direction possible. Yes! There is something about being having to earn money from your art to be considered legit. Lately I have noticed that I'm not feeling that pressure that much anymore. I don't know the reason for that, but I'm doing my best to be happy with it as long as it lasts. Maybe you should ask yourself what you think will happen if you don't sell much or maybe not anything at all. What would you do with the pieces? Give them away as gifts or to charity, try to trade with other artisans, wear them yourself ... and how would you feel about that? Is selling the only joy or is the joy in making something? I think feeling that I should sell my work is taking the fun out of it. Maybe, that is an energy thing. The fibromyalgia is an energy drain. If I use my energy toward selling, I have nothing left for being creative. As for what I would I would do with the pieces, probably all of the above. 😄. I remember someone saying - those were still the ArtFire times, nine years ago or so - they would just throw the stuff out of the window now for people to pick up. I said okay, but what if no one picks it up, how would I feel about it then? Wouldn't that even be worse? I still have some pieces from back then and that's okay. It could be worse, afghans or sweaters take up much more space than jewelry ;-) Very true!Sorry if I'm rambling a bit, I should really work on an English translation for a flyer, but I'm not very motivated right now .... Your rambling hit on a variety of issues! I found it helpful in sorting out this pile of feelings.
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Post by michelle on Sept 19, 2019 15:49:00 GMT -6
You have to do what you are comfortable with. And this is the ultimate truth. Thank you.
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togan
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Post by togan on Sept 19, 2019 15:55:30 GMT -6
It reminded me of a conversation I had with someone about the stresses of selling recently. The gist of it was that selling is a means and is indeed competitive. Coping with a lot of rejection is guaranteed and if you don't stick to trends, even within your target market there's even more of it. There's also the not-so-fun business side of things. Depending on how much work you want to put into it, it can almost feel like you spend way less time doing the part you love (creating). And there's the justification to yourself for why you do it all.
all of the above...can definitely take you 'out of the zone'.
Suffice it to say...they made me want to cry lol. But all of it was true in my case and they were just offering tough advice. Kind of like saying "Santa isn't real!".
In the end, I decided to keep going of course because that's just what I want to do. The time investment.... If time is spent doing something you want or something you love, then it's never wasted time. I try to keep the mantra my friend gave me close at heart: "Hunt the good".
All of the negative things they mentioned to me in the conversation...I just kind of ran them against my own internal reasoning. Sure there's rejection, but there's also people out there who will like it. Hard work and tedious tasks, but I get to learn things and connect with people in the process which just helps me grow as a person. Keeping up with trends to be marketable, I just look at them as design challenges. How do I incorporate this into something I would normally do? And constant competition? Moreso a chance to appreciate the artistry of others. After all, art exists as expression for others to appreciate and even be inspired by.
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Post by michelle on Sept 19, 2019 19:46:43 GMT -6
All of those are good points, Togan. Rejection isn’t a huge issue for me at this point. I’ve had enough people interested in my work, that I’m fairly confident there is a niche for me. Connecting with other artisans is wonderful! I really enjoy this forum!
I’m thinking that since I don’t have enough pieces with which to do an artisan show at the moment, I’ll ignore the selling aspect until such time that I do.
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Post by caeterle on Sept 19, 2019 23:18:33 GMT -6
I just joined an FB group with members trying to help each other with exactly those questions. It developed from another group which is only about the creative side of things, strictly not allowing sales talk or promotion. I like how encouraging members are and I like that it's for all kinds of crafts, too. Only seeing jewelry can become a little overwhelming at times Many of them have the same feelings about creating and selling, some are more successful, some less. You are so not alone with this, Michelle. I also understand about the fibro being an energy drain if you try to concentrate on the whole works of making and selling. In my case it's not fibro as you know, but sometimes I feel sucked dry. I used to think creating could recharge my batteries when really it kept sucking even more if I worried about selling at the same time. Now I'm not feeling guilty about taking much needed breaks and let my muse tell me when she's ready again Togan, what do you mean "Santa's not real" Not that we even really have Santa over here ... Seriously though, I always enjoy reading your input. One last thing about enablers. Since my ex left, I have to be more careful about spending money on materials. That's a pity because there is nothing like a nice bead shopping spree but mainly it taught me to actually use what I've got on hand which can be a challenge, both in a "bad" and in a good way. On the other hand I still have to assure my Mom that I'm not going to starve because I throw away all my money on beads, lol. I think she's the main reason - and I'm not saying she does it on purpose, it's just that money watching thing which we always had to do being a big family on one income when I was a kid - for my need to justify what I do.
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Post by michelle on Sept 20, 2019 1:51:52 GMT -6
Thanks so much, Cat! Would you mind sharing that FB group? It sounds like something I’d like.
I appreciate you sharing your troubles with energy as well. It makes me think that I’m on the right track regarding in pushing selling off to the side instead of keeping it at the forefront. I sometimes don’t realize when I need to rest. I need to get better at that. And I need to give myself permission to do so.
Those practical, careful moms! 😄 My mom is not too bad, but we were a one income family when I was a child too. There wasn’t too much frivolous spending.
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Post by caeterle on Sept 20, 2019 2:45:12 GMT -6
Not at all, Michelle! Creative Imagination is the non-promotional group, is the new one. Send me a friend request if you like and if you can deal with cat pictures, silly posts and crafty pictures
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Post by DawninCal on Sept 20, 2019 11:33:14 GMT -6
When I was new to making jewelry, selling it never crossed my mind. I was simply enthralled with the process from start to finish. As I started wearing some of my work, friends and co-workers started to buy from me and I also gave some of it away as gifts. Eventually, I started consigning in a few gift shops/galleries and between sales to people I knew and the consigning, I made enough income to support my jewelry making habit. For a very long time I resisted selling online as I was afraid doing so would change my jewelry making from something I did for the pure pleasure and satisfaction of creating into something where I felt pressured to churn out jewelry to sell. I did not want to try to follow trends or make whatever was popular with the masses at any given time. I was also not interested in trying to market myself on social media. But, eventually I gave in and signed up for Artfire and now Etsy. My sales are sporadic and slow and neither of my shops took off (there was a part of me that wanted to be wildly successful - I attribute that to my ego) and for a long time I fretted over that. I'm now at the point that I've realized I don't need the income from selling and I do make just enough to support my jewelry making. I no longer care if I sell or not and that has been very freeing for me from a creative standpoint. No more checking my shop several times a day to see if I've made a sale, no more hoping for a big Christmas season, no more trying to make a go of social media. Well, I am going to try to do more with Instagram next year, but that's mostly because I like the platform and find it easy to use. Having reached this point, I find myself working on jewelry when I feel like it not because I feel like I should be making jewelry to sell. I am free to experiment with new materials and new techniques without worrying about how much time I am spending at it (my resin/leaf jewelry has been a time consuming learning curve) and I make whatever I want. I list it when I have a minute and if it sells great. If it doesn't, oh well. As Cat said, at least jewelry doesn't take up the room that something like sweaters or quilts do. Every now and then I go thru my inventory and take things that have been sitting around for a long time apart and make something new out of the components. And, I'm happy to say that I no longer suffer from a bruised ego because my jewelry isn't flying off the shelves. I figure I'm ahead of my time as a designer and buyers just don't 'get me' or my work. Dawn
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Post by michelle on Sept 20, 2019 14:08:32 GMT -6
Cat, thanks for the link, and I will definitely friend you! I generally post political stuff (just because things are such a mess in the US now) and cute animal videos. 😄
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Post by michelle on Sept 20, 2019 14:15:16 GMT -6
Dawn, thank you so much for sharing your story. You hit on all of the emotions I’ve been having through this process. I could relate to every permutation. Thank you!
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