4 BIG Things I'd Do Differently If I Started Over As An Artist

I started my art business four years ago this month.​

This time of year is hard for me, because I realize I'm not where I thought I'd be by now with my art and business.​

When I hit the one year mark in 2018, I thought I'd be farther along.​

And when I hit the two year mark in 2019, I too thought I'd be farther along. 

Same with 2020...

And now, hitting the four  year mark..well, you know.

But it's okay.​

I'm where I'm meant to be.

And looking back a year ago from now, my art and business has grown so much.

I'm very thankful. And I really need to learn to be patient.

Good things take time.

So, as I'm reflecting on hitting year four, I'm thinking of what I'd do differently if I were able to start over.​

I'll share them with you :)

I would focus more on creating art and improving my art skills in the beginning

The moment I realized this was what I wanted to do, I not only delved into creating art, but also in selling my art.​

I wish instead, I'd spend the first year ONLY creating art. Creating as much as I can. Growing my skills. Trying new things. Finding my "style" and what I truly enjoy painting.

Because let me be honest..my art SUCKED.

I took years off from painting, so my skills were not very good.

So, what I do differently..I'd spend my first year creating as much as I can. And then once I felt my skills were good and I felt ready to sell and start my business, then I'd start working on creating my business and selling.​

I feel like focusing on BOTH creating and selling/business in the very beginning made me grow slowly, both in my art skills and business.

Instead of trying to be AMAZING at one thing (creating art), I was trying to be AMAZING at two things (creating art and selling).

Which in turn, made me mediocre in those two things since my energy was spread too thin between the both.

I would be more willing to try new mediums​

It wasn't until a little over a year and half after becoming an artist/starting my business that I tried watercolor.​

I was so stubborn to try anything other than oil paint.​

I loved oil paint; I didn't want to paint with anything else.​

And I felt like this mindset held me back, both with my art skills and my business.​

Watercolor changed everything for me.​

When I gave in and made the choice to try watercolor, I instantly fell in love with it.​

Watercolor stretched my painting skills more than just oil could. This is because watercolor requires different skills than oil. The techniques are different.​

So, by learning a new medium, my skills improved even more.​

Watercolor also benefited my business.​

Watercolor paintings are easier to sell. More people like watercolor than oil (at least from what I've experienced).​

Watercolor also doesn't take nearly as much time as oil and the cost of supplies are cheaper. So this helps me make art that is more affordable and easier to sell.

And let's be honest, watercolor paintings are cheaper to ship :p​

Watercolor paintings are also easier to make into stickers, prints, and products (at least in my opinion).

​I would share more of who I am, my struggles, and helping my audience​

In the beginning, I was VERY shy about my art and sharing about myself on social media.​

But if I could start over, I'd try to be more courageous and put myself out there. I'd show my face more on my socials.​

Three years ago, the "perfect" feed was in. Styled photos and flatlays were popular.​

So, I put more effort into making photos of my art look stylish and "perfect". I had designated "photoshoot" days to take photos in my studio and of my art.​

I wish I didn't pay so much attention into styling my photos and making everything about me.​

I wish I instead shared more about my journey, showed my face more, been myself more, give more to/help my audience, and make my social media about my audience..not about me and stylish photos of my art.

I would be more open to critique and asking for feedback on my art

I know asking for feedback on your art is scary..I'm still scared to as for feedback.

But it's good to get feedback on your art so you know how you can improve. This way you will grow quicker as an artist!​

I wish in my first year, I asked for feedback. I feel like that would have been so helpful for me.​

Having a mentor/fellow artist you trust who will be honest with you about your artwork, can do amazing things for you.​

And this is in the FAR future..but some day soon I would like to build a membership. And in this membership I'd like to put together artist accountability groups/masterminds where we can help each other!​

But until then, if you ever need help with your art or feedback, please reach out! :)​

These are the ones that came to my mind, but I'm sure there are plenty more if I sat down and reflected again!

What about you? What would you do differently? Comment below, I'd love to know :)