“I don’t know how you do it”
This comment has come up a lot this year and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it.
I do it because I have to. Because this pandemic and becoming a single mother changed everything for me.
I do it because this is my job, it’s my business and it is the career I want.
I do it because I value my freedom and the ability to live life on my own terms. I am very anti 9-5 working culture and anything that isn’t accomodating for parents - especially mothers.
So if you are wanting to do this too, if you are wanting to create, sell your art or start your own business here are a few tips…
1. Just start
Just start by doing a little bit each day, then more, then some more. Once you get started it is often hard to stop. But if you don’t start you will never know what could happen.
2. Keep showing up
Showing up on social media is a good start, but try not to get disheartened by it because it is a fickle beast. I’ve had reels totally flop and others do really well. I’ve had a post get over 500 likes and another one get 13. I have long since stopped trying to figure out how or why, but I keep showing up.
3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Social media is only one small part of my marketing strategy. My email list is super important. On social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook we are just renting space. So if you are an artist and you don’t have a mailing list definitely start one.
And selling originals is not my only source of income. Prints, products, commissions, licensing, my kids book, workshops are all ways I have generated income.
If you ever have any creative business questions send me a DM or email 🤗 and follow along with my side project coming in early 2022 the @creativemotherpodcast with tips on how to remain creative and produce creative work all while raising children.