I think we all have experienced a lull or two in our selling ventures, and this summer I think it's all too familiar for us all that sales are slow, whether it's the hectic chaotic lives of the every day lives of the world around us, or whether it's the economy. I am trying to find out what you, the readers to to keep from throwing in the towel, or from just feeling discouraged in general during slow times such as this. Please leave a comment and you will be entered in my giveaway. I have this NEW 10 piece tool set made by Making Memories. It is used for book binding, rivet setting, attaching through tough materials, etc. Complete with the storage tin, it has never been used. Time to clear out some "stuff". I hope we all can pick up a tip or two on how other creative people cope with down-slides! I am a "glass is half full" kind of person, and I am definitely not discouraged to the point of giving in, but I think we all can use a pick-me-up and words of enouragement from time to time! The winner of this give-away will be selected , announced and notified on Friday, July 31. Good Luck!
15 comments:
Preserverance my girl! That's all I keep telling myself. I just keep moving forward and trying to reinvent some old ideas. My blog has also really helped. Don't throw in the towel, too many people are doing that right now! Keep you chin up, Dawn
what I have often done when sales are on the down turn during hard economic times is explore a new medium and new techniques I have been wanting to try.
when sales are brisk I am too busy painting or creating custom order to explore and "play' with new things. I find I always have a number of ideas or techniques waiting in the wings until I have them time for them ...time to give the muse full rein and let her run!
From what I have been reading on the etsy forums it is truly slow for lots of people, don't get discouraged. I have been spending time this summer looking for new inspiration, I will go to the library or a bookstore looking through books and magazines. I have a journal I carry everywhere and I always jot down any idea that crosses my mind, who knows where it will lead. I say keep your shop open and relist occasionally, but take your mind off the sales. They will return once the customers come back from their summer ventures.
Angie B in KY
"Never give up"...Your creativity will never leave you..My advice (for myself) is to return to part time work..so that the pressure is not as bad..and the PLEASURE of "art and craft" returns...believe in yourself..stay positive...and NEVER compare yourself to others...On a practical side..join sites such as etsy. artfire. ebay (do a search for other selling sites) etc..
Ladies, all good advice! I have been telling a few fellow Etsy sellers the same exact things that you just posted, so apparently we handle the slow times the same way. I like to think of slow times as a renewal of inspiration, and planning goals and forecasts. Right now I am planning workshops, and know already that what I don't sell in an upcoming art show, I will have new products to list in my Etsy shop! Always thinking ahead is what I do to keep from concentrating on the negative. Thanks for the comments!
I've experienced the same lull recently after a pretty good start this spring. Don't panic, things will pick up soon. I'm very confident as summer ends the sales will begin again. Good time to get the Christmas items made and ready to go is how I look at it.
For me the slow times are great for catching up - either on unfinished projects, neglected family members, stacks of images & books I've set aside for future use.
When I need a swift kick in the arty-pants, I like to pop over to DevianArt.com or Art Freebies look through their stock images. Or Dafont.com
I've been experimenting with new techniques/mediums too, and also have really enjoyed networking with new etsy-friends in the forums. It's amazing how much you can learn from just chatting with like-minded artists!
Jessie
(aka jbguess)
I thought our seasons was going to be awful and I was wrong. Of course I'm not in the same business but I think the key thing about what we do is it makes people happy. People want to get back to when things were simpler and not so much stuff!!!! If you can look at it from those eyes it may give you some guidance. Think practical!!!!
It is a constant battle...sometimes, often I get discouraged when I see others experiencing success that I'm striving for...their art is selected for a competition, they're selling!...and I have to keep reminding myself that it's a process and keep plugging away. Besides, I don't know how hard their process has been! And when I get truly discouraged, I just focus on creating something that brings me joy...without any fears of whether anyone else will like it...in fact, it's even better if I create something that will be a gift for someone I know that appreciates my work.
Keep plugging away...do it for the joy of creating...because that's what makes your heart sing!
Carol, just keep plugging away. I am enjoying rubbing elbows with other artists here on the internet. My favorite place is Facebook. I sell on Etsy and Artfire as you know.
While it is discouraging to go days without a sale, it is such a thrill when I open my email and see Notification of Payment Received. Love it!
Keep your chin up. Your creations are delightful.
smiles,
Teresa
Summer is usually slow, so when these times happen I like to use them to sit back and take a break and recharge. I find it I do that, then it lets my mind rest a bit and then new ideas start coming. Right now I'm getting geared up for fall and Christmas, so maybe I can actually get a head start.
I just added your giveaway to my newly reopened blog www.blogevents.blogspot.com You'll find it under giveaways. Thanks!
Cathy ♥
If I ever feel like I have lost a bit of my spark and I find myself thinking more about the dollar signs and less about why I love what I do I always think back to where I used to be to where I am now. I write a list of what I love about creating art or write down what this outlet provides for me personally not financially and put it somewhere I can read it every day. Inevitably I find myself excited and grateful that I am able to create these projects I love and I dive straight into a project for hours. Having more time during the slow times is a perfect opportunity to start on or finish one of those large projects you’ve been dreaming of or putting on the back burner. Love your creativity and the rest will fall in place.
Oh, I need these so badly but I found you too late. I hope that the winner will enjoy using my tools...lol
Wow! That tool kit would come in SO handy in my studio! "Do what you love"
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