I've been thinking a lot about ye olde shoppe, and what direction to take it in this coming year. I really would like to dedicate some more energy to keeping it updated, and I thought I'd solicit some input as to what you all would like to see offered there. A lot of the handmade items that I share here are not shop related, and maybe there are some things that I've shared that you might like to see available for sale? I've also had some thoughts about offering some photo prints for sale in addition to handmade items, but I'm not sure if there's any interest out there for that. Or maybe some knitted accessories?It can always be a little nervewracking putting myself out there like this, especially when I feel like I'm surrounded by an entire community of amazing and successful artists. One of my biggest struggles at this point is that I do, in fact, have a full time job that is very emotionally demanding right now (and I don't think that's going to let up anytime soon). It's hard not to compare myself to those out there who are full-time artists, or who have more flexible schedules than myself, even though I know that I shouldn't. I'm not sure that, even if I could make a living doing it, I would want to be a full time artist/crafter. But I certainly would appreciate more time than I have right now.
I'm exploring some new opportunities for this spring and summer both in terms of promotion of my shop and also in terms of new products. So I'm hopeful that those opportunities might bring some new success. I'm sure many of you out there are thinking some of these same thoughts, and I would appreciate any ideas, suggestions, requests for the shop, advice, or just general good thoughts that you have on the topic.
And while we're on the subject, don't forget the spring sale over in the shop. Just type "celebrating spring" in the notes to seller, I've got lots of fun items including these little pocket notebooks!
I'm interested to hear what others will have to say on this subject as well, as someone who is about to start a shop of her own. And who has been trying to figure it out and get it together for a month or two now!
ReplyDeleteThat being said, your knit stuff is wonderful, J. That hat you made? Oh heck yeah. If you have the time and energy, you absolutely should sell. And don't you dare underprice it.
xoxo
It's so hard, isn't it? When I was doing the shop half-time and truly relying on it for income, I went into production mode and cranked out what sold consistently. It became A LOT less fun. Now I'm working full-time again and while I don't have as much time to commit to Etsy, I'm excited to start experimenting and making what makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteI love your knits, and also still use and love the craft fair apron I bought from you a long time ago. And like Leah said, don't underprice either! Sewing and knitting are so labor-intensive.
Whatever direction you decide to take, I cannot wait to see.