I am investigating new ways of running my art business. I know that sounds weird, especially considering the fact that by age XX, I should know how to get my work out there, but things have changed.
Passively, I do know how to sell my work: if someone asks about it or emails me or PayPals me money, I know how to ship it out. But that’s not how you build a business. No, in order to actually have an art income, you have to (gasp) get out and actually talk to people.
My problem with that, up until recently, was that I was shy about promoting my art for sale on social media. After all, why would someone want to hear about my art or life or what it took to get here?
Then I got on a certain social media platform and saw the all of the people on there who aren’t shy; who are filming their dogs or who are dancing in an emergency room or showing life hacks with soda bottles. Worst case, me and my art will get drowned out by a grinning poodle/Lab mix. Best case, I may just start making some consistent sales online.
In any case, shyness—considered prideful, I learned—has no place in life at all. We were all made by our Creator with a purpose, like I make my art, only we are more valuable.
Someone is waiting on the other side of our obedience.
Stepping out in faith exercises our faith muscles just like we’re at the gym. It’s not pleasant. It’s messy and painful (always a good pain…never lift more than you should!), but we’ll come out of it stronger and knowing what works and what doesn’t.
Maybe the gym guys know more than we think.
Maybe I’m writing this to go back on it someday, or daily, to remember to just go do ME. Put my art and myself out there. And I say that to you, too. Do your best, put it out there, artist or not, and don’t take rejection as truth; that just wasn’t ‘your person’. Did I just make a dating analogy too? That’s a whole other blog.
Stay tuned for more from me on life, art, truth and beauty.
