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Hey there,
I just spent 13 hours on the road yesterday driving back from a wedding in Ouray, CO, and today is one year since quitting my corporate desk job. One of the things I love about road trips (besides taking in the evolving landscapes and snacking along the way) is there's a lot of time to reflect. And boy did I reflect.
I'm nowhere near replacing my income from before, but I'm also not the starving artist either. If you've been with me since the beginning, you know I didn't quite imagine where I would be today when I first started making art. I'd like to share some lessons I've learned along the way. Maybe one of them will resonate with you too.
1. Saying yes to the uncomfortable.
When i first started making art consistently a few years ago, I didn’t feel comfortable calling myself an “artist”. It felt like a title reserved for others. I was shy to share online, but I did it anyway. I was timid to sell at my first market, but I did it anyway. I was nervous to teach my first workshop, but I did it anyway. Turns out nothing catastrophic happened. Turns out you can get comfortable being uncomfortable.
2. Don't wait to be asked.
A lot of good has come from just showing up - successful markets, commission requests, connecting with wonderful people. But I also wanted to grow my business in ways nobody was handing to me. So I started reaching out myself, pitching workshops and asking local stores to stock my art. I learned it's possible to create your own opportunities just by asking.
3. Progress over perfection.
I have endless ideas. To the point of sitting in paralysis at times, doing nothing with them. Perfection is driven by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of judgement. I'm not done learning this one. But I try to remind myself: progress over perfection. Good enough is good enough. Do it anyway, ready or not. What I've noticed is if I remove the pressure to finish something perfectly, I actually pick up better momentum. And that momentum builds on itself. In other words, you just have to start. And then, actually finish.
What I'm carrying into the next year
Somewhere around hour 8 of my drive yesterday I found myself thinking about year two (what I want to make, who I want to reach, how much further I want to push). I don't have it all mapped out, but I know I want to see my art and designs presented in new ways beyond wall hangings and go after bigger collaborations in the community. I want to be the artist that outdoor lovers and lifestyle brands think of when they want handmade, nature-inspired artwork.
I'm sure these lessons will keep challenging me along the way. But regardless, I'm proud of myself for trying and so grateful you're here for the ride.
Kasey
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