It’s been a while since I looked at the posts on this website. The joys of moving. It’s taken me away from my work and what I was building up. Have I mentioned the fact I really wanted to be an artist?
In case I have not, or if you are new to my blog, when I was at school, one of my favourite subjects was art. Sewing and needlework came close behind. You see, I love to create and to be creative. As a result, I particularly enjoyed the practical side. After high school, I spent a year Au Pairing and loved the opportunity this gave to do a number of creative classes. I took a class in ceramics, another in drawing and painting and a third in photography. I really wanted to be an artist. I can’t explain it. I am happy when I am creating.
My family had other plans for me though. They were convinced that I’d be a starving artist and hence studying a profession became a priority. So I became an OT. And in my third year I developed a chronic illness. There are many times I wonder is this a push to focus on art? Is OT the right profession. It’s a tough one to answer. OT is an amazing profession. One has to be creative to be a good OT. But it’s not creating my own works of art.
When I was packing my books in preparation for moving, yet again, I flipped through one of my first OT books. Early on in the book it talks about the importance of some OTs writing and manufacturing equipment or products. These are also an important aspect of progress in the profession. That was a great reminder and perfect timing.
The more I work on the books and workbooks that I have in mind to develop and the more I explore earning online, the more I am discovering something very interesting. I am finding artists who studied art, devoted their lives to art and are successful. There are even artists selling works of art for high prices, not just giveaways.
Yes the stigma of the starving artist is there, but there seems to be a way to be able to earn being a creative person. I love hearing this. I really love hearing this!
You might notice I have mention of my Patreon page here on this website. A few days ago I began reading blog posts about those creative people who are being successful on Patreon. One mentioned using Reddit to get the word out about his YouTube videos. I have lots to learn about Reddit before I decide to join that one.
In the meantime, other artists are talking of benefits they have found to using Pinterest and Instagram to build a following and sell their art. So I began using Pinterest. I have to say I am loving it. I have a lot to learn as to how to use it effectively but there is something really transformational about deciding on what topics are important to you and selecting images, quotes, articles to add to your boards. It helps to build a picture of who you are. It’s also a great way to find out what kind of creative items are selling and what peoples interests are. Knowing about the latest trend is so helpful in so many ways. It can help one to decide on colour, design, type of product to make.
I’m learning a lot. Starting with tearing down that false belief that one can not earn as an artist. So I am on a journey to find out what it takes to earn as an artist and to sell online. I am interested to know whether you would like to hear about this journey. If so, do you have questions? Do you have any drive within you to create or to be creative?
I have not yet decided how much of this journey will be on this blog, how much over on Patreon and how much in my newsletter. I do think I will keep a record though. So if earning from art and creativity is important to you, do be in touch. Drop a comment below and let me know what you would love to be doing or creating.
