Starting a creative business. It sounds so daunting. However, if you do what you love, it becomes a labor of love. The most important aspect of your new venture is finding your own niche. Go with whatever medium speaks to you and make it your own. Incorporate yourself and your special style into your work.
Of course, we all get inspiration from others. I find myself viewing many blogs and sites and getting ideas. I don’t, however, copy that person to a tee. I like to use my own colors and depending on the piece, I go with different paint techniques. Every day, I’m trying to cultivate my vision.
I started my business as a natural progression stemming from my love of art, paint, and design, coupled with a nurtured love of older furnishings. Being British, my mother raised us with an appreciation of, quite frankly, anything with a history. We scoured yard sales or Goodwill for Steiff animals and old books. I have a true appreciation for old pieces, a love for them. Every piece is special to me. This makes what I do enjoyable.
If you have an affinity for old pieces, then working with vintage pieces is for you. Or, you may love painting but not enjoy scouring dirty thrift stores or driving all over town for a Craigslist find. If this is the case, go for custom work. It’s a great way to make money painting without the chore of finding the pieces.
Many of my readers are painters, like myself. However, painting furniture may not be for you. I have wonderful readers from all over with different talents. One reader sent me pictures of her beautiful birdhouses that she creates from mosaic tiles. I encouraged her to put her work out there and see what happens. We all have our own talents to share.
Peruse Etsy and just see the amazing myriad of ideas. The following are in the Art Section alone:
From sewing, knitting, jewelery making, or whatever may be your heart’s desire – carve out a bit of time in your busy day and give it a go. Do what you love. It is the only recipe for true success. Find your niche and go for it!
My first large sale – Natasha’s Dresser
my niche is painting furniture and I love doing it! It’s a more recent hobby for me and it defiantly makes me happy!
I didn’t know you were British, Suzanne! That makes me like you even more than I already did 🙂 I am quite the Anglophile. Wish we could sit down over a cup of tea!
I wish we could meet for a cup of tea, too! My parents are both British. I was born and brought up here. We took countless trips to England growing up to visit all of our relatives and I ended up moving there after school to work and live. I thought I would end up there but instead met my husband so home it is!
Just found your blog thru Miss Mustard Seed and WILL be back! Love this dresser – you have a great talent! I am struggling right now to “put myself out there” with my handmade children’s clothing. Perhaps reading your blog will give me the push I need!
Hi Patti – thanks so much and I wish you the best of luck with your new venture! Just go for it 🙂
Cheers,
Suzanne