Getting the balance right.....I have an idea!

[lemontoes]

I have been putting a lot of time into researching how to make my Etsy shop better. One of the things I am very aware of is that I need more stock and I have to make sure I don't spend too much time on Etsy, and get more painting done. I have been working on a series of sheep paintings which I want to continue with, as I love doing them, and live in an area surrounded by lots of willing models.
I was sitting over a coffee thinking about how to divide my time between making cards and prints, Etsy (promotion and listing) and actual painting, and decided I had to paint at least one painting a day for my Etsy shop. I have come up with what I think is the brilliant idea of committing myself to a painting a day for a year (I will allow a little room for manoeuvre), and using it in some way as a promotional tool. I did something similar (not sheep, and not on etsy) many years ago, but family issues meant I didn't keep it up. Having failed the do it once makes me more determined to make it work, this time.

Have I gone bonkers?.....even though I am only talking about ACEO sized paintings....they are quite time consuming. I do work better under this kind of pressure, so it could be good for me. What do you think......I need to make a decision, as I think April 1st would be a good day to start?

......I suppose if all else fails at least I will have a good stock of paintings!

[Former_Member]

Hi Jan

I really like the painting a day idea! IT's a motivator, could be a great marketing tool where folks can get a notice of the painting of the day or put it in your featured section.

Of course you are bonkers! Aren't we all? Ewe go girl! I'm sorry, that is really corny but I couldn't help myself ; )

IMHO you shouldn't start on April fools day, start April 2 (that's my B-day)

Lizzie

[Former_Member]

I also like that idea! I've been thinking I need to sketch EVERY day and post those as a weekly digest or daily on my blog. I think that would help increase people's enthusiasm about my art and will make them want to buy mailable versions of it. ;)

So I wish you the best of luck!! I hope you are able to keep it up! And if you can't finish a full painting (even ACEO size!), at least fill a page with sketches!

[Former_Member]

By the way, I love your sheep paintings! Sheep can be so charming, and I love how much color is in your artwork. =)

[lemontoes]

Lizzie..... I quite liked the idea of starting on April fools day....... "We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance".....japanese proverb. only quote I could find that worked in my favour! Happy birthday for the 2nd ....in case I am too busy painting to remember!

Ciara....Thanks. Yes .....I can see how the sketching would work for your shop.....besides the pleasure you will get from it.

[StitchKnit]

Last fall I listed a scarf a day for 30 days in September. Thought I had started soon enough when I began knitting & crocheting in June/July .........but I was nowhere near prepared.
Thinking of repeating the exercise this year, and have already started putting new items away for a fall reveal.
It was good for me, and it helped with my blog. I have a terrible time coming up with content of any kind, so the Sept project gave me oodles of pictures and was the easiest par of the whole plan.

Go for your painting a day! I'll bet you learn things you never planned on!

[Former_Member]

Hi Jan

I think its a great idea! I have also been spending more time on ETSY thatn trying to work on producing more stock. I should probably start balancing both a bit better.

A painting a day is a great motivator and will keep people coming back to see what new you have added. If you have a blog you could even do a little teaser of the painting that day and tell them to check it out in your etsy shop, that way they will head over to your shop to see all of the other fabulous works you have up. Good luck!!

[lemontoes]

Sue....It is quite a challenge a scarf a day for a month. Knitting and crotchet are so time consuming. I can see how that would be good for a blog. I emptied an old blog the other day .....one that I had deserted in 2008.....thinking it would be easier than setting up a new one. I then couldn't think of anything really exciting to say for my first post so I deserted it again. I may just have found a use for it!

[TinyTiptoesBoutique]

That sounds like a really great idea, and I've been thinking of trying that, especially in my other shop which is more ready-to-ship than this one is! I'd say go for it!

[lemontoes]

Allie......... I think that is a great suggestion. I am getting really excited now.

[OutoftheBeaker]

If you have a facebook page or a blog, you can tie the challenge into that as well... Each day you get to post your new picture, what you learned/felt/enjoyed about painting this particular piece, etc.

Maybe have people comment on what they'd like to see you make and then one day a week (Facebook Friday, a random Blog Bonanza day, etc) you choose one of their ideas and paint it! It would keep you from getting stuck always counting sheep and give you a whole pool of new ideas to go off of while connecting with your audience.

[lemontoes]

Cindy.........You have given me a lot to think about there. I like the idea of tying the challenge to facebook and blog. The comment idea has potential, but I don't know whether I would find it a bit scary..... I will have to think about that one.

[Former_Member]

I think your idea is amazing and very motivating! Also i love sheep! Haha!

[Jantiki]

There was a goal making article that I read that got me thinking about the same thing near the end of the year. If you set little individual goals daily, weekly, and monthly you will get more sense of accomplishment. I set up Tuesdays to post to my team threads, Thursdays to check on my bill paying and Sundays to post new items to team threads. This is always a schedule in process and you'll get into a rhythm eventually and so will I.....lol

[moonbeamgifts]

It sounds like a great idea and an intriguing promotional/blog opportunity. Maybe labeling them with the date of creation and day number to create an 'exclusive collection' feel?

I remember a blogger did a thrifted outfit of the day for a year - maybe see if there's a loop for the concept? Good luck! :)

[loominationstudio]

This sounds like a great idea, but it leads me to wonder whether you will also have time to make larger paintings. Your work is really lovely, but I feel like it's important to have a variety of sizes in order to appeal to a wider range of customers. Just a thought to consider.....

[Former_Member]

Jan

I think this is great! The balance can be near impossible at times!

I think we can all agree that sometimes artistic personality types could be just a litttttle more self-disciplined. :) (myself included!)

Sometimes we just need a goal to get us going.

I wish you the best of luck and hope to see an additional 30 paintings in your shop come May 1st!!!!

[lemontoes]

Lina .....Thanks. I have decided to go ahead.....I'm feeling that scary excitement!

Janna.....it was a similar subject on a thread in this team that made me sit back and think how I was going to achieve my goals. I do try to have lots of small things I can achieve......but I am a great one for writing a list after I have done something in order to be able to cross it out!

Moonbeamgifts......Yes .... I am thinking that would be the best way to go, to number and date them, and use that as the title. A loop?

Leanne...... I am hoping so. I will have to make the time, as I like painting on very different scales. I do sometimes use my small ACEO paintings to inform other work....so hopefully I get to do both. I'll just have to see how I go.

Holly.......see you on May !st!

[RubyRobinBoutique]

How could you manage a painting a day though? Wow you must be fast! :D I'm thinking about writing myself a timetable as I'm so bad at keeping a routine! Your work is stunning btw!

[lemontoes]

Kay....thanks, I am only talking about doing ACEO sized paintings....2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. They are quite time consuming, but I am very focused when I am painting....... not so much with the rest of my life! The bit I am going to find hardest is keeping up with the scanning, blogging and listing.

Just had a look at your shop......I love your picture jewelry.

[Former_Member]

Look what Jan started today!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128095399/sheep-painting-a-day-1-april-fool?ref=shop_home_active