Running out of steam :(

[#1]

I really love Etsy (still). I love sifting through my beads & things coming up with new ideas. I love creating jewelry. On the other hand, I'm not crazy about the photo-editing/description-writing phase of getting my stuff up on Etsy...I'm not gonna lie. But it's part of the process, I understand that. I completed my photo shoot and editing today & managed to get three new items up into my shop. But in my haste to do so...I think I did a sub-par job with my photos (certainly on two of those items). I could have done so much better. The lighting wasn't quite right...and although I tried like crazy to fix it...it just didn't work. So, yeah--I know I can replace the photos with better ones...but I'm SO tired. I'm just brow-beating myself for rushing to get it done and not putting my items in their best light, literally and figuratively. I guess I'm here for some encouraging words from my team.

[Former_Member]

Judy-I totally understand! I get a little burnt out sometimes with everything it takes to keep the shop up and running. Then I remind myself that this is a job and it might not always be fun but I need to keep at it. If one thing is driving you crazy then of course step back and focus on something that refreshes you. Then you can come back to that not so fun thing and get it done with fresh eyes.

[efinegifts]

Judy - I remember seeing your shop about a year ago and I think you have made great improvements in your photos.

For us, photos are a constant struggle and when I look at some we took a couple of years ago, I cringe.

Hang in there and take a break when you need it.

[Former_Member]

I feel the same way - have a hard time getting the photographing done and well. I've been out of the loop here on Etsy for months and am trying to get back into it again. Sometimes, taking a break helps us to recharge!

[ConcertinaPress]

This is off topic, but if you get sick of listing/photographing but still love making jewelry it can be nice to try out a craft show nearby - that way you can see people in real time look at your stuff, see what people like and don't like (or rather, don't look at as much) and hopefully sell some stuff, without the (definitely time intensive) photographing and listing!

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

Judy....Put your shop on vacation mode....even for a few days....you will be refreshed when you return.
Beenthere...donethat....

[Former_Member]

I do the same as Rebecca...sometimes I just am really not in the mood to write out the description so I'll upload the photos and fill out all of the tags, pricing, etc. Then I'll just put a single letter in the description box (you have to have something there to save the listing), save it as a draft and come back to it later. It doesn't seem like such a chore when you come back to it later and everything is filled out besides the one box.

On a side note, I was looking through some of your items and I LOVE the second photo on this listing
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80053877/pink-crystal-earrings-antique-inspired
I think you should make it the first photo...definitely treasury worthy!

Good luck!

[herie7]

Judy - I totally understand where you are coming from and agree with others that it is best in those moments to take a breather and just create. I too have issues with pictures but post the items anyway as they will get some exposure.

Every weekend I think I will take new product photos and every weekend it doesn't happen. Losing Picnik to photo edit has been hard but I am now trying out Picassa. I sale quite a bit locally so my stress is to keep product online and in the local markets while working full time.

At the end of the day I remind myself that I do this because I like my art form and the pieces will come together little by little.

[Former_Member]

Always make time for yourself. Try your hardest not to get overwhelmed.. I understand it's hard sometimes but if you are in a fresh state of mind, it makes your shop easier and more enjoyable to run!

[Former_Member]

This is truly the BEST team. You all have the most wonderful insight...and I appreciate you taking the time to share it. I didn't take as long a break as I intended, lol. The "bad" photos were really eating away at me....so I did a little re-shoot this afternoon and I'm much more satisfied with the way they came out. Not perfect, but BETTER. But I definitely agree with the overall sentiment...to walk away when I need to....take breaks....and re-charge my 'batteries' as often as possible.

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!! (I re-did my 'hematite tree of life bracelet' and my 'gold filigree flower necklace'. Any opinions?)

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

The bracelet photo is stunning. My fav.

[Former_Member]

Thank you "Stella and Don". Do you mean the hematite bracelet? or which one??

[kikiverde]

I totally understand how you feel!

I just started selling a few weeks ago and made 5 sales the first few days and now, nothing. The joy of making is such a wonderful feeling that it's a shame it sometimes is overshadowed by the frustration that accompanies less pleasant tasks.

I like reminding myself of one of my favorite quotes: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." I try to keep in mind that if the miracle that is the world around us can keep up with everything then I certainly can too. Sometimes it means having to wait patiently for that perfect day to take photos (or settle for "good enough") but eventually things will grow for the person who sows their seeds and tends to their garden.

[Former_Member]

Hi Judy,

You've gotten some great advice so far so I really don't have anything to add. I've been listening to some personal growth podcasts lately and one thing I took home from some of them is things won't necessarily happen on our time schedule. You just have to do and allow things to unfold when they are ready.

The art thing I do on here is a part time gig and I have a full time job. At first, I would say "I'm going to give myself 5 years to make this happen." Then this spring the time frame grew to "I'm going to give myself 10 years to make this happen." Now, I have no time frame and I say "I'm an artist and I am making this happen." :) Building something like doesn't happen over night and no one will find our work on their own. We have to chug along and do our best and if it's destined for us, it will happen.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Kristen...that makes a lot of sense!!

And Cristin...I agree that destiny is PART of it. But it's also lots of hard work & PATIENCE...many variables coming together in a huge explosion known as ***A SALE!!!*** :)