Shop Direction

[JoArtyJo]

I am hoping some of you can offer me your honest opinions pretty please?

I have a few different styles of art, similar in ways but also different.... I have soooo many ideas in my head that I need to try and focus and do one thing at a time (do all artists find this hard?!)

Basically I would like to know what you think of my different styles- which you prefer and which you think has more chance if selling here on Etsy. I love creating all of them so that's not the issue, my issue is deciding where to focus my efforts first if you see what I mean.

So- I have my "Dotty Birds"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78522737/original-ink-drawing-illustration-blue

My Zentangles

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82836140/ink-drawing-print-zentangle-black-and

And my Black Ink Drawings (zentangle style but in more recognisable shapes, like my avatar too)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82836404/ink-drawing-elephant-zentangle-art-print

Which (if any) of these do you prefer? In time I would like to see my shop overflowing with all different designs in each style!! But where shall I focus on for now? Thank you so much if you have the time to let me know what you think :-)

[WhatCandySays]

I love three of them!!!

[JoArtyJo]

Thank you chocolate :-) I bet you're going to have a FAB holiday season by the way you're chocolates look irresistible!

At least I have no shortage of ideas for what to fill my shop with, just time to do it!

[Former_Member]

I love all of them, especially the Dotty Birds. It appeals to my love of cuteness. I think all of them have selling potential, though.

[WintergreenDesign]

I think they're all stunning... you've definitely got talent : )

[JoArtyJo]

Thanks azuiltdesign- I think the cuteness may make them more appealing to more people....

[JoArtyJo]

Thank you wintergreen :-D I suppose talent helps but it seems it's only a small part of what makes a successful etsy shop! Lol

[BonjourPoupette]

I understand the impulse to focus more on one style: it creates visual cohesion in your shop, but in your case I honestly think that they all work very well together. However, that isn't very helpful, I know!

Maybe this will be more helpful: I've noticed that more figurative (and less abstract) work tends to do well on Etsy. If you are game, it might be worthwhile to lean toward the more figurative black ink drawings for a while and see what sort of response you get.

In my experience, responding to interest and demand can strengthen your work. My figurines have definitely evolved in response to demand. I sell more figurines that resemble specific breeds and species of animals than figurines that are purely imaginative, although over time, as my work gets out there more, this is becoming less significant.

Your shop looks fantastic, by the way! All my best to you!

[JoArtyJo]

Thank you so mich bonjourpoupette- that's what I was thinking, and what you say makes TOTAL sense. You put it into words perfectly!

I am definitely game for catering to what people like (within my style obviously!) to get myself known. I think my full page zentangles are VERY niche so while I truly believe the customers are out there, I think they will be harder to find....

I am glad you think they all work well together though, because I really am trying to create a strong brand and, as you say, visual cohesion in my store.

[JoArtyJo]

Any more opinions? :-)

[Former_Member]

I think it would be ok to have all 3-maybe use the categories to separate the styles? If you see one of them outpacing the other 2 in sales, work on creating more product in that style. I know that I like choices-especially where art is concerned. Good luck

[JoArtyJo]

Using the categories is s great idea! Thanks! And I guess you're right that choice is a good thing! I need to draw faster :-)

[Former_Member]

You are an incredible talent. Are you just selling online or are you in other venues? Have you received feedback from customers in those other venues?

[JoArtyJo]

Thank you wellofcreations :-)

No I am very new to selling art, I was working as a teacher till I had my baby 18 months ago today! Only opened my shop in July this year and had a hand full of sales so I haven't got much to go on yet re what works best etc. I still feel soooo much like I am finding my feet, there really is a whole load to learn about having an online business!

Would love to investigate selling elsewhere too eventually!....

[Former_Member]

I like them all, but I must pick, I'd say The Black Ink Drawings and Zentangles
And if I must choose between the two, I would definitely pick the Black Ink Drawings

But always remember, different people like different things, so it is wonderful to have a variety of styles available

[JoArtyJo]

Thanks for the opinion lemondear :-)

I think you're right about the variety of styles, hopefully in time I will be able to get lots of each done and listed so my shop is full with variety!

[Former_Member]

Your Zentangle style Elephant is my favorite...a set of three different animals in black or white frames would look great too. good luck

[JoArtyJo]

RWscissors I have plans for a giraffe next! I think you're right that it would be good to have a variety of animals all in a similar style :-) thanks for the advice!

Oh my gosh does everyone else have like a million and one ideas in their head at the same time?! I think I will have 300 listings at least before I "fill" my shop!

[Former_Member]

Jo, definitely, if I had enough $ for art supplies and as many working arms as an octopus, my store would have at least 1000 items already lol

[JoArtyJo]

LOL yes maybe 1000 items is a more accurate description! Etsy is so much fun :-)

(especially since people started buying things!!)

[Former_Member]

I also love all of them. Actually, I favorited your birds a few weeks ago :D

[Former_Member]

I also think that, although they're different, they are cohesive. They fit together well, so it's not all distracting to see the combination in your lovely shop.

[RaesSpirit]

First off, I would draw what you enjoy the most. In this economy, I think people tend to buy things they can use such as your gift tags and coloring pages. You've got my head spinning also! Have you thought of this: Create a line of your cute birds telling a story for childrens books or putting your drawings on a fabric swatch for other crafters to create a special quilt, apron, etc. using your unique art? See, it just never ends.....!

[Former_Member]

I think you're doing the right thing by having 3 very different themes - your products should appeal to a bigger audience that way. I personally love all three but I do have a soft spot for all things bird related. Best Wishes!