How I Started My Art Business | Making Stickers, Prepping for Launch & Tips to Get Started

Summary

Jen, a digital artist, shares her first-year journey in building her art business. She breaks down the process into three stages: deciding what to sell, how to obtain and market products, and managing logistics like shipping. Jen chose to manufacture her own products for inventory control and started with a personal website using Squarespace. She emphasizes the importance of planning and learning from her experiences, including the challenges of printing and the benefits of starting on Etsy. Her story offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own online shop.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Jen's Journey: Jen, a digital artist, shares her first-year experience in building her own art business.
• 📦 Starting Small: She began with selling her own stickers, a manageable start before expanding to other products.
• 🛠 DIY or Outsource: Jen chose to manufacture her products herself to control inventory and avoid unsold stock.
• 🌐 Online Presence: She decided to sell online, opting for a personal website on Squarespace over an online marketplace like Etsy.
• 📸 Social Media Marketing: Jen leveraged her existing social media presence on Instagram and TikTok to market her products.
• 📦 Shipping and Logistics: Jen learned the process of shipping, starting with stamp letter mail and later adding tracked mail.
• 💰 Startup Costs: She detailed the costs involved, including equipment, materials, and subscription services, totaling around $900.
• 🛠 Equipment and Tools: Jen invested in an iPad for design, an Epson printer, and a Cricut machine for cutting stickers.
• 🔄 Learning Curve: She faced challenges with printing and color accuracy, learning through trial and error.
• 📈 Growth and Improvement: Jen's style and skills improved over time, leading to a redesign of her initial products.
• 🗓️ Planning is Key: Jen emphasizes the importance of planning for business operations and meeting deadlines.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Jen's video?

The main purpose of Jen's video is to share her journey of building her own art business and the experiences she had in her first year, offering insights for those interested in starting their own shop.

How did Jen decide on the initial product for her business?

Jen decided on stickers as her initial product because she loved stationery and was inspired by other artists. She chose something simple and manageable due to her lack of prior experience in making and selling products.

What were the two main ways Jen considered to obtain her products?

Jen considered either outsourcing the production of her products or manufacturing them herself. After weighing the pros and cons, she decided to manufacture the products herself to control inventory levels.

Why did Jen choose to sell her products online instead of in a physical store?

Jen chose to sell her products online because it allowed her to start with a lower initial investment and reach a wider audience. She also considered the competition on platforms like Etsy and decided to build her own website with Squarespace.

How did Jen decide on the platform for her online shop?

Jen decided on Squarespace for her online shop after comparing it with other website builders like Shopify. She chose Squarespace because it was beginner-friendly and met all her needs, including a promotion that reduced the cost.

What social media platforms did Jen use to market her products?

Jen used Instagram and Tick Tock (TikTok) to market her products, as she was already consistently posting on these platforms since October 2021.

What was Jen's initial approach to shipping her products?

Jen initially offered stamp letter mail as her shipping option because it was convenient and cheap. As her business grew, she introduced tracked mail and used a platform called shippo to manage shipping labels.

How did Jen approach the financial aspect of starting her business?

Jen broke down her startup costs into three main categories: equipment she already had, new equipment and materials needed, and services or subscriptions. She evaluated her budget and the risks she was willing to take.

What challenges did Jen face during the process of setting up her shop?

Jen faced challenges such as designing her website, figuring out printer settings for her products, and learning how to ship orders. She also struggled with meeting her own deadlines for shop updates.

What lessons did Jen learn from her first year as a shop owner?

Jen learned the importance of planning and organization, as well as the value of patience when learning new processes. She also realized that starting on Etsy might not have been as bad as she initially thought.

What are Jen's plans for the future of her business?

Jen plans to continue growing her business by expanding the types of products she makes and sells. She also intends to document her process and share insights to help others interested in starting their own businesses.