My BIGGEST Advice for Starting & Running Your Art Shop! ✿ Small Business Q&A!

Summary

In this insightful video, Tammy, the artist and owner of Uncomfy Studio, shares her journey from a graphic design student to a full-time entrepreneur. She candidly discusses overcoming shyness, managing anxiety, and growing her business since its inception in 2020. Tammy offers practical advice on pricing, time management, and embracing originality despite market saturation. She also addresses the challenges of dealing with copycats and the importance of self-care for mental health. With a focus on passion and authenticity, Tammy's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and small business owners alike.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Tammy, the artist and owner of Uncomfy Studio, started her business in 2020 while still a full-time graphic design student, and it has now become her full-time job.
• 🛍️ She has sold over 3,000 items and sometimes makes double-digit profits from her art sales in a single month, growing an online audience in the process.
• 💡 For aspiring artists and small business owners, Tammy advises starting with passion projects to alleviate pressure and allow for experimentation and learning from mistakes.
• 🚀 She recommends starting an Etsy shop and Instagram account on the same day to establish a clear business identity and connect with other small businesses.
• 🤔 Tammy suggests not doing too much research initially, as it can lead to confusion and discouragement, advocating for learning as you go, especially for Etsy which handles much of the business details.
• 🌟 To overcome shyness, she emphasizes that it's a skill that improves with practice and mentions that there are various ways to present art without showing one's face or voice.
• 💰 When it comes to pricing, Tammy follows a formula that considers the time spent making an item plus the cost of materials, advocating for fair pricing to attract an audience that values the artist's work.
• 📈 Tammy's goals for 2024 include making at least one new thing every month to stay creative and avoid burnout, and she encourages others to seek new opportunities and indulge every idea they have.
• 🧘‍♀️ She manages stress and anxiety through self-care practices like gratitude journaling and faith, which has helped her feel supported and less fearful.
• 👥 Tammy acknowledges the challenges of seeing others with similar styles but focuses on her unique identity and the natural overlap of influences in art.
• 📚 She has started outsourcing certain tasks, such as working with a graphic designer and an agency for email management, hinting at potential opportunities for collaboration in the future.

Q & A

What is the name of Tammy's small business?

Tammy's small business is called Uncomfy Studio.

When did Tammy start her business, Uncomfy Studio?

Tammy started Uncomfy Studio in 2020.

What was Tammy's initial occupation while starting Uncomfy Studio?

Tammy was a full-time graphic design student when she started Uncomfy Studio.

How did Tammy manage to sell her handmade Palmer Clay goods?

Tammy sold her handmade Palmer Clay goods through her Etsy shop and Instagram, which she started on the same day.

What advice does Tammy give to those who are naturally anxious about starting a business?

Tammy advises not to do too much research initially as it can lead to confusion and discouragement, and recommends learning as you go.

How does Tammy feel about putting herself out there, especially when she was shy?

Tammy admits it was hard for her to put herself out there due to her shyness, but she emphasizes that like any skill, it gets easier with practice.

What is Tammy's approach to pricing her handmade items?

Tammy's pricing formula involves the time spent making the item plus the cost of materials, which should equal the selling price.

How does Tammy handle stress and anxiety related to her business?

Tammy manages stress and anxiety through self-care practices like gratitude journaling and by having faith in herself, her hard work, or the universe.

What does Tammy think about other artists having a similar style to hers?

Tammy acknowledges that similar styles exist but doesn't feel pressured by it. She believes in the uniqueness of her own work and trusts her audience to recognize her art.

How does Tammy manage her time when running her small business?

Tammy manages her time by blocking out large spaces or entire days dedicated to one task, which helps her maintain focus and avoid fatigue.

What is Tammy's goal for 2024 in terms of her creative work?

Tammy's goal for 2024 is to make at least one new thing every month to keep herself creatively engaged and avoid burnout.

How does Tammy view her relationship with her art now compared to the past?

Tammy feels that she has rekindled her relationship with her art, viewing it as a true expression of herself and her life, including her YouTube videos as an art form.

What is Tammy's perspective on friends who aren't happy for her success?

Tammy chooses not to dwell on friends who aren't happy for her success and instead focuses on those who uplift and challenge her.

Does Tammy plan on hiring or outsourcing work in the future?

Tammy has started dabbling in outsourcing work, such as hiring a graphic designer and collaborating with others on product design, and she is open to working with more creatives in the future.

How did Tammy grow her audience on social media without following trends?

Tammy grew her audience by creating content that she is passionate about, which attracted like-minded individuals, rather than seeking out trends.

What advice does Tammy have for growing a small business Instagram account?

Tammy suggests trying new things and experimenting with different types of content, such as behind-the-scenes, process videos, or photo carousels of creations.