The Struggles of Starting My Art Business: What I’ve Learned and How I’m Pushing Forward
Starting my own art business has been far from easy. I’ve faced many unexpected challenges along the way, and there have been days when I questioned whether I could make it work. But I believe that sharing the struggles, not just the successes, is important—both for me and for anyone else who is thinking about starting their own creative business. I hope that by being open about my journey, I can help others who may be feeling the same way.
Feeling Overwhelmed:
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been dealing with the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. From setting up a website to figuring out how to price my work, there are so many moving parts. I’ve spent countless hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and trying to get a handle on everything. Some days it feels like I’m spinning my wheels, but I’m learning to take things one step at a time.
Imposter Syndrome:
Another challenge I’ve faced is imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling that I’m not a “real” artist or business owner. I see other artists with huge followings or a steady stream of clients, and I can’t help but feel like I’m falling behind. But I’m slowly realizing that everyone’s journey is different, and it’s okay to start small. I try to remind myself that every artist was once a beginner.
Small Wins Keep Me Going:
Despite the struggles, I’ve found that small wins make a huge difference. Whether it’s completing a commission, receiving positive feedback on a social media post, or even just setting up my business bank account, each small step forward helps me push through the difficult moments. I’ve learned to celebrate those small victories, even when they feel insignificant in the bigger picture.
What I’ve Learned So Far:
If I’ve learned anything from this process, it’s that patience and persistence are key. The idea of overnight success is a myth. Building an art business takes time, hard work, and a lot of self-doubt, but that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going, even when it feels like nothing is happening.
Why I’m Sharing This:
I want to share my struggles because I know how easy it is to get discouraged when things aren’t going smoothly. But I also want to remind others that the hard days don’t define your journey. If you’re going through something similar, know that you’re not alone. We all struggle, and we all have moments of doubt—but those moments don’t have to stop us.
Final Thoughts:
I’m still in the early stages of building my art business, and I know there will be more challenges ahead. But I’m committed to pushing forward and learning as I go. I hope that by sharing my experiences—the good, the bad, and the messy—I can help others find the courage to keep going too. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Side Note:
The image accompanying this blog post is one of the first pieces I created at the start of my artistic journey. My writing style will be structured and somewhat formal, influenced by my background as a librarian and educator. However, I aim to infuse it with creativity and a touch of fun along the way.