Technology. Like kids, we are told technology is supposed to bring "joy" to our lives. This, as many can attest to, is not always the case. Case and point. I fiddled with the "Joyful Portal" mail club for weeks to get it up and running. I used the platforms own add-on because it's for only one item. Simple right? Nope. The theme I use is not compatible with it. After speaking to more associates than I care to count I finally opted for a paid app to help with the issue. The few dollars it costs me is far less than the frustrations and time of getting the previous app working.
I posted the updates on Social Media. I shared that it was working, then it wasn't then it was etc. I think it is now. We shall see as orders flood (or don't flood in). That's the thing, when you're self-employed there are the highs of awesome days when orders come in and those days when it's quiet. It reminds me that I am the artist of my life- both literally and figuratively.
As for paintings. I have literally a dozen pieces in the works; mostly oils that are drying between layers. My what-was, clean studio is looking like a ....well, a studio. The weather is finally clearing and warming up and with it brings opportunities to paint outside- something I am very much looking forward to.
And then there is social media. Having grown an amazing community on TikTok I have yet to venture over to other platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Had you told me a year ago how comfortable I would grow on TT I would have doubted you- and I'm sure others would be the same. But, as with many new(er) creators, it takes time. A learning curve. I get in my head about the right lighting, what we will paint that day or discuss....There are artists who only talk about art and the process and although I find these interesting, they appeal mostly to fellow artists typically - not the masses. And then of course there are the collectors, new and prior- the people I want to attract to my page and my art. Do they like what I'm sharing? Do they like watching me sit and paint? Or, should I stand? Maybe that's better. Who knows? What I do know is that I am figuring it out as I go along. I have been now officially a full-time artist for a full year! Hard to believe. It's been a lot of ups and downs and ups. I have grown as a professional and improved my skills immensely. I continue to grow.
One thing is certain, no one knows what the future brings but one thing I do know is that whatever it is, I will be continue creating in my studio in my wee corner of this massive universe. I pray that everyone finds what makes their soul sing and that they too can share their gifts and make this world a little brighter.
Thank you to all of you who continue to support me. You guys ROCK!
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