Update #8 - Where I figure out my new business model, make some big changes, and fall in love with video

This is where I share what I’ve been up to behind the scenes to move my art career forward - the good, the bad, and the as-yet-to-be-determined. 

In my last update, I talked about how I was enjoying observing the shape this new business was taking, and how that was presenting me with some juicy logistical challenges to sink my teeth into.

This month has been all about responding to those challenges, and structuring a business model that will not only be sustainable over the long-term, but will also give me more time in the studio making art. (If you want to know more about this I’ve made a whole video about it that you’ll see in my Patreon when it launches in February!)

January’s Rose, Bud, & Thorn

The Rose is something that went well, the Thorn is something that didn’t go so well or is challenging, and the Bud is something that is still percolating…

ROSE

This month has been very business-focused, as I transition from my old business (marketing and business consulting) to this new one centered around my artwork. I’ve been developing several different income streams based on the experiments I did last year, and I’m so excited to it all finally come together!

I’ve also given my website and other online spaces a bit of a zhuzh and streamlined things to make everything more efficient and easy to maintain. With so many experiments on the go I was finding myself spread a bit thin, and it was time to pick my favourite places to show up and double down there.

My rosiest rose this month was definitely discovering that I absolutely LOVE video editing! I find it a gloriously creative activity, and I’m loving using long-form video as a new form of self-expression, which is a bit of a relief because…

BUD

… two of my new income streams are built around long-form video!

The first is a brand new YouTube channel, where I’ll be sharing the behind-the-scenes of my creative practice. Here’s where you’ll find me showing you my studio set up, talking about my inspirations and supplies, sharing my sketchbooks, and generally taking you along for the ride as I make art.

The second is a Patreon, where we’ll also be going behind the scenes, but this time it’s all about the business side of things. Here’s where I’ll be sharing in-depth workshops on business fundamentals (such as business models/income streams as mentioned above), as well as sharing what I’m doing personally to build and run this business. There’ll also be a monthly group call where you can ask me anything and be in community with other likeminded peeps.

Both of these will be launching some time in February and I cannot wait! I’m literally giddy with excitement.

THORN

My only thorn this month has been that I’ve been in something of a fallow phase with making art - which is really not surprising after the flood of work I produced at the end of last year! I’ve still been playing in my sketchbook a bit and of course video editing has well and truly stretched my creative muscles, but I’d still like to have a more solid baseline sketchbook practice - just to stop me from going too rusty between projects.

It’s not something I’m particularly worried about, but something I’d maybe like to address this year.