Hi Deb!

[zuzus_garden]

In another thread, you wrote: I joined because of the cottage industry forum. I dream of making more of my living with artwork, and I enjoyed reading what Kathy Ann and Zuzu had to say. I miss their encouraging supportive posts.

I really miss the conversations we had here in the Cottage Industry section too. I'm still here, up in the CO mountains playing with art, and meeting others online who are also following their dreams and "making more of a living with their artwork".

So, Deb, if there's something you'd like to ask or chat about, let's talk!
:)
Zuzu

[dedavis]

I'm glad to hear from you! Yes, I would like to chat...

I'm in the process of putting up a website. Initially I had thought of it as an online portfolio, but am now thinking I'd like to sell cards and prints. Your website is really professional, and highlights your work beautifully. Do you manage your own website, and how do you handle selling? Do you use PayPal? Do you make things when people order them, or do you keep inventory on hand?

I'd also like to post images here, to get feedback on new designs, but Photoshop files are too big to show up well. I'll try digital photos next...

Anybody else want to join this conversation? Come on in!

Deb

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Deb,

You had several questions, so I'll copy/paste them and try to answer each one...

I'm in the process of putting up a website. Initially I had thought of it as an online portfolio, but am now thinking I'd like to sell cards and prints. Your website is really professional, and highlights your work beautifully. Do you manage your own website? First of all, thank you! There are many ways to get a website up and going on the net. My husband and I both worked professionally in software development, so we designed our own craft-business websites and maintain them ourselves. We have also started a third business offering website services with all the goodies for others... Hug Gorilla Software (http://www.ren-prod-inc.com/hug_soft/store.php?action=788)

and how do you handle selling? Do you use PayPal? Yes, we use PayPal, and it has worked very well for us.

Do you make things when people order them, or do you keep inventory on hand? I make what I like and put it online when it is available. I only sell online, so I spent a great deal of time learning about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Each product line & product is indexed so people can find them on the web. We also track what people view when they visit our websites, and that gives us feedback as to what is most popular and what search terms they used.

Something that may be helpful to you - Mary Engelbreit has a page on her website For Artists (http://www.maryengelbreit.com/ForArtists/ALittleAdvice.aspx)

:)

Zuzu

[dedavis]

Had to hunt around to find this thread again.

I figured that you must have had previous experience in the computer realm! I am in a steep learning curve with Photoshop and Adobe GoLive. My friend is a cartoonist and has had a website for several years, so I'm getting help when I need it. All those years I taught design to students going into web design without knowing how to use their tools! I felt like a fraud, but now I'm catching up. I'll be checking out your business...

Just recently decided to pursue cards and prints. We found a printer in Seattle that does it all, from scanning to printing. And the prices seem reasonable. Now I have to decide which images to reproduce.

Another decision to make is whether to market locally. There's a big resort going in up the road. Seems like there would be opportunities.

And it's time to put thoughts down on paper. My business plan is floating around in my head. I know that I want to find a niche rather than take a shotgun approach. Did your business just evolve, or did you do some planning and write stuff down? Do you revisit your goals periodically? I tend to be intuitive and messy rather than analytical and neat, which doesn't fit the stereotype of a business person.

Thanks again,
Deb

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Deb,

Yes, I wrote a business plan and highly recommend it. It's your compass! I also keep computer files for product ideas, descriptions, materials, contacts, my pricing formula, collage art, my business card design, photographs, and so on. There is no way that I could keep it all in my head.

Sounds like you are moving in the right direction. Take your time, write down your ideas and how you plan to achieve your goals - that's how you'll find your niche.

:) Zuzu