RTBTCKI ( The What's Next Edition)

[puppetmaker]

But first that better picture I promised.



Now they get packed off for a doll show and a photo shoot. I have one more detail I want to finish for Magrat before they go.

I found Supernatural last night to be a hoot and a half. Maybe because I have a husband who is a writer. Maybe it was because I am a book editor who has dealt with various forms of fandom and some of it rather rabid. But that one hit it out of the park for me. I almost fell off of the couch as the brothers discussed fandom. And, amazingly, it moved the prime plot forward.

I am thinking about an Etsy store for my dolls and puppets. Any pluses and minuses I should know about? My biggest problem is that I can promote the heck out of anyone or anything except myself. I know I have to get over this and be able to promote my work and myself. No one is going to do it for me.

Rain today all day is predicted. It is rather dingy looking outside my window. We need the rain because we are down for total rain/snow fall for the year. Also it is nice to have rain rather than snow. The temperature is climbing up a bit so it is just wet rather than cold and wet.

Caroline and I are off to see my parents next week. Caroline is looking forward to the adventure. She has been telling her kindergarten that she is going to be flying in a plane to see her grandparents. When asked by her teacher if this was her first plane trip, she informed her teacher, “No, I fly all the time.” I explained to her teacher that Caroline was a seasoned air traveler and probably had more frequent flyer miles than some adults in our area. I have movies on my i-phone and I am bringing my computer and headphones to distract her along with her video game. I remember once coming back from a convention, we got stuck in an airport and I amused all the kids there by playing Finding Nemo for them. The parents thanked me for doing so.

Today is all about picking up after a week of creating. I might sculpt something later if I get the time. I don’t feel like stopping this creative streak I have had going. Maybe I’ll have a go at the Dottie dolls I am suppose to have done by the end of the month. I also have a penny doll to do for another challenge. I figure if I keep this going I can keep the creative flow going. Making ATD in the Zetti style is another thing I am thinking about.

I am grateful for being able to get things done in a timely fashion.

Comments

[1-rhiannon-1.livejournal.com]

Awesome! They look fantastic! :D Great job you! :D

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

For me, the biggest challenges with Etsy have been as follows:

1) Promotion. It's one thing to post to LJ and Facebook every time I post something new. It's entirely something else to get strangers to look at--and pay for--my work. Etsy has some promotional outlets that can help with this. But my shop really does rise or fall with how much I promote it. I haven't been stellar at this, and most of my sales have been to friends. But I know this much: a number of strangers have marked my shop as a favorite so maybe, someday, that will translate into sales. What I really need to do is get cards printed that I can hand out and find other ways to promote my shop.

2) Production. I love making jewelry and I know that I'm good at it. But with Etsy, so much depends upon consistent, new production and finding your niche as an artist. Everyone's got a thing that seems to succeed best for them. Finding that thing is really hard. I think I've found at least two things that may be my trademarks...but only time and persistence will tell.

In the beginning it's a for-the-love effort. If you can find your market and be consistent, it can pay off. But it's a lot of work.

The dolls, by the way, looks just smashing!

[dungeonwriter.livejournal.com]

Your dolls are so beautiful, they make me feel like a kid again and want to play with them. I think that's the true sign of an artist!

[narniadear.livejournal.com]

would you do me an enormous favor? I can't see your pictures because they're blocked on my work server...and I don't have internet at home. I REALLY want to see your dolls though...would you email the pictures to me? I know that's a weird request, and I understand if you're not comfortable with that. I just figured I'd ask anyway. :) cecily jeanne at gmail dot com (without the spaces etc.)

[papillon-enrage.livejournal.com]

As best I can tell success at Etsy is a result of three things:

(1) Unique product marked appropriately. There are several very full categories where it's difficult to get noticed. Then there are the obvious "holes". Not so many puppets, for example. Good for you.

(2) How the store is "merchandised". It's incredibly important to photograph the product interestingly and keep a consistent look. The best stores look professional. Change the store around regularly to keep up interest.

(3) Marketing the site. Many options, both free and not free. To do really well, you need to get your name out in the community by posting on the forums and joining groups. Then there's the pad marketing, which really drives visibility.

Worth noting that I myself haven't had time to take most of the advice offered in number 3.

[fairemade.livejournal.com]

Fabulous! Where you you usually show your work?
I have problems with the self promotion thing too. I often feel like I'm being pushy or vain if I say "Come look at my stuff!".
As artists, I believe we all need to draw people in who will decide for themselves whether or not they want to buy our work. Please tell me, how do I do that and still be perceived as nice and somewhat normal?
I'm thinking about trying to arrange for a local gallery show of my puppets and dolls. I've never tried that type of thing before.