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Q: How long did it take for you to start to see some success with your ideas/products/creations? (From Corinne)

A: I love this question so much that I want to make an entire post about it. It's an interesting thing to reflect on.

I started Princess Lasertron in 2005 and for about two years, it was very very part-time. I think it took me a while to understand…
1. who my customer was
2. where my strengths were as an artist
3. how to brand my products and create publicity and buzz

I always say that my wedding in 2008 was the thing that really brought me the exposure I had been looking for, but I've also learned many lessons in the last four years that contributed to my growth. The major ones include..

1. Getting involved in my community. When you're trying to sell a product, you are no longer an artist but a business person as well. There is nothing more valuable in the art and design community than good friends who will have good things to say about you, so it's important to go out and meet people, attend events and shows, and volunteer in local organizations. Most artists receive opportunities not from cold calls or unsolicited submissions, but because of a recommendation from another artist or expert. That's how important it is to meet people and make a connection in your community.

And it's not a constant sales pitch either–ask what others are creating, doing, thinking, dreaming. Offer to donate pieces to charity events or serve on committees.

2. Defining my goals. I have a huge poster in my studio of my goals for 2009. Looking at it every day keeps me focused and which options will help me get there.

3. Taking risks. When I bought my first advertisement, I couldn't afford it. I had so much anxiety about it, but I made a good choice and my business grew by 800%. Many artists are happy making art only for themselves and their loved ones. Other artists want recognition and to be able to make a living in the creative industries, and the only way to do that is to stick your neck out.

If you are starting out in business, I challenge you to take a risk this week. Call up a leadership figure in your industry and invite him/her out to coffee or lunch. Schedule a call with an artist or admired figure whose career you have always admired from afar. Submit your work to an exhibition. Try using a different medium or color. Call up a local library and offer to present a talk about your work.

One of my favorite quotes is by Soren Kierkegaard: “During the first period of a man's life the greatest danger is not to take the risk.”

4. Enjoy business as much as art. There are designers who enjoy promoting themselves, making sales, and marketing. And those artists do well in business.

I try to slay the myth of the starving artist and be unapologetic about my desire to make a living out of my passion. I know I'm not just a designer–I'm comfortable in my other (endless) roles as a businesswoman and I thrive on it. Although I advocate a culture of cooperation and community, I also think a competitive spirit is important to find success in any field. The truth is, we are in business for ourselves. If someone doesn't buy art from you, they will likely buy it from another artist. That other artist is competition. If the competition is enjoying running their business, they are probably more effective and successful.

5. Thank the people who help you. Sometimes this world can be unforgiving, especially in creative industries. I'm trying to get more in the habit of writing thank you notes to everyone I work with, whether it's an email for something small or a short mailed letter for a valuable recommendation or write up or for a customer. I know that this habit can make a big difference to other people and requires very little effort on my part.

I have a great stack of branded stationery ready to use for thank you notes. People remember notes and often keep them, and it's a great way to reconnect with someone who has helped you.

Wherever you sit on the continuum–if you are starting out in business, have no desire to make a business out of your hobby, or are uninvolved in creative industry and just like to read this website because it's awesome, I hope something in this post will motivate you to amp up your career or take a leap into something new. It might seem impossible to make a living doing what you love, so start small like I did working at it part-time and making as many connections as you can with people who can support your goals. It does not happen overnight, but by making careful decisions and taking calculated risks.

xo
meg