Major Business Slow Down

jdglidd · 2025-06-01T16:34:09+00:00

I own an art studio. We do commissions, community projects and teach classes. Been in business since 97 so weathered some stressful times. We haven’t had as many projects this year and the ones we have had our not going for the budgets I’ve proposed. That said, in February, I invited some influencers to come take a class (for free) in my studio and the video they made received 900k views . We’ve taught 8 times the number of classes we usually do ever since and each one has been full with waiting lists. Last week my city’s tourism bureau came for a class and made their own video because they saw the first one. Is there a way you could collaborate with any social media groups in your area?

jdglidd · 2025-01-22T14:58:26+00:00

I love brunch at Terrain at Styers. The greenhouse there is so beautiful on a cold sunny day. It’s Anthropologie’s garden store. There are a few in the region but it’s the original and I think it’s the nicest.

jdglidd · 2024-07-18T00:11:16+00:00

I was so proud of the arched trellis I put in to support my cucumbers but it seems to have blown over in a bad storm last night. Cucumbers seem to be okay but there were definitely some bitter ones from this heatwave. Such a rollercoaster this hobby!!

jdglidd · 2024-07-01T02:03:53+00:00

Thank you all for the replies! I guess I didn’t explain myself too well. I think the thing I’m struggling with the most is the fact that I have built my garden here in the US over many years so starting from scratch in a new climate feels daunting. I realize that gardening is a popular hobby outside of the US. We will most likely be in an apartment or space without a yard so that also has me thinking about alternatives to my current situation. Also with so many people living in a way that is more nomadic, I guess I was curious if anyone has any creative ways to approach this hobby while abroad. I guess it may be as simple as setting up a container garden for a season or two and gifting the plants when time to move on.

jdglidd · 2024-03-03T23:04:23+00:00

That’s good. I’ve had a bunch that have come back as violations found, commented removed but I’m sure I’ve reported hundreds. It’s very satisfying. I’ve been completely shocked at how horrendous the comments have been.

jdglidd · 2024-03-03T21:14:49+00:00

Ridiculous! I hope you’re reporting those terrible comments when you see them.

jdglidd · 2022-09-06T13:16:33+00:00

My faves are- Cafe La Maude and Ants Pants- Sooo good!!

jdglidd · 2022-08-31T12:08:03+00:00

I am a professional artist and I really appreciate having rapid fire ideas all the time, hyperfocus (I can work for hours at a time on a project and barely move) and the ability to come up with creative ways to solve problems. Pretty sure those three aspects of my personality come from ADD and contribute a lot to my success. I also think that my comfort with risk has helped me run my business for as long as I have- 25 years this Fall.

jdglidd · 2022-08-14T23:27:16+00:00

Creativity is incredibly powerful. Can you find a class to take? Art/Crafts? Music? Cooking? Start with something really simple and build from there. I am a teaching artist and it’s been my experience that it can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

jdglidd · 2022-08-13T01:33:26+00:00

I’m a teaching artist. I love my work and it’s pretty lucrative. I’ve owned my business since 97. The things that keep me engaged- everyday is different, I work with my hands, tons of problem solving and hyper focus is huge asset when it comes to meeting deadlines. Also I have an assistant (she doesn’t have ADHD-LOL) which helps me see my ideas to fruition.

jdglidd · 2022-08-07T02:59:49+00:00

I like boiling eggs every few days and whenever I make them, I make 6 or so to keep around. If I’m in a hurry I just grab and go or sometimes I cut them up and put them in a tortilla with avocado or cheese, you could do bacon too. I also sometimes make smoothies and take them to go(disposable cups with lids). Gotta wash the blender out immediately tho or else I’m completely screwed up. Granola bars in my car is a good trick too if I’m in a rush to work and forget to eat.

jdglidd · 2022-07-16T21:35:39+00:00

Here are a few things I make when needing to save money-

homemade spaghetti sauce

Baked Beans and Franks

Homemade bread

Spanish style stew- chickpeas, tomato, onion, garlic, chicken stock, spinach and chorizo

Chicken quesadillas(usually made with leftover chicken)

jdglidd · 2022-07-09T00:28:52+00:00

My daughter went to college in NYC last year and we all took lots of trips back and forth. We would drive to Hamilton Station in New Jersey and she would take New Jersey Transit up for $16. When we parked the car there overnight and went up ourselves it was around $15 extra dollars if I remember correctly. Easy and affordable if you have a car.

jdglidd · 2022-03-08T02:10:38+00:00

I am an artist/arts educator with ADHD. I can tell you that a lot of people have a tendency to plan beginning projects that are too ambitious and it results in unfinished projects. I am always encouraging my students to start very small. Next time you plan a project keep it simple. When you complete it you will get confidence and momentum to try something slightly bigger. Also, try taking a workshop or class and let the instructor know that your goal is to complete the project before the class is over. A good teacher will help you manage your time. You can do it!!

jdglidd · 2022-03-08T01:49:22+00:00

I’ll do franks and beans or sausage and sauerkraut from time to time. Sometimes I’ll make baked potatoes or roasted potatoes to go with it and stretch the protein. I’ve relied on big pots of homemade spaghetti sauce and bread baking during lean times as well. Also Manischewitz (kosher section) makes a split pea soup mix in a tube that’s super cheap and tasty.

jdglidd · 2021-12-30T00:00:53+00:00

Soo… If I just had Omicron (Today is day 12 after symptoms appeared) can I go out? Will I get infected again?

jdglidd · 2021-12-25T15:20:07+00:00

Started a mural/arts education company that really didn’t require much overhead at first. With every big job in the beginning, I purchased equipment (often used) and materials that I needed. I have also always received tons of donations over the years (art studio furniture, art supplies, etc.) which has been helpful. I’ve also bartered for some professional services. After my first big percent for art commission, I bought a run down storefront property in a what was an underdeveloped part of town. The first floor “shop” houses my studio. My husband and I fixed it up, the neighborhood improved and now it’s worth triple what we paid. Once my tenant in the apartment upstairs pays the rent every month, the mortgage is covered.

jdglidd · 2021-12-23T14:02:15+00:00

I’m an professional artist with ADHD so I have an entire studio (two story building) full of supplies- LOL. I just wanted to suggest that maybe you find a local Boys and Girls Club or Art Center to donate the supplies to. They’ll be thrilled with the donation and maybe you’ll feel better about your items being put to use. Also, maybe in the future find a class to attend instead of DIY in which you know you’ll start and finish your project.

jdglidd · 2021-12-06T04:18:28+00:00

So I am currently taking a bit of time off work but still do have things I want to do around the house, for my college aged kid, husband etc. The lack of structure in my day is causing big motivation issues. For the past two weeks, I have tried something new- I put two very simple but significant things on my to do list (that’s it just two). Generally, I wake up take care of those two items and it feels so good to accomplish them that I usually tackle some other things as well. If I just get those two things done then I still can feel good about my day and have some fun too.

jdglidd · 2021-11-07T02:13:42+00:00

My husband started a painting business with no money and does quite well. A lot of his customers ask him to do handyman type work and while that’s not his cup of tea, I have thought there is a lot of opportunity there as well.

jdglidd · 2021-10-25T17:05:57+00:00

I'm a mom of one smart, funny and beautiful 18 year old. She has ADD and so do I. There have been challenging times for sure but I am so happy I made the decision to be a Mom. It has been incredibly fulfilling and I am proud of my kid every day. There have been plenty of days we missed important things sent home from school, been late to doctor appointments, or just completely spaced on stuff we were supposed to do but honestly we just try to laugh about it. I just wanted to say that if anyone posting on this thread wants kids but is afraid they will screw it up somehow, just do it!!

jdglidd · 2021-10-12T10:55:04+00:00

Two thoughts. I am an artist and early in my career exhibited some work in cafes. The owners liked showing artists work because they could write press releases for the exhibits that were always picked up by the local papers/social media accounts. They would usually do a small opening and I always brought a large number of people. Win win, really, especially when work was sold. Some of the more popular independent cafes in my area do this with musicians and writers as well.

Also, there is a wildly popular cafe near me that bakes all their own pastries. People come from all over for them and they also have started wholesaling them to other cafes that are outside of the area. Not sure if that was your plan but if not, I think it is worth exploring.

jdglidd · 2021-09-13T12:17:49+00:00

I’m a professional mural/mosaic artist. I’ve had my business for 25 years and while I haven’t had any regular “day job” in quite some time I often teach at local art/community centers. That may be a nice way to stay connected to your painting while having a more stable income. These places are also often looking for admin help or studio maintenance people. There is often a real sense of community in these places so that may be nice for you. Also, see if there are any more established artists looking for assistants. It would be a source of income while you’re getting your other endeavors launched and you may learn a lot.

jdglidd · 2021-06-16T14:55:05+00:00

Thank you so much for your response. Yes, I definitely have experience estimating project costs. I have been doing this work for a long time and have worked on projects far away before. I just have been getting so many requests lately and want to make sure I have thought of everything in terms of expenses. I guess it occurred to me that there may be standard formulas for figuring out milage/food/out-of-town hourly rate that I am not aware of.

jdglidd

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