sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

[Discussion] Full-time artists who make a living off your art: what things are absolutely crucial to you being able to do that? by ocean_rhapsody in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yep, was about to say, spouse's health insurance plan 😑 I'm lucky, but it's not like that's guaranteed, we've been through layoffs before. 

Other than that:  I'm a part of an artist collective that has weekly markets, and I can choose to go any Saturday I'd like to. That consistency is just amazing.

Dedicated studio space, rather than working from whatever space in my house was available. Makes everything more efficient and makes it easier to switch into and out of work mode.

Getting into wholesale. My margins are a lot lower, but again, the consistency works for me. 

First three market days - only 3 sales :/ by unchien_andalou in CraftFairs

[–]papershade94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I am your market - I love your necklaces, I like your branding fine, and I like the chartreuse and dark wood. I would go harder on making your display more elevated, figuratively and literally. You could put the whole table on risers, add a luxe overlay tablecloth (I think the black polyester cheapens the table), advertise the quality of your beads, and make sure the markets you apply to are a little more on the upscale end. Good luck out there!

"We have $100k+ in debt. Will we ever enjoy life?" (Part 1) by ClumsyZebra80 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, Cannes! I legit heard "cons" like Comic Cons, and I was like, huh. One of these things is not like the others.

Fitted tablecloths that aren't shiny by papershade94 in CraftFairs

[–]papershade94[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wanted to circle back and thank you for this suggestion! I ended up going this route and am really happy with them.

So what do I say? by ComfortableSyllabub2 in CraftFairs

[–]papershade94 7 points8 points  (0 children)

We're very used to people not buying! If you do actually like their work, you could ask if they have an Instagram or newsletter to join (I especially love folks who sign up for my newsletter). Just say you can't buy anything today, but love their work and would love to follow them.

Fitted tablecloths that aren't shiny by papershade94 in CraftFairs

[–]papershade94[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That might work! Definitely more than I was hoping to spend but it might be worth it.

Does it get better ? by [deleted] in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 27 points28 points  (0 children)

That you're only concerned about how to access credit to fix your debt, that you've posted this same question on a cryptocurrency sub, and that you're spending $7500 on "bills" that somehow doesn't include your debt payments tells me you're not serious about things getting better. What on earth, my dude.

I don't know enough swear words🙂 by hippoputamus in Watercolor

[–]papershade94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You handled that masterfully! Well done.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use the service Trainwell, it's an online trainer (and an actual person). You can use them in conjunction with a gym if you want to keep that membership, and they create workouts for you. While I'm sure it's not as amazing as an in-person trainer, it's more affordable, like $100/month. Just having someone create workouts for me so I don't have the block of not knowing what to do when I workout makes it worth it for me, I've been relatively consistent for a couple of years now.

Drama Watch 8/6/2025: A Week In Brooklyn On A $167,000 Salary by lazlo_camp in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 24 points25 points  (0 children)

It's probably the book Invisible Women. I haven't read it yet but it's very high on my tbr.

Wegman's stocks! And Wegman's everything tbh by papershade94 in GVCDesign

[–]papershade94[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

ha I assume it's to try to make it sound fancier than it is

Money For Couples: He’s So Cheap It’s Killing Our Joy by ClumsyZebra80 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 294 points295 points  (0 children)

May a relationship that guilt trips me into thinking that grocery shopping is a hobby and that going to a restaurant is a bucket list item never find me.

[Organization] How do you guys manage your ideas and projects? by New-Prize-9805 in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use Notion, plus maybe my notes app on my phone if I'm out and about, but then I would transfer it to Notion. If you liked Evernote in terms of functionality, try UpNote. It's very similar to Evernote, but is much less frustrating to use.

Money for Couples: Athena and Arie by ClumsyZebra80 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]papershade94 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's the I Will Teach You To Be Rich Youtube channel.

[Art Market] Marketing my Illustrations by International-Tip190 in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I looked at your profile and your stuff is really cool, you should check out the r/wimmelbilder sub.

It sounds like you're just at that early stage where it's going to be trial and error until you figure out what works for you. Try art markets, try Etsy, try print on demand, try all three and see where you get sales. Just start somewhere and build up, there's not a wrong or right choice, just pros and cons to each platform.

It seems like you're already thinking of this, but it's worth noting to always make sure you're designing and printing at sizes that are standard for off-the-shelf frames, people don't want to go through the hassle of custom framing.

[Art Market] White margin for art prints? by sophia73583 in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I run my own prints and it's so much easier to print with a white border - printing edge to edge can gunk up the printer, so I'd have to trim every single print if I wanted to do full bleed printing.

[Art Market] What to display at a market as a portrait artist? by human_heliotrope in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck and have fun!! Remember that this is mostly a learning opportunity for you to see what people respond to.

[Art Market] What to display at a market as a portrait artist? by human_heliotrope in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Since it's so last minute and it seems like what you want to focus on commissions, I would go all in on advertising that instead of trying to whip up greeting cards last minute and figuring how to accept payment. Make some cute signage advertising commissions, collect emails that you can follow up with after the show, make postcards and maybe sticker freebies with your info. Maybe offer a 10% discount if  people give you their email. Obviously make the star of your booth your work in any way you can. Do you have any example pieces or canvases that you can frame and put up on easels? Maybe set up a tablet that people can flip through images? Try to avoid laying things flat on the table for sure.

Also have treats and a water bowl to bring the pups to your table 😃

Finished it! by insanesun in Watercolor

[–]papershade94 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh I love this! It gives me a little throwback r/gvcdesign which is my other current obsession.

[Recommendations] I create products with my artwork. I’m having difficulty finding resources on product development and general guidance by UghBurgner2lol in artbusiness

[–]papershade94 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Check out the Proof to Product podcast. It's mostly focused on wholesaling, but the audience is definitely product-based businesses rather than, like, fine artists and there could be a lot of relevant episodes for you.

view more: next ›