full time artist Q+A ☺︎ art biz ?'s, growing an audience, when to start an online art shop
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- Опубликовано: 18 дек 2021
- website ♥︎ www.leighellexson.com
instagram ✦ @leighellexson
patreon ♦︎ / leighellexson
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instead of saying "kill two birds with one stone" say "feed two birds with one scone" ! My brother taught me that one the other day and it is 100% more wholesome
10/10 thank you brother
I love this)
Whatever an anxious person is, Leigh is the opposite. She simply exists and does things. Pretty sweet
I loved the advice of “I want to grow as an artist” rather than focus just on the numbers 🙌 such a good reminder
So glad that resonated!!!!
Thank god for James steering the conversation and helping you out to elaborate 👏🏻 this was a super helpful video bc These are also art questions I always had too
Lol also the dance part at the end, two different music LOL
I would not have done this video without him for this very reason
Yes! James seems to be very intelligent and introspective and is a fantastic speaker. Great video Leigh!
AND YES! GET A CAT! TONKA NEEDS A COUSIN!
Hahah coming right up!!!!
James understood the assignment! Love how he was there to help you expand on your answers 😊!!
We all need a convenient pocket sized James to help us answer questions and clarify our goals 🌟⚘🌈🧍♂️
Yes I would like to shrink james. That’d be great.
Tal cual jajajaja😂❤
This made me feel warm and fuzzy! I appreciate the honesty throughout. I enjoyed James' perspective as well. He kept saying he wasn't an artist, but he certainly has a very creative mind AND he has seen basically your entire journey as a business owner so it makes sense that he was able to have such helpful advice. Anyway, thanks for this! I'm an old artist, but a very new business owner so I appreciate it!
Yes yes!! He has a lot of business experience in many different practices which is helpful. He also has such a positive mindset it’s honestly amazing.
James' slight annoyance with his follow up questions is cracking me up! I love this dynamic. Great episode!
Just so anyone is wondering, this could help, I started selling my art as a full time job a year ago and I had less than 1k followers, now I have almost 9k so, your following don't really matter that much for you to be able to make it your main income, what matters is the community, the engajement and the clients you make from those people that like what you do and are there to support you!
That’s amazing! Can I ask what your main revenue streams are? Are you doing commercial commissions? Selling products?
@@Spidercandy957 I sell customized hanmade sketchbooks!!
@@quini_g that’s so cool! Do you mainly sell directly to consumers? Or do you sell wholesale/on consignment?
@@Spidercandy957 Yes! Directly to the consumer! Because it's customized and I make it all by hand (painting, binding, paper cutting, everything) so it's pretty much impossible to do holesale, and not my goal either
@@quini_g that’s awesome!!! So happy you are living your dream 🥰
I wanted to add to the completely valid point that you may try and fail. That is definitely true, but it's not time wasted!
I tried RUclips and Instagram for years without my following ever growing. I ended up leveraging those skills into permanent, full time work doing exactly what I wanted to do as a content creator, but for a company/brand. So all of that time trying and failing on Instagram and RUclips was like I was in the school of my own life teaching myself the skills I wanted to have as a designer, editor, artist. Video editing, social media, those are valuable skills and many peoples' full time jobs. TLDR: it's never a waste to pursue what you love. I think trying to grow as a person and who you want to be is always a valuable pursuit to take it back to the point made in the video :)
I’m making my art just for me, which works for me right now.
Having something that’s just for me and my only concerns being honest, feels like the ULTIMATE luxury.
I originally I thought of selling it, but I got bored by the stuff I started.
Conceptual expressionism seems to be my thing right now.
It’s not always easy. Especially after talking about it with non artist. They say things like “it sounds like a lot of work”, so I keep my comments general when they ask and then change the subject back to them.
I hope everyone finds their own path to joy.
By the way I love how doing what you loved was prioritized over still doing this business in 5 years. ❤
You know you’re on the right track to doing what you love, because it feels good. Even the less fun stuff is more fun than it would be otherwise because of the results it leads to. Being flexible helps you develop your own system that makes the the stuff your not good at, easier.
The key is focusing on the goal, feeling good. Everything you want is because you think it will make you feel better having it. If you give yourself permission to feel good, pay attention when you don’t, and don’t buy into the idea that doing what you love for a living is harder than spending time doing things you hate, you learn to trust yourself.
“Follow your bliss, and the universe will open doors where there were only walls”. 🖼
The story about Mossery is so powerful. Sometimes great opportunities come our way but that doesn’t always mean that they’re the right choice for us. It takes a lot of courage to say no to something like that. I admire how transparent you are in this video 🖤
What you said about growing as an artist and sharing the journey rather than focusing on the numbers is such solid advice. You two are fantastic together - I love your dynamic and it's really enjoyable to watch/listen to you both!
Honestly I love a good quit, that's solid advice! Sometimes we stick with things that aren't working for way too long, and it keeps us from putting energy into what WILL work for us.
I have to say, I’m impressed with how thoughtful and positive a lot of James’ answer were. Felt like two wonderful parents. Very enjoyable 👏🏽👏🏽✨
I appreciate you both laying into the “don’t over invest when you don’t know if you’ll like it” and just “don’t do it if you don’t like it” Those are what I’d tell my past self. Lots of wasted time, money and emotional baggage feeling like I’m not good at something when really I just didn’t enjoy it. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what you like, think about what you really enjoyed doing as a kid, a lot of times that can tie into your current interests too.
Every year, I do a comprehensive annual review using the same template of journaling questions. One of the prompts is: Who are my ideal role models? Who would I like to professionally trade places with? And here’s what I wrote: Leigh Ellexson - her Patreon, her shop update success, her design aesthetic. You have inspired me so much over the past year, Leigh, and I would not have achieved as much as I did in 2021 if not for you. Just seeing what you do and how you do it was so influential and encouraging to me. You have no idea what an incredible impact you are making for creators! Thank you so much for all you do and share with us! Happy Holidays and so much love and gratitude! - Tara Kate
🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲 thank you so much for sharing with me. I have idea how my internet presence affects anyone so it’s nice to hear it!
James is such a supportive presence 💛 Thank you both for the helpful vid ☺️❤️
Working toward a lot of these goals in this new year, so thank you! I love your takes on the popular/unpopular surprises.
So many great reminders here! And I love that James said that even earning a little bit on art is winning. Because I can't work as much as I want due to my health, so that was lovely to hear :)
its so strange to see how your channel has grown, i've watched you ever since your early sketchbook tours! while i miss your old cute cat opening, its so satisfying to see you get more confident art wise and the profeshionality (despite somehow being homely) thats come too! you've inspired me years ago and still do today. ty, leigh and co!
I love how James supports Leigh to the max. He pushes her to get out of her comfort zone. Leigh is life 🍰
I am life cake! 😈
You guys are lovely, really enjoyed the tag teaming in this video! Growth mindset (versus success/failure) and being brave while trusting your gut are such valuable skills to foster. They've been most impactful for me lately and you both spoke about these abstract/intangible topics well.
To the people that worry that their artwork may not be for the masses, I think it may be helpful to think of your favorite artists, musicians, writers etc. You may find that the creatives that ignite you most are not necessarily mainstream or were initially well received by the public. Personally, I love the "fringe" creatives most because they remind me that I'm not alone and/or change how I perceive the world. You may not have a big following but your tribe will be appreciative and supportive! 💗
Thank you for this video guys! I actually got a lot out of it. I started my small biz a few years ago and I don't make enough $$ to go full time YET... But, it was the best decision I've made. It is challenging in so many ways but you gain all of this knowledge and experience, develop new skills and learn more about yourself in the process. To everybody on the journey, YOU GOT THIS!! 💪🏽💪🏽
about things not 'doing well': it is totally a personal choice, but good thing to remember is that 'not doing well' is not synonymous with 'not enjoyed by anyone'! like... i love landscapes
This really helped me a lot .. I have been struggling with wondering if I’m on the right path and if people like my art work .. and you guys made me realize that i should not worry so much about that stuff .. I love painting and nothing will change that.
I should just enjoy my life and feel good about where I’m at now .
🥲 love
i loveeeeee this new mindset: it´s not selling your passion, it´s people supporting your passion. really gonna think about that. thank youuuu ♥ ♥
This was so cool to listen to and even a whole hour! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all these questions :D
Ahhh! So much awesome information thank you for teaching us Leigh and James.. also I love James shirt ✨✨✨
thanks for the insight Leigh and James! Always love your chill vibe just chatting. Keep up the sweet vids!💫
that was SO INTERESTING loved every single part of it, thank you for doing that video
So happy I discovered you and the yeah maybe podcast ♥️ thank you for being such positive and funny people. Leigh is also such an inspiration as an artist, love your work!!
That hour went by really quick! It was cool to see your personality and the way you thought about these art journey decisions. Thanks :)
Honestly this is the best video I've found so far because i am actually at that phase of getting commissions and wanting to make them personal lol. I love it and I'm in the planning phase of starting my own online shop. The one thing I struggle with is the social media part, that's something I've always struggled with.
i love this video so much. I've watched it like 4 times already and it is so encouraging and full of great and practical advice
This was great! Thanks Leigh & James - definitely going to listen to the podcast
This video is amazing! The good vibes are coming at a great time. I’m going to start selling some art in the new year, I have no clue what I’m doing but it’s something I always wanted to do and I’m excited to start! Sending positive thoughts to those who are trying to push their art in a new direction🥰❤️
I think this video made me reevaluate my entire life/career/personal goals 😅 thank you very much Leigh and James for what felt like an hour of therapy 😜
I have been loving these videos and finding so much inspiration in your channel to start my own art business. I kept thinking you are the most similar artist to myself I've found, in so many ways, so I decided to search what sign you are. born 8 days before me. such taurus vibes. love your art!
I really enjoyed the tips on going all in on your business right away, as well as how to grow your follow and having more of a mind set of growing as an artist
i loved watching this vid so much thank you for making it!! yall are awesome
This was insanely helpful Leigh! I opened my small art buisness last year, Its on a break right now but this video this was extremely helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much.
SO happy to hear that!!!!! I was watching it back like, is this even helpful?
@@LeighEllexson So helpful, don’t worry! I was discouraged about my reopening but this has given my brain a reset.
This was definitely one of the most helpful videos regarding the self-made art business ever!
This video was so helpful and fun to listen to, thank you both! ♡ I would really really love to hear more questions answered in another video. Adding this to my favs!
Your voices are both so pleasing to listen to in podcast-style! Loved this so much.
This was so fantastic and informative ~ kudos to James for facilitating and drawing out such helpful responses, I’m always keen to hear about the thoughts that go on behind the scenes so it was fab to find out how your amazing brain works Leigh! I wish I had your chill, not gonna lie. I’m always setting myself hard deadlines for my business then falling into an anxious mess when I can’t hit them, so I definitely think I need to rethink that process for sure.
I could tell James was getting very sleepy by the end and i love that. Start of the video, totally pumped. End of the video, sleepy from the head phones and needs a nap. Every time. And Leigh just keeping it real.
Me noticing so many comments ab James. Ur great but were all here because of Leigh.
Hahaha thank you rose!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 yes!!!!!! Finally!!!!
This was really insightful! Thank you so much for all the tips! And love the laidback approach to the business, haha! ♥
This video brings a lot of value thank you so much Leigh and James. 🌹 The cooking and process comparison is so good and so true!
The cooking analogy was SO GOOD
this was great, love your honesty and down to earthness.
you make becoming a full-time artist/freelancer seem so much more feasible. I feel as if so many artists are glued to google calendar, printing their own stickers or prints at home. Almost as if it's a "lifestyle" and that you need to do those things to be successful. I can relate a lot to not wanting to print my own prints or stickers and letting someone else handle that so I can focus on my social media and artwork more. as well as just using a simple planner vs a color-coded Google calendar.
I totally understand everyone has their own way of functioning, I guess it's just a breath of fresh air to see another artist work in a similar manner. ::)
as a creative small business owner i feel like doing all the things has made me feel separated from the joy of just making and designing and this was a great reminder that i should be having more fun!!! im going to prioritize that
Thank you for posting this. I’d love to be an artist and creator full time and not work a corporate job. This video gave me some peace that if I decide I can do it, I can make a way. Thank you again
This was really helpful to watch as an artist who's been sellin and makin for a while!!
There is some really great advice in this video, and I love it.
i love your landscapes, leigh, it's inspiring me to do landscapes this year even though it's not my wheelhouse at all~ keep trucking
I would love more content like this - I find it relaxing yet super informative. Like other comments, I particularly enjoy James being there to fuel the people who might be either small business or artist-want-to-be’s (like me!). It might be kinda cool to interview any of your artist or content creator friends. It’s like a relaxing podcast that I can stream/watch on the tele. Keep on being awesome! 🤗💕
Mhm mhm ! Very podcasty
your kingdom hearts analogy is INCREDIBLE and I love it
James' voice is very nice and I like him asking all the questions
Thank Leigh and James this was helpful especially the beginning about you don't need to have a following to open an Etsy shop 💜💜
It is really nice to hear you saying that it IS okay to quite. Mental health should be a priority
This is such a fun and motivating video! You never fail to keep us inspired specially to everyone who's also starting youtube like me... Cant wait for your next upload as always! Have a merry merry Christmas! 🥰🎄
This was such a great video! Thank you SO MUCH for making it 🥰 you’ve inspired me to do the 365 day art challenge for 2022 so I can really up my art making. This year I’ve sold more originals than ever before in my whole life so laser focused on 2022 being the year to really cement myself as an artist and grow my income from it too 😍🎉🌸🌿
thanks for doing this vid! I want to eventually become a full-time artist and you have been a huge inspiration for me and there was so much good info in here!
Yay!!! Sometimes I questioned if it was good info or not and now I know
Loved this and thanks for answering my question! Also, James was such a great addition to this - he helped clarify questions and I think you two make such a great team! Love ya, Leigh!
Yes! He was so helpful to me to give me perspective on the questions!
the ENERGY is unparalleled
This convo is gold👌 I just downloeded to listen while I'm drawing 💘
I love the painting sticker style
I bought the graphite house print and I LOVE it!!!
I love your landscape painting !! ;-)
This was an incredible video ❤️❤️❤️ THANK YOU!!!
Can I just say?????? How much I wish I had a James with me to clarify my thoughts, answers to hard questions, as well as figuring out goals??? wOW
thank u so much for this video
Oh my god, I feel so seen when you're talking about how you run your business. I never had clue what I was doing when I started, I definitely got overwhelmed packing orders, and I'm not the greatest at delegating. I'm almost 10 yrs into this gig, maybe one day I'll have a better plan? We'll see... And once you take on some help, you wonder how in the world you did all this stuff on your own. It's pretty wild! It's been so cool to watch your art business boom, but also that you're so honest about the growing pains. Thanks for sharing your journey (I hate saying "journey" but I couldn't think of another word)
Hahahaha I hate saying journey too 🤢 Thank you!!
I loved this chat. I do want to add that success looks different for everyone. I have a small (9k) art channel, I sell my products on my own website and I have a patreon. I love it and I love all my supporters. However, some people might look at my following and think it’s small and others might think it’s plenty. It’s all based on what you need as an individual so it’s super hard to give advice. On top of all that growing a channel or business is hard and not only should you be consistent but you also need a bit of luck too. Sending luck to anyone that needs it!!!
YES YES!!!! 💯💯💯
This was so helpful Leigh 💗💗💗
Throughly enjoyed this. Headed over to your podcast 😊
really enjoyed having both of your perspectives! good stuf
This was so nice to watch. Thanks!
That jumper ♥️
I loved this video! Thank you Leigh and James
Glad it helped!!!
Thanks for answering such a diverse range of questions; I am trying to get back into illustrating and finding myself as an artist and would eventually like to open a shop....always feel scared about understanding how to sort out things like the shipping costs internationally since I live in New Zealand...and also bookkeeping/tracking accounts scares me too :O
You guys are adorable. Just came across you today and I have to say, I want a duck too. The way they waddle always always makes me smile!!! And their quack quacking... 🦆 💕 Honestly, the perspective you’re sharing is helpful. 😊
I LOVE this video and would devour a whole series!
"I just don't really care" :D love that mindset so much
I love your energy lmao
Leigh, love your art, style and general overall aesthetic. I enjoyed this video, James grounds you and allows you to be the artist you naturally are. All artists need a grounded source. Ive watched several artists on you tube, furrylittlepeach, you, Sandi Hester, Megan wang, Paloma the Peach etc. Seems like several of you have a source of grounding or support system that gives you the freedom just to create. Good for you.
This is amazing, thank you!!
Thank you so much ♥️ This is so inspiring and helpful.
Loved this, thank you guys :) x
this was so good! thank youuu
Thanks so much for sharing ! Qutting something that's not for you might give someone else who might be perfect at it an opportunity!
This is the duo I didn't know I needed
Truth
you're so wholesome and comforting. that's all I wanted to say bye
DEFINITELY start a 401k. The earlier you start the more your money will grow.
Also, I really enjoy your landscapes maybe because I personally have a hard time with looser work like that so I appreciate people who are good at that kind of thing.
Thanks so much for this guys! ❤ You've convinced me to leave etsy and just try somewhere else. I've been there for so long now and have had no one wanting to buy a painting. I am also just going to focus on commissions, I was doing the daily challenge for a year and got very stressed with it this Christmas. One day I'll probs try it again, because I did really enjoy it.
I am one of those people that like deadlines and to-do lists 😁😄❤
Yes!! Take advantage of your deadline and to do list love it will benefit you. Totally okay to put daily art on hiatus. I had a really hard time around vacations and holidays idk how I did it tbh. Couldn’t do it again.
@@LeighEllexson Thanks so much Leigh! ❤
P.S.Very excited to hear that your secret goal is to make bigger prints 😍 😉
P.S. Thanks James 😁
I really really liked and appreciated this video
Thank you very much for this hour full of fun. Stay save and hydrated. ;))
thanks for doing this! i was too poor/undiagnosed disabled and had to work for trash wage through my 20s & 30s, finally burned out completely in my 40s and now i'm trying to start from scratch as an old. it was capitalism, poverty, and ableism the whole time but i still feel like i'm the entire problem bc there's no one else to be mad at (except EVERYONE in an ableist society lol). I know it's possible that I'll eventually get to a point where I have enough control / immediacy that I'll be able to make and finish art I don't hate the entire painful process of ..... sorry to rant. A normal successworthy person would have just commented "Trying to learn to simplify"