If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had this discussion, I’d be retired wealthy.

So? What do you do? Create your desires, your passions although they are not a mainstream-sold-in-Macy’s product, do you bend to the will of the masses and/or the economy or find somewhere in between?

It’s not an easy answer but owning a business based upon art isn’t easy. If it makes you physically ill to even THINK about designing small charms or easy-to-understand art prints, then don’t. You can’t force yourself to be someone you’re not. Plus if you were to go that route, the work you create will not come from your heart and probably not sell anyway.

However, if you feel that you can gather up your personality and tweak it a bit to make it more mainstream while maintaining your identity, do it. I would keep creating your art pieces, though, because that’s probably where you’ll gain the most pleasure.

If you decide to tackle a more mainstream product collection, steal from yourself. Take an item that you’ve sold well or really connect with and make it with less expensive materials or create its vision with different materials all together. Turn a weaving into a mobile or a bowl into a wall hanging. Also, by morphing your creation into something else all together, it may open up your creative juices (or other business doors).

Remember that a new, lesser priced, more moderate collection may mean different retailers and a different demographic of customers, and more work for you, so think carefully before you start. Do you have the time? Do you have the funds to invest in new materials?

Finally, know that it’s always easier and more fulfilling to create with passion and draw the clients to you than it is to constantly try to make what’s “selling” or to follow the economy. If you do, you’ll get confused and forget who you are as an artist.

Are YOU creating art just to sell?  Are you proud of your work and being true to your vision?  How can you change your design so that you can make money AND create what moves you?  Comment below!

You may also like:

Why You Should Join Local Art Associations to Increase Your Art Business

Are You Selling To The Right People?

Are You Vibrating Yet? Here’s Why You Should Flip Your “ON” Switch

For more helpful tips and art business information, dive into:
Open Studio ~ Creative Mentoring!