5 Common Mistakes Creative Business Owners Should Avoid - Can You Relate?

[@terrakindstudio]

I know a lot of us have been here, living in the land of a zillion slip-ups. I closed my graphic design business last March to focus on my vocation as a professional visual artist. Though I am not starting from scratch as an artist (I’ve held a life-long practice and studied fine art+art history) I am starting an art business from scratch. I’m trying to avoid the mistakes I made as a graphic designer which is not easy particularly if you have Shiny Object Syndrome or feel compelled to plunk down hard-earned cash for coaching that goes nowhere. Thank you Cathy for your frankness and honesty. It’s refreshing, informative, and gives clarity on what to do next post a messy-costly-deflating mistake.

[@vasilenatoneva8839]

All of these speak to me as I'm at the beginning of my creative journey. I hate that my mind is occupied with thoughts of future problems instead of focusing on current ones and creating more. Your videos have been very helpful, thank you!

[@EasySundayClub]

I think everyone at the beginning (or middle) of their creative journey deal with the overwhelm. try to focus on the next thing you have control over to build momentum and don’t be too hard on yourself ❤️.

[@dannygordon7459]

Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@kalirally]

I like your approach to giving yourself the permission to explore different things a couple days a month. That seems like a better alternative to whiplashing yourself all over the place with pursuing shiny new ideas every five minutes.

[@EasySundayClub]

Yes we have to stop ourselves... from ourselves!!!

[@lydiaccreativelife267]

Love that: Learning is good. Doing is better. ...and the permission - even wisdom - in "make mistakes"

[@EasySundayClub]

Yes Lydia! Fail fast and progress over perfection :)

[@miaforte8536]

I get analysis paralysis. Probably a combo of shiny object syndrome and learning. My goal this year is to start my business. I have been researching too long. Done is better than perfect. Thank you for the time you take to make these videos and appreciate your candor.

[@EasySundayClub]

Yes progress over perfection! Lets start breaking things and making mistakes :) !

[@christinavigorandmoxie]

Girl, for real, all of it spoke to me but especially the one about creating something your target market will enjoy and buy. As a creative, I have spent a lot of my life in squirrel mode trying to do a ton of different things. I finally am to the point where I'm creating something that I love but also not going in 10 directions with it. Also, I spend a lot of time on IG trying to keep up with the masses and at this point I'm just doing posts that are meaningful and want to focus more on Google. I'm opening up an Etsy shop just so I can get out there first and then want to go more into my own website. I'm a graphic designer so I know I can do all these pieces myself but trying not to do everything at one time.

[@EasySundayClub]

:) yassss. We are on the same vibe. We have a deep dive into Etsy dropping next Wed. Tldr: use etsy as a brand discovery engine (what u said), for product validation, and as an additional sales channel. Basically all the reasons my husband Nam used to have an okcupid dating profile when he was single in the early 2010’s : p

[@rhondahennessy76]

Omgosh....I have shiny object syndrome. And analysis paralysis. I’ve only painted about 10 watercolours ever. Very new at it but love it. So instead of concentrating on improving my painting I’m getting sidetracked on researching niches, printing myself or POD and FBA. I loved this honest and relatable video. And yes, I too have spent on coaching and courses (which reminds me I’m paying $70pm for something that I haven’t even logged into yet 🤦‍♀️) and spend was to much time watching KZbin how to videos. I needed to see this today. Thank you 🇦🇺🐨

[@EasySundayClub]

You’re welcome! This may be the reminder you needed to cancel that membership if you’re not using it. Yes I’ve been there! The shiny object syndrome extends to shiny new courses too 😆.

[@EasySundayClub]

Mistake 5 is actually my favorite even though it was costly. It influences how I share my content, the quality of content I want to share, and how I want to show up. Let me know which mistake resonates with you!

[@keithr.4645]

They were all helpful! Thank you for voicing your mistakes, I could relate to all of them.

[@yvonnem.765]

The most helpful video I have ever watched. It felt like she was speaking directly to me!

[@EasySundayClub]

In some ways we were! Its stuff we wish someone told us. But at the same time ppl helped us along the journey so we want to pass on the positivity. Be well Yvonne!

[@alexanderphd]

So the take-away message for me from this is that it’s important to make good art, include it on your website, and market the heck (SEO) out of that site. If I’m correct, that seems do-able. Oh, and focus on what your consumer base is most interested in buying.

[@EasySundayClub]

yes! and learning by doing is better than taking a hundred courses :)

[@kimberlyroberson7505]

Thank you for your transparency in sharing your experience and advice with us. Your videos are always very practical and full of helpful info and encouragement to keep moving forward. 😊

[@EasySundayClub]

Glad to help u along your creative journey Kimberly! Thank u for the support and motivation!

[@57jamari]

I like your advice about 'just in time' learning. I also have taken too many courses thinking they will jump start my chances of becoming a well-known artist who can sell easily.

[@EasySundayClub]

the sales pitch always sounds so promising right?

[@kristineleedesigns]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes and to never be afraid of failing.

[@EasySundayClub]

Correct! Fail fast is something we say to each other and that they are “learning opportunities.” :)

[@knitsnbitsbynomadicreative5861]

I could relate in so many ways, specially with overthinking and being ultra perfectionist doesn’t help either.

[@EasySundayClub]

Def. we can be our own biggest blockers of getting our art out. We have to be kind to ourselves!

[@ancamaria11]

I enjoy all your videos and I am always looking forward for the next one. So helpful!

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you for your support Anca Maria!!!

[@brognaarts3266]

Love this! I started an art business last October. And for Christmas I made giclee prints and only sold 1 print... it was horrible because I am so small, I don’t have my own printer and I needed to pay it all upfront to a professional printer. BUT I learn that I definitely need to be more careful with what I make and what I try to sell. 😂 still trying to figure that out.

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks Brogna. Glad u put yourself out there and best of luck on your art journey!

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

So this is the 4th video of yours I watched. Sub'd. I love your simple but informative format! I also love your honesty!

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you for binge watching our videos 😁.

[@luciahennessey9508]

Wow Cathy thankyou. My whole creative process is 'Shiny Object Syndrome!!!'. I knew it 😂 but you've so eloquently put it into words. Thankyou so much for your videos. Your honesty and integrity are a breath of fresh air. I hope you know how much it's appreciated. 😊

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you for the kind words Lucia. It keeps us motivated to continue to put ourselves out there and to give back. Our creativity strength can sometimes be our hinderance so self awareness is the beginning of improvement :)

[@luciahennessey9508]

You are so welcome. Thankyou.

[@swethakalluri2205]

I love this video, I feel the same for many of the temptations. so many people selling those courses and so expensive too. I too spent so much and wasted money:(( they make it appear so easy!!! now I step back!

[@EasySundayClub]

Yeah. Too many scammers out there. It can be lonely as an artist but slowly finding and building a positive tribe and community to learn from :)

[@swethakalluri2205]

@@EasySundayClub so so glad I found you on KZbin..I look forward to all your videos:))

[@darmakiel]

Great video, as a wedding stationer and illustrator, I can relate with a lot of what you talk about :)

[@EasySundayClub]

Great Daz :)

[@rhianneweghnnar9575]

I have definitely made all of these mistakes :D especially shiny object syndrome! Thank you for sharing

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks Rhianne. Beautiful horse! :)

[@rhianneweghnnar9575]

@@EasySundayClub thank you ❤️🐴

[@faryalfaryal]

Thanks Cathy! I can relate to these. I love your videos. You offer the most practical advice.

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you Faryal!

[@ionamcauley7215]

Thankyou, always helpful and motivating 😊

[@EasySundayClub]

Be well Iona!

[@farmingartistprintdigitald4363]

You are so helpful! I am new to your channel and I'm loving your videos. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank u for the support Verena. Be well!

[@helenhorley4811]

Fabulous and honest advice, thank you x

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank u for the support Helen :)

[@yidayin]

Thank you Cathy! :)

[@EasySundayClub]

hii and you’re welcome!

[@donyaleanise1765]

Just excellent!

[@EasySundayClub]

Thanks Donyale!

[@sarahlewin8040]

Great video. The first mistake resonates for sure! Lots of ideas... pillows, wallpaper, cards, scarves, backpacks.... but I am listening and learning from you to pare it down, start small and smart. See what is successful and build on it. Research first: this is where KZbin is so great, and I think your channel is my favourite. Honest and down to earth advise. Learning from your mistakes may help me avoid making them too. Keep it coming!

[@EasySundayClub]

Yes! What i have tried doing now is writing down my new ideas so they are not lost but also writing down my goals and values so i dont lose sight of what i am going after and ask if that “shiny object” takes me away from that. It has been a helpful filter. Take care!

[@ashleyk6056]

Thank you for making this video! You were nailing me one right after the other as you listed your mistakes. I'm definitely still in "Shiny Object Syndrome" XD But I'm hoping I can become better.

[@EasySundayClub]

Shushing the shiny object call takes practice for sure!

[@ValleyOakPaper]

LOLShiny object syndrome all the way. I want to do all the things! Thanks so much for this and your other business videos. Super helpful!

[@EasySundayClub]

Haha you and me both!

[@KateShaw2]

I love this info! Instagram is just one platform and there are other marketing channels that deserve just as much or more attention.