5 Things I’d Do Differently If I Started My Small Business Over...

I've come pretty far in four years, but there are definitely things I'd do differently if I had to start over! Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring the channel :) squarespace.com/kelseyrodriguez
JOIN THE THREE DAY WORKSHOP JULY 12-14! www.kelseyrodriguez.com/the-a...
More info about my income: • How I make money as an...
I'm not sure I would actually change some of these things if I could go back in time (have you seen time travel movies? changing things never goes the way you think!) but I do regret them. There are so many little things that, if I had implemented them, could have helped me grow a following faster, or scale my income more.
Hopefully you get some value out of this video and can make better choices than I did :)
🌿 MY LINKS & STUFF
My 1:1 Mentorship Program: www.kelseyrodriguez.com/work-...
💬 Join the Discord: / discord
💕 Check out my notion templates & resources for artists:
www.kelseyrodriguez.com/shop
🌟 Shop prints of my artwork: www.inprnt.com/gallery/kelsey...
📖 RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS
How I'm learning art online (use code KELSEY20 for 20% off!)
sentientacademy.com/link/0NFlXI
💌 BEST email marketing tool for artists*: www.beehiiv.com/?via=kelseyro...
📚 My art book collection: bookshop.org/lists/my-art-boo...
🎨 How I plan my paintings: milanote.com/kelseyrodriguez
⚙️ GEAR & FURNITURE ⚙️ referral / affiliate links
○ Desk & Chair From Fully: bit.ly/3U8xJXt
○ My monitor stand and fave desk accessories: bit.ly/3fr5e8A
○ Main Camera - Sony FX30: amzn.to/3ZxxKYH
○ My lens filter: www.moment.8ocm68.net/RyZ9P9
○ Where I get my music from: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Email for business inquiries ONLY: [e-mail]
* Referral or affiliate links in this description allow me to gain a small commission off of any purchases you make through the link, at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to support the channel :)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Here's a link to the workshop if you're interested! If you're watching this video weeks/months in the future, I'll probably be selling the recordings on my website :) www.kelseyrodriguez.com/the-artists-business-blueprint

[@HumanInUniverse]

I love how honest these videos are! They are not scripted which makes it feel so personal.

[@tschoiy]

i am currently posting once a month (occasionaly 2) and really that's all i can manage! i'm so slow at editing still and i know that's the balance i need to also work on freelance gigs, improving my art, working on markets /products, fixing my portfolio etc. So it is a bit inconsistent and hope so badly it's not ruining everything! I am wondering if it's a mistake not to put all my attention on youtube and post once a week and if i will regret it but i also can't accept not trying to go for concept art/visdev aswell!! sooo torn :/ BUT after half a year of making long format videos i finally made it! hit 4k watchhours yesterdeayyy! so now the statistics need to update and i'll get monetised !!! i'm so proud ngl... AAAAH!!! that's also big thanks to you!! your videos helped so much!! xjoy

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

“The work never ends” is sooooo true 😭💜👌

[@amandaray_art]

Very insightful. Consistency is definitely my biggest struggle, as well as knowing where to start with the business aspect or what to focus on.

[@hannahmoren4161]

What to focus on!!! That’s the biggest struggle for meeeeee.

[@annmariebarreiroart]

Def a struggle for me too! I have been really focusing on that this year as my main business goal!

[@CassieMakesArt]

You inspire me SO MUCH. I will not stop until I achieve my goals. I want to be a full-time artist and small business owner. Thank you for making these videos!

[@terezeandren1699]

would you consider making a video on email lists - how to make them, what to put in them, tips and tricks on how to get followers and everything else around them... I have been thinking about it for a year :S but I don't know where to start, and I am not a writing/talkative person so It is a bit daunting.

[@emoramleathergoods7861]

I love watching you push back your glasses

[@mysketchbook3402]

Congratulations hard work pays off.

[@HannahMorenDraws]

I don't know how I could upload weekly. It takes so much time to plan, film, and edit a video! How can I focus on my art & that at the same time? And I'm trying to pitch (i.e cold email) editorial clients.What does one focus on? I feel like looking back (for you) and saying you regret not releasing a product is crazy! How could you know what to focus on at that time? I'm sure I'll look back at my life and do the same, but for (the most part) I think we are all trying to do our best with where we are at.

[@marlana.bright]

Dude I am SO here for the ramble videos. Having watched you blow up the last couple years has been so inspiring and I love to hear the story behind it! Prancing up my own path right now and the things you learned along the way are a blessing for someone a few steps behind you who resonated with you all along the way. Up and up you go!

[@illustratingchristy]

I know you say to be consistent early on, but it definitely is difficult I'm finding. Trying to find time to do art, while working full time, while also being a mother is like... draining lol. I just started my small art business journey and I struggle with the idea of having consistent uploads. I'm not sure that is something I can do early on, but maybe in the future. I hope I don't regret that. I've been following you for some time now and always enjoy your videos. Thank you for being such a huge inspiration and congratulations on your success!!!

[@annmariebarreiroart]

First of all, you are doing amazing, juggling all those things has to be an exercise in patience and I hope you are finding some patience for yourself too! Also something that has helped me with being consistent is scheduling content ahead. Even if you can't create consistently, you can trick the algorithm into thinking you are. Always remember consistent doesn't mean every day or every week. Maybe see how much you seem to average when it comes to art and then plan to make that your "at least" quantity for social media. When I was in school and working, I was able to create at least 5 finished projects a month as an example. And so I spaced out about 4-5 posts a month. Hope this helps, if not hope it can help someone else! ❤❤❤

[@illustratingchristy]

@@annmariebarreiroart thank you so much! That is honestly a great idea. I'm going to see what my 'at least' really is and see if I can stick to that and maybe schedule videos ahead. I really appreciate the advice! ✨💜

[@annmariebarreiroart]

@@illustratingchristy no problem! Glad I could offer some help!

[@nadyartillustration]

When I just became a mom, I really needed time to get into art again. My son is 9 now and I still don’t put out a KZbin video each week, but I did find a posting schedule that works for me. I love how Ann Marie put it; it definitely works the best to see what you’re capable of and keep that as a goal. It will keep you focused without burning out. It is definitely possible to build your art business as a mom and make a living. One small step at a time and over time those steps do amount to a lot ❤

[@illustratingchristy]

@@nadyartillustration thank you so much for this 💜

[@2ndBirth]

I love hearing your insights and what you've found to work for yourself. I guess we just need to get started, get the car moving, then we can steer it as we go. You do sound a little hard on yourself sometimes. We can all look back and wish we'd done things differently, but it's all part of the process. This point forwards is what matters, just learning from the past but not beating ourselves up about it. I say that as much to myself as anyone else. Times are looking exciting for artists. The artists of old could never have dreamed of the possibilities we have in our hands today. Onwards !!

[@annmariebarreiroart]

I recently started planning out my launches for my shop, since I make a lot of crochet stuff and it has been not only helpful in figuring out what to do next, it helps when it comes to promoting my new items! I think you saying to treat social media like a buisness was really the jumping off point and I am so thankful to pick up tips from you! ❤❤❤

[@ChantelleArts]

This is so fascinating, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us all 😊😊

[@user-jt9vf1rb9i]

Watching this made me realize that I’m not ready, and that’s ok. I almost feel a sense of relief I’m starting to realize that sometimes with things like this (starting an art business) it’s better to wait until I truly feel ready and not force myself

[@nf1619]

Super helpful! 🤩 Thanks Kelsey!

[@jasminekroezeart]

Yessss “the work is infinite”. This totally resonates. And consistency is absolutely my battle too!

[@adriennbaris]

Although I am doing my business full time, I still struggle with consistency on KZbin. And exactly because I'm trying to have the same priority for art and videos... But I don't grow fast enough with either. I'm starting to think that actually your path is better and you made the right choice by building up your channel first, and only then prioritized your art. Now, you have the safety net financially. I think you did great! 😊

[@thescarydiaries]

this was so helpful, would love a video more about email lists!

[@mimisart]

Great points 😊. I do envy the young artist generation who are childless and have just a little bit more time to put into their art and business journey. Not to have a pity party, but I sure wish I would have discovered my artistic talent earlier on in life. So currently, being 41 and a single mom of 4 I can hopefully encourage other moms (or dads) who started late while having a family to run and support. You CAN do this!! But don’t compare to those who are in a completely different phase of their life or art journey. My growth is slow and my upload schedule for KZbin can’t currently be weekly due to other responsibilities, but…BUT…I am not sitting in a corner pouting, I am still moving and improving, just at a different pace. Happy creating everyone!!!!

[@CreativeSteve69]

Thanks for these thoughtful videos Kelsey. Love hearing these insightful tips/thoughts on how to start a small business especially loving the rawness of it as well.

[@lunazamoraart]

I am so glad for you!!!

[@Cope_M]

Big hugs, Kesley! Love all your work, and this video is such a useful resource. You’re right about email lists and AI ruining all of the social platforms. Missing every human nuance, AI is like calling the IRS and being put through nine layers of teleprompts that don’t fit your situation at all, only for it to reroute you to the first prompt to do it all over again. So frustrating!

[@SmillyDonut]

Honestly. I learn so much from these videos. I am working on changing the mindset from individual to mindset and hearing you speak really helps me with that. Thank you Kelsey.

[@flutter_paws]

VERY insighful and helpful, thank you for sharing these tips! (I tend to ramble as well so don't worry it's fun to listen to xD)

[@samssketchbooks]

I really like your insight when you talked about the misalignment between what “works” versus what you love to do. It’s such a struggle for creatives to monetize while still adhering to their own values and desires. 😅

[@rcafilmproductions1640]

I am so happy for you!!!!!!!

[@art4anj]

MAKING VIDEOS vs MAKING ART(my passion) is SO REAL. Specially when I’m currently on the journey of IMPROVING my ART more

[@AlexaJanell]

Loved this ❤

[@mielpaw6460]

Thank you so much for your informative content also i appreciate your dreamy art works! I just want you to know that you are inspiring me to become a better artist and i am currently taking a year off right after highschool to self improve and attempting to monetize my creativity to pay for art college, i was hesitant at first about if im gonna make it or not but you have motivated me to trust the process ❤ thank you again

[@LauraBosleyIllustration]

Well done for getting so far and doing so well to build your brand! Persistence pays! x

[@wronghandlane9665]

Thank you for sharing your insights! I think a lot of this, especially the consistency can be applied to any part of the artist's journey. I guess I am curious if you have any other caveats or advice for people in the boat of already working full time and trying to vuuld that audience? That absolutely cannot sell or create products at the moment? Everyone's situation is different, i have a very demanding full time job that I absolutely cannot go down in hours at. I have disabilities and chronic illnesses, and benefits I have gained at this job that make it the best one for me at this time. But my youtube channel that I have been working in for a bit over a year, all has to be done on top of that. It has been hard. The ups and downs of figuring out what videos you like to make and how and all the technical issues etc hit harder when you're already kind of dying constantly from work 😅 I have prepared different products many times, got all the shipping supplies etc for art, created consistent branding and been READY to start selling stuff too, but then I hit that insanely massive burnout from just having too many things on the plate. I have come to a place of trying to solely focus on growing a quality audience and communitt first, that will then hopefully want to support me when I am ready to share products or a patreon etc. It can feel scary having now money from it up front, but it feels like the only way I can keep going at all. Thank you again for your time amd wisdom as always, ❤

[@silviarav_]

Thanks for the video! I think doing this kind of reflection is a great analysis tool and also very useful and precious information for your audience (thanks for taking the time to do this for us!) but also i wanted to say please dont be so hard on your past self for making these “mistakes”! Life is imperfect and we learn along the way and that makes it so rich! Sure your past self could have done everything perfectly and optimized 100% her path, but instead she did the best she could and she brought you here! I hope you can find some gratitude towards your past self, and in doing so, accepting that your future will also be filled with mistakes and sub optimal choices and that’s ok❤ thats the beauty of it

[@felipeberrio6161]

Kelsey, you are absolutely right! And I am really glad that you made this video, it is really valuable when you know and learn that everything you could do and take advantage of is necessary and I think that a lot of times it is how life sharpens who we are Right now, I am just starting with several ideas for my music business and project and I felt that this video encourages me more to do the things that we know we should do ❤.

[@Peaceful-Space]

Thank you Kelsey I have been following for a while I like your honesty and I am learning a lot from you Thank you for your work Giada

[@OkieSketcher1949]

I enjoyed this one. Started one launch earlier this year. Did not go well. My fault. I needed to prepare better. Pulled the product. Will start over with better planning. What you have said here is pretty basic and I feel it is all true. Thanks for this. It reinforced my earlier thoughts.

[@user-xe5yy1xy6x]

I get upset at myself for all the art I didn't do, but like you I had health problems. It is hard to be ambitious, but only have so much energy. I think you may have forgotten the health and energy part of it. Maybe you did put more into the Chanel than your art, but it has paid off.

[@GbyP]

You inspire me to build my portfolio and follow my artistic dreams, I am currently 24 years old too and have been in and out of college. I am trying to self teach myself art but I am trying to graduate with a Bachelors in Communications after changing it from STEM. I love your videos and I hope to build a skillset to make a small business one day. Your vulnerability in explaining your mistakes helps me understand we all have missed opportunities and regrets. Thank you

[@miroircosmique]

Commenting to say thank you as always love your videos!! And also to come back to this when I wake up cus it’s night here 🥹🙏 thanks for always teaching us your ways

[@Wingedcanvas]

I have to add, we have an email list that does very well. (It's also where we offer our best deals and coolest art insider tips.) So 100% mailing lists need to make a re-emergence for artists growing their following.

[@SerahKhadijah]

It's so hard at the start tho... frantically trying to do everything...

[@LouiseStigell]

Ugh, I'm exactly the same with product development... Completely impulsive and haphazard. 😅 Been thinking the same thing many times: actually plan it all out, strategically, like a year in advance. And be able to schedule the work and the marketing in advance. You just boosted that resolve in me. 🙏🏻 And btw I LOVE the workshop idea, and thinking about enrolling. 🥳

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Would be very fun to see you there, hope you can make it! If you join my Discord or email list I’m sharing some discount codes there if that helps :)

[@naturesbestart-vickiachard8067]

Thank you for sharing Kelsey. All your hard work sounds like it’s really working for you now, that’s great. Great insight on life balance, yes so important. QUESTION: is there a microphone you think is a good one for making videos? I think it’s so important for people to hear well so I’d like to get a good one. Thank you.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

The Shure MV7 is one I'll be upgrading to soon and is what I would recommend for external audio mics, but if you wanted something on-camera, Rode has a lot of good options!

[@naturesbestart-vickiachard8067]

@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you!

[@valkorey]

That last point you made hit so hard. It makes so much sense! Do you never crave the work when you're going home though? Or when you are at home

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I do, I love the work I do, but it's important to have periods of rest where I engage with my other hobbies!

[@OlivierProvn]

This is an awesome video Kelsey. I too want to start making videos but I`m still struggling about it.

[@StorytellerofEventide]

I want to start a KZbin channel where I draw in my sketchbook in videos. I only have an iPad, so no laptop. Do you think it’s possible?

[@MGComics]

I never want to invest in doing an email list until "I get enough money in this", because even if I did accomplish some success in the past I lost it XD But great advice! I love your channel, love your rambles because it's super honest and real

[@lunazamoraart]

I still post on IG but only once a day. I have more fun in YT and TT You are right about that email list!

[@kelpums]

♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@JCarrera27]

🖤👏

[@I_am_Lauren]

My problem is...I just don't want to work at all. haha

[@donovanmedieval]

That you didn't have Kelly Macon on your channel, and didn't have him teach senior citizens how to play guitar?

[@omrzihad6199]

Honey you look so cute❤..

[@freshyoungbalkib6031]

Come back to me when you're 48

[@KelseyRodriguez]

will do 🫡