How do you know when it's time to QUIT your art career? Divergent Doll Maker ep.6

[@sundaymusingswithsarah]

I have been following you from the side lines and love your dolls. It has been interesting listening to some of your advice and your life situation. I am in a similar position but do have the support of a working husband. In terms of illness through, I have chronic fatigue, depression and fibromyalgia and craft is an outlet. Like you I could not work and do craft so I stick with craft as this helps physically and I enjoy it. I started sewing, have tried macrame, lace making and now enjoy needle felting dolls. I think the key as a crafter or an artist is to follow where your heart takes you and enjoy it all while looking after your health and making sure you can pay your bills. Please continue with the inspirational videos though. It gives me hope.

[@joannconroy7232]

I just found you and think you are fabulous! I hope you don't leave but certainly understand your conundrum in this strange world. Your dolls are so beautiful. Dollmaking requires the convergence of so many skills, so many collected tools and materials. People don't realize the time, money and tears that go into creating a successful doll. Your dolls are so beautiful and well-crafted! I've been making dolls for years, kept me sane throughout my professional life, mostly from other people's patterns, such as Julie McCullough, Patti Medaris Culea and Pamela Hastings. Finally had my first sale, actually three dolls, at quite the bargain price, this holiday season. So thrilling! I hugged and kissed them goodbye, they had been with me for so long. They really do embody spirit for me, the best part of them!! I have finally retired and want to make dolls more seriously. I'm hoping you can find a way to keep your wonderful teaching going. Wishing you all the best, and thank you for your wisdom!

[@Shin_Mode]

Please don't hide your channel, my wife really love your contents. she first found you in Pinterest, then the moment she saw This KZbin channel of yours, she got so excited! She told me proudly that you already have a KZbin channel. Whenever she watches you, there is this twinkle in her eyes as if her inner child is getting healed. May you be blessed, and thank you for your inspiring contents.

[@cakastas]

Thank you for sharing your struggles and experiences as an artist. I have always wanted to be an artist too. I have worked many other jobs but my heart knows what I am meant to do. I currently work part time and sell some of my creations on the side. I don't think I could work more hours without really struggling with good mental health. I have struggled with serious anxiety my whole life and that takes a lot of my energy. There is only so much that one person can manage. I feel like you have been brave in opening up on KZbin and sharing your story. It has helped me a lot.

[@LollypopLaneMusic]

I just found your channel and love your doll making videos! Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring us☺️ i can relate to choosing between sharing different forms of art on your channel and feeling like we have to choose to niche down on one, but its also what makes you unique! I'm looking forward to seeing your future videos whether be dolls making, illustration or podcasts💜

[@karinesteinblume6094]

I feel exactly the same way, squeez between my passion, my bills and the "new world" after de storm that I don't understand. I will follow you, for your dolls, your illustration and se how all going for you after a week, month, year, and years. Don't give up! 😊😉✨️

[@Artlostudio]

Thank you so much for all your videos! ❤ it’s helping me a lot!❤

[@crystalidk]

I am also an artist, just graduated from art school and I'm haunted by fear about the future. I'm not neurodivergent but I think my desire to do art would reach a similar grisly fate if I were to take on a typical part time job. I don't know what the future holds but the people around me believe in me, so I keep pushing through the fear. And I think the people around you believe in you too. I love your work and I believe we will all find a way to adapt.

[@carolburton7296]

I have not long found you and your beautiful work through Pinterest.. I'm now catching up on your videos, which i have found invaluable to me, I'm self taught for some 20 or so years, only done one online course, your videos have helped me so much and am now learning how to felt the hair on my dolls. I'm also now into doing goth type dolls, not as clever as yours of course but am loving it! please do not stop doing your videos, I'm finding this one a huge help, trying to get a business going here for me too. Thank you Jo

[@debbiemspurlock]

Artists have such a tough road to hoe in terms of income and career. I love the design and quality of each little doll I've watched you make. I hope they soon start flying off the shelves as they should. I'll be interested to watch your journey no matter which road(s) you follow.

[@tinchapeltextiles]

Ive been a doll and collectors toymaker for over 35 years now and it has certainly gotten harder, I sell quite a few things alongside my toys and dolls , something to think about too, is digital patterns, this can bring a bit of revenue in and Ive also seen that dollmaking kits work, so I plan to do a few of those this winter, so that might be a thought for you too. Keep going, you are doing a great job and stay positive xxx

[@samanthaleane9283]

Thank you for explaining the struggles of being a self employed artist or creator in this economy. Personally I think that doing digital products of your illustrations is a fantastic idea. It can give you a possible income stream (also showing via youtube would hopefully show that it is not AI generated). So downloadable prints, colouring in pages/books print on demand ie redbubble etc Maybe a video tie in of one of the characters made into a doll? Making a slightly different doll pattern (a variation on your current dolls) and sell as a digital download? Follow your passions and will continue to watch to see what directions you go. ❤

[@tasteytac3344]

I'm sad to hear that you're struggling at the moment. I've enjoyed seeing the dolls you've made over the past year or so - the 'needle felting hair for a goth boy' video being the one that let me find you channel. I've watched your newer illustration videos too and enjoyed just quietly watching them while eating to see the final results of your work. While there is not much I can do other than showing support for your videos by watching, sharing, liking, and commenting - I do hope we still get to see more art come from you as time goes by.

[@carolwiebe2820]

You are an excellent teacher. I just discovered your channel and was amazed how well you explained and demonstrated your techniques. I have seen Etsy stores that sell a pattern for their doll and either link back to or sell a how-to video with it. Might something like this be an option? Also, your drawings are delightful. Colouring pages are popular-I see whole books of them on Amazon and on Etsy. Stickers as well. I really hope there is a way for such a talented person as yourself. From all that you are saying, it is obvious that you think things through very thoroughly. I for one will now be a loyal follower because I love your style and your ways of expressing yourself. I will also share the videos on Pinterest and to people I know.

[@carolwiebe2820]

Looking at your t-shirt-there’s another avenue for your designs and drawings. I also just thought of how e-books could go along with the patterns and videos on Etsy. Oh my goodness-I must stop, lol. My mind is spinning.

[@andreaassis6500]

Gostaria de ver vídeos novos das bonecas 😊❤

[@paulaneary7877]

I quit my last job because I just could not cope with the customer service and the low wages. I am now also at a crossroads without a map. Sure don't want to go back to low wage, customer service jobs but not sure what to do.

[@ashicks]

So many of my artist friends have seen their income plummet since Covid. Unfortunately, that applies to digital products as well. Lots of 'entrepreneurs' discovered AI in their Covid downtime and have taken over. Platforms where we would sell our original digital products are not just permitting it, but encouraging AI products. Where an artist who actually draws their designs may need a few weeks to a month to fill a coloring book with original line arts, the AI "artist" can do it in as much time as it takes to type this comment. Add to this the way the wealth gap increased exponentially and people just are not able to purchase art since it is seen as a luxury and the money is simply not there for it. It's a tough time for artists who do not have the privilege of a wealthy benefactor (or a spouse able to support the family on one income) Good luck in whatever you choose to do. I hope it works out for you.

[@francisgerry3883]

So where's your dolls?

[@spyderthread]

You can find my dolls via the link at the top of the page or on the store tab