5 Mistakes Artists Make When STARTING Their Art Business 🌟 (learn from my mistakes!)

[@fistfightcupcake7288]

I’m not even 3 minutes into the video, and you already have me tearing up. “You should not let your anxiety over this prevent you from starting at all. Genuinely, that would be the real tragedy here.” Thank you for saying that. I keep telling myself that I don’t start, I can’t fail. And I’ve known that I just have to start, and your encouragement is appreciated and so lovely to hear. ❤️

[@Ludacrisgaronio]

Yeah when you start is even more harder or easier ; it depends but one thing i know for sure dont take this youtube videos too serious thats only their experience,everyone is different find your way, acklodege by yourself , dont follow step by step what others say beacuse they dont know you and you know yourself better than god

[@MonicaMolinar]

Start. Fail. Start again. Fail again. Keep going. Stops and starts are OK. It may help to think of stops as pauses instead. For example, I made art as a kid, got married and became a busy mom early in my life. My sons are 27-35 now. There was a decades-long pause while I was doing many other things. It is OK. 8:05 My interests have developed differently than I might have planned for myself, but so what? They’re still basically the same (I still like to sing and draw and…) Do what you love. If you haven’t got the supplies you need, you can read about them and create a wish list that you work toward. Don’t worry about anything other than spreading what you live in the world. There is enough room for all of us, whatever stage were at. 😊

[@CassieMakesArt]

You really inspire me, Kelsey. I’ve been feeling like a total failure and like I’ll never be able to get out of my corporate job and be a full-time artist and sticker maker. Your videos inspire me to keep going. Taking a lot of notes ✍️

[@yourmachine27]

Omg me too! And right??💯❤️

[@Fakisio]

The thing you said about not expecting results right away is what's killing me.. If i don't open my art shop, revive my channel and succeed this year, i'll be homeless and lose my cats.. and I really don't know how to deal with that pressure. :(

[@KelseyRodriguez]

That's a really hard situation to be in. Without knowing anything else about your situation-- my advice would be to look at a more stable job in the meantime that has somewhat flexible hours so you can work on reviving your art on the side while still having some financial stability. There also might be programs in your area that provide pet food, vet services, etc for folks in need. Sending you well wishes

[@Fakisio]

@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you :) I'm working as a tattoo artist but unfortunately i don't make enough to support myself currently, but it makes it a bit easier because I know i don't have to make big numbers right away. Your videos make it a bit seem a bit more doable!

[@tofugoob]

"you're gonna need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable" yesss I needed to hear this! this was a super helpful vid thank uuuu!!!

[@juliawillmer2528]

I am 62 years old (now) and been creating abstract, acrylic art since 2016. I just launched a “wall” at a vintage antique mall today. It’s a small space, but it’s a start. I am super excited at the possibilities this will bring! Good information, thank you for posting this!

[@melisjevisje]

This makes me so happy to hear!!! I’m rooting for you! Beginnings like these are the doors that open so many other possibilities!

[@dinnovati_art]

I'm super obsessive about planning and deal with really bad depression and your videos help remind me that I'm already doing everything I need to other than being graceful with myself. Thanks for being a reassuring voice reminding me to chill out and just keep on chugging 🍵

[@vivianruijin6786]

Here's the timestamps! Hope it helps 💃🏻💃🏻 1. 0:24 Focus on the wrong things 2. 2:43 Not having a plan 3. 5:44 Investing too much too soon 4. 8:54 Expecting results right away 5. 11:07 Not actually starting their business

[@lipsagarnaik]

I have spent months and probably years putting my interests off - thinking i am not as good as other artists out there, procrastinating to save my dignity 😂 and save myself from disappointment or failure, spent months planning the perfect roadmap that would bring me success and never having the patience to follow through. The right answer was right there - doing what i love, the very reason i was attracted to art in the first place. Your video has reached me about a year later ( probably around the time i started taking this seriously and researching instead of just going for it ). I had forgotten the childish instict to just look at things differently and create for fun. When you are genuine about something, and put your heart into it, people see your love and efforts and that makes your work stand out. Thank you for this video. I knew what i was doing was wrong. Just like you need acknowledgement of the good work you are doing i feel you need guidance on where you are going wrong. It's a tough world out there and it's scary showing your work and feel accepted n acknowledged. Many thanks for the guidance

[@kelseytilleydesigns]

The great thing about this video is this advice is applicable to most fields when starting a business. I’ve definitely made these mistakes as well. Such good advice!

[@beeirony4130]

Kelsey you are the reason why I have been planning once again to take myself seriously as an artist. You are truly amazing! You are the voice of reason for me lol Thank you for being so honest!!!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Aaaaa that’s so so good to hear!! Let me know how it goes for you!

[@OkieSketcher1949]

I have a feeling deep in my gut that you have been listening to what I hear in my brain. You hit just about every point I have been dealing with and you did it head on. The worries. The strain of not getting things done that need to be done. The inability to ‘sell’ what I want to do to friends and relatives. The procrastination and the willingness to go off on tangents that will lead to no where. The off and on process of studying and practicing the way I know I should. Hopefully, this video will spur me into facing the shortcomings and getting done what I know I need to do. Thanks for this one. Stay well and healthy.

[@katherinebarahona4898]

This felt like the hug I needed through words. Seeing all the lightbulbs going off in the comments warms my heart. These are encouraging words and I appreciate it so so much

[@samuel-lungu]

You've literally been hearing my thoughts Kelsey. Thanks for this. And I literally wanted to message you and ask when is it the best time to start an online shop on social media. I think you just answered my question.

[@Combsstudio]

Calling me out like that? Not cool. Lol. Fine I’ll get it started. This is something that needs to be said more often. I’ve been like the kid that wants to run and jump in the pool but slows down right before the jump and second guesses it. I’ve run to the edge plenty of times. Just needs to take that leap. Then it’s either sink or swim!

[@jaywillingham4085]

I just gotta say, I love to put your vids on in the background while Im working, and always keep an ear and eye out for tips, etc, but MAINLY because your voice is so pleasant to listen to, lol. Confident and knowledgable but also calm and relaxing. Just note, you would be GREAT at voice over work. 😊

[@HalsYeah]

Thank you Kelsey! I started my clay art business back in February of this year and the one that thing that I constantly have to remind myself is patience. Thankfully I'm in the position to be patient but it's still hard to practice that constantly and everyday. When you want something so bad it's really hard to wait for it but I definitely believe that there's a payoff to waiting. I also try to appreciate the payoffs and growth I have seen from myself as a person, growing in confidence and decisiveness, growing my artistic abilities, my business skills and so many other little things. 🙂I think the only mistake you may have missed is "Not Having Fun", I think as someone perusing a career in the arts it's important to remind myself that I'm doing this to have fun too, it helps take some of the pressure off! ☺

[@feelswriter]

As a craft swapper, I buy custom vellum stickers. Also postcards OR cardstock 5x7 prints with one blank side. Re journaling: tracker charts. Usually 30 or 100 small boxes to keep track of streaks re daily habits. Can be designed with inspiring quotes.

[@Ualalalalalala]

I gotta say, i just love you as a art creator and guiding us in art buisness!! you are amazing !

[@ScrambledBread]

I have my niche and business plan… I now just need to attain the requisite art skills 👀😂 we working!

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

this is all excellent advice. Some of it I learned the hard way, some of it I learned by seeing others fail over the years

[@ChantelleArts]

What you said about expecting it to take a while is really reassuring, I often feel like I’m not growing fast enough 😢

[@edwinkariuki8403]

Your video are so lovely and wholesome , it makes beginner artist to have a sense of confidence

[@calmthefrontdoor]

Thanks for the boost! I've been feeling a bit down and getting in my head, I just have to remember to make a plan and just keep plugging along to follow through, even when my motivation begins to waver

[@Ottolla]

with your leftover stuff, your stickers and whatnot, you can send them out as freebies with any actual purchaces, if you do irl sales, and / or offer it on your site at a discount, since its old art. I saw someone do something like that at con, they had their old version of stuff and they gave them away with ever purchase, and you could buy them yourself if you wanted. Cause even if you may not like your old art, someone else might. Esp if its cheaper than your current stuff. (off-loading product yay)

[@danielaravenous]

42 here and still trying once again (against all anxiety), your videos help a lot - thank you Kelsey

[@Samreadsbooks9]

I work full time in healthcare and doing pet portraits on the side is my small side business. Thankfully I’ve got backup capital to put into the business building aspect but due to the nature of my art I can’t rely on print-on-demand yet until I have item to make work that isn’t custom. I don’t have time for that yet since it’s now Christmas season and I have a waiting list of friends and family who ordered from me. I think you should acknowledge as an addendum to know the ebbs and flows of your year to year as a business. January-April after Christmas is typically slow for me, I spend that time learning new techniques and refining them and I want to spend that time making print-on-demand and stickers. Also important is the value of building an email list, which should be built into your website ideally. I’ve made 40% of new sales from just my email list and return customers.

[@JaymieKarn]

Love your work, Kelsey! I love that I can rely on you to always *know* what I'm struggling with and need to hear. Thank you so much 💛

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I’ve got that psychic connection with my target audience I guess! 😅 Thank you for watching Jaymie, I’m happy to help 💗

[@BrieanaWeybright]

Kelsey, I just love you. Thank you for always encouraging others and having videos that are relevant to key points in my entrepreneurial career. I am 100% procrastinating right now. Off to go do some work! 😅

[@clara3510]

I have been put too much pressure to myself lately because I haven't make any money from my art. Your tips is really help me to get the long term mindset and countinue

[@BarKeegan]

Good advice 👌… especially the not quitting part (is it safe to say that artists are an impulsive bunch?)

[@galtenoble]

I definitely needed the reminder of how these things take time. A lot of time. And that I need to just suck it up and get a temp job somewhere for right now. orz (It's pretty much retail jobs available around here and I've been dreading the thought of getting back into that. But if it means supporting myself and my future business I just need to do it. A few years isn't that bad.)

[@Erinba]

Kelsey I’m on what I find the last hurdle before launching my website - prints… should I scan them myself or should I go to a professional company? They’re so expensive and as you say my products might not sell… and it’s a lot of upfront money… should I try and scan/photograph the paintings myself?

[@victoc85]

Thank you so much for these videos. Def helps me stay positive and motivated to keep going to make art my full time career in the future 🥰❤️

[@futurecondos]

They should really be teaching business skills in art school! Great information here

[@Nkanyiso_K]

I think your super power is communicating ideas 💡

[@splendidcyan]

HELLOO I needed this video today. It already felt like exactly the advice and encouragement I wanted to hear, and then at the end there-- "--not actually -*-starting-*- their business..." I actually had to push my chair back from my desk, away from what I was working on while this played in the background, and just sit face to face (sort of) with you. And when you were done talking, I threw my hands up, grabbed my planner, and penned in some video recording time for tomorrow. UGH FINE, I GUESS! Unironically this video came at a very good time. Thanks, as always, for the down to earth -- but still inspiring -- advice :) i felt like a grandma on facebook writing that last part lmao

[@Geo-Tune]

My procrastination is so bad I rewatched this video twice to hear Kelsey tell me I just need to start

[@majoliCATart]

Thank you for all the words of encouragement and everything you bring to KZbin, sometimes I feel like I'm constantly starting over even tho I've been trying to do this for two years. Thank you so much for being an inspiration and staying real.

[@alejandrolechon7068]

Thank you so much Kelsey, your tips are so meaningful. I feel i´ve became a profoundly more serious artist by following your notion of thinking. I felt grateful so I had to say it, thanks.🐢

[@anyasaunders3870]

Thank you for making these Kelsey!!~ You always get me in the most productive positive headspace, makes a worlds difference to my days, really genuinely appreciate and enjoy your videos and work, thank you!! ~ xx

[@thespitefulartist]

Good video. I just officially launched my shop and business this year but I've already made a bunch of these mistakes. The good part though is seeing me growing through it and learning from failure.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

It’s a learning experience for sure, and sometimes making these mistakes is a necessary first step to growing as a person & as a business owner! 💗

[@nicolasb.henry294]

Thank your for all those advices Kelsey you. I am ona way to develop an artistic carreer and an art business and what you say is totally true. The advantage I have is my girlfriend is a confirmed artist and helps me a lot to improve my skills on the other side my marketing and communication skills help me a lot to start this business and so mamy artists lack of this "annoying"( for some artists) business flair but ot definetely helps you alongside your art skills.

[@derekuhm]

This is so timely and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story & tips, Kelsey.

[@TinyDragonOnFire]

Do folks have any advice for creators with ADHD? Not all ADHD folks struggle with the same things, but in my case I most struggle with sustaining motivation over long periods of time, with feelings of overwhelm over everything I have to juggle, and with sticking to self-imposed deadlines.

[@alison-b1v]

Thank you for sharing this video and all you other ones. We need, or I need some pushing sometimes! So I will shut off KZbin and work on my painting right now! Thanks again!

[@bakerr.1473]

Im going to subscribe because your words are really nice and the advice your giving seems genuine 😊

[@SmileychenXD]

You are giving real good tipps I am looking for for so long! Thank you :D

[@littletinyegg]

This is such good advice! I definitely agree that you have to start before you figure everything out, but having a general plan is so important. It’s all about having the flexibility to roll with the punches while having enough drive to get shit done 💪🏻 And yeah the fear and uncertainty probably never goes away hahah - but maybe it gets quieter?? Hopefully??

[@ArtWithEmm]

Such good advice, as always. :) I felt incredibly Seen with your last point. Its hard to figure out where planning/preparing ends and procrastination begins, but I'm reasonably confident I'm over the line. :P

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thank you for this video! :) I love your content and been following your journey on KZbin, it's so inspiring! :) (love me some planning, been re-evaluating my goals lately)

[@sandanzuki]

thank you so much kelsey, your content is always both inspiring and full of good advice. i've recently started my art journey after being laid off from tech and your videos provide such encouragement and direction when i am feeling lost in the sauce.

[@leonardocassante]

Yo, you really are inspiring! Your videos have a great vibe to them and we can tell how genuine you are about helping people find their path. Thanks for making these and I wish you all the success in the world

[@yourmachine27]

This couldn't have come at a better time! I needed to hear this! 😅

[@JayDay04]

I absolutely love how practical and objective you are. Currently I'm mostly divided. I don't know what to do, if art remains as a hobby while I build a career in motion design, or if I remain at a job in motion design while I build an art career on the side. I'm deciding on the former because my art skills are pretty average to low and I improve very slowly. I accepted that I don't have a natural talent for the arts. So I'll mostly just leave it as a hobby while motion design takes more and more of my time. But I'm still not sure. I feel so conflicted

[@JayDay04]

And also, I firmly believe that to have a successful career in art you have to be exceptional. I can't imagine an average artist getting enough money to live off of art.

[@aliciarose_art]

I've been waiting to feel ready to progress my career for a long time, but I've finally decided to give myself a deadline to open this online store! It's gonna be December 1st and I cannot wait to finally give an online store a go. I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic, and I know if I don't try I'll regret that I never gave it a go. Watching your videos really helps me stay motivated and determined to reach my art goals, so thank you so much!

[@andysdestination8671]

This video is perfect! Great encouragement tips how to get things started with your art business. Just take one step at a time and yes just do it, make it happen and then things will start to take place. Yea first thing first practice with your art work and it you will get better and better. Love this video. Nice work. See you in the next one. Cheers 😎😎😎🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@nimmbles]

Rediscovering your channel and videos, this vid was so helpful...thank you sharing

[@Ella-vated]

I'm trying to set up my own square space discount but there doesn't seem to be a spot to up in your discount code

[@jaspalette]

Thank you, Kelsey. Exactly, direction is so important. I am a designer, but I also want to sell art, make children's books, and create surface designs. How can I be so greedy? 😂

[@KelseyRodriguez]

you can do it all! just do it one at a time and be patient about it 💗🥰

[@KaliHuntArt]

She right she right she right!!! So upset i burn myself out trying to sell when i just started drawing and then stop doing everything!!! Then last week i was like i need to start drawing again and my skills declined so much so i am back at square one. This time around all i am doing is practicing and building my skills again for the whole year then start putting my books together. I just have a Instagram for my art now thats it

[@goblinwisdom]

I was told you can have x amount of income from 'hobbies' per year without having to pay tax on it. So if your stressed about it, look up what whst applies to you. We are all making this up as we go so dont stress, having confidence ( or the appearance of it) will make others feel your good at what you do.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

that's correct!

[@TheArtMentor]

I definitely agree with overinvesting. Too many artists buy everything expecting it to be a substitute for skills, soul, and personality. Great tip

[@emeraldmuschamp5903]

Your videos are so informative and inspiring, Thankyou! I would love it if you could do a video explaining how you set up for filming, how to edit/ make videos, what equipment is needed to get started and what's not as essential to start off with!

[@ljwhite2845]

I like your videos!. I personal, don't lack faith in my abilities. I'm a busy mom with 3 kids and a marketing problem.

[@spacee2481]

Hi Kelsey! What a great channel you have! I was just wondering if you can give me some advice? I want to start a blog but don't have a clue where to start. I'm thinking of getting just one course from Udemy on a beginner's guide and working from that. Do you think this is a good idea? Thanks Ellie x

[@susansholisticlifestyle4572]

Graat video! I feel paralyzed stating my side hustle. I have attempted to contact a couple attorneys and accountants in regards to other than an LLC. What would I need to create a business as a content creator on social media? They do not understand exactly what that is. Because I’m not selling a physical product.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Stick with just a sole-proprietorship (zero paperwork in most states) until you start making more than $75k from the business. Don't even worry about stuff like this until you start making money. You're thinking a bit too far ahead!

[@katielvesoilpaint]

thank you so much this video inspired me a lot, also I really love your artwork really gorgeous

[@laracraft82]

Thank you so much great advice ❤😊

[@withlovepersephone8796]

11:20 why do you have to call me out like that? 💀

[@TerraCorvusEntertainment]

Cant agree more. After three years of putting myself out there,I finally start to get more and more commissions. And the funny thing is, after all the platforms I tryed, to gain more interest in my art, KZbin seems to be the one that helps me with that the most. It is something I never really beleaved but loved to daydream about. And it is still scary to fully admid this to other people, but I think, I want to try to get somewhere with KZbin. And the not expacting succsess right away part is aspacaly true for that XD

[@I_am_Lauren]

my dilemma is I like to do a lot of different art and work on a whim. I haven't built a consistent "image" for myself, and that doesn't market well. People don't know what to expect from me, but I also don't want to appear one dimensional.

[@bellavinokurov]

That can be what you market. Market "you" as "you." The consistently changing "you." The person who tries everything, explores art. I'm sure there would be some people who would go along for the ride.

[@p0ppeteer]

Ironically, I put this on to listen to it while I was finally getting around to purchasing sticker paper so I can start a sticker business and got to the end as I completed the order

[@KelseyRodriguez]

congrats on taking that first step!!! that's exciting!

[@tworoadscreative]

Great advice!

[@cosmicfxx]

Any chance you stay in SA Cape Town? Saw someone that looks just like you 😄

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I’m a whole world away in San Francisco!

[@aokitsunekun8504]

Thank you

[@sessamii]

Another great vid from her 😌✨

[@lindsey4674]

I wish I could like this video more than once.

[@daniel.etcetera]

Thank you for saying "don't end up regretting not being an artist"... I needed that. One really does have to do the scary parts... 😱

[@mcjackspaz]

The real talk at the end 😭

[@misaandcoart]

I was journalling while listening and honestly fear is the biggest issue for me. I am always always always in a constant state of anxiety (therapy is out of my budget unfortunately, I only have anxiety medication from the GP) and I've been putting off my art business since I decided that I wanted to start in 2018-2019. I did a vlog or two, I put up a spontaneous post here and there and had a launch party with my friends at the time. Obviously none of that worked out. Over time I grew to realise that I was not prepared at all back then, both in business (even though I was doing a 12 month course through benefits to launch the business) or mentally (very naive and didn't believe my work was good even though it's what I wanted to do). I still struggle but I've changed the direction of what I've wanted to do stylistically, changed the name, started fresh socials with relatively consistent uploads (though I'm still far too scared to vlog - I hate how I look and am very socially awkward though I've been challenging myself to film in public even though it doesn't make it to a vlog format yet), and I've been making new artsy connections. I've even started purchasing some limited stock for my store, though I am still yet to figure out shipping pricing for Etsy just yet. I'm making baby steps, creating my plan, growing in ways I didn't prior. I don't know why but I think possibly that before I didn't succeed because of both self doubt/fear and I think that I was overwhelmed by the challenge of putting myself out there. Even though I'm still scared and have self doubt, I am pushing past that and expect the discomfort, whereas before the discomfort was something I took as a character flaw, being lazy or just simply I was doing something wrong. You feel the discomfort because it's new. The sheer anxiety I had just purchasing the samples for 3 keychains was insane, but ordering the stock was a lot easier after I got past that initial hurdle. Now that I expect the discomfort, while sometimes it's still stopping me in areas, overall I use it as a tool for growth, a fun challenge rather than something to weaponise against myself as evidence that I am a "less than" human.

[@tinchydraws]

My problem is, I should have informed myself and plan and create art while I was in college. Now I'm jobless because I thought I could start posting art on Instagram and some day within a year my account will just magically blow up. That didn't happen and now I've been jobless for a year, my parents don't believe in me (they force me to find a "real" job) and I have to start from the beginning when I could have actually achieved something if I organized myself just a bit more. Sorry for the rant, but maybe this helps someone.

[@elliart7432]

I have two goals. I want to make _stories_ with my art, and I want to make _money_ with my art. Problem is, webcomics are free, graphic novels are a tier 10 artist goal, and no one wants to buy merch of my oc's because... who tf are those guys?? I'm trying to priorities making the kind of art that actually sells, but I always wish I was illustrating or storyboarding. I know I need an industry job to make stories for a living, but it seems the only way for a socially impaired artist from the east coast to make money from art is to self employ and create whatever the market calls for.

[@cakie_0933]

How dare you call out my procrastination 😶‍🌫️😂😂😂

[@ghostie7790]

Just comming for my neck with the last tip huh? T______T BUT I CAN DO THIS! AHH

[@nimmbles]

me again ^_^ the last 4 mins REAL TALK appreciated

[@itscourtneyyy]

My issue is gaining an audience 🤣 my art skills are pretty decent but it’s really hard to get myself out there for some reason.

[@lunalu-na7488]

Im a teenager, and i like my art and i do digital art a lot and people like my art. (I do anime) i want to make money as a teenager artist lmao

[@matiurrahaman7560]

You are so cute 💓,, as well as your video. Love from India. To be honest, I clicked on the video only to see you 🤪 thanks

[@costumeink147]

I'm in this picture

[@rosezif]

Thank you so much as always I need to excercise consistency and patience ✨🫶🤧🫶✨

[@victoriaveeart]

Already got burnt out and sad 🤪🥰🫶🏾🤭

[@victoriaveeart]

it was a moment of weakness im good 🫶🏾