My Small Business Journey & TIPS 🌼 How I grew my stationery shop and HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

Time for a sit down... Let's chat! I'm sharing my small business journey since the beginning, all the ups and downs of running a stationery shop and I share some tips and things I learn along the way! I hope this is inspiring to you if you're starting your journey too!
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I hope you like this video! If you do, please subscribe, It really means the world to me! I'll be posting a new video every week!
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⭐STAY IN TOUCH ⭐
◽ PATREON: / apenasillustrator
◽ SHOP: www.apenasillu...
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◽ INSTAGRAM: / apenasillustrator
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◽ EMAIL: [e-mail]
P.O. BOX: Apartado 2
9906686 EC - Santa Catarina CLD
2500-787 Santa Catarina CLD
⭐Products I use: ⭐
FILMING *
◽ Camera: geni.us/b79X0r
◽ Mini Tripod: geni.us/1VzW4
◽ Big Tripod: geni.us/Hk1TPtM
MATERIALS *
◽ Notebook covers: geni.us/uoiyw4I
◽ Bookmarks: geni.us/UaTPmmV
PRODUCTS & DRAWING *
◽ Printer: geni.us/pgxMAwq
◽ Silhouette Cameo: geni.us/B60Y
◽ Silhouette Mat: geni.us/Q7Cw
◽ Paper Cutter: geni.us/BWANlU
◽ Round Corner Cutter: geni.us/Qu2vJ
◽ Sublimation Printer: geni.us/0ogBQjj
◽ Ipad: amzn.to/3o0JXlz
◽ Apple Pencil: geni.us/FwwMmFx
◽ XP Pen Tablet: geni.us/hc2Vhp
◽ Sticker Paper: geni.us/YMGc4
PHOTOGRAPHY *
◽ Studio Lights: geni.us/rVuFCV
◽ Photography Camera: geni.us/MiEGHFT
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make a little commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel!
⭐ ABOUT ME: ⭐
Hi there! My name is Beatriz Penas and I'm a portuguese illustrator, nice to meet you! I've been taking my illustration more seriously and making a business out of it since the beggining of 2019. I'm always trying to create more illustrations and more products and I thought it would be nice to share my process! Hope you like my vídeos and my work.

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Bea you are my hero. Love you

[@aPenasIllustrator]

You’re so sweet 😭 thank you 💛💛

[@DraNchan]

Thank you for sharing your story! I follow you for a long time now, but I didn't know about your Artist Origin Story ; ) I currently struggle with Expectations as well - I don't feel motivated to put that much effort into social media and promotion because my small numbers feel 'impossible to grow', but at the same time I 'expect' them to! And then, what are the "satisfying numbers" even? Would I be happy with 10 orders? But I could also be disappointed by 100 orders if I grew my audience x1000! The effort - satisfaction balance is so difficult for an artist.... Thank you again, for not giving up too! (also, sorry to hear about your Father and family.... it makes me so angry that people make light of the virus, I also experienced death in my family. You're very strong to recover from all this mentally!)

[@catianalugo7912]

Love your story! Super real and absolutely true! Thank you for sharing! SUCESSO SEMPRE!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much 🥹🥹🥹💛

[@bethshobbyhome]

Thankyou for sharing, i live watching your content. You inspire me to continue as i work full time 8-6 monday to friday so it can be difficult sometimes but i will not give up just take it one step at a time 🥰

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Such a sweet comment, thank you so much!! Yeees, it's so hard but giving up sometimes can be harder eheh. Keep going! :D

[@bethshobbyhome]

@@aPenasIllustrator you’re very welcome, i also follow katnipp and Emily harvey art they also inspire me so much. You guys are amazing at what you do 🥰

[@aPenasIllustrator]

@@bethshobbyhome thank you so much for being so lovely 😭

[@lynnplansahead]

You are so brave! Love to hear your journey. Congrats and keep going. ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much 🥹💛

[@roopajoshi2357]

Loved hearing your story. Thank you ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@RandomnesExpirience]

Loved this video, thank you so much for all the work you put in your content ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@deborahsandell3823]

Really interesting, thank you.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you for watching!

[@anneorija974]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

You’re very welcome!! Thank you for watching 🥹💛

[@johannyacolon9552]

Me encantó tu testimonio, me inspiró a intentar desarrollar mis habilidades, mi creatividad. Te admiro y admiro tu persistencia.

[@MayYangArt]

Thank you for sharing your story Bia! I remember a lot of the things you mentioned. Didn't know about the backpacking you did before, so it was a lot of fun to hear that. You've grown a lot and you deserve every bit of success that you've worked hard for!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much May 🥹💛 I hope I can do some traveling soon!

[@renzgian8234]

Finished it to the end. Very I spiring. New fan from Philippines 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭❤❤❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much! :D

[@CeCee-no8bg]

I am so sorry for your loss. I think you are mentally stronger than you think you are.❣

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much lovely 💛 I know he’s with me in some way and supporting my along this journey ✨

[@thesassymom]

Thanks so much for this video! I can relate to a lot of what you've mentioned. I started late 2020 and my first year (2021) I had 19 sales, it's grown from there but starting and running a creative business is like a marathon, keep going wins the race. I've been watching you off and on since you started YT and I love your journey!! I've wanted to share on YT too, inspired by you, Katnip, Emily Harvey, and more! I love your studio space!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

It really is like that! It’s full and up and downs and the first ones really hit you hard 😅 thank you so much for the love, so happy you’re doing what you love too 💛

[@atomikjaye]

Wheew! I feel you on not liking the design degree program. I didn't either, but stayed with it 😩 I learned a lot, but I could never take a job in that field, I would just lose my mind! I love that you didn't let your first show discourage you! I completely stopped creating because of my first few shows for the reasons you've mentioned, I'm working on deviating from my quitter ways 😅. I do want to try a different market this time around, so fingers crossed 🤞🏽. I'm so so sorry for your loss, It was such a trying year for all of us. I recently had a loss and I feel for you 💕. I'm glad to see you are doing better 😊 Thanks for reminding everyone in not comparing yourself. That's advice I hear a lot, but find it hard to follow, but I am working on it! 💪🏽. Thanks for taking the time to talk about your journey!! :D Onwards! Can't wait to see an update in 1 or 2 years ^.^ ✨✨✨

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Glad I'm not the only one! It's specially hard when you see your colleagues loving it and you can't understand why lol. I definitely learned some things, but I most projects I had to learn from ytoube, so not really worth it 😂 It's really hard!! I think it's one thing when a shop update goes bad.. But when you actually see real people ignoring your products, it's another kind of pain!! Trying out different kind of markets does A BIG difference 💛 Thank you so so much lovely 😍

[@Elysian330]

I’m so sorry you had a hard time at first with people. I’m glad you didn’t give up! 💚💚🌱

[@ortwed]

Oh Bea, thank you for sharing. I am so sorry you had to go through loosing your dad. I am glad that you remembered to take care of yourself even though you kept pushing yourself creatively during hard times. I also found Katnipp who became a huge inspiration, but not until early 2020 (I know, but better late than never). I actually found you first since I had this old silhouette lying around that I never found a use for, so your video of your method of using the exact same model was my first instigator to dust it off and have a crack at it. Thank you for being an inspiration and please keep sharing your knowledge and experience! I am looking forward to see your process of making youtube videos, since that might be on my to-do list of things to try out soon. You have come so far and I really wish you all the best ❤

[@linsaraillustration]

Thanks for sharing the story. Thats really encouraging. I can resonate, many of those struggles. Again sorry about ur Dad. So happy to see you growing, its really encouraging.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much for all the support Lin, you’re the best! We got this 💛🤗

[@kathleenstuartart]

So proud of you! Is that weird to say? I don't know, but I got so emotional while watching...it's been really nice to see your business grow. You are inspirational 💜

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Not weird at all, that's very nice and sweet 😭 Thank you so so much for all the support Kathleen!

[@joannepowers82]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your journey. I am glad you never gave up. You are an excellent illustrator. I found you from that notebook video and I am glad I did. Here is to many more years.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

So happy the notebook video bring me so many of you amazing people! Thank you so much for all the support Joanne! 😍

[@Hee_Illustration]

It's so inspirational!! Thank you so much for sharing your story 😘

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much for watching!! :D

[@mimosachroma]

Thank you for sharing, it was really interesting to hear, to know a bit more about your background and your studies! And how you kept pushing, not giving up is really inspirational!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

It’s really hard sometimes, but worth it 💛💛 thank you so much 🥹

[@LynnStarofDestinyKreations]

Wow! Thank you for this vid! I remember following you just under 1000 followers then you exploded! Wow watch you grow! The notebook and memo pad tutorials are my faves. I also ordered from you too in 2021. Now a patreon! So cool to see the evolution of your growth! 💕💕💕

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much Lynn! That notebook tutorial definitely was a big part of it eheh. Thank you so much for your support 🥹💛

[@LynnStarofDestinyKreations]

@@aPenasIllustrator yw! 💖💖💖

[@carovillah]

Thank you for making and sharing this video! Your work is beautiful and your energy is inspiring, I hope your journey keeps growing in beautiful ways 💗

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much Carolina, means a lot 🥹💛

[@felareed8251]

YES I LIKED THIS AND ALL YOUR VIDEOS. THANKS

[@aPenasIllustrator]

@@felareed8251 thank you!

[@agustdheart]

Thank you so much for this video Bea!! I can relate so much with the not liking design, so it really make me feel not so alone on that part. I love all of you videos! 🥰

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much!! It was really hard because I didn’t knew what to do with my life and then there was all this students who loved it and I didn’t understood why 😂 we don’t have to like what others do, we’ll find out path eventually 💛🤗

[@victoriafeng364]

You have such an amazing story❤ I love your dedication to your craft. I remember back when you had like 1K and it’s so great to see how you’ve grown. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your life with us

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Omg thank you so much for following my journey since then 😍 that’s so nice!! Thanks for all the support!

[@outranes.illustra5413]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Bia 🥰 I always get emotional with this things, I hope I can also become a full time artist one day 💕💕💕

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thanks for watching 😍😍 I really hope you can too, just keep swimming, you’ll get there 💛

[@thedesignscribe]

Loved the video. Even shared it with a friend who I know needs this message. 🥰

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Aww that’s so nice!!! Hope it helps your friend 😍 thank you so much!

[@rafermocil959]

thank you for sharing your journey!! so inspiring!!

[@terrylill552]

I always enjoy your videos! They are always so informative and I thoroughly enjoy watching how you make your notebooks, your pins, and jewelry, socks and tote bags and everything else...Sharing your journey is such an inspiration to so many of us! Congratulations on your success !!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much for watching my videos, it’s one of the big reasons I can keep doing this!! Glad you enjoyed this one 🥹💛

[@Layeth28]

Inspirational journey! Thank you so much for sharing! 💓💪💌

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much Laura 🥹🥹💛

[@janebrown3587]

What a wonderful video! Thank you for sharing yourself with us! ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much for watching 🥹🥹💛

[@judiarevalo8580]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I'm sending you a big, big hug 💛. This business is so complex and a lot of it has to do with our own mental and physical health, and the way people react to our products sometimes can be so unpredictable. I'm still on the very very early stages, feeling like everything I do is swim against the current, but this is so inspiring! Gotta keep swimming!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Yeeeees, just keep swimming!! Things take time but sometimes all of the sudden everything starts to come to place. Thank you so much for all the love!! The journey can be heartbreaking but it’s worth it to not give up 💛

[@Modaries_01]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey as an artist!!! Truly inspirational!! ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much for watching 🥹💛

[@nancyfoster4524]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, I only found your channel a week ago but have loved watching your videos. So sorry to hear about your Dad, that must have been very hard for you X

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much lovely, really means the world 💛

[@Elysian330]

By the way Bia, you give me Marga vibes from my favourite show Cable Girls!

[@emmaneary6120]

Always love hearing about your journey Bia. I was so excited to sign up to your Patreon and I can't believe how long it's been now. It's very inspirational how you kept persevering despite the hard times. Here's to many many years of cute illustrations and products 😁.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Right?? How the hell it has been more than 2 years? 😭 thank you so much for all the support over all this journey Emma 💛💛

[@Fivepinkkumo]

Thank you so much for this. Your path was really full of ups and downs and I feel really close to this. I just opened my shop and felt really bummed out, so your videos came really handy. I always worked as sales assistant/store manager but always tried to manage to start my art career. So really really thank you you give me hope 💝

[@Fivepinkkumo]

* also shoutout to partners/significant others for being so kind with us artists 🤣

[@Jbarton81]

This video was so nice to watch today. I’ve been slowly quitting my shop. I’ve essentially never had a sale. 😅I don’t want to give it up and there’s honestly no pressure from it needing to be a primary income. That’s why I went with my own website right off the bat instead of Etsy. I’m starting to feel like I need to either start a KZbin channel and stay super focused on my projects or just kind of quit. Thanks for being honest about your feelings on this! It really helps to know that I might not be stuck forever. ❤

[@annikaa1903]

Thank you so much Bea! Before watching one of your videos about making notebooks, I was into using Print on demand... But you inspired me so much, I want to make my own uniq Christan Diary from scratch instead. I think I would love the whole process of making them. I have already designed most of it on my computer. I will make a try to do it myself. You are very inspirational to listen too and see what you do.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Aaaaah that’s so nice!! So glad you got the courage to do it. Sometimes we put some much thinking into manufacturing but it’s such an investment and sometimes we end up not doing products we’re excited about because of it. I would love to see the final result 🤗💛

[@annikaa1903]

@@aPenasIllustrator Thank you Bea, I will send you pictures for sure :)

[@tainafranklin4878]

I loved the videooo!!

[@whimsicalworldgifts]

Amazing story Bea 😍. Thank you for sharing the ups and the downs. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, I can’t imagine how much of a shock that was to lose him so quickly. I lost my dad 24 years ago and we sort of knew that was coming. You’re such an inspiration, in that you just keep pushing forward, no matter what. So excited to see your journey progress 🥰 x x x

[@aPenasIllustrator]

He was the most healthy person we knew, it was definitely a shock, even after 3 months on the hospital, we always believed he would be ok. Thank you so much lovely 💛

[@gambuzino_illustration]

que bom ouvir a história do teu percurso! obrigada pela partilha incrível 🌻e parabéns pelo teu trabalho e por tudo o que conquistaste até hoje 💕

[@MadelenMolina]

Bea obrigada for sharing this video. It really is changing life and perspective of how katnipp changes yours. I’m happy that KZbin have recommended me your channel. I wish you all the best and keep receiving the blessing from above ✨🌸 you are very talented lady 😊

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Aww that's so nice to know!! Thank you so so much 😭

[@NikiJacksonArt]

I loved hearing your story Bia. I want to give you a big hug and thank you for being such a special part of our illustration community. You are such an inspiration to me and I am so thankful to have you as my friend too. Xx

[@aPenasIllustrator]

You’re the sweetest Niki!! Thanks you for being part of my journey, all the chats, advices and support! Really hope I can meet you in person soon 🤗💛

[@NikiJacksonArt]

@@aPenasIllustrator I really hope we can meet in person soon too. Let me know when you're coming to London next. Xx

[@HippieHooray]

Love this video! Happy to know I'm not alone, I've been uploading on KZbin for 4 years (not that consistently and also deleted a lot of videos) and I only have 130 subscribers, it doesn't seem to improve at all after so much effort :') But hearing your story gives me some hope!

[@yoanaziart]

Thanks for sharing about your journey! You were always such a big inspiration of how hard work can pay off ❤ Love the video!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so so much for all the support Joanna 🥹💛

[@keturahmckitterick9200]

Hey!! Thanks so so very much for sharing your journey! It really was helpful! I will be starting out small like yourself, and opening my Etsy in a few weeks!! It was validating to know you took the baby steps and then in a few years; there you are! And…..Katnipp was my first video too! And…. Your notebook tutorial, the first one, was how I found you! And…. I met May Yang through you! So many many thanks, and blessings to you and your future. All the best and I can’t wait til your next video! 💗🌸

[@aPenasIllustrator]

So so happy you enjoyed the video!! I was super scared to post it. Baby steps sometimes it’s the best. At least for me I’m glad it was like that and that I had the time to improve things little by little. I wish you the best of luck 🥹 Thank you so much for sharing that with me!! Katnipp’s the best. And it warms my heart that you found artists trought me 💛 All the love and thank you for such a sweet comment!

[@keturahmckitterick9200]

@@aPenasIllustrator no problem at all and you are so very welcome!🤗

[@planningandspending]

I did not know that on the date I found your page, you were in the process of starting. I saw you so advanced in your business that I felt super inspired and wanted to start my bookbinding and planner business that same year. And I did it 🥳, because what an inspiration you are B. Hearing that you were always creating even though you had no sales, it gave me a lot of motivation because I just started having those thoughts: "maybe I should quit and just work full time." But knowing a little about your journey made me understand that it is a whole process that we all must go through and not having sales is part of the show. Thank you B, for sharing. Really. 🙏🏼🛸🌸

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Yes!! Remember the things people share online is only the sucess and mostly things we feel comfortable sharing. Sometimes artists can be struggling but you only see the good things! Even now I’m having low sales but I show you what is going well and me creating. Everybody has ups and downs 💛💛

[@PotchouDoodle]

it was nice to know more about you and your art journey. Thank you for sharing everything with us

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much!! I was really afraid to post this video, so glad you enjoyed it 🥹💛

[@susanaanastacio2795]

Obrigada por esta partilha tão honesta! É muito inspirador saber a história por trás do que se vê nas redes sociais e do trabalho final, para colocar em pespetiva todas as vezes em que nos comparamos e sentimos que não estamos a ser ou a fazer o sificiente. Obrigada! 🥰🤗

[@aPenasIllustrator]

É mesmo complicado lembrarmos tudo o que está por detrás do que é mostrado 💛 fico contente que este vídeo tenha ajudado a por tudo em perspectiva!

[@KamuanyaDesigns]

This was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and experience starting and running your business! It's so inspiring!!!💙💙💙

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much lovely, you're the sweetest 💛

[@gracemazh]

This came at the perfect time! I just launched my shop and have no orders, I'm posting 1 reel a day and they're getting really low views.. The thing you said about being really demoralized and seeing others thrive and how simple it seems for them really resonates with me. It's really inspiring to know about your story... The biggest take away is the fact that you really never did give up. I just have to keep going even if I see no returns!! The thing about youtube helping you out is really interesting because I've been wondering if I should concentrate more on yt or reels... It seems like some people do really well with them and others do really well with youtube so... Don't know. Guess I have to experiment! Thank you so much for this video💕

[@aPenasIllustrator]

I can’t really compare because I’ve been doing KZbin for over 3 years now and reels are very recent. But reels desapear super fast and KZbin videos have a bigger life span, so it feels like the work pays off a little more. Even the videos I was doing when I had just a few subscribers, they suck 😂 but people can still see them and enjoy them. Does it make sense? Things really take a long time and it’s really hard not to feel discouraged. We can think a lot of times to give up. But when we REALLY want it, we don’t really allow ourselves to 💛💛

[@gracemazh]

@@aPenasIllustrator YES that's what I was thinking too about youtube! The videos are more work, have less views but they keep growing with time. I will really try to make both even though it's hard with work and stuff. I totally agree with you on everything, thank you:))

[@aPenasIllustrator]

@@gracemazh I totally get you! But the editing and all of that will get faster 🤗

[@pinna650]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am fashion designer and I would like to know more about Patrion because I check and don't know how to start it. Also want to start youtube Chanel but stil it's a big mystery for me because I have no background about additing and other setups. XO Pinna

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much for watching! On Patreon you just need to set up an account and add tier, that's it! Regarding KZbin, you learn as you go. There's some free editing softwares where you can start out and try it :)

[@ritasardinha1]

Obrigada Bia por este vídeo mega especial! Muito orgulho no teu percurso e resiliência. Keep it up ❤

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Muito obrigada Rita 🥺 fico mesmo mesmo contente que o video tenha sido bem recebido 💛

[@magixcartonagem5255]

Bia, vc me inspira muito! Pensar que o começo sempre dá medo e que falhas acontecem, por mais tristes que nos deixem, elas nos fortalecem e nos ensinam! 💕 Trabalho em uma creche e estou afastada do trabalho por burnout, quero trabalhar apenas com papelaria criativa mas tenho muito medo! E sinto que há uma sementinha dentro de mim para começar a desenhar tbm. Acompanhando seu trabalho sei que posso monetizar minhas futuras artes com as técnicas de papelaria que já faço! Vc me dá coragem!!! Obrigada! 💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LAURA21DELGADO]

Hey girl love your story journey u are so inspiring. I would like to know though why you chose the silhouette and not a cricket I know they’re pretty much the same but I was just curious? ❤ ya keep inspiring

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you so much!! I have a video planned to talk ALL about that in the future :D

[@inesketches]

Bea tu és uma das minhas maiores inspirações! Ainda bem que não desististe ao longo desta jornada super intensa! Agradeço imenso o facto de mostrares a realidade por de trás deste mundo que parece tao fantástico nas redes sociais! Sei que isto pode parecer estranho, mas adorava que vivêssemos mais perto uma da outra porque tenho a certeza que não seria uma amizade só instagram ou youtube. Adoro a pessoa que és e adoro o teu espirito de ver a vida, é tao motivador! Lamento imenso pelo teu pai, tenho a certeza que onde quer que ele esteja está incrivelmente orgulhoso de ti! 🤍 Um beijinho fofa! 💖

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Es uma fofaaaaaa 😭😭😭💛 muito obrigada Inês por todo o apoio e auxílio eheh! Prometo que vou a Lisboa brevemente!

[@xMoneko]

Obrigada por este vídeo! É ótimo ouvir outros criadores a falarem abertamente sobre o percurso que tiveram, porque como bem sabemos as redes sociais fazem parecer que toda a gente está bem encaminhada menos nós haha. Tenho a dizer que os teus vídeos foram uma grande inspiração para mim, até que finalmente ganhei a coragem de tentar vender online ^^

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Concordo plenamente! É fácil vermos o presente dos artistas que gostamos, mas não vendo o que está por trás as vezes parece tudo tao ‘fácil’! Obrigada 🥹🥹💛

[@elaineovando2704]

Desejo que você tenha muito sucesso, abençoada você já é, com esse talento para criar coisas lindas!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Muito obrigada Elaine 🥹💛

[@eprohoda]

bro, Suuper. very splendid uploading! goodbye!.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Thank you!

[@mnapwo21]

Olá Bia, que bom ouvir como começaste. Comecei a criar no canva uns notebooks para oferecer no natal. Não tem sido fácil! Como estou quase na reforma pensei em desenvolver esta atividade, por isso todos os conselhos são bem vindos. Se calhar devia de investir num canva pago, pois o grátis tem muitas limitações! Será que devo criar o kdp e publicar na Amazon?

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Olá!! Que bom, fico mesmo contente! Nunca usei muito o Canva, mas como tenho mais experiência com o Photoshop acaba por ser mais fácil para mim. Mas sei que é um programa complicado e o Canva ajuda imenso! Nunca publiquei com a Amazon, só usei a Etsy e o meu próprio site. Mas já ouvi bastantes boas experiências com eles, por isso pode valer a pena experimentar :)

[@brunaduarte9786]

Obrigada, do fundo do meu coração. Estou a começar e a ilusão que temos da redes sociais estava a deixar-me um pouco triste. Este vídeo fez-me sentir compreendida e não tão sozinha. Compreender que é suposto ser assim e que o problema pode não ser a minha arte é confortante. Obrigada.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Siiiiiim!! As vezes é mesmo difícil perceber isto. Eu sou culpada do mesmo! Acho que somos todos um bocadinho. O que pomos nas redes sociais é 95% das vezes sucessos que vamos tendo. Mas os fails e as épocas em que não sabemos o que andamos a fazer sao muito superiores a esses sucessos, trust me 😂 A melhores das sortes para ti. Continua, pode demorar anos a que as coisas resultem, mas vale a pena 💛

[@mnapwo21]

Mais uma pergunta, antes de imprimires no teu espeço imprimias nalguma loja? É que ontem fui à staples imprimir uns notebooks para oferecer no natal e o preço seria incomportável para vender? Será que tenho de comprar rapidamente uma impressora?

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Imprimia numa gráfica :) e sempre bom enviar uns email e perguntar preços. O que sempre fiz foi imprimir em A3 e depois cortar, para ficar mais barato. Espero que ajude 🤗

[@mnapwo21]

Obrigada@@aPenasIllustrator

[@tinkerandteal]

Honestly I have been struggling in my small business journey for a while now. I have been trying to make things work for about a year. This year has been the toughest in my journey and its really made me doubt what I do, myself and my small business. So in return my mental health has not been the greatest either. i have really tried to refocus and gain my compsure but its been so hard. My digital sales which were my main source of income are way down like basically nothing. My etsy shop for some reason has no traffic and movement. I have been working non stop on it for the last 3 months since I lost my freelance job a few months back. Sadly all my work is still not paying off. I had to put my journey on building my illustrations and my physical brand on hold until I can get my digital sales back up so i have income to use to build my sticker business and physical brand. Its really depressing sorry to be sucha debbie downer in my comment but it really makes me keep going watching your videos as well as katnippstudios and emily harveys. Its just such a tough road right now.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

Not at all, I love that you share and to know I'm not alone! This year was the hardest for me yet and my sales were a all time low, very similar to when I started out. If it wasn't for markets and conventions this year, I would have to get a part time job. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, even tho sometimes we look at social media and everyone seem to be doing amazing. A lot of us are struggling and it's ok to ask for help or getting another job so we can keep doing what we love

[@tinkerandteal]

@@aPenasIllustrator I love that you are so real and honest about your struggles because there are so many people out there making it seem like its all sunshine and rainbows and its just not right now. Its tough to be an artist/small business! I am really looking forward to 2024 I hope it is great for all of us!

[@aPenasIllustrator]

@@tinkerandteal I hope so too 🥹 Sending much love!!!

[@cirihtt]

To be honest what stops me is dealing with the shipping since I’m for Latinoamérica

[@aPenasIllustrator]

I totally get it, shipping is so tricky, specially in some countries :( I know it's expensive, but maybe try to contact some shipping companies?