So this week we are back participating in the Declaration of You Blog tour. The Declaration of You! is written and designed by the talented Jessica Swift and Michelle Ward. This week it's all about MONEY!
I guess you could say we've learned a thing or 20 about money since starting on this art licensing journey about five years ago. We want to share three pieces of advice that we've discovered and I think it's at least partly why we've been so successful, landing over 3,000 products on the market.
# 1. You can Start Your "Creative" Business without blowing up your life!
What we mean by that is when Jodi and I first started to make a go of art licensing, we were both still working for other people. Jodi was doing design work for a company with QVC ties and I was working a 9 to 5 job. This allowed us to keep bringing in a somewhat steady paycheck and at the same time start to build a porfolio. It takes time and money to build your client list, develop your brand, and attend and follow up on trade shows. Too many times artist contact us and say "Okay, I've quit my day job, now what?" To which we usually reply, "See if you can get your job back!"
Look we are all for following your hearts desire but the reality is NO ONE want to do business with someone that is desperate for money, so do yourself a favor and put a little money aside so you are not in panic mode when you launch your business.
# 2. Define what your services are worth, and then uphold your own value.
We really think this is important, whether you are designing jewelry for etsy or producing artwork for license, it's up to you to set the prices. Early on it's tough because you "really, really, really" want the deal and may be tempted to slash your prices but don't do it! When you believe that what you are creating and bringing into the world is unique and special (and it is) then it's easy to stand your ground and hold firm to your value. You may lose a deal here and there when you don't cave on the price, but the people and companies that value what you do will come back again and again. The key to any type of abundance is authenticity, no one can ever be better at being you than you and it only makes sense that you should declare and claim your own value.
# 3. It's not really about the money.
This is a hard concept for some people to grasp but the truth is it's all about how you expect the money to transform your life. A lot of times it's hard to get excited about an affirmation like "I am making $25,000 this month." It sounds great on paper but really what does that mean? It becomes much more tangible and real when you work toward something with the attitude, I am excited about this project and then with the money I plan to take my family on a beach vacation, buy a new car, pay for my kid's college etc. Money is like air, it's flowing, it's everywhere, you can decide to make a little money or a lot of money. Either way, it does not take away from another artist or another project. There is plenty to go around so dream big and soar.
Would love to hear your thoughts about business and money, it's a fascinating topic and one we continue to explore and expand upon.
Have a super week!
Jodi and Tonja
P.S. We'll be on vacation next week so it will be a bit quiet at Working Girls central. We're both vacationing with our families on beaches in California. The Working Girls are looking forward to spending a week as the Vacation Girls!
I guess you could say we've learned a thing or 20 about money since starting on this art licensing journey about five years ago. We want to share three pieces of advice that we've discovered and I think it's at least partly why we've been so successful, landing over 3,000 products on the market.
# 1. You can Start Your "Creative" Business without blowing up your life!
What we mean by that is when Jodi and I first started to make a go of art licensing, we were both still working for other people. Jodi was doing design work for a company with QVC ties and I was working a 9 to 5 job. This allowed us to keep bringing in a somewhat steady paycheck and at the same time start to build a porfolio. It takes time and money to build your client list, develop your brand, and attend and follow up on trade shows. Too many times artist contact us and say "Okay, I've quit my day job, now what?" To which we usually reply, "See if you can get your job back!"
Look we are all for following your hearts desire but the reality is NO ONE want to do business with someone that is desperate for money, so do yourself a favor and put a little money aside so you are not in panic mode when you launch your business.
# 2. Define what your services are worth, and then uphold your own value.
We really think this is important, whether you are designing jewelry for etsy or producing artwork for license, it's up to you to set the prices. Early on it's tough because you "really, really, really" want the deal and may be tempted to slash your prices but don't do it! When you believe that what you are creating and bringing into the world is unique and special (and it is) then it's easy to stand your ground and hold firm to your value. You may lose a deal here and there when you don't cave on the price, but the people and companies that value what you do will come back again and again. The key to any type of abundance is authenticity, no one can ever be better at being you than you and it only makes sense that you should declare and claim your own value.
# 3. It's not really about the money.
This is a hard concept for some people to grasp but the truth is it's all about how you expect the money to transform your life. A lot of times it's hard to get excited about an affirmation like "I am making $25,000 this month." It sounds great on paper but really what does that mean? It becomes much more tangible and real when you work toward something with the attitude, I am excited about this project and then with the money I plan to take my family on a beach vacation, buy a new car, pay for my kid's college etc. Money is like air, it's flowing, it's everywhere, you can decide to make a little money or a lot of money. Either way, it does not take away from another artist or another project. There is plenty to go around so dream big and soar.
Would love to hear your thoughts about business and money, it's a fascinating topic and one we continue to explore and expand upon.
Have a super week!
Jodi and Tonja
P.S. We'll be on vacation next week so it will be a bit quiet at Working Girls central. We're both vacationing with our families on beaches in California. The Working Girls are looking forward to spending a week as the Vacation Girls!
Thank you so much for sharing, it makes sense what you said and I just needed the reassurance to hold firm to my prices! I work hard on these files and I need to stop giving it all away so cheap. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteKaren