The big secret to my success

acrylic on panel, floral, 4×4
Available here
Small to large prints available here

I have strangers writing to me all the time asking for advice. How can they can sell on Etsy or DPW? How can they become licensed artists? How can they get their artwork published in books? They want to know how I get wholesale orders, and consignment shop contracts. Above all that, the most asked question seems to be..can you tell me how to get my artwork on tv? I figured it’s about time I write a post, and spill the tea. I want to set the record straight on all of it. Here goes..

The only “secret” I know is hard work. Disappointed? So was I when I found out the truth about living the life of an artist!! I went into this thinking I’d get to play around with paint all day, but surprise!! That’s not what it’s like at all. When I tell people I work 7 days a week, around the clock, no one wants to hear it. When I tell them my secret to Etsy is to list as many paintings as possible every single day, that’s not the answer they’re looking for. Everyone is looking for some magical thing I did or do, so they can copy me. I sometimes get the impression they want me to say, I know someone, sit back, relax, do absolutely nothing, and I’ll hook you up. That isn’t going to happen, sorry. If I had “someone”, I’d be living on easy street right now. Truth is, I struggle every day, just like you do. 

It’s so true!! I never stop hustling. I can’t afford to. I was messaging someone back on Etsy a couple weeks ago at 4am, but hey, I made the sale. I had the painting wrapped up, and out the door by 7:30am. If an opportunity presents itself, I jump on it. If someone needs an answer to a question at 10pm when I’m finally sitting in my comfy recliner after working 12 hours, well, too bad..for me. I reply to them because they took the time to write, and they deserve an answer. I haven’t made it big enough to ignore anyone, and I hope I never do.  

Someone once said something along the lines of..”you’re lucky you’re licensed because now you don’t have to work as hard.” !!!!???? I was thinking..when did I ever give that impression because if I did, I need to stop doing that NOW. I didn’t stop when I signed various licensing contracts, or consignment shop deals. I didn’t stop when I signed the contract for Criminal Minds, and I certainly didn’t stop when I sold 80 paintings in my new Etsy shop last year. Truth is, I worked harder when these things happened because I realized I’m nowhere near where I want to be. There’s no way I’m not going to stop or slow down now. The way I see it, I have a very small window of opportunity, and then I’ll be dead, as will you. You can do whatever you want with that time because free will and all, but me? I’m going to make the most and best of it. With that said, I’m off to the studio!! See you tomorrow.