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The Artist's Way

A detailed account of a Fastlane process...

NT2

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For the last 2-3 months I've been putting 15-20 hours into my business. I'm a little different from most on this forum because I'm starting with an idea and looking to make it viable rather than choosing a business based on a need. I know myself well enough to know that I can't just do any business based on its potential. I have to do something meaningful to me.

So my businesses are fine art painting and life coaching, but I'm only focused on the art right now. I know what I need to do to improve my skill set and I'm working on the business end of it. Once I have a handle on that, I'll focus more on the life coaching.

My job's hours are 10:30 am to 7, so I work on the business from 7 am to 9:30 every weekday. Plus more on the weekend. I can definitely see improvements in my skills and mindset.

The challenges I had with moving states, finding a place to live, and finding my dream day-job taught me the process of how to make stuff happen using a combination of proper mindset and diligent effort.

I believe that foundation will make me successful. However I know how easy it is to slip back into laziness, poor mindset, doubt, etc. So I'm committing to posting my progress on the forum once a week so that I have some accountability. I've abandoned groups in the past because people can be so negative and judgmental online, savaging you if you do things differently from them.

But I'm willing to take the risk because my goals are worth it.

Good luck to everyone!

Raven
 
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Beerbread

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Following! I'm in a similar boat as well! I'm interested to see what you came up with!

What are you improving with your art? Is it more skill or is it more business side? My experience is that there's an audience for everyone, so you can start selling originals off the bat if you position yourself as high-end. I'd love to see some of your work!
 

BellaPippin

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I'm a little different from most on this forum because I'm starting with an idea and looking to make it viable rather than choosing a business based on a need. I know myself well enough to know that I can't just do any business based on its potential. I have to do something meaningful to me.

I'll be that person, before everyone else comes. I'm into art as well. Playing Steve Jobs is more difficult than finding a need and filling it. As someone in the art community I've identified a few that could solve many headaches. If you've read unscripted , then you know what we're gonna say about the "follow your passion" Yes on one extreme you just pick ANY need. But it's also doable when you have a niche and can find a need in it. You combine something you're interested in with something the market has a need for. You might tell me oh well, there's so many people just making cutie cactus into stickers and selling it. But if you're going for something that can consistently give you a fair living even when you sleep, you'll want to have a productocracy!

You definitely have the hustle part, which is not easy at all, make sure you don't waste it making someone no one wants. Validate your idea. Make a few and see if people will buy it.

Good luck!
 

NT2

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Following! I'm in a similar boat as well! I'm interested to see what you came up with!

What are you improving with your art? Is it more skill or is it more business side? My experience is that there's an audience for everyone, so you can start selling originals off the bat if you position yourself as high-end. I'd love to see some of your work!
Hi, Beerbread,
Yes, I'm working mostly on improving my skill set. I want to become more consistent and faster. Also, I'm filling in the gaps in my education because I'm mostly self-taught. There are some great classes out there. I don't have a ton of stuff up yet. But my Instagram is @raintreeartgallery and my website is www.RavensFineArt.com. I have a lot of business knowledge already so it's more about translating that knowledge to art and fine-tuning my niche.

Thanks for responding! It's fun to meet a fellow artist on here!
 
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NT2

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
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Jul 21, 2020
22
40
Texas
For the last 2-3 months I've been putting 15-20 hours into my business. I'm a little different from most on this forum because I'm starting with an idea and looking to make it viable rather than choosing a business based on a need. I know myself well enough to know that I can't just do any business based on its potential. I have to do something meaningful to me.

So my businesses are fine art painting and life coaching, but I'm only focused on the art right now. I know what I need to do to improve my skill set and I'm working on the business end of it. Once I have a handle on that, I'll focus more on the life coaching.

My job's hours are 10:30 am to 7, so I work on the business from 7 am to 9:30 every weekday. Plus more on the weekend. I can definitely see improvements in my skills and mindset.

The challenges I had with moving states, finding a place to live, and finding my dream day-job taught me the process of how to make stuff happen using a combination of proper mindset and diligent effort.

I believe that foundation will make me successful. However I know how easy it is to slip back into laziness, poor mindset, doubt, etc. So I'm committing to posting my progress on the forum once a week so that I have some accountability. I've abandoned groups in the past because people can be so negative and judgmental online, savaging you if you do things differently from them.

But I'm willing to take the risk because my goals are worth it.

Good luck to everyone!

Raven
Update
I'm continuing with the process of getting the training I need to do the business I want to do. I haven't posted in a long time because when I'm not working, I'm working on my art and writing. I found a wonderful online art school that has helped a lot. I'm meeting like-minded people, which is great. It has always been a challenge for me to find like-minded people in general. I have accepted the fact that I just have to travel in different circles to get everything I need from camaraderie. The artists I know aren't particularly business-minded. The entrepreneurs I know, or know of, have a point of view that doesn't totally match an artistic one. And my family are Fundamentalist Slow-laners. But every group is great for what it brings to the table.

Fortunately, I work from home, so there's no time wasted on commuting. I found a better job that is actually located up the street, but I get to work from home. I just got a raise, which will help me get the mentorship I need from the school I joined. In two years I've more than doubled my income, which is a step in the right direction.

I get up at 5 every morning, even though I don't start until 10:30 a.m. And I don't take a lunch break so that I can just get through my job and go back to learning and growing. My boss lets me do that, which is nice, but I hate the phrase "My boss lets me..." I also hate the phrase "I was given a raise." All of this is very demeaning, but this is where I am, so it is what it is. Somehow, some way, I will find a way to wiggle out of indentured servitude. I've paid off a lot of things and I'm moving in the right direction.

I'm not as young nor as flashy as many of the rock star entrepreneurs on here. But I have significant "whys" (I must leave something to my sons as an inheritance because I owe them that and I must do it. The world is becoming more and more hostile, so it will be imperative for people of color, especially, to have independent sources of income. And I do not have the temperament for poverty, rigid schedules, condescension, nor servitude, so I really have no other choice than to create my own thing). And I'm disciplined and patient, which are assets.

My goal is 6 years, but I won't stop until I've created something that is my own, that sustains me comfortably, and that allows me free time at my discretion. But I know I can't do it selling widgets. I have to use the creative gifts I have and create something meaningful that people will pay to see or experience. It's a tall order, but I don't have anything else I'd rather be doing.
 

NT2

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Jul 21, 2020
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Update
I'm continuing with the process of getting the training I need to do the business I want to do. I haven't posted in a long time because when I'm not working, I'm working on my art and writing. I found a wonderful online art school that has helped a lot. I'm meeting like-minded people, which is great. It has always been a challenge for me to find like-minded people in general. I have accepted the fact that I just have to travel in different circles to get everything I need from camaraderie. The artists I know aren't particularly business-minded. The entrepreneurs I know, or know of, have a point of view that doesn't totally match an artistic one. And my family are Fundamentalist Slow-laners. But every group is great for what it brings to the table.

Fortunately, I work from home, so there's no time wasted on commuting. I found a better job that is actually located up the street, but I get to work from home. I just got a raise, which will help me get the mentorship I need from the school I joined. In two years I've more than doubled my income, which is a step in the right direction.

I get up at 5 every morning, even though I don't start until 10:30 a.m. And I don't take a lunch break so that I can just get through my job and go back to learning and growing. My boss lets me do that, which is nice, but I hate the phrase "My boss lets me..." I also hate the phrase "I was given a raise." All of this is very demeaning, but this is where I am, so it is what it is. Somehow, some way, I will find a way to wiggle out of indentured servitude. I've paid off a lot of things and I'm moving in the right direction.

I'm not as young nor as flashy as many of the rock star entrepreneurs on here. But I have significant "whys" (I must leave something to my sons as an inheritance because I owe them that and I must do it. The world is becoming more and more hostile, so it will be imperative for people of color, especially, to have independent sources of income. And I do not have the temperament for poverty, rigid schedules, condescension, nor servitude, so I really have no other choice than to create my own thing). And I'm disciplined and patient, which are assets.

My goal is 6 years, but I won't stop until I've created something that is my own, that sustains me comfortably, and that allows me free time at my discretion. But I know I can't do it selling widgets. I have to use the creative gifts I have and create something meaningful that people will pay to see or experience. It's a tall order, but I don't have anything else I'd rather be doing.
For the last 2-3 months I've been putting 15-20 hours into my business. I'm a little different from most on this forum because I'm starting with an idea and looking to make it viable rather than choosing a business based on a need. I know myself well enough to know that I can't just do any business based on its potential. I have to do something meaningful to me.

So my businesses are fine art painting and life coaching, but I'm only focused on the art right now. I know what I need to do to improve my skill set and I'm working on the business end of it. Once I have a handle on that, I'll focus more on the life coaching.

My job's hours are 10:30 am to 7, so I work on the business from 7 am to 9:30 every weekday. Plus more on the weekend. I can definitely see improvements in my skills and mindset.

The challenges I had with moving states, finding a place to live, and finding my dream day-job taught me the process of how to make stuff happen using a combination of proper mindset and diligent effort.

I believe that foundation will make me successful. However I know how easy it is to slip back into laziness, poor mindset, doubt, etc. So I'm committing to posting my progress on the forum once a week so that I have some accountability. I've abandoned groups in the past because people can be so negative and judgmental online, savaging you if you do things differently from them.

But I'm willing to take the risk because my goals are worth it.

Good luck to everyone!

Raven
Update
I am in a mastery program that teaches art skills and business skills. I'm learning a lot and improving a great deal. I've also got a good handle on money in general right now and feel like that area of my life is good. Not perfect, but stable. My day job is fine, though not what I want to still be doing next year. Basically, things are moving in the right direction. I have a plan, and am just in the process of daily executing on it. Just wanted to share that I'm still out here and still moving forward.
 

CruxisKnight

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Jan 7, 2021
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For the last 2-3 months I've been putting 15-20 hours into my business. I'm a little different from most on this forum because I'm starting with an idea and looking to make it viable rather than choosing a business based on a need. I know myself well enough to know that I can't just do any business based on its potential. I have to do something meaningful to me.

So my businesses are fine art painting and life coaching, but I'm only focused on the art right now. I know what I need to do to improve my skill set and I'm working on the business end of it. Once I have a handle on that, I'll focus more on the life coaching.

My job's hours are 10:30 am to 7, so I work on the business from 7 am to 9:30 every weekday. Plus more on the weekend. I can definitely see improvements in my skills and mindset.

The challenges I had with moving states, finding a place to live, and finding my dream day-job taught me the process of how to make stuff happen using a combination of proper mindset and diligent effort.

I believe that foundation will make me successful. However I know how easy it is to slip back into laziness, poor mindset, doubt, etc. So I'm committing to posting my progress on the forum once a week so that I have some accountability. I've abandoned groups in the past because people can be so negative and judgmental online, savaging you if you do things differently from them.

But I'm willing to take the risk because my goals are worth it.

Good luck to everyone!

Raven
Hi Raven, passion is definitely important because you need to be able to stick to that business for a long time to come. If you are not passionate about it no matter how profitable it is, then it will suck the life out of you. I hope to see more of your progress soon.
 
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NT2

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Jul 21, 2020
22
40
Texas
Update: I am doing well, still on my way to becoming a professional artist. My website is ravensfineart.com. My podcast is ravensfineartpodcast.com. I'm probably another 4 months or so away from launching. I haven't posted in a long time because I'm in some marketing groups specific to my industry and a daily zoom entrepreneur group. But I hope everyone is doing well. If I don't post again, and you're an artist or other interested party, please feel free to follow my journey through my website and podcast. Have a beautiful day!
 

TinyOldLady

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Update: I am doing well, still on my way to becoming a professional artist. My website is ravensfineart.com. My podcast is ravensfineartpodcast.com. I'm probably another 4 months or so away from launching. I haven't posted in a long time because I'm in some marketing groups specific to my industry and a daily zoom entrepreneur group. But I hope everyone is doing well. If I don't post again, and you're an artist or other interested party, please feel free to follow my journey through my website and podcast. Have a beautiful day!
Hi Raven, why is your Instagram account private? I thought it‘s a good place to be found by potential customers
 

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