to try to sell my art

[musicforsmorks]

I am a self employed illustrator. been doing it for 15 yrs. I mainly work via commission, licensing and online venues.
business is good, but does fluctuate monthly, so I was planning on seeking about 16 hours employed work to supplement my income - before covid sprang up!

Of course, I have concerns about that at the moment as I have no recent experience outside of my self employment, and it seems everyone suddenly needs that 16 hour job at Tesco!

lately, discussing this is DP, he said why not give yourself a few months to open an etsy shop, as well as my personal website, etc, and try to sell some of my original paintings and watercolours.

now, 12 yrs ago I had a very successful store online selling them, and often pulled in around £1000 per week. I stopped after a few years due to the death of a family member and just seemed to forget about it as sales had become slow.

would you try this again now, considering the work was very sell-able before? I guess there's nothing to lose, but I kinda wanted a small 'guaranteed' income, and this wouldn't necessarily be.....

I already have a lot of online outlets for my current work (of a very different style) so know what I'm doing.

Or should I just try very hard to get a 16hr job in a shop, like a sensible person, etc?

I think your style is very sellable and perfect for Etsy, do it!

I did my BA in illustration and got a first. I've always disappointned myself that I never did anything with it. It's nice to see people succeed :)

My dad is an artist. The only reason he has made a living from it for over 40 years is because he took that leap of faith and went for it.
Good luck!

I would definitely give it a go. You have nothing to lose. Can you try this while looking for a PT job as well?

Yes definitely do it OP. Your art work is lovely, I agree that I would separate the two styles with different insta accounts though.

Really talented & love the art with your cat on

thank you, I am definitely going to concentrate on expanding my business and setting up a shop on my website.
I do need to quite perceiving social. media in such a cynical way, and havent been making the most of what I have in front of me.

its only the threat of cold, etc, that has made me re-evaluate what I am doing, and I need a kick up the arse!

thanks very much for the encouragement, and also for the feedback in general. I've slipped into a bit of a vacuum socially and its great to have a dialogue about it with others.

covid my keyboard really wants covid to just be a cold!