i am no scaredy-cat!

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I was reading a post* on IttyBiz a few years ago that challenged readers to answer a very scary question. What do you actually do? Since I am not a scaredy-cat (but apparently a huge procrastinator), I thought I’d try and give it a shot. Here goes.

*Unfortunately I cannot link back to the original post! Darn it! But here’s a link so you can soak up her awesomeness: ittybiz.com

The questions:

What’s your game? What do you do?

I’m an artist.  I create mixed media landscapes and drawings.  My focus seems to be going more and more towards working on the landscapes and slowing down on the drawings.   My landscapes are from photos I’ve taken on the road or during a hike.

Why do you do it? Do you love it, or do you just have one of those creepy knacks?

I do it because I love it. I do it because I feel pulled to create landscapes... especially large landscapes with large, open blue skies and land that is barely inhabited by humans. I do it because it gives me a sense of peace.

Who are your customers? What kind of people would need or want what you offer?

My customers are people that love the outdoors. Maybe they are too busy to get outside as much as they would want or maybe they live in a city and don’t have quick access to open spaces.  They feel they need a reminder of how peaceful it is.

My customers are people who feel disconnected with the land; they are so wrapped up in their lives, their gadgets, social media, whatever. They feel they need a break from it.

What’s your marketing USP? Why should I buy from you instead of the other losers?

Hahaha okay this question is a bit crazy. Losers? Other artists? Please, no. Please, please, please no. I’m not here to s--- on fellow artists. How about this: 

why you should buy from me or any other artist instead of going to a big brand store and buying “home décor”:

·      You’re supporting an artist directly (if you buy at a fair or at one of the many direct online outlets)

·      If you are buying local, you’re supporting your local economy (always good)

·      You’re getting an original piece of art NOT a mass produced one

·      There are so many artists out there that you can most likely find something in your price range

·      You will know the story behind the piece; if you don’t, ask for it.

·      You can get to know the artist and find out their story.

·      You can learn about the process they use to create the work. Sometimes I’m totally blown away when I hear what they did to create the artwork.

What’s next for you? What’s the big plan?

Well, my big plan is to continue creating landscapes. I definitely want to continue doing art fairs. I really enjoyed meeting people and talking about my work at An Arts & Crafts Adventure and I would like to be able to continue doing this over the summers.  It would be really cool to be able to take it on the road and go all over the US & Canada (maybe when my daughter is a little older).  I want to continue with my Etsy shops & expand the number of pieces, postcards, note cards and prints in the next few months. And of course, I plan on being in galleries throughout the country (and maybe abroad as well).