I have been thinking about this a lot, and trying to work out what 'skills' I have (I use the word skills very lightly!). Turns out not that many.
But I have come up with a few things.
First of all,
Earn More - At the moment I have a little part time job which fits in nicely around the children. I am working in a tea room - certainly not what I imagined I would end up doing! It is not exactly the career I thought I would have, but for the time being, it is money coming in and it is very handy - the tea room is on a plant nursery in the village. The people I work for are lovely and have become good friends, so really I shouldn't complain.
The wages aren't going to change, but I am going to try and get some extra shifts here and there.
Sell more drawings/paintings. - My work has always sold quite well, but it has to be out there and not piled up in my shed. So the aim is to get into more galleries and shops. I have 2 exhibitions planned for this year and I want to get in touch with more. Just selling one drawing a month would be £150-£200+ extra. Imagine if I could sell more than that!
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| My first exhibition |
Ebay/Amazon - Continue clearing and try and sell some things. Hubby has some books from his archaeology days which could fetch a bit. I don't think I can make much from this, but it is worth a go.
Other Art related activities - I studied Animation for 4 years in Dublin, but life, children, responsibilities meant that I didn't pursue it. Whilst it may be a bit late now, I have been thinking about designing characters and doing illustrations. Possibly doing some designs for Phoenix Cards or illustrating a book. These are just ideas that have been rolling around in my mind.
Short of selling a kidney, I can't think of anything else.
Anyone got any other ideas?
I used to work in a cafe and we had a monthly artist display their work and had opening days/parties (like the ones in the apprentice). Can you not organise something like that? I mean, you have to use all the connections that you have in this world. :-)
ReplyDeleteCould you sell cuttings of plants in your garden?
Could you be a freelance illustrator/animator working hours that suit you and your family (i.e., midday/afternoons/evenings). Or could you turn those skills into blog design/designing headers and backgrounds?
Hi There, this is my first comment on your lovely blog. You certainly are a very talented artist, so go for it, get your drawings out of the shed and into the gallery! Cafe's here often have art work displayed on the walls which have price tags attached, so definitely pursue that one. Opening functions are optional, but sound like a good idea if you think it would work in your area.
ReplyDeleteI too often wonder what 'skills' I would have to offer if I was to return to the work force. It turns out lots (I'd just have to convince the employer lol), and I am sure you have lots to offer, so don't sell yourself short! The tea room jobs sounds great though, as it fits your life nicely and I bet it is quite social, which I see as a plus :)
How about taking on some primary school aged students for art lessons?
Sandra x
Looks like you have some great ideas already and that's great to be talented with art skills. Think your ideas are really good and also think the other ideas you've been given would work well too. Think an open day at the cafe and displaying your work would be worth thinking about.
ReplyDelete