I used to create art because I wanted to; when I made a painting, it was just for me. When I put together a collage, I was the only one that had to like it. Painting little paper mache objects and empty glass jars didn’t need to look pretty or attractive someone else, I just needed to like it.
Trying to sell your art changes that though. I re-opened my Etsy shop and I’m selling my work on Redbubble and Pixels.com, hoping to make my art my living. You start thinking about what other people like, whether they’ll think your stuff is cool enough to spend their money on. I’ve been watching a lot Youtube videos on how to grow an Etsy shop, and as helpful as they can be, I’m intimidated and overwhelmed by all the advice and left feeling inadequate about my work. A sale is a validation that people like your art, and without a sale, I feel like I’m lacking. Especially when Etsy gurus advise you to research and follow the trends when creating products to sell. It doesn’t feel like I’m creating art then, but just being trendy.
There’s nothing wrong with being on trend, but there’s something rather lifeless about chasing a fad to determine your next creation. I don’t even know where to start finding what’s trending either when creating artistic products. But maybe I’m overthinking it.
I’m torn sometimes between creating what I like, and creating something that appeals to a greater audience. Somehow it feels like pandering. But is letting a trend inspire your work a betrayal of your art? Or just a compromise? Or is worrying that not even matter at all?
I think the only reason the ‘follow the trends’ advice bothers me is because it takes away some of my passion for creating. I start thinking about what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, I’m creating with an end goal and hoping for a particular outcome, validation. Intellectualizing the art creates worry for me, I’m wondering if what I make will be something people like, instead of enjoying the process.
I don’t want to write off people’s opinions altogether though, it’s important to at least consider feedback and current interests. Finding some balance though may be the answer, but as an artist, I think you should always create what you love. If that happens to coincide with what the people love, then great. If it doesn’t then that’s okay too, because your art is for you before it’s for anyone else. There’s no guarantee of success as an artist, so at the very least create what you love.
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Please check out my artwork which is available for purchase on Etsy, Redbubble, Pixels.com, and Artsy.net. Your support means a lot!
