Finally Getting Out of My Own Way

In the last several years, my teenage twin sons have been telling me to create a Shopify store, to create a venue for my work, and to believe in myself. I had all the excuses at the ready and employed them like a ninja throwing defensive punches. I am very good at not allowing myself to dream big, despite being a dreamy artist. Go figure. But, I suppose I am not the only artist to love the process of painting, versus the marketing of paintings and creations. Put a fresh canvas in front of me, and I am gone for hours or days. Ask me to create a post for social media, including edits and links to my work, and I am running for the hills.

Honestly, life is just too short not to embrace learning new things, making small changes in mindset, and allowing room for curiosity to win over unwarranted heel dragging. 

However, I still was not sure how to create a store, so I did something I would never have considered in the past, I hired someone to help me. I pay her an hourly wage, and she's like wizard, calm and easily waving away my jittery apologies for not knowing how to open a file (it is actually that sad at times). She has created a store front for me that I love, and made it all happen in a matter of weeks. While I know there is AI used in the general layout, we have been able to work across time zones together via WhatsApp to make a customized shop that I personally would never have been able to do on my own. My Shopify Magician troubleshoots my back end issues with the various platforms, and manages the front end feel and look. I am so deeply grateful that I finally realized I needed someone else much more adept and I am so thrilled to see the outcome. We have more plans to expand the shop and product line, so that should keep us busy and me learning as well. 

 So after  even more family and friends (including my mother leaned on me to create a site to sell wares, I finally realized the Universe was hitting me over the head with a message and I was willfully ignoring the good intentions. Additionally, who was I to stay out of this amazing new era of platforms to showcase our various talents as artists in as many ways as possible. My excuses that placing my artwork on towels and phone cases was "cheapening" my work has been replaced by the notion that not everyone can afford a painting they love (including myself).  Having a smaller way to make someone smile, is exponentially valuable in many ways. Also, I wanted to show my sons that even at the very old age of 58, Old Dogs can indeed, learn New Tricks.

If I were to have one take away from starting something new, I would say, any step forward is a step in the right direction. Asking for help, and adapting to one's field of expertise is a wonderful way to create wonder and excitement where there was once a blank page. Who knew there were people just waiting to have a phone case, beach towel, greeting card, or journal to hold in their hands and use on a daily basis. Art is a wonderful way to create little sparks of joy and I am so happy to have found a new venue to share the joy I feel when making art. Thank you for stopping by to check the shop out, and spend some time with me and my thoughts.