How I Got My First Sale On Etsy

If you're reading this, you're probably in one of two situations.

A) You're about to open or just opened your shop and you want to get a running start and sell as quickly as possible.

B) You were person 'A' but it' has been awhile since your shop opening and you haven't sold anything yet and you need advice to sell that first item.

I was person 'A' and 'B' a one point. I was filled with extreme optimism that I would open my shop and my products would fly off the shelves. One month later I was frustrated that, despite all my work, nothing had sold. There were three key changes I made that changed this. And these were the changes that got me my first sale.

Better Pictures

This was the first step I took toward getting my first sale. I sell prints of my art and let me tell you, how I presented it affected views on my products. Originally, I had one photo up of the original artwork, and that was it.

Mistake #1 was that I only had one picture up and didn't use all five slots. Mistake #2 was that my picture was dark. Like, embarrassingly dark. No matter what lighting I used I just couldn't seem to make it brighter. But then I discovered how to edit the picture properly, improving the quality tremendously. Just look for yourself.

After fixing all of my photographs, I realized that all others selling prints and art showed their work in a mockup. A mockup is basically showing what your product would look like in a real life situation to give your customer more purchasing confidence. For artists, this typically means displaying the art in a frame. For crochet or knitting, this could mean showing your items on a model (or willing friends and family).

I went through three different mockups before settling. That's because I learned a lesson with each one. My first mockup was against a grey brick wall with a black frame. This looked wonderful in theory, but it turns out that people have a tendency to click on bright, eye-catching photos. So then I switched to a light off-white wall with a cream frame. While this one was brighter, it didn't stand out in any way. Basically, it was blah. Then I reached my final mockup. It was bright, eye-catching, and simple. And that is the perfect mockup formula. Here it is.

Now self-evaluate your photographs and see what you can do to improve them. Make them bright, simple, and enticing to get those views! If you need inspiration for your photos, you can check out what I've done HERE.

SEO

If you're a newbie, you're going to hear this over and over again. When I learned about and improved upon my SEO, more people were able to find me through search, and that's what we want. There are many paid sites out there that will help you with SEO but I use a free site that gives you almost all of the same features a paid one will. It is very helpful and eye-opening. You can read all about how I use it HERE.

Promotion

This is the final step I took in my shop, and it's the step that truly led to my first sale. Promote your work! Now, this doesn't have to be paid promotion, because I don't use it. There are plenty of free ways to get your work out there in front of potential customers. The site that got me my sale was (drumroll please) Facebook.

There are groups on Facebook all about Etsy. I joined a couple of these and started promoting (posting to the group) once a day with a different product. When I post, I usually get some likes, occasionally a comment, but always click-throughs. Even if nobody buys your item, you'll rank better in results because of increased views. Then, one day, it happened.

I was posting a Valentine's Day card in a group and a woman commented on it asking if I had a version with a hedgehog. At that time, I was actually planning on making one, so I told her I would have it up tomorrow. I made it, posted it to the group, and she purchased it that same day. Not only that, but she ended up looking at my other cards and purchasing one more!

Join groups and Facebook and hen discover other ways to promote that work for you. Social media is the most common way: Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter are usually the go-to for most sellers. Experiment and find what works for your specific market!

I was so excited when I got that sale, and I'm excited for you to get yours as well. Be patient, and be optimistic, it will happen. Your small business is only as good as the care you put into it. Nurture your shop, and it will grow! If you want to read about how to start and run an Etsy shop for free, read THIS. 

Do you have any questions about selling? Or, have you already sold your first item? Share your experiences in the comment section below. And don't forget to subscribe for more Etsy and small creative business tips!

7 Ways For Creatives to Rest

Bloggers and Artists need rest from work just like everyone else. Sometimes even more so. We don't work normal hours, we work most days, and we rarely take vacations. Rest is greatly needed.

Below are my favorite ways to take a break from work. I hope this list will help you do the same!

Music

Music has to be my number one way to relax. I'm music minded, the music I listen to can affect my whole outlook on the day. Do a little exploring with new music or listen to your tried and true favorites. If you're looking for something new, try Il Volo. They are my favorite music of all time.

Go Outside

The great out of doors. One of the best places to be! Fresh air, the sounds of nature, and sunshine. Going outside has been shown to improve your mood and reduce stress. Take a walk or try something like hammocking (I've been wanting to try this for awhile!). Go to the beach or your nearest park and enjoy nature.

Laugh

A nice way to relax is by having a good old fashioned guffaw. I've made a ritual out of doing this daily with my family. We watch an awesome YouTube channel called Good Mythical Morning. It's a channel run by two guys named Rhett and Link, and let me tell you, they are hilarious. They've been known to make me cry from laughter. If you feel like laughing until you cry, watch this video, I laughed so hard I got a stomach ache.

Snack Break

Snacks are a great way to recharge during a stressful project. Just make sure you grab something healthy! Go get some fruit, a handful of nuts, a little cheese, the options are endless. If you want something a little more indulgent or 'snack flavored' check out this post on my favorite healthy snacks for artists and bloggers. Time to refuel!

Dance

Sometimes you've just got to let loose. Turn up your jam and get dancing! When I'm feeling frustrated or wired from a project, dancing calms my nerves and gets out the jitters so I can get back to work. Don't know which song to dance to? I really like this song to break out some moves!

Breathe

Deep breathing is a great way to get some rest. It slows your heart beat, lowers stress, and gets you refocused. A technique I learned was this: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7, and breathe out for 8. This exercise helps me tremendously.

Nap

What better way to rest than sleep? It's been shown that often a quick cat nap can rejuvenate you in the middle of the day when you need a pick me up. Most of us need an excuse to sleep a little more, so if someone catches you snoozing, just tell them it's for the good of your business (*wink*).

Those are the seven ways I rest from creating. They all help me and I hope you get a boost in your day from these as well!

What are some of your favorite ways to rest from work? Share in the comment section below! And don't forget to subscribe for more lifestyle tips for creatives!

*Bonus question: If you watched the above videos, what did you think about them? I can't wait to hear your opinions!

7 Healthy On The Go Snacks For Bloggers and Artists

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

I don't know about you, but in my creative career, I rarely feel like getting up from my project to make a snack. Something to grab while I'm still working is what I want. Not only do I want convenient, I want healthy too.

I'm going to share with you seven of my favorite healthy snacks. Due to health complications, I follow the paleo diet. This means no gluten, grain, dairy, legumes (that includes peanuts), soy, or refined sugar. That makes these snacks relatively allergy friendly.

I'll break  these snacks into two categories: sweet and savory. Now keep in mind, while these are made of healthy ingredients, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. But if you must indulge (it happens to the best of us) these are a much better choice than candy and cheese puffs! Alright then, let's start with savory.

Savory Snacks

Terra Chips & Wholly Guacamole

This is such a satisfying combination. Terra Chips are made from vegetables but they don't taste 'healthy' like you would expect. They can taste similar to tortilla chips, depending on the variety you get. My absolute favorite are the Taro Chips.

What better pair for chips than guacamole? My favorite guacamole is Wholly Guacamole. It's made from pure, simple ingredients with no additives. That's my kind of food. When I eat this guacamole with my taro chips, my taste buds dance!

Almond Butter

Almond butter is a great source of protein. And it was my go to snack (until I developed an intolerance from eating way too much of it) and I can't wait to eat it again! Usually I just ate it straight out of my own personal jar. There is a brand that sells them in individual, serving size packets called Justin's Almond Butter. I haven't tried them personally but I've heard nothing but good things about this brand. They also offer sweetened and flavored varieties like maple and vanilla. When I can eat almond butter again, I'm definitely going to try these!

Plantain Chips

Warning: these are so addictive! They have that perfect crunch and just the right amount of salt. Now they're usually made in palm oil so you don't want to make these your go to snack, more like a special treat. I get mine from the bulk bins at my local store, but there are brands that sell them as well, such as Inka Chips.

Sweet

Dang Coconut Chips

Another warning on an addictive snack here! Dang Coconut Chips are a glorious little wafer of melt in your mouth goodness. My favorite variety is the Caramel Sea Salt. When I have a bag of these, I am one happy camper. They also make a great crunchy topping for desserts or breakfast foods!

Larabars

Fruit and nuts are what you'll find in these. Larabars are a great alternative to the typical cereal bar. They have so many flavors like apple pie, lemon, banana bread, brownie, and my personal favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. These are so convenient and they sure do hit the spot when I'm hungry!

Coconut Butter

Another great eat right out of the jar snack is coconut butter, also known as coconut manna. I eat this when I feel like I need an energy boost, and it helps a lot. I usually get Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna. It's smooth and creamy and delicious. Sometimes I'll add a little raw honey and vanilla to it and make a frosting. It's very versatile.

Hail Merry Miracle Tarts

These are heaven on earth. Be warned, they're very rich and filling. But so worth it. The tarts are more of a dessert than a snack, but we can make an exception this time right? *Smile*. My favorite drool-worthy flavor is Persian Lime. At this moment my mouth is watering just thinking about it.


These are all my favorite healthy (sometimes indulgent) snacks. Each one of these can be found at your local Whole Foods. Many of them can be found at places like Kroger and Target. Look for them next time you're grocery shopping!

What's your favorite healthy snack? Share in the comment section below. And don't forget to subscribe for more healthy living tips for bloggers and artists!

4 Common Blogger/Artist Health Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

We as bloggers and artists, despite what many people think, put a lot of strain on our bodies in our line of work. The strain comes from hours hunched over our desks, over-working our wrists, and sitting all day in a chair. Pain may not be an immediate result from this type of lifestyle, but over time, it will set in and take a toll on our bodies. Below are the four most common health problems bloggers and artists have, and solutions to fix, or prevent, the damage they cause.

Carpel Tunnel

I've had carpel tunnel since I was about twelve years old. It came after too many art and writing projects and got progressively worse as my school career went on. When we spend years typing, drawing, painting, carving, sculpting, and doing other such creative activities, we can cause damage to our wrists and hands. There are special tools that can help prevent discomfort.

Ergonomic tools are a go-to for helping people with carpel tunnel syndrome and even arthritis. If you're a blogger, you need an ergonomic keyboard wrist rest to take the strain off of your wrists from typing. If you're an artist, you need an ergonomic grip for your pencils and pens. There are specially made paint brushes with this feature. These tools are created to distribute pressure more evenly across your hand.

Another very simple way to help deal with the strain is taking quick breaks a couple times an hour to stretch your wrists and hands. Roll your wrists in both directions, stretch your fingers forwards and backwards. Do this for a few minutes to get the blood flowing in your hands.

Combining stretching and ergonomic tools will help greatly with the discomfort that comes from working with your hands.

 Neck Strain

Neck strain is another common problem for artists and bloggers. Our workspaces are below eye-level and require us to look down, hanging our heads, adding strain to our necks. There are two simple fixes for this problem.

The first is to take frequent breaks. Roll your neck side to side and stretch your shoulders. The second is to raise your work surface closer to eye-level. By doing this, you'll not have to hang your head as low, therefore taking strain off of your neck. You can raise your computer by setting it on a small, sturdy box or even a few books. If you're an artist and don't use an easel, invest in a art desk that has an adjustable surface angle. Or, if you can't invest into an entire desk, you can get a portable desk box easel. By simply raising your work surface, you can relieve neck strain.

Poor Circulation

Circulation problems are probably the most common issue for creatives. We're most often sitting, working tirelessly without a thought of standing up, only finishing our projects. This inevitably leads to a lack of proper blood flow to our legs and feet. There are two things I do to combat this.

The first is stretching (see a theme here?). Get up frequently with an emphasis on stretching and moving your legs. Yoga is great for this; a gentle workout that provides great benefits. Or you can just turn up the volume on your favorite song and jam out for a little while. It's up to you, just get moving!

The second thing I do is use a foot roller. Whenever I'm sitting down to write or work on my art, I just place it under my feet and roll it back and forth. The way it works is by stimulating the pressure points on your feet. The one I use can also be frozen or heated to add extra therapeutic power. You can find it here.

Back Pain

Sitting all day also can lead to back pain. And, if you chronically sit with poor posture, it can lead to a misaligned spine. I've found three things to help prevent this. The first you've probably already guessed.

Stretching. Yup, you guessed it! Stretching and yoga will promote proper blood flow to your spine and create a strong core necessary for a healthy posture. If you're having trouble sitting up straight, you may need to get special tools to help you do that.

A posture corrector will help you sit up straight by pulling your shoulders back just enough that you can't hunch over. Or, if your lower back is the problem instead of the shoulders, you can use a tailbone pillow. This will help with hip pain as well as back pain. Yay for added comfort!

The final thing is to see a chiropractor. Many people don't like the thought of going to one, but I have had a good experience. Not only has my back pain decreased, but my neck pain as well. I highly recommend it!

There you have it, four common blogger and artist health problems and ways you can fix them. Make sure to keep your health a priority so that you can keep creating and doing what you love!

Have you experienced any (or all) of these problems before? What did you do that you found helped? Share in the comment section below and don't forget to subscribe at the top of the page to stay up to date with artist and blogger lifestyle tips!

8 Best House Plants For Your Creative Workspace

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.

House plants are one of my favorite things to decorate with, and my creative workspace is no exception. They make everything feel fresh and alive. Upon doing some research, I have discovered there are eight plants that are specifically beneficial for artists to have in their studio and bloggers in their office!

In the 1980's NASA conducted an experiment lead by B.C. Wolverton investigating the air purification abilities of several house plants. I've selected eight of those plants, based upon the results of the test, that give extra benefit to artists and bloggers. These plants filter out the chemicals in the air that may be produced by your supplies and equipment!

English Ivy

A fairly well-known plant, English Ivy was shown to filter out benzene and trichloroethylene. These chemicals can be found in your paint, dyes, adhesives, and even printer ink! Place the plant on a stand in the corner of the room or make it a hanging plant!

Cornstalk & Red-Edged Dracaena

These two relatives also filter benzene and trichloroethylene out of the air. A Dracaena type plant is perfect to place in the corner of a room; they grow vertically. This is great if you don't want to take up any space from your work surface.

Chrysanthemum

Let's change things up with a bright, colorful flowering plant. It's said that bright colors improve your

mood and inspire creativity. We definitely want more of that in our creative workspaces! Not only are

they stimulating to your brain, but they also filter out all of he chemicals tested in the experiment. This includes benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia. These chemicals can be found in many products, including household cleaners. I'd consider the 'Mum' an all-star plant!

A pink Chrysanthemum blossom.

Variegated Snake Plant

This one is a nice plant to put on your desk. Another vertically growing plant, it does a great job at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. Little space taken up, easy to take care of, and cleaner air, perfect for the small studio or workspace!

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is another 'all-star' plant. It filters benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia out of the air. These plants produce bright white flowers, great for the workspace with an airy vibe. It is also a very tolerant plant and good for those without a 'green thumb'.

Barberton Daisy

Barberton Daisies are the perfect plant for an artist or blogger with concerns for their pets. They filter benzene and trichloroethylene out of the air and are non-toxic to pets and children. So, if you think Fido or little Billy is going to take a nip at your house plant, this is the one to get. Bonus: they have beautiful flowers!

A beautiful, orange Barberton Daisy

Aloe Vera

Aloes are a favorite among many people. While they do have great air purifying abilities, as all of these plants do, I chose to list this one for another reason: it's healing capabilities! When the gel on the inside of the leaf is applied to a cut, wound, or burn, it helps speed up the healing process. If you keep one of these in your workspace, you won't need to worry if a project goes awry, or get a paper cut (we all know how painful those can be!).

All of these plants are perfect for your studio or creative office. Your air will be cleaner and your space brighter. Don't miss out on the health benefits these guys have to offer! Visit your nearest plant nursery or store to pick one (or more) out to come home with you. Or, if you're more the do-it-yourself type, check out the list of supplies and tools below that you can choose from.

Which kind of houseplants do you have? Share in the comment section below. Don't forget to subscribe at the top of the page to get more tips and tricks for living as an artist and/or blogger!

Healthy Living Tips For Creative Entrepreneurs

Calling all creatives! You've got to remember to take care of yourself. When you're healthy, your business is healthy. Whether you blog, run an Etsy shop, or freelance your creative abilities, making healthy choices with help your business thrive.

But this isn't just any typical healthy living post, this is geared directly to the needs of all artists (that means you too bloggers, I consider you 'word artists'!) We need specialized tips for our line of work. Alrighty then, let's get started.

Exercise

Getting the proper exercise is especially important for artists and bloggers because we spend most of the day hunched over our work. This can mess up your spine's alignment, which can cause a whole lot of other issues. At the very least, we need to stretch multiple times a day. A perfect way to do this is to practice yoga.

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise. It's easy on the body while still promoting healthy blood flow and toned muscles. If you're not into cardio or lifting weights, yoga is definitely for you. Not only that, but it's easy to do in the comfort of your own home. There are several YouTube channels you can follow, or, you could use a site like MyYogaWorks*. Whatever you choose, make sure you get moving! Focus on stretching your back, neck, and hands. These areas get the brunt of our work.

*Not an affiliate link, just a really great site I wanted to share!

Food

Eating the proper foods is the foundation for good health. I know this especially well; I have Celiac Disease and changing my diet has helped me heal. There is a 'diet' I'm rather partial to: the paleo diet.

The Paleo Diet is great for all lifestyles because it cuts out all junk food by default. Now that doesn't mean not eating treats, because there are some pretty darn delicious ones like these. But by eating more nutritious foods, you're really supporting your creative process. Processed foods can cause a symptom called "brain fog" (not being able to think clearly or quickly) which can affect your work. How can you come up with new and exciting ideas if your brain is taking a nap? It's time to buckle down and eat healthier!

Mindset

We creatives tend to be very critical of our own work. This can lead to us having a negative mindset about ourselves and possibly the world around us. Negative thoughts are very bad for your health; they keep you from enjoying life to the fullest.

You see, as artists of all different kinds, we have the job of capturing all that is wonderful and meaningful in this world and funneling into a single artwork. If we live life  through a negative lens, we won't be able to do our job properly. We are here to help people, to inspire them. You may think that using the 'rose colored' lens in life is just plain naïve. But I beg to differ. It's a choice, a choice to see the good. When we make this choice, we realize that nothing is impossible for us. And then, only then, will new heights be reached.

Relationships

Creative entrepreneurs often spend their entire workday working on their craft. This type of work can make for a very lonely, and arduous day. Making relationships a priority is vital for any person's health.

Artists can become very comfortable in their solitude, but we must push ourselves out into the world. Get our minds off of work, relax, and experience new things. Not only will this enrich our minds and therefore our creative process, but it will also give us that support system we all need on those tough days. Whether it be a family member, a romantic relationship, or a friend, start planning a fun night out in the next week. Leave your work for awhile, be refreshed. Your business will thank you in the end.

Exercise, food, mindset, and relationships are the cornerstones of healthy living for all people, especially artists. This week, get out there and move, eat smart and well, think positively, and have fun with your loved ones.

Do you have any tips for being a healthy artist? Share in the comment section below!

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How To Easily Come Up With New Products

Coming up with new product ideas can become difficult pretty quickly when you start your creative business. It was difficult for me before I even started! I tried very hard to come up with new and fresh concepts off the top of my head. Can anyone you relate?

I had to do something about this to prevent my small business from crashing before ever taking off. Just about as fast as I could, I developed a new anti "creative block" system. And now I going to share it with you!

Look To The Pros

Who better to get inspiration from than the people who have been successful? Now this is important. Do not copy their work. We're there to see the endless possibilities and spark an idea, not use somebody else's. Looking at the work of the 'pros' in your industry gives you a goal to shoot for. For me, this means looking at the work of famous artists and designers. For someone who knits or crochets, this could mean looking for inspiration at clothing stores. You get the picture.

Get Inspired By What's Around You

You can find inspiration for new products all around you. Go outside and be in awe of nature's beauty. Listen to a new music style. Look at those eye-catching pictures on Pinterest (you can find anything there, can I get an amen!) A certain color, sound, or smell could spark your next big idea. I was inspired to paint an Italian scene by some opera music I started listening to. In the end, I ended up painting three Italian themed paintings. Opera was my spark, who knew?

Research The Market

Look around to see what's trending. Not only will you be able to get some new concepts going, you'll be creating things that will be more likely to sell. Go to sites like Etsy and Amazon to see what type of products are selling the best. I jumped on the minimalist train and created some simple artworks after seeing how well they were doing for other artists.

Repurpose Your Work

When the above steps in the system don't work for you, go back to what you can trust. Your very own work. If you have a sculpted vase design that is doing well, smack a new handle on that baby. A necklace that people just can't get enough of? Make it in a new color. A blog post that went viral? Make a part two follow up! I did this with a butterfly sketch. I had one, saw that it was doing well, and then created two more to be sold individually and as a set. You are your best resource!

"Creative block" can be really tough to get through, but the above steps will of tremendous help to you. Have you been through a dry-spell before? What did you do to overcome it? Share how you created when creating didn't seem possible.

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