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Hello. I'm an artist. Yesterday was my 2nd time participating in an online pop culture convention. I didnt sell much, and I dont get any profit since I misjudged the production number. The cost are so high it cost almost 50 dollar (which are huge amount of money in my country). I made a design for squid game-themed tote bag. The vendor who did the production told me they only take minimum 5 number of order so I paid them to make exactly 5.
This is my miscalculation.
My bag only sold 1. The other four didnt sell at all.
I am devastated since I borrowed half of my mother's money to cover the production, and I promised her that I will sell so much that I'll help her buy washing machine (I admit my family are not so well of to be able to purchase a washing machine).
But I didnt.
The total profit I got are less than the number of the production cost.
I cried when I know this. I was betting my all for this but I ended up wasting money.
I get so down, and I cried my heart out on my personal SNS. I commented on my own post that I got angry when people told me to enjoy the show and dont mind the loss.
One of my friend got offended, and told me that I should took their words because my loss means I don't have a big name in art community. I shouldnt join the con for the profit if I'm not a popular artist.
And I get angry because I know they're right.
I'm just a no one in art community. I got ahead of myself by thinking that I will be able to make profit with my mediocre drawing.
This hits me really hard. Especially since I've been thinking to stop drawing for some years. I cant get much customer when I post gigs and I cant be a full time artist with my lack of skill.
I just... Sad. I don't know how to pay for the cost because I don't have any clients....
Maybe I really should stop doing this.
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One artist to another. I too have dealt with failure to turn any sort of profit, so I know how you feel. Itβs not your fault.
ReplyI truly hope so...
I guess... I'm just jealous since my art don't sell much. I know it's a matter of one taste but the last 2 years of constant failing in getting commission I cant stop thinking that it's my fault...
ReplyI forgot to add that I made a deal with the vendor 3 days before the con started because I was told that any vendor will get busy after the con. But it was the the start of my miscalculation.
The bag are is already on production process.
This is how my design looks like:
https://twitter.com/Rama_gendhis/status/1471738909805580288?t=EMWkj8WGOYU0_Mry91_YYg&s=19
It looks mediocre, simple, and some of my friend told me the price are too expensive (no more than 7 in USD) and I know many other people sold it at much higher price (10 or almost 11 in USD) . The only thing I can boast about it is that it have zipper, inside pocket, webbing handle and patterned inside cloth. I plan to sell the leftover on cheaper price (perhaps around 5/6 in USD) but idk if it will sell... I tried to lift my spirit and convince myself that I can sell the leftover after new year but it's hard.
ReplyThat looks so cool!!!
Have you tried selling on ebay? There are many unknown artists who sell their work there, usually with a low starting bid just enough to cover shipping and recoup the cost of production. The idea isn't really to make money but to share your art.
I know how it feels though. I am a musician and I made 1 album and printed 100 CDs (it was soo expensive). I only sold 12 lol. But I kept the rest and told myself one day when I'm famous these "first editions" will be worth thousands ;) It's hard when we have no money but you have to keep looking to the future. Good luck my friend, you are very talented!
ReplyArtist myself, been there too. I used to work at a publicity agency... they squeezed my skills and burn me out so I quit (last november), I decided to make my own things at my own pace, I only made one comission so far, half my payment hasn't been deposited yet and my bills start to pill up so I know how hard it is to throw yourself out and see how hard is to fall... I will still try, because drawing is the only thing that keep me from taking my own life. Don't give up!
ReplyDon't give up. The one thing that can get you down is your own criticism. I am working part time and the other half trying to write and follow my dreams. Chasing our dreams is never easy. If it were, everyone would do this. Keep thinking positively. Try to think of a plan to keep things realistic but achievable. Let the wasted money be a lesson. Make a plan to start small and work your way up. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get noticed and be more successful. I have been working on my dream for about 3 years now. It sure is hard to keep the faith alive. I would find other friends who will support you in your goals and find like minded people that you can all network and support each other through. Maybe you aren't going to be noticed overnight but it takes time for each person to find the right way to get their work noticed. You never know if you are getting close or even get there if you stop now. Start by baby steps so you don't lose money and you build up your skill set. You've got this. - LS
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