Opening an Etsy Shop: As told by GIFs

When people say things like, "You're so talented." My first reaction is like:

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And then I'm all:

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If they ask me about buying a piece and I have to come up with a cost I'm like:

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So I would imagine opening an etsy shop:

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But if anyone else suggested it I was all:

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Trying to open the shop on my own and was like:

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When my husband first mentioned things like "business plan," I was all:

But then he said I could doodle while we discussed the business plan and I was like:

You know me so well!
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But after a few discussions my progress was still just:

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Cause I can't find a large flatbed scanner to get good pictures of my work, so I get all:

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Hitting road blocks was just like:

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The day I finally sat down and opened my shop, my husband and I were like:

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But then he said I shouldn't buy more art supplies until I sold some art and I was all:

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So now when there's a sale on art supplies I actually needed, I'm like:

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When it's only friends and family favorite my shop, I'm like:

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But when someone I don't know favorites one of my items, I'm like:

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When I check my shop stats and I see that even one person has viewed my shop or items,

in my head I'm still like:

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But the next day I check and there are no views, I'm like:

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One day my husband joined etsy just to favorite my shop, I was like:

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And I'm blessed to have people in my life to support me like:

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Mission Accomplished: Etsy Shop Now Open

{That little nugget is me!}

After months {if not a lifetime} of preparation, I'm pleased to announce that my etsy shop is now {finally} open!

I've had so many fears and questions I've used to excuse myself from opening the shop, but I've finally listed and priced my art and opened my shop on Etsy.  It's only small mixed media {watercolor & colored pencil} illustrations for now.  I'll be adding more over the coming weeks of course, but we felt that 12 was sufficient to list for now.

The smaller works were listed first because I was able to scan them myself.  I felt the scanning process provided the best, most accurate representation of the works as photographs may skew the image colors and have a tendency to blur or over correct textures within the works themselves.  Some day soon I'll find an affordable scanner or photographer to take proper images of my paintings and begin listing those.

I believe if you buy a print you should have something that looks like a piece of art, not a picture of a piece of art. Prints should capture the essence of the original work, and for my process that includes brush strokes or indentations from the pressure of pencil on paper.  Therefore, I've felt prior attempts to photograph my art would, if translated to "prints," rob the potential buyer of the richness of movement and texture in the original work.

In addition to making prints from the digital files, I'm considering the possibility other products like calendars, notecards, etc. as I expand my product line in the future.

I am indebted to my husband for his patience, encouragement and support in helping me turn this vague dream into a reality, even as I dragged my feet much of the way.  It's quite a blessing to have him as a partner, and beginning this project has amplified my appreciation for his entrepreneurial mind and his business education.

My family and friends have been so encouraging and inspiring and I am so thankful for them.  These sweet people bless me me with ideas, supplies, and considerable encouragement in words, blog comments, offers, and even patiently sitting with me as I paint and draw.

Finally, thank you, Dear Reader, whether anonymous supporter, curious onlooker, family, or friend.  This online community has been immensely helpful, allowing me to post art and musings and document my journey.  Revealing my goals and art helped to hold me accountable thus far and I value your feedback so much.

I invite you to please visit my shop, where you can see and now purchase more of these works and perhaps add a little whimsy to your world. 
saturatedwhimsee.etsy.com or www.etsy.com/shop/saturatedwhimsee