My first experience in selling art was on Etsy in 2010.
At the time, I was working as a software developer but yearned to make something of my new art practice. With the encouragement of peers from a mastermind group I attended, I opened an online shop. It only had a handful of original charcoal drawings on paper. And a lot of heart.
I had no idea if anyone would buy my work. But I knew Etsy was a popular place to sell handmade things.
In October of that year, I sold my first drawing to someone who found my art through an Etsy search. It was my largest and most expensive piece, a realistic drawing of a sea turtle I had photographed in Grand Cayman. The buyer was giving the turtle to her husband as an anniversary gift.
It felt incredible a stranger was willing to pay me for making art, and valued it as much as I did. Working with her was a positive experience that gave me fuel to keep going.
Fast-forward to summer of 2011 and I had sold 3 more originals and 2 prints. It was slow growth. But I wasn’t quitting.
That’s when I received an email I never expected.
The sender stated she worked for NBC. She found my art on Etsy and asked if they could buy a drawing for use on the set of Parenthood.
I didn’t believe her!
I did what any suspicious but curious person does, though. I googled her name.
And sure enough – she was who she claimed to be.
We processed paperwork, I filled the order, and shipped the artwork.
My drawing, Pear Bunch, later appeared on at least two seasons of Parenthood, in scenes with actress Lauren Graham.
It was surreal receiving messages from friends saying they saw my art on TV.
It was also the ultimate confidence boost for me, a new artist and business owner. A big, giant sign I was headed down the right path.
And had I not been brave enough to share my art in the first place?
I would’ve missed this opportunity. I wouldn’t have this wonderful memory to reflect on. And it wouldn’t be an encouragement to me now, all these years later.
So if you need encouragement, artist or otherwise, here it is:
Keep going. You never know what’s waiting around the corner for you.
