Hello! I wanted to say that I really love your stories and that they bring me so much joy!
Your works have been so much of an inspiration for me to do what I do and I really want to say thank you for that.
I'd like to ask, what advice would you give for new artists who are interested in opening their own art shop one day?
Aww, I’m really happy and honoured to hear that!
As for advice, here are some things I would have told myself when I was starting, everything is subjective and depends on the individual so do take it with a pinch of salt!
1. Start small!
It’s tempting to make large quantity orders because some manufacturers provide bigger discounts, but it’s very risky at the beginning because you don’t know what will sell. I personally rather sell out than have large stock that takes ages to sell preventing me from trying new things since you learn and change a lot at the start!
2. Draw what you love, not what is trendy or popular (eg drawing characters/relationships you love vs popular characters)
Personally, things that I draw out of love and inspiration are those that not only am I more proud of, but also sells better. If you’re passionate about it, it’s likely there’s people out there who are as passionate, and that’s where you find your niche and audience. Additionally, popular characters will most likely have well-known artists that draw for them already, so it’s difficult to breakthrough if you’re not passionate about it. If what you love overlaps with what’s trendy/popular, that’s fine!
3. Use social media wisely!
It’s the most useful but tiring tool to use. If people don’t see your stuff, they won’t know it’s out there, but don’t be too focused on numbers! Low numbers does not mean rejection, high numbers do not mean success. I’ve had plenty of reels/tiktoks with have high views and engagement that do not reflect the sales number. Don’t take data personally, consider it more as food for thought.
“why did this artwork not resonate with people? how can i improve it/showcase it better?” “why did this artwork (yours or others) resonate with people? how can i emulate this more?”
On the same note, photos/videos of your products always need to have good lighting! Sun and your phone camera is enough to start with. I recently enjoy taking photos holding my stuff against greenery.
These are some smaller thoughts:
- Try to post tiktoks only after your items are available to order (unless you’re just gauging market). I’ve had a video go viral (1m+ views) long before it was available online and when I did release it online, most people didn’t see it because that’s just how tiktok algorithm works :’) your followers are less likely to see your stuff, compared to twt/insta, imo.
- Many of my first customers became returning customers, so do ensure you treat your packages with care so they have a good experience! (i personally prepare thank you cards hehe)
- Keep packaging minimal so they are lighter and less waste. Additionally, I’ve started using less flashy packaging (brown instead of coloured) because I’ve heard coloured ones may be at risk of theft (unconfirmed). I keep decorative packaging inside only.
Alright, I just walked into a bookstore and I'm perusing the shelves when my eyes catch "Percy Jones Award Winning Author". I pull it from the shelf intrigued and open it up to read the dust jacket. What's the summary?
Also if Percy had a favorite food what would it be?
Percy leans back in her chair, a chill smile resting on her face.
"Ah, Hello again T33th. Nice to hear from you. It says, Detective Halloran never had an easy job being the precinct's only detective. After flushing out a group of corrupt cops nobody seems to trust him.
When a beguiling figure walks into his office, he has no choice but to solve her case. Just who is Naster McNeil? What did he know and why was he murdered? Halloran and Molly are on the case...."
Percy smiles. "How's that? As for Favorite foods, I am rather partial to boxed Mac n Cheese or Take out Sushi. But ever since living in Ambrose has changed my diet, Lester's Creole cuisine has me finding more appreciation for the state of Louisiana."
i dont rmb if i ever sent a msg here but i absolutely love your art n the comics
i love how soft n [animal crossing villager limbs vibe] all the characters have, i love the plentiful scara and nahida hurt/comfort comics, i love it soooo mucchhhhh
<333333 hope ure doing well!!
thank you so much!! 🥰🥰 i appreciate it. and i love the comparison to animal crossing stubby arms and legs haha
hiya! just wanted to start off with that I really like your art and art style, it’s really pretty <3 I was also wondering, how do you do the crosshatching (I think that’s what it’s called?) on the character’s hair? other than that any art tips for someone who feels like they’re not improving much with drawing are welcome :D again thank you for making so much amazing, inspiring art 🌸
have a great day!
hello, thank you for the kind words, i really appreciate it!!
here's how i do hair:
first, i consider the lighting and crosshatch the shadowy areas by drawing straight lines in the direction of the hair, but mixing up the direction where i can to give a more interesting texture! i tend to think of hair as a carved wooden doll with flat surfaces so my shadows/light areas look more blocky. after that, you can darken some edges for the core shadow where the light hits, and also some darker shadows!
i mostly just experiment with what looks good to me and change it up however. honestly, i'm still figuring it out myself, but i hope this thought process helps abit!
as for tips, i'd say to keep exploring various methods etc. i only developed my style after i did inktober, where i realised how much i liked using lines. i struggled with colours a lot, so i took colours out of the equation and figured something out with lines first! then it helped my painting style too.
also!! sketchbooks are my saving grace. i used to go straight to digital and i'd just end up with nothing but a blank canvas, but now i'd sketch out all my ideas traditionally first and it really helps the ideas flow personally.
keep learning, experimenting, and eventually you'll find what and how you like to draw. pursue it, and that's where you'll find your style. trust the process! learning may be overwhelming, but eventually you'll internalise the thoughts and ideas and translate it for yourself.
