Thanks so much for your comments on the post earlier this week.
I’m especially grateful for Kate’s comment:
“It’s funny that you speak of closing the Etsy shop…just as I am about to open one. Even funnier that I almost intuitively already know that I won’t have many sales (even before I read your post) – but yet it’s something that I just have to do. i’ve been thinking about doing it for so long now, so it’s almost like checking off the box for me. I almost feel like it won’t be the Etsy shop that actually brings to me to new heights, but rather the ACT of opening the Etsy shop that will open doors for me…get my creative juices flowing…& get myself out there a little more. It’s just something I have to do. So who knows. maybe the ACT of opening an Etsy shop was the same for you..the catalyst to where you are today.”
It is so true and I’m so glad that she mentioned it. I 100% believe that there is no way I would be doing what I am doing right now if I hadn’t of gotten brave and opened an etsy shop. In a way it really has nothing to do with sales…it was the act of creating an etsy shop, putting myself and my work out there that allowed me to take other steps like making a new website and actually sharing my photos with people, to making e-courses and putting myself out there even more.
We need to start with one step and creating an etsy shop is a big one.
I really hope I didn’t discourage any photographers from making one. It is a great way to get your work out there.
Here are a few of my favourite etsy shops of photographers, and who are great examples of what unique things you can offer.
Retinal Perspectives ~ I so love Elizabeth’s whimsical, beautiful way of seeing the world. Her etsy shop is full of great goodies including a Happy Surprises Card Club. She is such a great example of a photographer on etsy who really thinks outside the box in the way she creates products.
Arfism ~ A new local pal of mine Zoée does the most incredible self-portraits and has them for sale in her etsy shop. I’ve been a fan of her work long before I met her and am so glad she now has a place where we can purchase her work.
In the Violet Hour ~ Another photographer who’s work I love in print is that of Kristen of In the Violet Hour. Her polaroids take my breath away.
Little Put Books ~ This shop is such a great example of going beyond the print for how they share their photography. Jewelry made from photographs, prints on wood, and other goodness.
As well, one of my favourite photographers, the fabulous Andrea Jenkins, aka Hula70 is having a 2 for 1 sale in her etsy shop. I already have 2 of her pieces on my wall and totally want more!
Do you have an etsy shop? Leave a link with yours if you do as I’d love to come visit it!