​Throughout the years of running my gallery, I have engaged in numerous conversations with customers regarding my artwork.

And I've also received numerous inquiries from fellow artists asking me about building a successful art business. These inquiries reminded me of when I was in their position, eager to establish a thriving business venture with my creative work.

Do you know that nagging feeling that nudges you to turn your art into a side hustle and eventually a full-time business so you can quit your 9-5 or earn money with your talent?

Have you done anything about that yet?
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As we approach the last half of the year, you may feel discouraged that you have yet to make progress toward your dream. It's easy to blame external factors for the lack of change, but reflecting on what could hold you back is essential.
I am sure you know that the guilt of not accomplishing something dear and near to your heart can be draining.

I get it; before I started my art business that was how I felt. I was overwhelmed because I didn't know how to start selling my art, and I also felt like I had no time, which wasn't true because I had time to paint.
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My paintings were filling up my tiny 600 sq. footage apartment which inevitably reminded me that something had to be done, or else I would continue working on my soul-crushing job with an apartment that looked like a storage space for art.

So what was stopping me from pursuing my dream at that time? Fear. I was protecting my ego from getting hurt. I was afraid that if I put myself out there and no one liked my art, the rejection would destroy my self-esteem, and I would look like a fool.

So instead of doing something healthy and good for my self-development, I decided to remain small and keep myself from harm until the guilt got so big that it swallowed up my happiness.....until I had enough.

Listen, friends, don't let that be your truth because keeping your ego safe does not dissolve the urge to quit your 9-5 or make a living with your special gift. The only thing it does is keep you small.

And you know that you are meant for more.

The only thing that is stopping you is your mindset. Nothing else; therefore, to get to the stage when you are ready to take action, you must work on your attitude.

Maintaining a never-give-up attitude and a healthy mindset is essential to success as a working artist.

​Mindset Solution I have created a short and apprehensive workbook to help you break through the barriers holding you back and keeping you stuck. This exercise will show you the old habits that keep you safe but unaccomplished, and it will also show you what you can do from your experience. And by the end of the practice, you will undoubtedly reframe your mindset. Click here for your workbook.

It's essential to take action if you want positive things to happen in your life. Once you're ready to make changes, your life will transform, and you'll feel energized about your day because you're no longer just going through the motions; you are doing something that matters.

With Joy,
​Ting

​Hi artists, last newsletter, I talked about the ins and outs of gallery representation, if you haven’t read it yet, click here. 

​Now, let’s talk about self-representation; 
I chose self-representation as an artist after having the restrictions and rules put on me by gallerists and bad experiences of payment failures and lost work. 

The limited freedom to grow my art business and my experiences with traditional galleries left me feeling like I had lost control of my art business hence my departure from gallery representation. 

From then on, I became a self-represented artist in charge of my destiny. I have made a great business out of my art that has lasted over 23 years. Without further adieu, here is the list of advantages and disadvantages of self-representation.