It all seemed so simple in the beginning. I knew that I had artistic ability from a very young age. I wasted no opportunity to learn as much as I could about art and continue in my exploration of new techniques and ways to mature and improve in my talent. It seemed that all I would have to do is draw or paint and people would pay me to do what I loved, but I never realized how difficult marketing myself would be.
I suppose I just figured word of mouth would sell my artwork. Perhaps. A few paintings and murals were sold that way. Then, of course, friends would ask me to do something special for them, but how do you charge a friend? Now it's a gift, not a sale. Not a real good way to run a business. Oh, but, then there's the occassional "paint this mural for exposure" or "I'll give you a good referral" job. I worked so hard on many of those. A few paid off. The majority did not. I have no regrets. It's a path that I've taken and learned so much from. It has given me the perspective to appreciate where I started and where I'm going.
Maybe this is the key to launching my art career...
