Can I make a living creatively?

Please join me in welcoming contributor Tara Swiger of Crafting a Business to the Handmade Success blog!  Tara is a woman who has made a living creatively and who generously shares her insights on her blog and through her classes.  Thank you Tara for these inspiring words!  ♥Jordan

I just got an email (really, just as I sat down to write this).
The sender asked, “Is it REALLY possible for me to make a living creatively?”

Instead of asking her what she did or what her skills were, I answered.
(note: None of the above matters anyhow. For you, either. I promise)

The short answer:
Absolutely.

The long answer:
You can, but you need to look at what that question really means, to you.

Here’s a few examples:

It depends on what “a living” is to you.
Can you replace a NYC-lawyer’s salary in your first year, probably not. Can you replace a Appalachian secretary’s salary (that was me), most definitely.

It depends on what you have the time + capacity to do RIGHT NOW.
If nothing else in your life changed, how much time can you put towards your creative life? (hint: it may be more than you think; there’s lots of nourishing, relaxing things that lead to creativity).

It depends on what “creatively” means to you. If you love patching together many income streams + you’re comfortable with risk (and reward), than you’ll have an easier time than if you have a very narrow range of what you’re willing to do.

It depends on what you sell and at what price points.
Can you make a living with $3 items that take 2 hours to make? The math says, no.
Can you make a living with $300 paintings that take a day or two to paint? Maybe.
Sell the originals, but sell some printed cards or prints and you’re in business.

And the final thing?
It depends on how bad you want it.
Working with hundreds of makers + crafters, some who have succeeded, some who have…not, has taught me one thing: the people who want it, get it.
They bet the farm, take the risk, make the jump.
They put in long hours, implement their ideas, seek help.

I’m not a fan of pushing yourself; I’m a fan of committing passionately, insanely, amazingly.
Knock your own (handknit) socks off.
Spill your creativity into every aspect of your life, whether it’s part of your “job” or not.

So can you do it?
It depends.
(For the record, I believe you CAN.)

Next month I’ll talk about why you might not have the success you want yet…and how to get it.

In the meantime I’d like to know: What do YOU think? Can YOU make a living creatively? Why or why not? Tell me in the comments!

Tara Swiger crafts businesses, makes yarn and takes naps. If you’re craving some business-smarts for your craftastic adventure, check out her CraftyBiz Kitchen or get free weekly SparklePointers, delivered right to your inbox.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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