Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A Hint of Success

A pair of earrings in my Simplicity series hit the FP last night! That's always exciting in terms of views and hearts (bookmarks). I've sold things from Treasuries, but never from the front page so that that has little to do with the rush. It's all about exposure.

And it got me thinking. I figure I've hit the front page at least five times in the fifteen months that I've been selling on Etsy. There may have been more, but I can distinctly remember five times. and of course those times get closer together. It was probably five months into my Etsy experiment before I hit the front page the first time.

Much of it has to do with being part of the Bead Art Originals and Etsy Beadweavers Teams. Part of it is creating wonderful one-of-a kinds and part of it is making those little somethings that everyone wears. Part of it is using artisan beads. Part of it is bettering my photography skills. Part of it trying to be kind and professional in my dealings with everyone on Etsy. And I'm sure part of it is just being in the right place at the right time.

Since I first saw those threads on the Etsy fora about some not wanting to see the same people on the front page I've objected to them. In my view, if someone makes the front page time and time again, they excel. I know some artists who can't seem to stay off the front page and I rejoice for them, but I also know that they've earned the right to be there.

We shouldn't let jealousy get in our way. When we say I'm sick of seeing so-and-so there in the limelight. I want to be in the limelight, what is that but jealousy?

Now that I'm getting a few more front pages I'm wondering if people will start badmouthing me. Am I to be punished for having work someone loves? Am I to be punished for my mounting sales? If you work hard enough you're bound to have some small measure of success. When that happens to you, do you want people to punish you for it? That's all I'm saying.

No I'm not saying if you've never hit the front page you're doing something wrong or aren't successful. Success is a broad word and will be different for different people. The front page is a smallish kind of success in the grand scheme. But it makes me happy!

Check out Mak's Treasury:) And now I'll shut-up and just enjoy it I guess:)

7 comments:

  1. Don't second guess your success and don't let the naysayers get you down! -- One of the biggest lessons I've had to learn on Etsy. Sadly, you will find the same sort of thing happen at art fairs and farmers markets...you have to keep your success "low key" or those who (at least in their minds) have less success might start questionning the legitimacy of yours. It's all relative, however. I know vendors at market for whom a day with $25 in sales is one they consider a "good day"; others have to have at least $200 in sales to break even. I'm babbling ... just ENJOY!! :D

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  2. hooray for your front page successes! I'll let my front-page jealousy direct me down more productive routes, like working on improving my own work, shop, and photos. :) Your work definitely deserves all the attention it can get!

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  3. Good advice from someone who can't seem to stay off the FP,CD;) I'll enjoy:)

    Ginny, thank you!

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  4. I haven't seen that thread in the forum but really if you are lucky enought to get into a Treasury it is great but to make the FP is awesome - something to celebrate. The art world is full of jealous people and sometimes they are your "friends" - so sad.

    I love the barbary coast cuff - great theme.

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  5. I only go to our threads in the forum, so I've never heard anything but warm fuzzies about FP appearances.

    You are an awesome artist. That's the important part, not small petty people. Don't let 'em get to you.

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  6. I think is great when someone chooses you to be a part of their treasury. What a compliment and well deserved. Congrats on the FP.

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  7. DO NOT feel guilty. Regardless of what people say or excuses that they use, it's obvious that jealousy is behind it and if it were them, they'd shut up right quick.

    And of course there are those who seem to just love drama.

    Either way, it's out of your hands, so, JUST ENJOY IT!
    You deserve it!

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