The One Person Show
As an artist and published author I have found myself in the Do-It-All position. A one person show. I have created a card line, paintings and published books, which I have written and illustrated.
My card line, under the funkybirch logo, has more than 42 designs that I have created for birthdays, holidays and all occasion. New cards are added often.
I have written and illustrated books for children. So far three, I LOVE MY SOCKS (2019) , The Snowman Choir (2020) and The Bears’ Halloween Ball (2021) have been published. They are available in bookstores, toy stores, on Amazon and from me through my website. I am currently working on several other books and hope to publish them soon.
My paintings are mostly on canvas. Some of the paintings are printed into cards and are also available as frameable prints.
What goes into it all? First of all I must create. For my books I must write and illustrate a story, rhyme or poem. My card line needs new designs to keep it fresh. Painting, drawing and imagination are a very important part of that all coming together.
Next , the work needs to be published. I am an Indie author which means I publish independently through a publishing house that specializes in that type of work. My cards go to a local printing company. Both books and cards go through quite a process of scanning, page setup, proofing and determining selling price.
Marketing is a HUGE piece in the process. As an indie author and also with my card line, I have to do all the footwork and door knocking, so to say. I have to Contact editors of publications (newspapers) for articles and to show my work in a public forum. I have to Contact book stores and/or the companies buyers, toy stores and local shops to ask if they would be interested in carrying my work.
Flyers need to be made to be put out or mailed to businesses etc.. I also have book signings that I have to create with businesses and then advertise.
Social media, such as Facebook and Instagram are a good way to reach people in my area and also those across the country.
I have to keep the product and inventory stocked and also mail out orders. Sometimes samples as well. I also have to do my own book keeping. It is a very big job for one person to do and keep on top of everything and keep it fresh. Sometimes one needs to reinvent or add a new twist. I am looking to perhaps add furniture painting, in limited amounts as I had a piece that was included in a charity auction that was quite vigorously bid on.
A chair that I painted for a charity auction that had many bids. The painting was inspired by my painting and card “By The Lily Pond “.
I am sure that many fellow authors and artists can relate to being a one person show. Perhaps some day I will be able to hire people to take over some of the work. I am doing what I love and accomplishing my goals and dreams from long ago, so it is completely worth the push, push, push, push.