Do you have a cheer squad?

I recently watched a video that discusses a topic most don’t consider. As a creative, there are times during the week when I feel like I’m not doing enough. I will get through a week and wonder what I did. Blink and wonder where my time went. I’ve found my focus seems scattered. Tasks that I need to complete and as I’m working on one, I think of an idea and then work on that.

Today, I sat down to take my meds and had to refill my weekly container. That led to cleaning my bathroom, which led to almost reorganizing the bathroom. It took me an hour to finally get around to refilling my meds.

I have to tell myself often, to stop and re-focus on what I was doing.

It’s the equivalent of feeling like I’m swimming against the current.

I then mentally beat myself up and wonder why I’m not making sales or the money I should for the work I’m doing. I wonder why no one is buying my designs or paintings, and think, am I doing what I should? I feel like I’m in a constant state of trial, error, and failure.

Some weeks are harder than others.

I then find myself in a state of a moody mindset that I can’t seem to get out of or change.

The video I watched discussed developing your cheer squad. A group of people that you trust and know that you message when you are feeling like this. You send a message, and they then reply with everything they value about you. They send words of encouragement, love, and joy. 

I think this is a brilliant idea for everyone not just people who work in the creative industry but for anyone who needs encouragement to push forward so they can get out of their way. It is a great tool to prevent self-sabotaging because let’s face it — EVERYONE does this.

EVERYONE self-sabatoges.

This idea is brilliant. I highly recommend you do the same.

Tales of Craft Fair Life

I worked my 4th event this past weekend and it went much better than the previous two. Gaging what people are going to buy, and how many people show up for the event is largely based on the advertising, posting, and sharing of the event of those who attend and by the event creator. What I’ve noticed is the $30-40 table events don’t seem to advertise or get the word out sufficiently. Kathy and I were lucky and 3 of our friends showed up and supported our businesses at this particular event and while I did make some money, it was really not great.

Kathy’s husband has been designing me a display rack specifically for my map designs and this show was it’s debut. It worked well and I’ve since purchased rechargeable lights that can clip onto the sides so it can be easily seen. In fact, a couple of ladies I had met at a different event loved the display stand.

I’m going to be tweaking the name tags for each slot to help identify each box a bit better. Each show I’m getting closer and closer to how I’m going to set up my table.

It can be very frustrating as a vendor when the show flops, obviously I think we all would like to make money. While I love doing this and I’m meeting some great people, it helps when there is a constant flow of traffic. Earning back my table expense is great but making 10x that is preferred. There is no prediction or gage as to how many people may show up. Since this is my 4th show, I’m not quite ready to drop more than $100 for a table, but events like what the 720 Market is doing in Canton, are busy, money-making events. I will be attending on of these 720 events this summer as a vendor.

Spring and summer events are always going to be busy, especially if it’s a farmer’s market. Starting this spring I will be attending the Hartville flea market as a Vendor. I think - I’m going to dedicate a couple of days a week. I just have to determine that process.

This means I need a tent and 2 tables instead of 1.

Am I ready for that?

I don’t feel ready. I don’t have a tent, yet.

I’m still trying to fit and organize what I’m selling on one 6-foot table. I’m also trying to make what I’m selling fit in one wagon. One trip in, one trip out. It’s about being efficient. Understanding my audience. Taking less and selling more. I do think my push pin maps will sell. I also think, having them framed, with pins, ready to be hung is the way to go.

My thoughts are always overwhelmed with new ideas and changes,

Eventually, I’ll figure it out, I’ll research, and overthink my way into the next idea. The next challenge. My next spark of creativity will occupy my mind until it’s completed. 

If you are interested in attending a craft event be sure to follow my facebook page, Events I book, I share on my page. Hope to see you there.

Mext major event for me is the 43rd Annual Lake Cable Craft Show on March 10th.

Until next week.