Being successful doesn’t mean following the traditional route.
Media moguls are cutting college to develop their startups, artists are dumping art education for self-education and personal development, and writers publishing their books before they sign on with publishing companies.
The world of DIY (Do-it-yourself) and POD (Print On Demand) is becoming a norm. From the internet, self publishing and product development has been put in the hands of the public. And buyers are beginning to view self published products the same as traditionally produced items. The launch of people driven product sites like Cafepress, Blurb and Imagekind are proof of this.
But, having said that, my point to be made is that one is no longer confined to the standards of traditional publishing and licensing markets. We have the ability to offer our own artwork and art products direct from us.
On our own terms.
WE ARE OUR OWN BOSS
Because of companies like Zazzle, Imagekind, Cafepress, Flickr, Lulu, and Blurb, we can be our OWN editors, designers, producers, clothing designers, merch retailers, writers and PR.
We determine the deadlines.
We make choices on content and distribution.
We decide when something is available and when it’s retired.
We can offer limited editions, special editions, special series, one of a kind products that no one can get anywhere else but from YOU. We can create our own success.
INDEPENDENCE MEANS HARD WORK
What you have to consider, however, that with such self-reliance and potential opportunity, there is the need for self-motivation. You must set your goals and make them happen.
- Marketing is based on your limited resources and time.
- You set the limits of your success.
- You have to wear all the hats in the company.
- It takes more time, if not more money.
Weigh in the negatives and the positives.
How does it fit your overall business plan? Can you afford the time to do this now? Will it make things easier or harder for you? Do you have help from friends, employees, or colleages? or would you rather work on it alone?
You can promote on little to no money, but it does require much more effort. It’s going to take passion, technological skills, charm, and persistence to promote your work to the world. If you have the financial means to advertise and market with a PR firm or other means, than congrats! That’s what we all dream to be able to do.
Promoting the work is just as much work as in creating the art you are promoting!
6 WAYS TO CREATE YOUR OWN SUCCESS
1. Research print on demand sites/DIY Products for your particular product or craft.
2. Ask others who use these sites for advice or their personal perspective.
3. Study how others made it successful with POD sites.
4. Determine your personal goals and create an “Attack Plan” to make it happen.
5. Know what products or artwork you want to offer: How, Where, When and How much?
6. Learn to pace your self and set times to work on it by creating a product development schedule.
Projects, when done properly, planned thoroughly, and made well can take months, or even a year or more. I’ve seen many people like myself try to produce something right away and end up burnt out and give up. Those that are successful carefully plan and take their time developing and planning.
Success is yours if you want it.
What are some great DIY/Product/Art shops/sites that you have come across or used? Share with us in the comments!
