Happiness in Business
When I started my (cover) art business, the two things that I feared most, were setting prices and talking to customers. I was so afraid of making a fatal mistake and making a fool of myself. Of course, this is a part of starting something new: you have to be willing to first be a fool, before you become a professional. While chatting to a potential commissioner, it’s easy to say the wrong thing or to ask the wrong price, or to get insecure when the commissioner claims you’re too expensive. Artists in general don’t like the business side of their work. In the beginning, neither did I.
Who in the world would have ever guessed that dealing with customers would become one of my favourite parts of being a dark artist? Somehow I always assumed the conversations were going to be cold, distant and business like and I suppose for many people this is a reality. But, as opposed to most entrepreneurs, artists not only sell a handmade product, but also a piece of their whole being. So, what I had not realised was that the people who are interested in buying my art or in commissioning me, are also interested in a personal connection with the artist herself. Lucky me! I am gaining so many interesting friends, who support me in so many ways. They share my work, promote my artworks on their timelines, they buy my work and give me commissions….. It feels like I have developed a small fan base and…. I suppose I have! I am very grateful. Without people supporting my work, I am just another talented but unknown artist.
Because I am a dark artist, most of my clients are dark fiction authors. Well, needless to say it‘s wonderful for me to work with people I understand. They are, like me, interested in the darker side of life. Most dark creatives have been through quite a lot in life, which makes a personal and deeper connection easy and natural.
So yes….. contracts need to be set up and signed, problems have to be solved and fees have to be paid. But to me, the absolute best is seeing the book cover appear online, to receive the actual book in my mail box and of course… the making of new friends.
