It's not just a job or it doesn't have to be....

Starting a business during a world crisis seems like I didn't really think this through and if I'm honest I didn't think about it all. I just did it. But that's kinda the girl I am, as those who know me will confirm. I've never been one to spend too much time considering the consequences and as I get older, that time has lessened even more but I suspect that's the influence of experience. You can quickly assess the pros and cons, the do's and don'ts and certainly whether you have the right people around you to help you get to where you want to be. That being said, this time has been slightly different because now everything is online.

In the past, any new enterprises that I started or got involved in had an element of selling myself, in person, and involved items or properties or just something you could feel, enjoy or use. Now, you might argue that it's still the same because as a consumer you still receive something at the end of it, the only difference being, is that before you get what you've paid for, you've probably watched a video, read a blog or listened to a webinar before committing.

For me, this is a whole new ball game because where before I would plant myself somewhere I could be noticed, I now have to digitally try to shine amongst so many amazing creative and talented artists that it could be overwhelming. And it's come to my attention that you could actually spend more time trying to compete with others than actually being creative. You can spend so much time trawling through websites looking for the million dollar #hashtag ( the one that is gonna make you a viral superstar) or chasing others who have stolen your designs (believe there are many) that you stop trying to hone your skills and improve your artistry.

So, I'm not going to stress about it. There's one thing I have really enjoyed in the past year and that's learning new 'stuff', nothing overly useful to many people but my Photoshop skills have improved, I can put a promo video together pretty quickly (WiFi allowing) and most importantly, I can now transform my art into literally anything from shoes to shower curtains to jigsaw puzzles. And that is what I'm gonna continue to do......create. It makes me happy and if others get a warm, fuzzy feeling when they buy my creations then even better. I shall strive to improve and innovate so be patient with me if I go a little 'off-piste' along the way, I don't expect all of my experiments to be masterpieces!

Before I go, I would like to mention that in my new shop, I am now able to donate a percentage of my profit to various worthy causes. Each collection supports charities with a collective theme. So far they are the environment, racial injustice, the LGBTQ community and mental health.

For more info on the individual charities just pop along to my shop and you will see the charity that each design is supporting.

Thanks again for all your support, it means more than you know Jo x