Happy Sunday! After a long time of talking about planning on researching business related stuff on Instagram, I’m finally ready to make a blog post about it. Primarily, this blog post will be focusing on me talking about taking up a new project – an online shop. But before that, let’s first just appreciate the cold but sunny day I spent in the city yesterday with my mom! I went for my fourth session but I’ll update you guys once again about this once I’m on my 6th session. Also how do you like the edited / drawn on photos?!
Of course, all the Christmas decorations were up in the city. I just had to pose next to these big, shiny ornaments.
My mom came with me on my laser appointment for the first time so while she was out with me, I took the opportunity to take her to Kinokuniya. She wasn’t that impressed, but then again she’s not too much of a stationary or anime fan. We did pick out pretty yummy frappes though!
front – black sesame. back – taro.
I picked out a black sesame frappe and she picked out a taro frappe. The taro was fine when it had ice chunks but as the ice melted, I found it to be a bit too sweet. I say this as a person who has a major sweet tooth LOL. Still great though!
Business Planning
If I was too vague about what I said regarding having / forming a business, to clarify, it’s an online store. I would absolutely love to sell art that I make in the form of art prints, greeting cards, postcards, sticker packs / sticker sheets, etc. That’s probably what I’ll have starting out, and expand into using other mediums when I’ve made traction! For example, I’m planning on making this one into an art print as well as be made into a sticker.
I was honestly hoping to have researched enough so I could open before the end of the year but a few things are stopping me:
- I’ll be visiting Victor from mid-December until mid-January (and spend both Christmas and New Year’s with him and his family)! It makes no sense to open up an online shop where I’ll have to close it a week or two later.
- I haven’t made enough “merch” to sell. I like my art, but not all of them are exactly great for printing. My goal is to have at least eight to ten items or merchandise ready for sale when my shop opens. I’ll be printing on demand so it’s not really a problem but I just want to have a few things presented so it’s not so empty!
- Not enough research regarding finances / accounting, marketing and SEO, choosing whether to have an online shop attached to the blog site and/or going with Etsy, etc.
Small Progress
I have, however made some progress with the business research. I finally decided on what printer to get, so I ordered that as well as a Cricut Explore Air 2.
A Cricut Explore Air 2 is a versatile machine that can cut various materials such as paper, vinyl, particle board, and even things like thin faux leather. For my purpose, I think I’m only ever going to be using it for paper / cardstock and vinyl.
I went with the PIXMA IP8720, which can print borderless up to a certain size, and supposedly has a high print resolution. Yay! I haven’t tried to do anything with either of these yet, as I’m still on the setup stage.
I’m also currently sampling different kinds of paper from different companies. This is an extremely confusing process and I wish there was an easier way!
So yes, that’s all I have for progress as far as a business goes. Hence, why I decided to move the shop opening date until next year. I’m hoping I can get my act together so I can open it shortly after returning from Canada. We shall see how that goes, and as always I’ll be updating it with a blog post!
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Thanks for reading! Until then! β‘
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Wow GeRaldine thats so amazing, its great that youre following your passions so much this year. You changed your caReer path and now its lead you here, how inspirational. I hope for all of the best for your shop and i cant wait to see what you create! Good luck with everytHing!
Alex xxx
http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com/
So excited for you! Hope you have fun playing with your new gadgets π
My mom is the same when it comes to stationery. I wonder if I will ever truly grow out of it LOL. Ooooh it is amazing that you’re starting up your own business! There are always considerations, but it takes baby steps. I became a HUGE fan of someone who sells printed digital art. I can see you going to events and setting up shop to sell your cute work! Looking forward to reading more about your adventures :).
Nancy β₯ exquisitely.me
Good luck with the business! I know you will be great β¨π plus great things take timeβΊοΈ. Love this xxx
I love the drawn in details you added to these photos!! They’re so cute. Good luck with your idea and plans for this project; it’s definitely super smart to take your time and get all the admin bits out of the way before you get started. I’m so excited to support you whenever you finalise everything!! <3
Oh wow, what an awesome idea. you’re so good at art and i’m sure your online shop will soar once you open it because you clearly have passion and talent. i’m really excited to see how it all works out for you! will you be selling to the uk? if so, i’ll have to check your work out once your shop is live! wishing you all the success in the world
It’s exciting to see that you’ve made some progress toward opening your online store. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the Cricut Explore Air 2 once you start using it. I’ve been thinking about getting one for my craft room. Good luck with your research!
How exciting! Another idea I came across the other day was selling printables that people print themselves, less packaging stuff up?! Of course to show off your wonderful art probably best you print on your super new printer though π
So exciting for you! I can’t wait to see the final product once you’re all set up and ready to go.
This is so exciting! Your artwork on Instagram is always so cute; like I could definitely use some stickers featuring your characters. It makes sense to delay the opening with the reasons you mentioned. I feel like there would be so many things that you would have to look into before starting it! The printers you selected look so nice though. Good luck with the rest of your project!
My first kinokuniya experience was just last weekend in Kuala Lumpur together with my friends… it was overwhelming especially since we’re weebs (and proud!!). Haha! Just had to share.. because it was a wonderful time admiring all the books and seeing all the great selections.
Ahhh exciting times ahead! I think it’s awesome that you’re setting up your online art store. :”) take your time in preparing for it; good things take time indeed. π
Anna Jo | http://helloannajo.blogspot.com
Best of luck with your online shop! I think it makes a lot of sense to wait til 2020 to open it especially since you’ll be with Victor. Can’t wait to see it in action! Also those frappes look amazing haha
How exciting! That’s a huge step and waiting until next year seems to be a smart idea since you will be away. I can’t wait to read more about your process. Good luck!
Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
i think it is so cool that you are in the works of opening up your own online shop!! So excited for you and this new adventure. Also, love that photo of you with the little drawings!
Eena βΌ cabin twenty-four
AHHHHHH I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!! This is SUCH an incredible step towards setting up your online shop and you know i’ll be placing an order when some of your prints & stickers become available!!
I’m so impressed at how DILIGENT and methodical you’re being to make sure your biz and all the moving pieces are set up properly and will be exactly what you want!
~LP