Posts

I did my first POD Etsy sale! And lost money 🫠

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Hi again!! It's been a while, but I'm back! In May last year, I started an Etsy shop with printables. At that time I thought I would only create downloadables. It seemed so easy and convenient! The idea of making the art and now having to worry about the printing and delivery appealed to me immediately.  Something you should probably know is that I struggle with being focused and constant with my personal projects. So after a couple of months, I lost momentum and I stopped uploading things to my shop. After a visit to Buenos Aires (My hometown), I came back to Australia with a fresh willingness to work on my dreams. Being there reminded me of how much I wanted this shop (and of how I couldn't do it back there). I came back feeling full of energy and ready to start my business once and for all. I did some research on POD (Print On Demand) and chose Printify as my supplier. Let me explain a bit about what POD is, in case you don't know. There are different companies like

Finding Your Voice on Etsy: Embrace Your Unique Path

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Hey there! Welcome back, and if you're new here, a warm welcome to you! A few months ago, I embarked on an exciting journey by starting my own Etsy shop and launching this blog. It's always been a dream of mine to create and connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate my passion. I'll be honest—I have so much to learn and improve upon, but I'm determined to dive right in. Building a thriving shop and fostering a vibrant community will take time, but I'm up for the challenge.                                           A glimpse of my little shop😍 In the midst of working full-time as a Lead artist for video games and adjusting to a new life on the other side of the world, I've been delving into countless videos on product research for Etsy shops. However, I must admit, they didn't quite spark my inspiration. Most of the advice focused on creating products solely for the purpose of selling, but they lacked the relatability I sought. Some even suggested

Diving into abstract art

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Hi, lovelies! Thank you for being here. How have you been? What have you been up to? This week, I've been immersed in creating some abstract pieces for my Etsy shop . I had such a good time making the "go with the flow" series, that I wanted to keep going in that direction. The process has been an absolute joy! There's something incredibly freeing about diving into the world of abstract art. It allows me to connect with my emotions and express myself through shapes, composition, and vibrant colors. Working on my computer has given me the flexibility to experiment and play with different elements. I find it exhilarating to see how each brushstroke and colour choice can transform the piece. In fact, I'm so pleased with the results that I'm considering printing one for my own living room. I have this perfect empty frame just waiting to be filled! The creative process behind these abstract artworks has been enriching. I started by using a textured brus

Uplift Your Mood with Motivational Quote Wall Art

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Are you looking for a way to boost your mood and stay inspired? Consider decorating your space with motivational quote wall art! Not only does it add a pop of color to your room, but it can also provide daily inspiration and serve as a reminder to stay positive.                                                                  At BaraBara Illustration, I offer digital, downloadable wall art designs featuring uplifting quotes and affirmations. My artwork is perfect for any space, from your home office to your bedroom. Plus, digital downloads make it easy to get the art you love without leaving your home. Whether you're looking for a daily dose of motivation or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, my motivational quote wall art is sure to uplift your spirits. Shop now and transform your space into a positive, inspiring oasis. Cheers! Barbara

Consistency is so hard.

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Hi everybody! Hope you are doing great. I have to admit that I struggled a bit with this post.  One of the reasons for starting this blog is to improve some of the skills that I know will help me grow, but I still don't have. Consistency is one of them, so here I am.  I aim to upload a new item to my shop each week and share a new post here. Last week I added a new listing to my shop but the week before I couldn't make it.  I was also caught up doing my taxes, which I totally underestimated and I am still working onπŸ˜“πŸ˜…. OMG! Being organized and avoiding distractions can be a real challenge! Luckily, I am uploading another listing today. πŸ‘€                                                     I enjoy creating abstract and colorful backgrounds with quotes on top. I want to improve both, my abstract painting and typography, so I decided to combine the two in this piece. I started painting with watercolor and pencil brushes in Adobe Fresco. I just got it and wanted to try it out. I

Thinking and trying AI software like Chat GPT and MIDJOURNEY

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Hi! I'm Barbara I'm a 2D artist and fashion designer on a journey to becoming an entrepreneur. I recently started an Etsy shop to develop my skills and share the process with others. In my research, I've come across AI-generated products and I have mixed feelings about them. We tend to fear change, especially when it threatens our livelihood. The controversy about new technologies is not something new. These days, most artists are complaining about their art being used to train AI without their permission. I understand why they feel this way - their art results from countless hours of hard work, experimentation, and self-discovery. It's a reflection of their unique perspective and artistic soul, and that takes time and effort. However, I think AI is not going anywhere, and as an artist, I feel we can all benefit from AI. For example, I am using Chat GPT in this post to correct any grammar mistakes and SEO optimization. I'm thrilled about the possibilities that A

Why did I open a Printable Etsy shop. Let's learn from this experience together!

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Hi! I'm thrilled you're here! Welcome! My name is Barbara , and I'm a professional artist and fashion designer . I've always wanted to have a creative life because I know that's what makes me happy. Do you know how people speak about ' flow '? Well, that's exactly it. I work as an art lead for a video game company , and I enjoy it, but my dream is to be an entrepreneur and create products that are close to my heart. I also want to be more consistent and learn new skills . I know that being a business owner or having a personal brand takes a lot of work, and many skills that I cannot even think of yet, but you have to start somewhere, and I think making an Etsy shop of digital products is a great start, and this is why: You can work on what you want to do, exploring yourself, your art, and your creativity. Even if I love my job, it is a competitive industry, and I have been feeling a lot of pressure lately to produce better work. That was draining my c