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You know, one of the hardest things for me to do as an illustrator/designer/stationer is not making 500 different products and instead creating and focusing on a good solid line of cohesive products and pushing those until they become what you think of when you think of “Mariah DeMarco Stationery + Design” – man, is this hard for me… I get inspired, get tired of particular color pallets or just plain insecure about whether I’ve created something good because it does not sell *instantly* .. . nevermind that successful brands & products spend huge amounts of money & talent marketing their products.
I know how much time & dedication a solid marketing
plan takes and even then it may take some time .. but my fears get the best of me and I
find myself listening to that mean little voice of insecurity that can be so
pushy when I feel vunerable. .. and then I have no idea where to put my focus and I get so scared that I’ve wasted all of this energy, money, time and quite honestly..love; for nothing…
In my happy little world, I assume that because I blog about it, send out a couple emails and upload photo’s to flickr that I should sell out straight away and if I DONT, well, I guess I should move on to the next thing, b/c this one simply can’t be any good.
It’s a horrible cycle and one I think you must have to have a support team to keep you out of… I’m writing about it here because I thought maybe you have some words of wisdom? Not just for me, but for anyone who gets caught up in this cycle of doubt and may be reading here…
…part of the reason I brought this up is because I wanted to show you some new products that are being printed, and I feel a bit concerned with whether or not they fit the style of what’s already been added to my shop. .. I once heard someone say {about decorating your house} if you put all the things you love in one place, somehow there will be a natural cohesiveness… and I loved the idea, but, I doubt it all the time. I think I use it too.. to justify the different styles & products I have… telling myself it’s ok not to focus on only ONE style or product. This has been the biggest struggle I’ve faced in my career as an artist. Sometimes I just dont know where to go..
Anyway, on with the cute! I hope you like them, and thanks o much for listening ♥
xoxox, Mariah
Oh my have you been busy! The blog is new right? Well there is no magic answer that is for sure. Sometimes and often far apart I make a sale or two… but in general nothing ever seems to happen. BUT I try very hard to keep moving forward. Times are tuff for everyone and you must keep this in mind. But as for searching and trying new things I say go for it. Let yourself and your work evolve naturally. Sure you might like your work now and so may others but if we aren’t open to change then we are missing the greatest aspect of art – self discovery! Stop questioning. Embrace your work. No work is ever a failure- it merely points us in the next direction or helps us grow and reflect on our work as a whole. You are supper talented! Believe in yourself and others will follow!
Hugs~
Chelsea Ann
Mariah,
I think the stationary goes in line with the necklaces, your art seems to have a thread that ties it all together. It has a real sweetness to it that just makes you feel good to look at it. Thank you for sharing this with me. Your honesty rings true. At least you are putting yourself out there and trying different things. Sometimes it is hard to know what to focus on when you have so much creativity flowing inside you. I see this all the time with Ralph no shortage of ideas, just time and money. Do what feels right and it will all come together and Ralph always says to me to do something for myself, not for anyone else and even if no one else likes it I will feel accomplished for just trying. Take care -
You are awesome!
Lisa
Mariah – you do amazing work! These are so pretty and cute! You have been wonderfully blessed with such a gift!
Wow, thank you ALL so much! It is really nice to hear what you have to say, and it gives me a little boost of confidence! It’s such a blessing to have your support and wisdom! ^_^ Thank you so much! Sincerely….
These are SO charming!!! I love them.