I am a fulltime potter but still a new shop on etsy. I have to read about all of these successes! Hooray to everyone who can do this fulltime!

terrific! Its been 1 year and 2 months in 4 days for me!

thanks for this report! great for those who can't read all the posts. :)

Oh I LOVE this series!!! I too am pursuing Etsy full time. All of the advice sellers give is as good as gold, and many of us could add more, I'm sure. I could write a book about things I've learned here. One thing I would say: be passionate about what you do, and always grow as an artist to push yourself in new directions. Keep it interesting for yourself and your customers. I'm about to open a new shop here with new interests I have developed. Being ambitious with set goals will help you succeed. Everyone who has become successful has had setbacks and has to overcome challenges. Stay determined...you really CAN do it!! Etsy is the perfect place to succeed if you work hard.

Congratulations to everyone who's been able to do this :)

I would like more stories on the single women of etsy who can be full time crafters on their own in an expensive town like Brooklyn! Surely they are out there.

I am also happy that I was one of the first, and to see the response to this article and how people wait for them every Monday is breathtaking. Good luck to all, and even if it seems like some bumps are in the road, you can push right over them if you put all your energy into it :)

Perfect timing - I am sitting here waiting for my boss to be free so I CAN QUIT TODAY!!!!

Thank you so much for these wonderful tips! I know so many who have been working on etsy full time and have quit their day jobs. I was the opposite, I quit my day job and then stated my home business. Nice work everyone!

Thank you - the Quit My Day Job series inspired me to do just that! So I *love* reading about how other artists and crafters have made their business work. Thank you Etsy!

As a stay-at-home-Mom, I didn't have an outside job to quit but have made Etsy my full time job. It couldn't have come at a better time for me, thank you Etsy for giving us this opportunity. I have enjoyed reading about all of the sellers that now work full-time on Etsy, they are so inspiring! (-:

I always look forward to mondays now just because of this article! Thank you Etsy!!!

So much great info for sellers! There is nothing quite like doing what you love and are good at for a living!

We are so excited to have the opportunity to sell our cookies on Etsy! While our shop has only been open a little over a week, it has been very successful already and we can't to learn more. Thanks for all the helpful hints and tips!

Great article! I completely agree with all 5 tips. And if I were to add something - find your niche! Even in a saturated category like jewelry or bags & purses, I believe you can stand out by having a clear identity. I keep asking myself everyday - what can I make that others can't?

Thanks so much for the insight! I'd love to be able to quit my day job and do this for a living. I'm going to keep trying though!

OMG, my letterpress print never look this good in this amazing article!!! Thank you so much!!! Very helpful info, too. Thank you!!!

wow i would like to be that person too one day!! :)

Love the inspiration!

This article is so inspirational! I was recently laid off from my job and have a little time now to concentrate on my shop. Oktak mentioned above about finding your niche here is a blog post by studiomarcy on that very subject! http://studiomarcy.blogspot.com/2009/06/finding-your-voice-and-niche-in-your.html

This feature is always such a great read...inspiring and insightful!

Thank you for rounding up the most common success tips!!! I will definitely put this article to good use!

I love to read these stories about makers who are doing what they love 24/7 plus; am not myself a seller but a happy customer (with a "real" job that is 24/7 in its own way) and very glad to be able to support makers to keep doing what they do so well. Customer service (especially communication, in whatever form) means a lot, and getting a chance to know a bit about the person making very fine things.

thanks for this summary Mary. It is always interesting to read about the full time etsy sellers and whilst their products are all so different - their business sense is the same!

Love all your tips,trying hard to learn,and make my Etsy store work.Thanks!!

This is my absolute favorite series on Etsy. I am going to get there one day!! I am doing what it takes!!!!

Great tips! Thanks for compiling them. "Quit Your Day Job" is definitely the Etsy article that I most look forward to reading. Keep up the great work, and who knows maybe one day I'll be able to call myself a "Quit Your Day Job" success story too ;)

like, pandawithcookie i too would like to see more stories on people who have done it alone without the help of a spouse still paying the bills! i feel like they would have more advice to give. this is my favorite article series regardless!

I love the quit your day job series. Always inspiring and full of helpful tips!

Love this series as well, enjoy reading the success stories of everyone. I'm happy when people are able to quit a day job and work for full time to support themselves. Like I've said before what did we all do before we discovered Etsy. Thanks again to all who make this place tick.

What a wonderful thing to aspire to!!!

I get very wistful reading the Quit Your Day Job series, but even though I am not aspiring to Etsy full time, I have found all of them to be the most useful, information-packed articles on the site. There are some awesome how-tos on Etsy, but I've learned more from the QYDJ series than I have from all the how-tos I've scoured. They're the things I look most forward to seeing in the Storque scroller at the bottom of the front page =3

Thanks Mary for the summary...as the ancient Latins use to say "repetita iuvant"

You guys rock!! Great work. Starting this summer, I can start to treat my shop like a full time job.

I did it - it's been over 6 months for me! WOOHOOOO!! Great article!!

i just requested part time hours today! so i've half way made it! now i just have to make more things for my shop! sooooo exciting!ahhhhh congratulations to everyone who quits their day job i am so happy for you!

Here's to Positive Thinking I hope to be there one Day!!

Great tips thanks! Off to Tweet this!

haha, i was waiting for the qydj article to show up today, and this is a good round-up of common tips and helpful information. hurrah! thank you, it is so good to know i am not crazy for thinking i can work for myself, doing what i love.

thank you for re-capping the top tips. I love reading this series - it inspires me to keep going - i am diligently working on doing all the things listed and aspire to one day have a really successful Etsy shop.

Congrats to all the WINNERS!!! I am always inspired by the Quit Your Day Job success stories,it helps me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks ETSY, and much success to everyone.

I love this series. I love Mondays's, because I can be inspired by someone who have quit their J.O.B and sell their products full-time. It will happen for all of us if we just hang in there!

I just love this series. It gives me great confidence to start my own shop here on Etsy and hopefully I'll be quitting my day job soon. Thanks for these great articles, keep 'em coming!

Another hugely inspiring post! Thanks for taking the time to compile this. You're the best!!! xo >s

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you! I love this series as well. I am a photographer, was laid off one year ago from the telecommunications industry. I have been working hard since September on my shop. I am very hopefull I will one day be able to support myself with my shop as well. Have a great day everyone! Kathleen

the quit-your-day-job articles are my favorites on storque - keep 'em coming!

I just love the opportunity Etsy presents for artisans to be able to quit their jobs! Thanks Etsy :)

I love reading the Quit Your Day Job series. I look forward to it every Monday and I find soooo much inspiration from all the featured sellers. I quit my job in October before I really started selling on etsy, with the hopes of being successful on here. It hasn't happened for me yet, but I am lucky to have a very supportive husband who believes in me. I am definitely not giving up and I intend to put all the useful tips to work for me!

We can always find interaction with co-workers in the etsy forums :)

What a wonderful idea! I am reading the series now and am improving my shop significantly in order to increase the volume to where I can hopefully do this some day (soon!). What great inspiration!

BTW, can we have two featured sellers on "Quit Your Day Job" next Monday? I really miss not reading about another successful seller! This article was good though ;)

i'd quit my day job if i had one. i've been self employed for years. yet, somehow this seems different. the sense of community is amazing, as well as the support. it makes you WANT to work hard and succeed. i LOVE it!!!

Great tips!

I love this series- it took me 2 Etsy shops to quit my day job- so if you can't quite do it with your shop- I'd recommend a 2nd one! This series is pure inspiration and always positive- love it!

Great article! I do think successful shops set it all up to succeed from the beginning! Lots of time but SO WORTH IT to get your business licenses, expense accounts and the right paperwork to make sure you are on the right side of the law with sales and income tax! Prepare in advance for your success and then when it gets crazy with orders, you will have time to create and not have to waste precious time on getting your ducks in a row!

These articles are so informative and I am plugging away everday to reach my goal of being self employed. Thanks for all the info!

I love these tips from top sellers and find that even if sellers haven't yet been featured, they're usually more than willing to offer good advice. I agree that the community here on Etsy is phenomenal- everyone seems so helpful even if they're top sellers who obviously don't have much time to spare! I'm building my own business slowly, but thanks to Etsy, that dream of being sustainable may come to fruition sooner than I'd hoped. Thanks for the QYDJ articles & keep 'em coming ~

These kinds of articles are my absolute favorite! Thanks so much for the tips! I've got full-time entrepreneurship in a headlock, and it is about ready to surrender! It won't be long.....I CAN SEE IT!!!

So inspirational. I try to apply the same professionalism that I use at my day job to my Etsy shop! Thanks.

Definitely something to look forward to! I'm on my way!

I quit my day job 2.5 years ago, all thanks to etsy. This is a great series of articles.

Live what you love! Thank to etsy that Im able to have a virtual shop:)

Kudos!

I always love to read about the success stories. They are definitely an inspiration!

Great article!! I'm working hard to make miss indie a full-time operation. Thanks so much for these great articles, they are such an inspiration!! :] xo.

I am SO hating my day job (don't tell them though). DREAM of quitting!

nice! Thanks for including us xoxox

Thanks for the tips and inspiration! Here's to hoping I'm one of the featured full-time sellers one day soon. It'll mean I was able to leave my 'day-job' and became a full time artist!

ive always enjoy reading the "quite your day job" i love to be one someday!

this is a wonderful round-up of great tips and ideas! thanks for that! i too love this series, and thanks so much for having me here. each story is so unique and inspiring. wonderful!

These are my favorite articles! Thank you so much for bringing them to us every week!

These articles are vital for me to get a perspective! I too have not returned to work after the last kiddies started big school this year and decided to give it my all to become successful... I am fairly new, one month and a bit, grateful to have already a few sales and taking my craft seriously... If it has not been featured before , I would love to read about successful Etsy sellers who like me have started their business full time while having a young family... Thank Mary and keep those wonderful articles coming! Julie in Down Under

This series is excellent! Every story is an inspiration to so many people, and full of incredibly valuable information! Thanks! :)

This is so inspirational...really helps the day at the desk job seem less permanent. Thank you! xoxo

i love the quit your day job series. it inspires me every time i read it to create more and often helps me think of ways to keep my shop fresh and interesting.

Oh would I love to be one of these people. I am still a newbie, but I am working hard! Reading these stories are very inspiring, thank you.

I love this post. it inspire me to keep going everyday. One day I will do the same as they have;-) Gotta keep believing for achieving!!

I love to read this series. It's absolutely fabulous for artists alike to be able to pursue what they love and create. Good job!

Awesome tips, great advice! I also love being able to work from home, and absolutely adore being my own boss. This is a good reminder of what I need to do to remain successful! Thanks Etsy!

This is the best series you guys offer, and even better these are real sellers who are making it! Please keep it going, I love to learn from the experience of others. Thanks- go Etsy!

Someday I hope!

Thanks for the article!Very helpful.I hope I will be one of these full time sellers on etsy someday:)

Awesome advice. Thank you :)

Great advice! I hope to be a "quitter" one day....

i love the quit your day job series. it inspires me every time i read it to create more and often helps me think of ways to keep my shop fresh and interesting，Needs to study many.

Great tips~!! I look forward to that day too :D

wistfully lol

I love this series~

thanks for the useful advice

Yes the photos are a b i g priority aren't they...but I do find them time consuming...maybe I need new equipment!

Inspiring series, and so inspiring to read the comments posted here! Even though I quit my day job many years ago, Etsy is what's helped me stay self-employed through this wacky economy. Keep on keeping on, everyone!

I can only dream about this, but someday........someday.

I read in an article somewhere about doing what you love. Their suggestion was to ask yourself "If I won the lottery and money wasn't an issues, what would I do with my time?" The answer was your passion and that was what you should find a way to do as a professions. If I won the lottery, I would still crochet! I love it that much. However, I would donate my items to pediatric untits and the humane society... For now I'm just trying to make my Etsy shop be profitable... And these articles really help. Thanks!

Nice chrysanthemum.

Thank you so much for creating this quick list! I found it very helpful.

Great article as always! The goal is to go full time - it's an early work in progress!

love this series, so inspiring, and agree w/ LeftHandHAts~ if I won the lottery I'd still keep creating cards because I LOVE it...I finally gave notice at one of my other 2 part-time jobs...it's a busy life but I feel so BLESSED to be working in this economy. Thanks to you Etsy, I'm able to have a shop and pursue my passion!!! I tell everyone about etsy...

Good tips. Nice selections. Love the green amethyst earrings!

This is a brilliant series that is incredibly helpful!

I love reading the "Quit your Day Job" series and aspire to go full time someday. I've learned much with this series! Thanks.

It's inspiring and encouraging, especially since I need the boost! Still need to find the first buyer though. . . One thing I have done and taken under serious attention is writing my own blog which started to grow slowly and nicely. Take a look: http://ihaveaprint.blogspot.com

Just opened my second shop, so this info is very helpful. Thanks

Oh I hope it is true!...I have just given up my old job, moved to a new country and taken a part time job in hopes that one day I can work for myself as a full time crafter. I love these articles thank you Etsy for the opportunity and the ever on going encouragement...Also a big thank you to all you fantastic, friendly and encouraging Etsy peeps out there too.

Great to see these valuable tips summarized. I love this series and appreciate the positive inspiration and encouragement they provide. Thanks marymary!

I follow all those tips, but I'm still warming up with my advertising so hopefully one day I can inspire others too!

I think many etsy artists have been living what they love for a long time but luck has not met opportunity yet---I know in my case, living in a very small town it has taken alot of trips, much internet advertising and marketing, etc to get the exposure I've needed, and it has taken several years. Fortunately I have friends all over the planet! LOL Here at etsy a certain amount of luck is involved, as you have to have admin see your goods and pick them for etsy exposure in gift guides, the feature articles, etc. I have never worked harder, I am at peace and happiest when creating, and know I will find the most contentment when the day comes that annieswearable becomes my only career. It happens 'overnight' in only a few cases. I think the key is having that diehard work ethic, being willing to do ALL of the work yourself and make necessary sacrifices (sometimes working 2 other 'day' jobs, like me!) and never giving up-very simple concepts. So HANG IN THERE and work hard--and good luck to every single artist/crafter~at~heart.

I am so inspired by these stories. I also have quit my day job and just started selling on etsy. Hope my shop grows to large proportions cause we aasre building a studio right now to expand into.

This is a dream of mine that I hope to make a reality one day. I Love reading about everyone that has been able to do it, and this article was very helpful!!

you must trust yourself, and let go the fear!

I'm a full time potter who has found Etsy to be a good way to earn 1/4 of my regular income. I'm earning more in my slow months and getting less behind on my bills. Here's my advice: - Post or renew several items several times a day - Post them in as many categories as possible - Set a realistic budget, if you sell $500 a month, post $50 - Post at times when people are shopping, noon, before or after work, especially East Coast Time

I love the QYDJ articles!! I'm getting ever closer to taking that step... About 7 months into this project, and loving every minute of it. Remember: DON'T GIVE UP. Even if you have a bad week, or a bad month- take that time to step away from the store and learn a new technique or launch a new line of items. Etsy has really changed my life and work ethic for the better! :)

These are the most inspiring articles. I'm dreaming of doing the same!

thanks for the tips!

I adore this inspiring series, thanks for all the super helpful info from the sellers and Etsy! My tip: be flexible and persistant! If you're in this for the long haul, be willing to compromise, and don't give up! My husband and I have worked together on art and jewelry design for years, and there were times when one or both of us were able to "quit our day jobs" and create/sell full time, and times when we had to work outside the home. Also, do a budget and target your biggest expenses. Discover ways to reduce some of the cost, like grow a garden or have potluck dinners with friends/family to save on food, for example. Taking responsibility for the reduction of your costs means you may not need to work that day job full-time, and therefore, have more time to create!

If it weren't for the "Quit Your Day Job" series I wouldn't have even posted a single thing on Etsy. It is incredibly motivating and makes success seem within reach...even when you are just a little newbie.

who have been able to quit their day jobs due to their selling success on Etsy > it`s a new life start with test .How about your patient ?! for Etsy ....

one day I'll be in one of those articles.. I just need to make sure that I have thought about everything and saved up enough money for the first year before I take the plunge... Since I am working a full time job already I am not in a hurry and it's nice that I don't have to stress out about my shop.

Thanks so much for including me. There is nothing better than living your dream. I'm looking forward to the next 50!

Sorry but I want my weekly peptalk in the form of a real quit your day job article. I feel a little cheated with this two second sum up.

i am 15 days away from resigning my position and making my jewelry/art a full time career. aaahhhh!!! these articles have been a huge source of inspiration and valuable advice. thank you!!!

I've got a few tips: 1. Listing off-hours One thing I discovered recently is to list at different hours and not only at peek times. Because you will then touch a wider range and more countries. I used to list and re-list around 6 p.m. local time France, and 9 p.m. because most of the US residents are on etsy at the time. So I only had US customers. Now I also list things in the morning and at noon and have increased my European customers. 2. Different Photo styles I used to make all my photos on bright backgrounds, until someone told me it was kind of tricky to put them into treasuries. So Now I'm doing some black and white ones and am proposing slightly different photographs to show off my products. Big plus: it attracts other new customers who prefer that kind of photo while browsing through etsy. :)

I too love these articles. They serve as such great inspiration to those of us who, one day, will be bale to quit or day jobs as well.

Excellent! Thanks for the little reminder!

Can't wait to make a living doing what i love! thanks for the hope!

I've noticed that almost every single featured seller in this series has mentioned re-listing items daily ... but with the new search by relevance function, won't that tip be moot? If so, it's a shame, because it seems like the only thing that used to work for me!

these articles are always so inspiring! :)

Great article and advice. I think we are all waiting for that moment to quit or jobs. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for this report! great for those who can't read all the posts. :) Petitplat , thanks a lot :))

Sitting home and doing arts and crafts full time has always been a dream for me. I never was sure how this could be feasable without a lot of up front cost but these stories are inspiring and with Etsy, I can see this as a possibility now! Thanks so much!

i read these articles all the time on etsy. very inspirational! :))

I opened my little yarn and fibers shop 3 month ago, but I do dream I'll quit my Day Job too... one day ! I'll even have a sheep :) I love to read those articles : they inspire, reassure, make you feel stronger and good. Thank You and Good Luck to all of us Dreamers, SpinSpanSpun

I would love to turn my etsy site into a full-time business. My husbands was recently laid off from his job and I have been forced to go to work full-time. I have been selling my "things" in local boutiques for the last couple of years, however, working full time makes it much more difficult to maintain those relationships. (and I miss being at home when my kids come home from school) So I will work and promote my shop;and I can't wait for my shop to become a full-time business. Thanks for the tips! Malinda myhandmadethings

I enjoy reading about the artist. It is wonderful to read how everyone started and the trials and the great triumphs. Congrats to all and keep the series going!

the "quit your day job" articles are my favorite! it keeps the dream alive for the rest of us!

Goodluck to to these people.The tips do give us all hope.

I want to quit too!!!

Thanks to all the Etsy Sellers that share their tips with us. Congratulations on all your success. I enjoy reading all these inspirational stories. I am also enjoying these posts. Good luck to everyone who brings their great handcrafted work to Etsy. All should be congratulated for such fine and hard work.

Thank you and congrats to all success stories. How inspiring and informative! This summary confirmed my thoughts and pointed out my mistakes at the same time. Thanks marymary!

Well we started May 23, 2009... Five sales to date...so not enough to quit our day jobs... but we are on our way!!! Through God all things are possible....I am unemployed now for going on seven months and my daughter the other half of the mother, daughter team would like to quit her day job and stay home with her little ones... so this is a great start. I love the closeness of this handcrafted community! I am glad we found ETSY... so any suggestions to help us be successful would be great!

I'm always encouraged and with the Quit Your Day Job series. I'll read it and instantly get motivated to learn more and work harder to improve my etsy and my sales! Thanks!

So inspiring. This is my goal...

i love this series :) thanks!!

I have hijirik's "live what you love print" on my wall to look at everyday! Love it! Wishing everyone lots of etsy success! xo

I've read every article (more than once!)and noticed that these sellers are specialists. I'm a scanner and love to do lots of different things, so I did start to wonder if I could achieve the same success. But things are starting to come together, and I'm on my way :)

I love the inspiration! Thanks for the Great Tips. & Congratulations to all who have made it up there. :o)

This series is my absolute favorite on Etsy! It's so encouraging to hear from those who have made it to the "other side"! LOL!

I love this series! :)someday.......

I'm working hard, hopefully one day I can post about my success and inspire others... xoxo

a nice motivator

Great advice!

Thanks all great advice... all the best.

Such inspiring stories....one day i will be my own boss and hopefully earn as much as i do now or more :o)

what a inspiration!

All these stories are so inspiring and remind me that they also all started the same way as most of us trying to find our way. My favourite piece of advice is 'take the word 'can't' out of your vocabulary!

Great tips. I too am a full time photographer. I am new to Etsy but have been a regular at Redbubble for a over a year now. But reading about other people making it gives a begginer like me hope.

Inspiring as always. It's my dream to not going back to a day job and hopefully someday soon I don't have to.

Going on 3 years and counting since I quit my day job.

Best of luck to all that are there now, and thanks for inspiring those that are on their wsy!

Thank you, thank you! I love this series!!!

When I first saw the heading on this article, I thought it said, "Quilt your day job," which would be awesome. If only... congrats to those of you who have been able to do it.

I hope to quit my day jobs as well. Working For that now. I have only had a few sales here on etsy but outside of etsy it has been great. I love the article and the simplified comments and thoughts of the one who succeeded at doing so. Luck to all and best wishes.

For many it's not a matter of quitting your day job, it's more an issue of no day jobs to be had. My daughter and I are located in the Detroit area which is very hard hit by the economy. If ever there was a need to work locally and think globally this is the time for that strategy and Detroit is the place. Luckily we're both very creative. We've had to dig deep and re-invent our lives in order to survive. We're just getting started on Etsy, it will be one week at midnight tonight! We're both filled with renewed hope by this article and possess a very strong desire to turn our lives as well as the future of our city, state, nation and the world with the resurgance we are seeing for handmade items. Thank you Etsy and everyone involved and on this site a chance to hopefully not only survive but thrive through our own creativity.

I am very very new to Etsy, selling kitchy cool vintage stuff from my overloaded gypsy wagon. Quit my day job a year ago. But I'm wondering if there's more hand made crafters finding success on Etsy than vintage sellers. It seems as if most of the new items posted on daily feeds are crafters. What is the ratio of handmade to vintage sites?

This article is so inspiring. I'd love to do what I enjoy instead of the usual slaving away. Creativity is so important for me; it helps my brain work.

Well, I lost my job towards the end of last year (another joy of pregnacy) & am hoping to have Etsy be a source of income so I do not have to go back to a full-time (out of the house) job.

I really like the vibe here at etsy, I hope I can do some business too!! I just started. Unfortunately what I make hundreds of other crafters do too....Fabric gift bags and girls hair bows...whish me luck!

Very encouraging!! Thank you for posting these stories. They're an excellent pick-me-up for someone like me who is just starting out and would love more than anything to quit may day job. (or, at least go down to part-time.)

Thanks for the great re-cap. I find the individual stories inspiring, but I like re-reading the tips in one article.

Really great to see all the tips from the 'pros,' working hard to promote purchasing quality handmade items!!

If You Know Longer Have A Day Job, What About Affordable Medical Insurance Coverage?

I have insurance thru my hubbies job. I'm working on taking better photo's. I'm Sure I'll get there soon.

These are great tips. I will definitely put them to work!

Congratulations to everyone who can do this full time!

Congrats...I am working towards my dream!

Great series. On my way as a newbie and totally encouraged by those you have quit their day jobs!! Toot-Toot :o) I have a notebook for PR and these suggestions are going in tonight!! Thanks so much, go Etsy!!

When I first joined Etsy, less than 3 months ago, I never thought I would be as successful as I have been. I am a disabled stay-at-home "crafter" and I couldn't be happier receiving all the suggestions and advice from Etsy. Very helpful!

wow thats great.. i hope i could be one too.. :D

Thanks for these inspiring stories!!

Thanks for the great advice as I get started on Etsy!!!!

Yes I agree, great advice. I just started painting full time !

I just love how everyone on etsy is so helpful and willing to give advice. It's all appreciated!!

I was layed off from my day job, I guess it would be considered the same thing. I have been in this business part time for several years. I became full time at it about a year ago! Since then, I have found much success in selling products for myself. I am still a newbie on etsy, but I figure I will get the hang of it. Managing your own business can be quite a challenge. I have learned a lot from etsy, and it's sellers. Keep up the good work!

I just celebrated my one year anniversary with Etsy! The stories have always been so inspiring to me, especially in the beginning. Etsy has always been so helpful with tips on how to improve your shop! I truly appreciate how helpful and encouraging everyone has been. Please keep the stories coming!

Good article...that's my goal.

Fantastic series. Very inspirational. I have been struggling with the marketing aspects of selling my work for years. I participated in so many outdoor art fairs that I burned out. My art became just another job. now I have new energy and the hope that etsy will be the venue.

These articles are so inspirational, I just wanted to say thank you for including them. I've only been on Etsy 3 months but it's been a wonderful experience thus far and I'm already planning out the next year when I should be in a position to be one of those who, with a lot of planning, a LOT of saving, and a lot of hard work should be able to do this full time. These articles provide wonderful tips and a tremendous amount of inspiration. Thank you!

Quit my job last month. Times may be difficult, but I just could not take the abuse any longer. Since quitting, I have been able to devote more time to my Etsy shop. I've haven't been this happy in a long time! Thanks for all of the tips! I'm sure they will be most helpful.

Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to quit my day job because I don't have one.... we just got started on Etsy and are loving it. Need to improve the photography of our colorized pieces altho we're thrilled with the resolution of our black & white pieces.Etsy has provided hours of fun and learning, for which we are appreciative.

This series is great! I joined etsy last spring and while I have had a few sales here and there, I hope to be able to make etsy my passion in 2010 and beyond! Thank you for the many success stories and many tips!

Great tips, to all I agree with! However, any ideas on pricing? I have a fair variety of prices, sizes, etc but have not been seeing as much success as in the past. My initial concern is always the cost of things; perhaps they are too high and people shy away from buying? Having extended sales and offering lower prices I expected business to increase. I really want my photography site to take off and these forums are greatly appreciative!

Thank You for the education being shared in the Etsy community. I set aside time each day to learn something new here. Getting "My Act Together" is made simpler with the information generously provided by fellow Etsians. Thank You All!

Thank you for this article. It was very helpful.

Thank you for the insight!

Thank you so much I love reading the success stories and I too want to make this a full time job, love what I'm doing and I learn something new here everyday. Thank you so much I read every morning to get me going, its great!

I love reading the tips I read something new every morning to get me going the articles are great my goal too is to make our passion into a full-time career. Thank you

I HOPE I HAVE THE SAME SUCCESS THESE 50 HAVE HAD. BUT I KNOW IT TAKES TIME SO WE WILL SEE AFTER MY SHOP'S GRAND OPENING! THANKS FOR THE INSPIRING WORDS!

I too have the dream of full timing my shop! All of these tips really help and it is also inspiring. Love from Far & Twee, Chicago!

This was very helpful for those of us just starting out.

I myself can say this is also my day job. I sell my Jewelry all over the country in malls and festivals. I decided joining Etsy to offer my unique jewelry to the whole world and get some impressions from people worldwide.

Thanks for the tips and inspiration, every bit helps!

We are a new shop with amazing items! Just trying to figure it all out to make it work for us too! Thanks for the inspiring articles!

How come nothing of mine has sold yet? Should I give up or start over fresh?

This is great advice, I have been on Etsy.com for about a week now and the things I have learned are so helpful, I absolutely love this site and hope to be here for years and years! I havent sold anything yet but that isnt getting me down! Thanks again everyone that takes the time to help us new comers out with tips!

I like the security of having insurance and retirment. Can anyone write something about how they plan for retirment and where they go for insurance? I know i have a long way to go, but i do keep that in my mind. Thank you. Robin (grannygrant)

Very inspiring and encouraging.

thanks for the tips! I read things like this and makes me not want to give up!

After being on Etsy for almost a year now I can say it has been an incredible ride- it's really about finding a niche product you can create and customize... it can also help make you a featured shop for buyers looking at your products.. I never imagined I would become this successful on Etsy. Thanks Etsy!

wow, this is really inspiring!

This is such a wonderful article, thank you so much for sharing! Hopefully I will be able to sell vintage for many years to come!

Very inspiring!Thank you so much for sharing!=D

thanks for sharing - this is day 1 from Me!

Here's hoping! I'm just starting out...so we shall see.

It is my Passion that I am pursuing here on ETSY. I am doing what I love and in turn others are providing me with reasons to continue when they purchase my baked items. I haven't been on ETSY long but I have had a great time so far, I am looking forward to the future.

I'm throwing my hat in the ring here too! Just opened shop last week.

This is my aim too, well done and good luck everyone.

I have just now realized the multi benefits of ETSY and am going to put 110 % of my enthusiasm and energy into building this site into a real success! I have been concentrating on my Ebay store and website without the enthusiasm that I should have! I feel ETSY is really where the craftsmen and artists in this world will shine! Congrats to all who have made it into "I quit my day job"... I am getting there and hope I will be there soon with the help of ETSY community.... THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

My boyfriend and I just returned from Costa Rica not to long ago and while at a small bar in Dominical we saw a sticker on the wall that read "Live the Life You Love". This phrase has been with us since we left and we work every day towards living a life we truly love. We both hope to one day "quit our day jobs" and kudos to all of you who already have. You are greatly admired and give inspiration to the rest of us!

I have to admit, going at it yourself is scarey business. But I really enjoy what I do and I'm working hard at making this a full-time business. This article is inspirational and motivational. Thanks so much!

Thanks for sharing, this was an extremely inspiring article. I just opened my shop last week,trying hard to learn,and make my Etsy store work. Hopefully even I would have a great success story one day like the others. :) Thanks Etsy!!!

Thanks Etsy for the success stories!

Amazing success stories!

Very inspiring. Thank you so much!

Those are my favorite posts, no doubts! :) Great success!

My dream has come true! I am my own boss. Etsy is fantastic!

I am finally living my dream and selling jewelry! Thank you Etsy!

Still learning all about Etsy... some great inspiration info here!!!!

This is such a good post! I'm currently treating my Etsy.com experience like a class in business. Working to improve the few items I have, adding more in a way that I won't have to improve later, and learning everything I can from other members of the community. Once I feel like I have the hang of it I hope to quit my day job, and these 5 tips are cheering, and will definitely be made into a poster to hang in my work space. Thank you, thank you, thank you to this community for being a constant source of inspiration!

Great and much appreciated advice. I am supposed to go back to work next week when my maternity leave ends and I just can't bring myself to leave my new baby. I don't know how other people do it. So I'm jumping into Etsy making bows and headbands and other baby accessories. Hopefully it will turn out a productive business for me, but I would be doing it anyway for my new little girl - my inspiration!

Read this post many times and can't get fed up of it.Everytime i felt down because of very less sales i'll read this post to encourage myself to do better.About the photography tips ,i've make sure my photos match my paintings as close as possible without any editing.This post encourage me in everyway and to do what one like most is the best dream one could ever had and i'll put in extra effort ,hopefully one day i'll be part of the best selling member in etsy.

This is very inspiring! Congrats to everyone that gets to do things like that! Got alot of work ahead of me, but it will be worth it in the end. Got to get better pictures ; ; http://glitzandpaper.blogspot.com/

Hope to be able to live the dream here soon. Great article!

Some great advice here. I've only recently set up my Etsy store but I'm loving keeping my store updated. Oh and the few sales I've had already have kept me inspired and motivated! I'd love to go full time Etsy! :-)

I have just opened my shop and have read as much as I can about being a seller. Thank you for sending this info our way! I hope I can use your advise and start a profitable shop.

I'm so happy for those that can do what they love full time! And so glad they share tips with us. :)

Very Inspiring, thanks so much for posting. I've always dreamed of working for myself while creating fun things that people love!

We are all winners here at Etsy; working from home full-time is just a huge bonus! A couple weeks ago, I woke up and decided I wasn't going to work anymore at my day job. Since then, I had more time to add more to my shop on a daily basis and I had more time to actually "play" with my materials and come up with things that I 've see in my dreams at night! Its adds more authenticity and uniqueness, I always hated it when I rushed what I created--I needed to elevate my work into art, not make an overcrowded meaningless collage! Have a little faith and things will take off for you! You deserve it! Good luck everyone!

Also, may this be your Etsy mantra (or something similar, whatever works for you:) " I am so happy and thankful that I turned my hobby into a lucrative home-based business that easily translates into great income for my family while offering beautiful, one-of-a-kind to the world!" Repeat to yourself in the morning when you wake up and again when you retire at night! Bless and praise your shop and your self-worth!