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Story by
marymary
Published on November 3, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Stephanie of StephanieFizer quit her day job back in 2006 to become a full time artist, but it didn't quite work out according to plan. She found that she wasn't truly following her heart (or game plan) with painting, and she eventually found herself back in a day job. The second time around, she had a plan and started painting what she wanted, rather than what she thought other people would buy. Since her second Etsy launch in May of 2007, she has been happily and successfully supporting herself and loves the freedom of being her own boss.
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of
eventually quitting your day job? How long were you selling before
deciding to take the plunge?
Those dreams existed before I even
discovered Etsy! My parents own a small business, so I think it’s just
in my blood, but I always imagined I would be self-employed — although it
took years before I found a way to make that happen. In 2006 I
ditched my day job with vague plans to become a full time artist. At the
time, I didn’t have any actual plans, but I did have enough money saved
up to muddle through a year.
I found Etsy in June 2006 and opened my
first shop. I spent too much time
painting what I thought people wanted instead of what I felt compelled
to paint, and at the end of the year I learned a lot, but ended up having
to get another office job to pay the bills for a bit. In May 2007 I
opened my current Etsy shop with intentions of being true to myself
this time. I started posting items in September 2007 and almost
immediately noticed a difference — not only in sales, but in the positive
way I felt about it. So while working my day job, I threw myself into
my illustrations and my shop in the evenings and on the weekends, until
finally in July 2008 I felt ready to take the plunge again.
What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
Honestly,
I think it was the desire to preserve my sanity. Office jobs are just
not my cup of tea in the first place, but working all day, then rushing
home in the evenings and on the weekends to paint, package orders, work
out new ideas, etc. became stressful. And I knew that my business would
never grow to its full potential unless I was willing to put a full time
effort into it, so once I felt financially sound I just went for it. 
Did
you do to prepare ahead of time the 2nd time around?
Well, you know, I did goof up my first
attempt at self-employment, so I did put a little more preparation into
the second attempt. The most important preparation for me was working
out a budget — living expenses and business expenses, so I knew how much
I needed to bring in on a monthly basis to survive. I also laid out
some short and long term goals for my business, which has helped me stay
focused thus far.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I
actually don’t do a whole of marketing, I’m just a bad girl like that.
I have a blog that I use to keep
people up to date on new shop happenings and just things in general. I
also post fairly regularly on Flickr, but other than that I just try to
list frequently here on Etsy, whether it’s new items or relisting
oldies. I think my best marketing tip would be to provide
wonderful customer service. I know it doesn’t really seem like
marketing, but honestly just packaging items well, shipping them
quickly, and communicating with my buyers has been the best thing I’ve
done for my business. Happy buyers come back for more and they tell
their friends and family how lovely you are, and it all just circles back
to you. (see the Service Tips for Sellers series)
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Social
networking sites like Myspace and Facebook. I know they work for a lot
of people, but perhaps because I’m not all that social in real life
either, social networking sites just don’t work for me. I put a decent
amount of effort into Myspace and didn’t see much payoff, so I focused
my efforts on more fruitful labors like making more illustrations and
new stuff for my shop.
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
So
when I first dropped my day job I tried to force myself to adhere to a
pretty strict schedule every day, but I found it pretty creatively
stifling after the first couple of weeks. Now I start each day with a
simple list of things I need to get done at some point during that day,
but even so I have a pretty general routine:
- I’m usually up around 7am-ish checking my emails, going over my to-do list for the day and reading my daily blogs and websites while sipping some tea and munching a light breakfast.
- The rest of the morning is usually spent packaging orders while picking up around the house. I take a break at some point to work out for a bit.
- Lunchtime is spent with my wonderfully supportive boyfriend.
- The rest of the afternoon I’ll either paint, work on digital illustrations, or design/print/package/photograph new items for the shop.
- Then while cooking dinner, I update my shop with new items and "relists" and I finish up any emails for the day.
- I usually don’t stop just because it’s 5pm, but I do move operations out into the living room. Normally during the evening I will work on sketches or line art for various projects, although sometimes I enjoy painting in the evenings too.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Although
it’s taken me a bit to get used to the idea, my favorite thing is being
able to do what I want, when I want to do it. It’s empowering to no
longer be tied down to someone else’s schedule, and I love that I can
work on my illustrations whenever I want, or if I’m feeling crummy I can
just curl up with a book and have a bit of time to myself. I
certainly don’t miss my day job at all, not even for a second. Part of
me misses receiving a paycheck every two weeks and knowing exactly how
much it will be, but so far money hasn’t been a problem, so even that
doesn’t cause much worry. So
far, it’s actually going better than expected. I’m able to pay the
bills, take care of my business and still have money leftover in the
end.
If you could go back in time before
you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what
you know now?
Just be yourself and make sure you are doing
something that you truly love. If you feel passionately about your
work, everything else will just fall into place.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year?
Like
every small business, my goal is to grow over the coming year. I’d like
to be doing more wholesale orders a year from now and I’ve got my mind
set on some lovely new products I’d like to offer as well. But mostly I
would just like to be as happy and creatively fulfilled as I am right
now while still paying the bills.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just
that I love Etsy and I can’t imagine that I would be enjoying this
success as an illustrator without Etsy. Not only have I enjoyed selling
here, but I’ve met some lovely people and I’ve been given some
wonderful design opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have gotten
otherwise.
Thanks to Stephanie for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of their items. You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | art, illustration, painting, quit your day job, sellers, selling, StephanieFizer |
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114 comments Login to add your own!
cuteasabow
Diffraction
jewelsanddreams
Thank you so much for this article. I LOVE to read Etsy's quit your day job. These prints are adorable. I love the "Do Your Own Thing" print.
lelephantrose
SO inspiring. I can't wait til my leaving my job has started to pay off financially. It's great to have faith in success! Excellent story.
teepetals
SO INSPIRING!!!!! Love your creations. Thanks for this article marymary!
MissAvocado
Touch2112
audreylaynecombs
Very inspiring for me! I hope to take that plunge myself some day.
Krystyna81
do what you love and it will shine thru in your work...do what other people think you should do, and you will have no joy in your creation.
Congrats on following your heart and becoming a success! And on that clean work space. Mine is a disaster!
kmwatkins
Awesome! Very inspiring to me because I am also a artist/illustrator.
CommotionSupplies
StephanieFizer
RabbitHoleArt
Thanks for the article, its very motivating. And it's so true, it's important to be true to yourself in all you do, otherwise it doesn't really work.
janicej
mooooshine
Wow such a great story. I wish you continues success and I hope to gain success as well on such a great site
jelene
NikiJewellery
What a great article, congratulations - your artwork is just fabulous!
cloud9designstudio
DoOver
dollsbyaziza
All is in Divine timing.........Thank you so very much for sharing your story. There is always a front door and a back door, it sounds like you found both.
Namaste'
FablesandFoxes
elizandaxel
lealou
autumnsarrival
Very inspiring and way to not give up!! I love your ideas and creativity!!
filigreelamps
Good for you! I find it very interesting that you found more success with being yourself artisticly, good luck!
CelesteLaurenDesigns
acageybee
Great story! Definitely inspiring.
I'd love to know where to get postcards/notecards printed with rounded corners. So lovely!
futurowoman
What a great story! StephanieFizer is an amazing person and such a talented artist! I bought one of her pieces for my mother awhile back, and she loves it!
loveliette
this is wonderful and inspiring! i think it is especially helpful to hear stories where things don't go according to plan (at least not initially). stephanie proved that if you follow your heart and get through the growing pains of finding your own way, it pays off. thank you!
ZoeChen
simplysweetdecor
Love the quit your day jobs. They are convincing me to take the plunge and open up a store on here and see what happens. Such an inspiration. God Bless you in the years to come.
CrosstheUniverse
This is great! I've just quit my job with the same goals in mind. Thanks for sharing your very inspiring story!
CreatureSmith
Ditto on the inspiration and the gratitude for the article, marymary. Congratulations to Stephanie. Your story gives me hope. I'm going to quit my day job in 6 months, too to become a full time artist. Happiness!
alwaysadorable
Your encouragement and drive are truly a lift for me as I am just starting out! I am excited beyond measure for this coming year.
kraistina
do i see a burts bees lip balm on your desk? say, pomegranate? my favorite....
good luck!!!
Kristinopolis
I can't wait until I can do this myself, it makes me more excited to log onto etsy every day!!!
breuk
simpledream2
Inspiring story. I too wish this were me. I noticed your location is Huntington, WV. I have a daughter that lives in Spencer, WV. Small world. I wish you the best and love your illustrations.
Lisa
AudreyLynne
I'm so glad I read this...I think I'm ready to sign up!!
I am a photographer, enjoying the colors of autumn in upstate New York.
Kiie
Snowberrylime
Another great article in this series! The illustrations are so sweet and it is good to hear of a successful attempt after a first failed attempt, it gives out a lot of hope for the future!
BluCille
saraaires
I love these true-stories! I always keep them in mind each morning I enter my office and turn on to "my real life"... Maybe one day I get my chance too!
Great illustrations!
issyimaginations
Oooo I love the quit your day job stories. When we follow our hearts we truly shine, because time = art and we live in beauty.
Lovely illustrations, thanks for the inspiration.
FlanneryCrane
I visited your shop after reading this article. Your work is beautiful! I love to draw as a hobby and enjoyed viewing your original work. Beautiful Stationery! Keep up the great work and wish you continued success.
dragonhouseofyuen
That's fanatastic Stephanie! so glad it is working for you!
After a few years of also painting/making what I thought everyone else wanted - I now only paint what I truly love.
thank you for sharing this with us and your last comment about etsy - making this all possible - I beleive is So true!
Piggy
Great article.. I always get inspired after reading all "quit your day job" articles! I love StephanieFizer's works.. Beautiful items!
rustydusty
Stephanie well done, it is lovely to hear your story and encouragement. I'm just getting going on Etsy and it will be my labour of love.Good luck for the future.
p.s love your style
MewPaperArts
Stephanie, you're fabulous! Good for you for giving it another shot--congratulations on your success!
MGMart
I have to go shopping now. But when I have some time in the evening I will read the article. After the first few sentence look so interesting :)
LadyLuckCreationz
Studio618
Exquisite illustrations. Your story really motivates me to keep going.
EJPcreations
WingsDove
It's always good to read about someone who took the plunge. It's never easy but so very rewarding and satisfying. Good for you, Stephanie!
jodieflowers
Knight27
Great work Stephanie! It was nice to see an illustrator on here. Good luck!
BayMoonDesign
katieblairdesigns
always such a pick-me-up to read one of these when things are feeling slow. good luck!
wildplummosaics
This is my favorite article series on Etsy. I really resonated with this one because I am dealing with some of these same issues. How do I relax and allow myself to have a fluid schedule during the day? I seem to be copying the traditional working schedule and "making" myself work set hours. I have also decided to quit making lots of things because they sell, and concentrate on making things that are inspiring to me and fun to make. Great points in the article!
trystbykerry
that is such a great story!! I remember stumbling upon your wonderful fairy inspired artwork back when you first started, which was just as gorgeous as your current work!!
Its so inspiring to see that when you follow your heart, you're that much happier doing it!! Congrats!! =)
MarniesMenagerie
Very nice article Stephanie. I love your art, very sweet!! Thanks for sharing. Marnie
ljoembroidery
Very inspiring and motivating Stephanie!! Discovered Etsy this week. I'm just starting to set up my shoppe. One thing you said above really hit home. ...spending too much time painting what you thought people wanted instead of what you felt compelled to paint...
thank you for sharing...
cherrycreek
I LOVE her shop! As soon as we move I am redecorating my daughters room and have a few items marked from her shop to help with that! Just beautiful work!
BrisherDesigns
Thank you for the inspiration!! One day I hope for the same. Beautiful work!
AvantGarb
I can sooo relate to the office horror story. Nothing is worse than working a job that squelches your spirit. The only thing better than being self-employed in a job that you really love is that it's coupled with financial success. That's what I hope for all of us here. The wonderful thing about Etsy is Etsy's a wonderful thing!
sjezierski
This is just truly inspiring. That's the kind of life I have wanted to live my entire life!
sheenajewellery
1920
deciphertheday
a fantastic story. the products look great. I wish you the best of luck! This is what I aspire to.
pillowhappy
i love reading these stories...they are SO inspiring. it is true to do what you love!
MichelleAlynn
Wow!! Such a great shop - and such an exciting story, too! :)
stefanivance
simplymega
I like your motive of being true to yourself. It makes for a happy & healthy workday but also somehow shows up in the work.
FluteTeacher
kat4526
Your story sounds just like mine. Thanks so much for sharing it, it's always inspiring to see another artist make it both creatively & financially!!
jewelalchemy
LoveFromLily
A wonderful and inspiring story! What a great lesson to be true to ourselves. Cheers!
Peekaboobabygifts
It's a story like this that keeps me going!!
Thank you for sharing!
cre8tvekarma
I get so inspired by Quit your Day Job stories.
So cool that you could swing it for the second time around, Stephanie!
Thanks for sharing your heart.
KreatedbyKelly
I really enjoyed reading your story!! I especially liked hearing that it didn't quite work the first time -- that gives me hope. I tried it once too *smiles* Nice to know I might be successful if I try again.
baddinsdesign
I SO RELATE TO YOUR STORY! I was unsuccessful at my first attempt to work for myself and have slowly been building steam and courage up to potentially try again while working my day job. Congrats to you for following your own inner voice AND for picking yourself back up and moving forward!!!!!
kyebags
Thank you for being an encouragement! People like you give me hope that I can achieve my own goals and truly be successful in it.
Blessing on you and keep up the good work :)
AmandaYuDesign
adorable illustration! I am glad to seeing the spirit of an artists. It need the great perseverance. I believe this is the most happiest job ever in the life to pursue our dreams.
Thanks for sharing!!
westcorinthstudio
What a terrific story about following your heart. Sweet work, too!
StarfishJewelry
Congratulations on your success! Your positive attitude certainly worked! ;-)
OpenToTranslation
Thats a great story, I wish i could quit my day job and spend my time working on what I really love.
SWANclothing
it's ALWAYS inspiring to read these stories. i love it. thanks for the story. and Stephanie your work is sweeeeeeeeet :) i love that it was your doing what you wanted instead of what you thought other people would buy that made it click for you. i find that is funniest battle i fight. like, how much of my heart do i show? it's an enjoyable process.
3RexesJewelry
squeeky001
great story,stephanie sounds like such a sweet person and am so happy she is doing EXACTLY what she wants.Inspriring article,hope someday I can do and be as successful as she is.
buttonbeauties
Very Encouraging! This helps me to keep trying and get beading and designing! Thanks!
poppylane
Well done and congratulations to you on taking the plunge and making it work for you.
Thanks for the interview and I wish you continued success!
amaamo
so inspiring... I hope I can quit my day job in the future as well! --- and finally work all day doing what I love the most. Stories like this one keeps me motivated and moving forward... thank you!
prairiethimble
Your experience gives me inspiration. I hope to incorporate your ideas into my goals as Etsy is a new venture for me but I share your dreams of success so that my creative dreams will become my day job! Thank you!
JulieWebb
missmarmaladeuk
Thanks for sharing your story - it's really inspired me! Good luck with your business!
mpaperarts
LuLusMeltShoppe
very inspiring, and I love the work too. It's so beautiful
thezentree
You're so right about creating for the heart! It's so hard to not get caught up in just creating things that you think will sell. I"m going through that now, with visions of revamping! Thank you for your insights and your courage and drive. Good luck, your work is adorable.
senoritasoto
each one i read pushes me a little closer to my goals. in fact, etsy itself and all who make it happen are the biggest source of inspiration one could ask for. thank you.
LexyArt
I especially love it when an artist is featured in this series, because I want to quit my day job too!!! (Don't we all?!)
I do at least work from home, but it's still for someone else, drawing stuff that doesn't really interest me.
And best of luck Stephanie. It looks like you're doing an awesome job! Gorgeous illustrations!
corelladesign
TwitchyRedMini
MissBlackPepper
A few years ago my Dad gave me a book called "Your Money or Your Life" that really got me thinking - wow, I pick my life! I would definitely recommend it to anybody who wants to read about "quitting the day job"...
Just like everyone else, I find this particular story inspiring. I am trying to see if I can support myself with my art and I am not sure how it'll go, but it is nice to read about people who managed to pull it off:)
stoneandbone
Aloha, I loved your story. I'm always checking out this site to help me better my shops on etsy. And you're right about the social networking scene. It seems a lot of work for a whole lot of nothing. I love your way of thinking too. I too, paint, and craft, and in the past have done what I thought I had to do just to make a sale, even if I hated what I painted and crafted. I don't do that now, and sales have seemed to pick up as my attitude changed. So keep up the great work, and happy crafting. Pk
peppermintstudios
this is a wonderful story... makes me want to paint just what i want to paint!
VirtuousCreations
mizdarlin
Want to congratulate you on your success-I'm going to try again too when I retire! To any crafters and artisans out there who think it'll never come-hang in there...
jascamille
Your story is very inspiring! I've tried many times myself and I have not found a way to make it work for me yet. But I know my time will come too ;)
ModFarmgirl
aprilfoss
LOVE your art work! This is the first time I have seen your stuff. I will go look at your shop better:) Best of luck to you, always:)
ArtWhims
Softpencil
I like so much your illustrations!!! and I´ve enjoyed by reading this article ;)
MyJunkyTrunk
I absolutely love your work! I really enjoyed reading your interview and was inspired to keep believing that all things are possible. I wish you continued success! Be blessed!
~Unessalyn
JenniferArndt
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