The Unseen Brushstrokes: Navigating the Trials of a Design Business
It’s been a little while since I last shared my journey, moving from the corporate world towards a life infused with art and creativity. Since then, Emmy Bridge Designs has grown, evolved, and thrown a few curveballs my way. This path isn’t just about beautiful designs; it’s also about navigating the sometimes-turbulent waters of the creative business world.
When I first started, like many artists, I envisioned selling my art prints and seamless patterns as digital downloads on platforms like Etsy. It seemed like the natural first step, a direct route to sharing my creations. But what I quickly learned is that the digital design space is incredibly competitive. It’s a vast ocean, and standing out requires more than just good art; it demands a strategic approach, constant innovation, and a thick skin.
After some trial and error, I started shifting my focus. Why limit myself to digital downloads when my designs could adorn so many other wonderful things? This led me down the exciting path of Print-on-Demand (POD) items. Suddenly, my art wasn’t just a file on a screen; it was coming to life on sweatshirts, stylish tote bags, unique jewelry, and a range of accessories.
This shift also brought a new appreciation for the power of SEO keywords. It’s no longer enough to just create; you have to think about how people will find your creations. Learning to strategically use keywords to pull traffic to my shop has been a crucial, if sometimes daunting, part of the process.
My Spoonflower store has become a significant focus. It’s a platform where my seamless patterns truly shine, and I’ve learned to invest more time there, understanding its unique audience and potential. And speaking of working smarter, not harder – that’s become my mantra. Reusing elements from existing designs to create new, fresh patterns or products has been a game-changer. It allows for creative efficiency and ensures a cohesive brand aesthetic without reinventing the wheel every single time.
However, it’s not all seamless patterns and creative flow. The biggest hurdle? Social media. Specifically, Instagram. My AuDHD and anxiety create a significant mental block around posting regularly. The pressure to constantly create engaging content, craft the perfect caption, and chase algorithms feels like an uphill battle. It’s a vital tool for any design business, yet it often feels like the most challenging aspect.
Balancing all of this (the creative work, the business strategy, the social media struggle, my day job, and precious family life) can undoubtedly take its toll. Some days, it feels like an impossible juggle. But the spark that ignited Emmy Bridge Designs, that desire to reclaim my creativity and build a life I love, is still burning strong. I am going to persevere, because the dream of running my own design business, infused with passion and purpose, is a dream worth fighting for.
Much love,
Tarryn -x
