Discovering CreateTube & the Etsy Connection

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Early passion for creativity
3. Exploring different career paths
4. Transitioning to a creative career
5. Discovering the wholesale market
6. Challenges with competition from China
7. Venturing into art licensing
8. Diversifying with punch needle and cross-stitch
9. Managing multiple creative endeavors
10. The birth of CreateTube
11. The benefits of having an Etsy shop

Introduction

Welcome to my studio! In this article, I want to share my journey as a creative person and how I ended up where I am today. My name is Teresa Cogan, and I have always had a passion for art and creativity from a young age. In this article, I will take you through my early fascination with drawing and coloring, my attempts at various career paths, and finally finding my true calling as a professional artist. Along the way, I will also discuss the challenges I faced with competition from China, the rise and decline of art licensing, and my foray into punch needle and cross-stitch. Finally, I will introduce you to CreateTube and why I believe it is important for artists and creators of all kinds to join this creative community. So, let's dive in and explore my creative journey!

Early passion for creativity

As a child, I was always drawing, sketching, and coloring. Creativity was my outlet, and I knew deep down that I wanted it to be a part of my future. However, I also had doubts about whether I could make a living out of it. So, I explored different paths and attempted college for a couple of different fields. Unfortunately, those didn't work out, but my parents were supportive, and I eventually pursued my passion at a local community college where I obtained my associates in fine art.

Exploring different career paths

After obtaining my degree, I worked at a graphic design company and a few other companies that focused on designing business cards and similar products. Though I enjoyed the experience, my desire to be a stay-at-home mom and fully dedicate myself to art didn't diminish. I began participating in art shows and craft fairs, creating and selling small watercolor paintings with a country look. However, it was during this time that I stumbled upon a new opportunity that would change the course of my artistic career.

Transitioning to a creative career

While attending a show, I met a gentleman who asked if I did wholesale. Intrigued but unknowing of the concept, I decided to explore further. He invited me to his store, and that's when I discovered the world of wholesale. The idea of painting artworks and shipping them to stores instead of attending craft shows every weekend excited me. I started approaching local gift shops and selling my watercolor paintings wholesale. It was a refreshing change that allowed me to spend more time at home while still pursuing my art.

Discovering the wholesale market

Through my interactions with store owners, I learned about a wholesale show called Market Square in Pennsylvania. This event served as a hub where store owners could gather and purchase products for their stores from artists and creators like myself. Attending this show opened up a new world of possibilities. I could reach a broader audience without having to physically visit each store. It was a turning point that allowed me to expand my reach and experience success in the wholesale market.

Challenges with competition from China

However, just as my wholesale business was thriving, a significant shift occurred in the market. More and more competitors began having their products manufactured in China, which allowed them to offer lower prices. As an artist who prided herself on handmade, American-made products, I struggled to compete. Sales dwindled, and I faced the harsh reality that I needed to adapt to survive in the ever-changing creative industry.

Venturing into art licensing

Fortunately, around the same time, the licensing market was on the rise. I seized this opportunity and signed with an agent in 1997. My licensing career took off like a rocket, and my artwork was featured on various products. However, as the market became saturated with new artists, the dynamics changed. Additionally, personal circumstances led to a difficult separation from my agent, which caused me to lose my passion for art licensing temporarily. But every cloud has a silver lining, and a new creative venture was waiting for me.

Diversifying with punch needle and cross-stitch

In 2004, I began designing punch needle patterns and selling them to needle workshops and quilt shops across the nation. This new venture allowed me to tap into a different market while still utilizing my creative skills. Over time, I expanded my offerings by adding cross-stitch patterns in 2013. This diversification strategy proved fruitful as my pattern business grew steadily alongside the decline of art licensing. Today, the bulk of my business revolves around designing and distributing cross-stitch and punch needle patterns.

Managing multiple creative endeavors

Throughout my creative journey, I have learned the importance of diversifying and having multiple streams of income. I continue to explore different creative avenues, including licensing my artwork and maintaining an Etsy shop where I sell my original paintings. By doing so, I stay resilient and adaptable in an industry that constantly evolves. My goal is to inspire other artists and creators to embrace diversification and join me on this creative journey.

The birth of CreateTube

Inspired by the FlossTube community—where cross-stitch and needlework enthusiasts connect and share their creative endeavors—I decided to create a similar platform for artists and creators of all kinds. Hence, CreateTube was born. CreateTube is a space where artists and crafters can share their creative processes, showcase their works in progress, and invite others into their studios. It aims to build a vibrant community where artists can learn from one another, find inspiration, and connect with like-minded individuals. By joining CreateTube, artists can expand their reach, gain exposure, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow creators.

The benefits of having an Etsy shop

One of the key aspects of being a successful artist or creator is having a platform to sell your work. While there are various options available, having an Etsy shop offers numerous benefits. Firstly, setting up an Etsy shop is easy and free. You can quickly list your products and start selling within minutes. Etsy also provides low fees, with just a 20-cent listing fee per item and a small transaction fee of three and a half percent when something sells. Additionally, Etsy takes care of tracking inventory, handling shipping calculations, and even managing sales tax on your behalf. The platform also has a built-in community and support system, making it easy to connect with other sellers and seek assistance if needed. Overall, having an Etsy shop is a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable way to showcase and sell your creative products.

Highlights

• From a young age, I was drawn to creativity, leading me on a lifelong artistic journey.
• I explored various career paths but found my calling in the world of art and design.
• The wholesale market offered a new way to reach customers and expand my business.
• Competition from China posed challenges, prompting me to pivot my approach.
• Art licensing became a significant part of my creative career, albeit with its own set of ups and downs.
• Diversifying into punch needle and cross-stitch allowed me to tap into new markets and revenue streams.
• CreateTube was born out of a desire to build a supportive community for artists and creators.
• Having an Etsy shop offers numerous benefits, including easy setup, low fees, and built-in support.

FAQ

Q: How did you handle competition from China? A: Competition from mass-produced, low-cost products made in China posed challenges for my handmade, American-made creations. To adapt, I focused on offering unique designs, emphasizing the quality and craftsmanship of my artwork. I also explored alternative markets and diversified my product offerings.

Q: What led to your separation from your agent in the licensing industry? A: While the specifics of the separation are personal, it was a difficult decision that resulted in a temporary loss of passion for art licensing. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and it opened up new opportunities for me to explore other creative ventures.

Q: How do you manage multiple creative endeavors? A: Managing multiple creative endeavors can be challenging, but it also brings excitement and diversity to my work. I prioritize time management, set clear goals, and stay organized. Additionally, having a supportive team and leveraging technology helps streamline processes and make things more manageable.

Q: What is the purpose of CreateTube? A: CreateTube aims to create a vibrant community where artists and creators can share their creative process, connect with like-minded individuals, and find inspiration. It provides a platform for showcasing works in progress, discussing artistic techniques, and building a supportive network of fellow creators.

Q: Why should I have an Etsy shop as an artist or creator? A: Having an Etsy shop offers numerous benefits, including easy setup, low fees, and a built-in community. It provides a user-friendly platform for showcasing and selling your creative products, handling transactions, and managing inventory. Etsy also takes care of shipping calculations and sales tax, saving you time and effort.

Q: Can I join CreateTube if I don't sell my work? A: Absolutely! CreateTube is open to all artists and creators, whether you sell your work or not. It's a platform for sharing your creative journey, connecting with others, and gaining inspiration. Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, CreateTube welcomes you to join and be a part of the creative community.