For the Love of Art.

Oh, to be an artist... Especially in an age where anyone can have anything and everything they want at a moment's notice. Don't want to wait on a commission? Pays an AI app to generate so many fantasy versions of oneself they lose interest.

Clown Art by artist Destinie Dowden

Don't want to wait on the artisan seller's shipping rates? Quickly purchases from Amazon, knowing in the back of your mind... It's probably not the design from the original artist you initially wanted to support. Is it not worth it to wait? For the love of art, for passion, or is the love of creativity dying? Is it not the act of creating that truly drives artists and collectors alike?

It's a tough pill to swallow. On the one hand, knowing that it feeds your soul to create. On the other, you also know overproduction and waste are at an all-time high. Fast fashion companies like SheIn and FashionNova tightly grasp adults and youth alike. It's hard for a small business to compare, and don't get us started on Amazon.

Artist puzzled by a robot

What's a small business and aging creative to do? If you're reading this publication for advice...don't. (I hope you aren't) Everything I have done for my business has been trial and error based on guidance from hours of scouring the internet and a background in the promotional industry. One thing I know for sure is products do sell a brand. I knew I didn't want to create a bunch of inventory to have it, though. This is one of the primary reasons many of my products are made on demand. Is this a foolproof solution? Not necessarily. There are definite pros and cons to on-demand production, one being the timelines. Drealism as a brand has to be able to stand by the phrase "Good things come to those who wait."

Finding balance is Key. Here are a few techniques that are working for me. First, a good blend of on-hand inventory and partnering with vendors supporting drop-shipping for small artists, such as Printful, Printify, and Gelatto, come in handy when trying to lead an eco-friendly brand. Next, product consistency.

As ECO-friendly as we can get!

The products in the Drealism shop are ethically sourced and typically found in an eco-friendly lineup due to recycled materials. The phone cases I offer are even Biodegradable! My framed prints are made on unbleached photo paper, and the frames are made from recycled materials. All the pins shown are metal instead of plastic, and the list goes on! Check out the shop page for more Drealism eco-friendly products. Lastly, setting customer expectations. I am constantly in contact with my (BFFs). That's you guys!

When you purchase from the Drealism store, you support a small artist and her fur babies and buy responsibly, so you can feel good about that, but also you can always get in touch with me from the chat on the website and from the Drealism app!

To recap, mix up your inventory, source products consistently, outsource where you can, and stay connected with fans of your brand. Scaling a small art brand in the digital world can be a nightmare, but I hope there will always be people like me willing to wait for the love of art. Anyway, if you find this helpful or have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below. You're welcome to just say "hi!" if you like. Annnd for being such a trooper, If you made it all the way through my small business rant you deserve a treat. Use code "TastyTreat" for a small discount on your next order.

Are you willing to wait, for the love of art?

• Good things come to those who wait.
• If I wanted to wait, I would of maid it myself.

xoxo,

D