I'm trying to focus on creating this week and the universe provided the time with sales slowed to a snail's pace. It's a double edged sword; more sales equals more administrative work and less creative time and less sales equals more creative time but the bills don't get paid. Thankfully, I don't have to sell to pay the mortgage, however our family can't afford to lose money. A metal smith's overhead is high. The equipment is quite costly and metal is way more expensive than most stones or man-made substances many make into jewellery.
For the creative soul, it will always be, artist vs business owner. My suggestion is to allow for creative days by remaining flexible. When you feel those creative juices flowing and you've sketched out so many ideas but haven't actioned them because you are busy filling orders, that's the right time. You don't have to take out days on end, but at least one studio day dedicated to filling this void. You don't have to complete the pieces, just get a good start so your creative hunger is satisfied, or at least the edge is off.
Taking out a day for creativity or to feed the soul, is also a fantastic way to ensure your work doesn't grow stagnant with repetition and your customers don't wander away due to boredom. So speaking of fresh, today is my creative day, just for me. I always feel just a little selfish, but I usually get over it once the tools are in my hands. Off to the studio I merrily go!
