Sometimes, I make my work much more complicated than it needs to be.

I have met my obligation to my client. I’m nearing where I need to be to pay my cost plus myself, but I feel the need to push past it. I’ve learned something along the way, and I want to include it in this window.

I rationalize this by telling myself that this is my marketing plan. By doing better work now, I can charge more for commissions in the future. It does work; it just takes a long time.

I also work in an old barn on my property, heat it with wood, and don’t have a secretary or salespeople. These are considerable savings that I can use to build my skills and reputation.

People contact me through word of mouth or by finding me online. Almost always, the ones who see me on the internet have looked around quite a bit. If there is anything I can stress to young artists, it’s the importance of having a solid internet presence.