The Forest for the Trees

If each new task is a tree in the forest, and each time a tree proves fruitless a new one is planted, how can I tell the forest for the trees?

I've set up my shop.

I've taken good, clear and sharp photos.

I've engaged in the chat rooms

I've posted in the forums

1. to ask for critiques

2. to ask business topic questions

3. to promote my shop

I've 3 joined teams

I've set up a blog and post almost every day.

I've set up a flickr.com account.

I'm working on a face book site.

I've let my family and friends know I'm open for business.

How do I keep from despairing?

Making art for arts sake is very good and sounds like a noble endeavor. But what you end up with is piles of art and no place to store it.

And I admit, that as an artist, I seek validation! I want to know that my ideas are valid and that others think they're worth purchasing and giving as gifts. So not making sales is not only hard on the pocket book, it hurts my soul.

Every time I kvetch people tell me to hang in. My products are good, great, cute, wonderful. The prices are fair. The pictures are clear and good.

But as the Christmas season comes on, and I spend more time looking at other Etsy shops and see how many sales they've had since the time that I signed up, it just makes me ache.

This is the gift God gave me. And for my entire life I've tried to find the niche that will enable me to justify the time and money I spend on my art.

Can you relate?

http://www.judyagoddard.etsy.com/

http://www.measureformeasuregrowthcharts.com/

www.Flickr.com/judyagoddard/