COVID-19 Apocalypse

Okay 2020. We have to have a serious talk. What the hell happened?! This last month has been absolutely insane.

This last month we have seen COVID-19 rise up and take control of our lives. It has forced us all into situations we never thought we'd find ourselves in and it's scary. People are losing their jobs, working from home and there are people out there risking their lives and the lives of their family to help everyone else and to bring in those few paychecks so they can keep their house, fill up their car and buy groceries. It is terrifying what the world is coming to and it is made even more terrifying when you see the people who think everyone is overreacting refuse to help stop the spread. It is terrifying that in the midst of this global crisis our politicians in the United States refuse to help their people before saving their own skin. It makes me sad and fearful for what is to come. This pandemic has not even reached it's peak in the United States yet, it is going to get worse before it gets better and I have no idea how we are going to survive it.

These last two weeks I have isolated myself at home and have just focused on my business. I have a good amount of health problems and granted some may have no effect on how I could handle the coronavirus I am not willing to take that chance. My husband is fortunate enough to have a job that he can work from home. We're hoping that will not only make sure that neither of us get the virus but also we don't potentially spread it to others. While staying home limits our exposure the big thing right now is money. My husband can thankfully take care of most things, but I am still left with my student loans, groceries and business expenses. I realized a long time ago that no job, no matter how much I need the money, is worth risking my health and the health of my family for. I know that if I don't work I will still have a home and a safe place to sleep which is more than other people can say; but knowing that I could come out of this pandemic in more financial debt than before, knowing that I could destroy so much of the stuff I've worked so hard for is really hard to handle. And I am fully aware that there are plenty of other people out there that have it far worse. I can only hope that they are able to stay safe and take care of their families the best they can.

Anyway, enough about all of this doom and gloom stuff. As I have been isolating myself for the last two weeks I have been focusing heavily on the online presence of the business. I have updated the website so it has a ton of new items up for sale. The section about the artist (myself) has been updated, I included a resume and there's a little section about how the business is working to be more eco-friendly. I am also taking commissions so there has been a section set up about pricing and etc. I have always taken commissions but have noticed that not many people knew I did so I am working to try and advertise that more. On the website I also set up an awesome sale. I have decided to start cutting out all the painting I do and just focus on my drawing. So, now until April 16th there are a ton of paintings on sale as well as old artwork of mine that I would love to see go to someone who can actually appreciate it. After April 16th all of it is getting tossed because I need the space.

Another exciting thing I've done, specifically because of COVID-19, is I've changed things up a little with my greeting cards that now you can purchase a card, type up a message you would like to send to someone and I will write the message and send the card out directly to the recipient. There's no paying for shipping to get the card to you, waiting for it to arrive and then having to send it out yourself. Now all you have to do is pay for the card and a stamp and I do all the work for you. It makes it a nice way for you to surprise a loved one with a heart-felt letter. It is also an affordable way to support your local artist. With so many people isolating and social distancing we don't get to see our family and friends anymore. A card is an awesome and unique way to stay in touch.

In addition to updating the website, having a sale and etc I am also more active on social media. I am not very good at marketing and am using this time to really experiment and see what does and doesn't work. I am posting at least once a day on either works in progress, items for sale, events I got into and etc. One of the more exciting events I have gotten into is my first art gallery! The Art Garage in Green Bay is having a Pencils and Pens exhibit that features works of art all done in pens or pencils. I have four different drawings that were accepted. The exhibit takes place April 2nd to May 31st. Due to COVID-19 the Art Garage has set up a virtual tour of the exhibit so you can view the artwork, donate to the gallery and buy artwork from the comfort and safety of your own home. So please check out this awesome exhibit.

Due to doing so much work online I have not been able to create nearly as much as I had hoped but now that I have caught up more with the online work I can get down to creating. So far I have been able to create a few cards and one or two illustrations.

This next month my goal is to create at least 4 new illustrations and a ton of new greeting cards. Another goal is to obviously figure out the money situation, if I start bringing in more sales I will be getting some of my illustrations turned into Giclee prints and will have tote bags designed. My last goal is to just not go stir-crazy here at home. Stuck in the house with my husband and two needy cats can get a bit overwhelming at times. I hope everyone is doing well and surviving this chaotic time. Stay safe and don't forget to wash your hands.