The Dotty Blog
What Do Creative Business Owners Need Help With?
I want to create practical, affordable resources for creative business owners, but I would rather ask what you need than sit here and guess.
Your Business Doesn’t Have to Be Business All the Time
If every post tells people what you do but none show who you are, how will people get to know the person behind your business?
Check Your Wet Drawers
Yesterday’s wet iPad was only the beginning. The hidden wet drawer became a useful reminder to check the knock-on effects when something changes in your business.
Finish the Frog First
One creative idea can quickly become five possible products, but none of them will exist if the original project never gets finished. Sometimes you need to finish the frog first.
What Do I Actually Do? Finding the Words for a Creative Business
What do you call yourself when your creative business no longer fits neatly into one box? I finally found the words that connect my art, illustration and creative mentoring.
Assume They Will Be Delighted to Hear From You
If someone has joined your email list, they have already asked to hear from you. So why are so many business owners reluctant to write to their subscribers?
Don’t Wait Until Your Work Is Finished to Talk About It
You don’t need to wait until your artwork, course or product is finished before talking about it. Sharing the story early gives people time to become interested in what you are creating.
Assume They’re Delighted to Hear From You
Mabel assumes everybody will be delighted to see her. What could her wholehearted confidence teach us about sharing our work and talking about what we sell?
If Your Followers Don’t See Your Posts, Where Can They Find You?
Social media followers may not see everything you post. A website and email list give creative businesses another way to remain connected with their audience.
Your Post Went Viral, But Nobody Bought Anything
A popular post can attract plenty of attention without producing immediate sales. People may still need time and more of your stories before they are ready to buy.
The Layers You Delete Still Get You There
Building a creative business rarely follows a straight line. The tools, ideas and old versions we leave behind still help us find our own pretty way.
How to create five posts from one piece of art
One finished artwork can give you far more than one social media post. Look behind the image at the inspiration, motifs, decisions and difficulties to find five stories worth sharing.
What To Do When Your Artwork Isn't Working
After almost two weeks of trying to make the trees and water work in my January calendar illustration, the answer arrived at 3am: the cassowary didn't need them. Sometimes the solution is taking something away.
What to Post After You Share Your Finished Artwork
You don't need to finish another piece of art before you can post again. The decisions, difficulties and memories behind your latest artwork can give you plenty more stories to share.
How to Turn Everyday Moments Into Stories for Your Business
You don't need a dramatic story to create meaningful business content. A black swan mum and her cygnets became the perfect example of how to turn one ordinary moment into a story using dots, threads, lessons and doorways.