Lots of makers have a second job, but I do not currently do anything except make my sculptures. Years ago, I worked for other makers once or twice a week- at one point three makers simultaneously. My favourite was Alena Asenbryl, who was a jeweller at the time- I don’t believe she’s still making anymore. It was fun to learn all about her processes and make her designs. I was also a part time carer for a family member for a few years, but other than that I’ve never had a ‘proper’ job.

So why do most makers do other things? Some because they enjoy it. Some makers inspire creativity in others, so teaching makes so much sense. Others work a part time job because they need other income. It is often said to be ill advised to have just one income stream as an artist, because sales fluctuate massively at different times of year. There is no wage every month, and this can be stressful when there are bills to pay. And, of course, no sales are guaranteed.

My lack of another job is not because my finances are so impressive I have no need of one. I think it’s partly a time management issue. Running a business takes an enormous amount of time. It’s not just making; there is marketing, business planning, accounting to get done, among other things. And I’ve no burning desire to have another occupation- in fact I think I’d find most jobs quite anxiety inducing. I struggle with time management and groups of more than three individuals.

What does interest me is trying to broaden revenue streams withing my business. Could I take on more commissions, or participate in more exhibitions each year? I also want to work more on my kits too. So in the next few years I want to be more proactive doing these things, and see if it leads to better financial security.

The reason I think I don’t do these things as much right now is mostly because they make me uncomfortable. I’d have to put myself out there for things. In nearing 20 years of business, I have applied to exactly two galleries, one show and one online marketplace. Both galleries rejected me, on the grounds my work was ‘altogether too niche’, which I’m still not entirely sure I understand. One was particularly effusive in how odd she found my work- I think she mostly just disliked it. And that’s absolutely fine- I don’t expect everybody to. It’s not the rejection that bothers me in the least; I don’t take it personally. It has more to do with an uncomfortable feeling I have wasted somebody’s time, and I shouldn’t do that again. And I wasn’t cold calling; these galleries invited applications on their website, and I sent my information in the exact format they specified. What I should have done is shrugged and sent out another two applications that afternoon, but I took he words to heart- retreated to my cave and stayed there. I think I genuinely contemplated whether I should attempt to be ‘less niche’ with my sculptures, but since I don’t know any other way to be, I dismissed it as the nonsense it is.

The show, GNCCF, accepted me and the online marketplace, Made By Hand Online, also accepted me. Katie (from MDHO) was actually so nice in her acceptance email. She was so kind, and I’m sad MBHO is no more. It’s lovely to feel welcomed into a something so nice and good. It was a great marketplace. (If you’re wondering about Holly and Co- I never applied, I was invited to participate in some secret thing, a year before it launched). So, I know I have been treated very kindly and this should give me a boost to grow some courage from somewhere. It’s miraculous that I’ve had the good luck to stumble into all the opportunities I have had so far in my career. And now it’s time to pull my socks up and make more of an effort to get myself out there. Even if I’d rather stay in!