Thoughts after AX Chibi

Nov 14, 2022

Updated: Jan 10, 2023

Again a huge thanks to everyone who stopped by my table to say hi, support, and commissioned me to paint the characters they love or created. It is encouraging! 💖

When I decided to slowly shift my table display to 3 main categories: original paintings, mini artbook or zines/ (+ support stickers), and wool felting crafts, there was doubt behind the strategy, to be honest. Pricing for the original painting and wool felting figures is never easy. I had been trapped in this pricing issue before which made me miserable and ended with anxiety and depression. After years of thinking, I decided to look at the paintings/items I create in a different way.

Here I like to share a wood print that I really like.

(click here to link to Unsodo 芸艸堂 art page

the wood print is really beautiful and peaceful 🥰)

Each artwork has once supported my spirit at the right time and then I'd move on and create a new one that high light the moment. If I can, I'd like to find my previous painting a home where they can continue to be loved.

I'm not sure how to describe this behavior in words. It is like letting the air flow. 🌱 When I have this purpose in mind (let paintings come and go), I want to price them as affordable/and fairly as possible.

I can't speak for anyone about how much is affordable. Pricing art is very subjective due to various reasons in my opinion. We all need to make some $ for living, so I set a minimum charge (I have to pay for the table and the hotel/fuel gas too). And that minimum charge was the reason I doubt my shifting from selling prints to actual paintings would work well. It could be one of the reasons that keep people at a distance.

Luckily, it seems that the shift has been accepted minority so far. I am so grateful and appreciate everyone's support! 😭

My partner took a photo of me working on commissions. I clipped the order on the wire cube. It is easier to explain how long will the wait be. It's like I'm the chef and also the waitress. 🤣

Commissions on day 1

Commissions on day 2

I can take a max of 8 on-site commissions per day, and a max of 6 on the last day. Each painting takes about 30 minutes. If I have a customer at the front, I need to stop to introduce my artwork to the new customers. And that extends the time I spend on each commission. 😌

What makes me really happy is that at PMX and AX Chibi, everyone was super friendly and patient. They also shared their stories so we began to build a bond and started a potential friendship.

By taking on-site commission, I can also figure out the list of subjects that I need to practice at home. Now I wake up with excitement. 😊

This is really lovely, and happy.

I don't like writing, but I wrote a lot today. 😆

Going home