Reflecting On My Art Business Journey (Market Edition)
It’s been about 3 years since I left my 9-5 job to become a *full-time* artist & owner of Turtle Heights. I started doing weekly markets in San Diego in June 2023. This past year was my first full year of doing a couple weekly markets, and I want to celebrate some huge wins with you as well as share my progress in this small business artist journey so far. For any other creative bosses out there, I hope this post helps you with your business journey too!
2023 vs 2024 Comparison
Year 2023
Started in June, Hillcrest Farmers Market, weekly
24 total event days
Year 2024
Started Hillcrest Farmers Market & Little Italy Farmers Market, weekly
Encinitas Spring Street Faire, April
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair, December
75 total event days
Increased revenue by 4x compared to 2023
2024 Highlights
In 2023, our best selling categories were Handmade Jewelry followed by Prints/Posters. In 2024, there was a bit of a flip and Prints/Posters became our best selling category increased in sales by 8x and holding down the fort at 23%! Then, followed by hats.
% by $ Sales
% by Quantity
I actually made 230 handmade jewelry pieces and sold out in 2024 which is double the amount of what I made and sold in 2023. So it was even more rewarding to see ART PRINTS get so much love & support! THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is a huge proud moment as an artist trying to share my creative vision and art!
Changes I made to Prints/Posters:
In 2023, I had less than 10 printed designs
In 2024, I kept creating & producing, and ended up with 30+ printed designs in various size options, 8x11 (small), 12x16 (medium) and 18x24 (posters).
More designs meant I was expanding my own artistic journey, but it also gave you a broader range of art that you can relate to and feel connected with.
I added patched hats to my collection too because who doesn’t love a cute hat with a cute patch, and it’s mostly sunny in San Diego so a little bit of shade goes a long way at outdoor markets. It also gave me an opportunity to try out acid wash bleach dying which has been fun to explore!
Most Loved Designs
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Most Loved Designs ☻
Here’s some of our most loved designs by category :) They’re available on our online shop. Check them out and see what you like!
Art Prints
Stickers
[Limited] Most Loved Sticker Pack
Get your hands on our Most Loved Sticker Pack with top 10 stickers of 2024! Limited Quantity available.
Hats & Handmade Jewelry
Happy Friends At The Market
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Happy Friends At The Market ✹
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this was helpful ☻ If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note! Don’t forget to:
🐢 Follow us on Instagram @turtleheights
🛒 Visit our website www.turtleheights.com
👄 Spread the word. Like & share our posts with your friends & fellow artists!