Dear Steemit is a weekly contest in search of the best advise on a given situation.
We had 19 RESPONSES for the query sent by Never Thought I Could Be An Artist
'Never Thought I Could Be An Artist' is confused, what to do if with limited cash flow- allot funds on immediate needs or invest on a tool that can help bring in more funds?
THANK YOU to all Dear Steemit Week 3 participants!
Hello everyone! I'm Never Thought I Could Be An Artist, aka, @NovaAteBatman.
Some of you had some really great advice! But some of you don't seem to have actually read the information provided, or >
skimmed/glanced over it and therefore missed some parts that were a bit important to the entire situation.Such as the fact that the device I was using to draw was also my phone and dying. Continuing to draw using my phone
would soon cost me the use of my phone entirely -- even as a phone. I wouldn't be able to replace it in order to keep drawing > at all, and then I would lose all ability to try to make money with art all together.The good news is, the problem managed to be resolved before this advice contest came to an end!
@Neoxian offered me an interest free loan for my tablet. You can find the post here.
I ordered the tablet immediately! I thought my heart was gonna explode out of my chest when I opened the box!
I do post my art up on here! In fact, I think that's the majority of what I post to Steemit. I'm still growing though. And some
people seemed to like my simplier style that showed I did't really know how to draw some things. I'll still have that up to offer as well, because it's fun and people do seem to like it.I throw a free art Freebie Friday event every Friday. Drawing people's requests, even ones I have no idea how to draw, has
forced me to progress and realy think some things out. So far, the tablet is going really well! I took on what felt like an
impossible challenge over this last weekend, and it turned out much better than I thought it would! Here's a link to last
Freebie Friday. If > you'd like to make a free art request, you'll have to wait until next Friday. If you'd like to commission some art, I'd be more
than happy to do that.My husband is very happy we went ahead and bought the tablet. I'm really happy with it, too! It's been a really great
adventure.My first two drawings were abysmal. But I was really nervous with the tablet and holding the pen awkward and not letting
my hand touch it, so everything about it was uncomfortable. Then I buckled down and played around with it while getting ?
comfortable. Then someone requested I draw their daughter using a photograph as reference.
After reading through all of the comments and advice very carefully, I feel that @Improv provided the best advice and > > > connected to the situation the best.
Thank you all so very much for your responses!
This has been a wild ride and I'm glad you've been a part of it!
Sincerely,
@NovaAteBatman aka Never Thought I Could Be An Artist
Congratulations to the winners!
JUDGES'S CHOICE- 
Here is what the community has to say
Hi there, Never Thought I Could Be An Artist,
First of all, congratulations on making significant sums on Steemit! It's a dream and a goal for many of us!
Nextly, do you and your honeybunch agree on this? Will you both support whichever decision you come to? That is one of the most important factors that needs to weigh into your choice.
Lastly, I read a steemit article recently about technological obsolescence. The relevance to your situation is that it is likely that there is a 2-year old piece of equipment out there that you can buy for a fraction of the cost of a new one, that will serve you just as well as a new one would.
As long as we're thinking outside the box, I think offering your services as an artist in exchange for the funds to purchase this piece of equipment might be exactly the thing that you could find support for on Steemit. Many of the more prominent users offer #steemgigs to designers and artists to help them improve the quality of their posts. Perhaps one of them will give you an advance so that you can have the best equipment available to do a job for them!
Good luck,
We're all making it up as we go along,
Thanks. With that new information, I whole-heartedly endorse the idea of getting a tablet. A $44 tablet that could turn around your finances is absolutely worth the risk. I'm a smart, creative problem-finder, and I'm having difficulty concocting a scenario in which it is the wrong choice. GO FOR IT. Buy the thing and use it! I hope you succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
The first thing I'd do in the writer's situation is sit down with the spouse, and take some time to go over the list of things they thought they needed badly. For each item on that list, figure out what they've been doing in the absence of said item and determine whether or not they can continue coping in that way. If they think they can continue coping for a while longer, then the item isn't needed THAT badly; money that would've been spent for that specific item can instead go towards saving up for the new tablet. On the other hand, if the determination is that the couple can't continue coping, then there is a genuine need that should be taken care of. Money should be prioritized to addressing genuine needs first before saving up for the tablet.
Unfortunately there is only limited information about the writer's situation. We don't know what kind of disability they have, how it affects their everyday life, if there's stuff in their home that's broken and needs to be repaired, etc. If more information were available, respondents to this post would be able to provide more specific advice or guidance.
Excellent. Given that the spouse supports making this $44 investment, I say that the artist should go for it. Here are some additional ideas:
If money still needs to be saved to purchase the tablet, are there micro-crowdfunding options available?
I'm aware of several illustrators who have gone to Patreon and utilized that as an extra income stream; perhaps the artist should look into that.
Would the artist be willing to post some of their past work here on Steemit? It is possible that exposing their work to Steemit might impress someone enough that they'd be willing to order some commissioned art. Bonus points (and cash) if the artist and prospective client can work out a deal that involves two versions of the same commissioned artwork; one made from the old tablet and the other from the new one.
Hi, This is indeed an interesting situation. Here are some things to consider while making your decision.
How proficient are you with your drawing skills? If you are a beginner and just trying to hone your drawing skills, then I would say no. Spend your money on your bills and practice drawing with a pen and pencil. You seem like you may have some experience so...
How proficient are you with photoshop/corel and any other digital editing software? There is a big learning curve here.
if you have a little experience that will help but learning everything these programs have can get frustrating.
On the bright side there is a tutorial for just about anything and if you are confident in your skills, then I say go for it!
That is unless....
You really should use that money for the cancer medicine.
First off, I'm sorry that you're in such a situation. It's difficult to deal with having disabilities on top of being short on money. That aside, here's my take:
We all have needs but it's important to also realize that needs are defined by how much importance we give it and so, our level of adjustment depends on the weight with which we define a need. Example, with the vehicle. Is it possible to commute? Or would repairing it be more cost-effective? It is the little things that would help you decide, ultimately, if those other needs should come above the need for a tablet. But be it that your spouse thinks it's a good idea to buy a tablet, it is also important to talk about the reason for your partner's agreement. Yes, it could be that your spouse is trying to make you feel better. But isn't that a good reason, regardless? After all, if you're suffering from pain and depression, it is also a weight on the minds and hearts of the people around you. It might be that they want to help you but they cannot help any other way. They might see the tablet as a long-term investment. How? For one, if it makes you happy and eases your pain, it puts them at ease enough to be able to concentrate on other aspects that need to be seen to. Another important point, as you mentioned, it can help you earn money thereby earning back the money it cost to buy it (as well as earning more after recovering the cost) and potentially be an additional source of income to help with the other needs.
Evaluate the other needs, too, as I mentioned with the vehicle. Consider if there are other alternatives in dealing with the other needs. Then compare it with the tablet (you've already mentioned you're not going anywhere with the paper and pen approach). If guilt and being selfless are holding you back from evaluating effectively and logically, understand that it is difficult for your loved ones to see you struggle and perhaps seeing you happy (and productive) in the long run is a need for them, too.
Best wishes :)
hi 'Never Thought I Could Be An Artist'
i have read your letter. Hopefully reading twice is enough to try to put myself in your shoes.
The message that i am receiving are the following:
your current physical disability makes working at home the best option and Steemit community is ideal for you
you got the artists' hand and eyes to create digital arts which you want to continue to cultivate and add beauty around you. And with that same skill generate continuous income for you and your family
you got a supportive spouse encouraging you to have a better digital toolkit
💡So should you need a new digital tool? Yes, specially you mentioned your current device is nearing the end of its working lifespan
💡Can you still create digital arts now using your existing tools? If yes, keep creating and keep sharing.
💡Is getting a new device a MUST? if yes, then go for it.
💡When will i get a new device? My suggestion which works most of the time is to walk to your wall calendar and encircle the exact date you'll get it. For example, if the gadget cost 44 dollars, aim to set aside 1 dollar per day. Then after 44 days, together with ur wife, purchase the gadget. Assuming you start setting aside 1 dollar today, you would have 44 dollars on August 23, 2017. The duration i set is just an example.
I look forward to see your creations. All the best 🌄
I would say it's a matter of perspective. My brother is a super talented artist. I actually got him a tablet on Christmas of last year and he is really just now learning and utilizing the drawing tablet to its full potential. Also depending on the tablet you buy some require additional software. If it were me I'd try to find something that has it all. When he draws he also uses a hand sleeve as screen sensitivity can be an issue. I would say if its a necessity vs. want situation, cover your necessities first or you will find yourself further behind. I am in no way suggesting to not to follow your heart. Art is a skill and I am truly inspired but the things people post on Steemit. Trust in the Steemian Community, we are here for you. If you are willing to share your identity on Steem, I will follow and upvote. I think everyone deserves a chance. Resteeming this post! Steem on!
I understand this situation a hundred percent. The only difference is I'm physically fit and have a permanent work. Although the pay is good, and together with the funds I'm cashing out from Steemit, sometimes it still doesn't cut it and I still have to earn more. I have the same issue. I only draw on paper, an entry level phone, and a laptop that was borrowed (i don't have a touch pad i only use a mouse); I could really use a device that has a pen so that I can draw better, but finances doesn't let me buy one. Here's what I can advise. Set your priorities first. I feel you're an amazing artist, the medium only helps with the art; it's the heart that makes it. It's you who make the art, not your gadget. Some artist try to be resourceful and even go over the limits of their medium. If you can make it with what little you have now, it will hone your skills. You don't need an iPad Pro or a Surface to create art. You just need a creative brain, a heart for art, and tons of perseverance. Time will fly and you won't notice you have a workstation of your own. A big Wacom and high end PCs. Be brave, don't stop drawing, you'll make it with flying RGBs and CyMgYs (don't know if that's right). Cheers!
I would buy a cheap used Graphic-Tablet and pay the bills from the rest of the money. After you earned some money with your art, you can sell the Tablet for nearly the same price you bought it and buy a better one.
Not sure if you're religious or not. If you are pray about it first.
So here's my opinion:
I would say since you have communicated the need for a tablet with your wife, and have looked at the financials, if she's ok with it, then you should go ahead and buy it.
Some of the most weathly people started out/or were in a similar situation like you at some point. The road block 99.9% of the time is going to be financial. However, if you truly believe that your skills are progressing as an artist and buying this tablet will help take you to the next level, then it's completely worth the risk! You mentioned that you aren't quite 40 yet. This is perfect, because you're still young enough to where even if you loose on this investment (I'm almost certain you won't), then you'll have plenty of years to make up for it!
I know some people might mention you need to take care of things by a list of prioritizing. Although I do agree that the tablet is on the lower list of priorities right now, I do believe that in the long run, if taken seriously, your ROI I'll more then pay for the tablet, and help pay for other necessary items as well.
I hope this helps, and God Bless!
My opinion: Since the wife already agreed with it and thinks that it is a must to buy the gadget, the main focus should be in getting the money to buy for it and not on thinking whether to buy it or not.
You can try to sell things that you do not need anymore or a garage sale if that will be possible. You can also try lending or borrowing money from friends and promised them to pay it little by little. It is also an option to buy a second hand gadget so that it will be cheaper but of course make sure that it is perfectly working and will suit your needs. Good luck. :)
I often tell myself I am going to start doing something, like last month I told myself I was going to start running every morning then I thought to myself
well if I am going to be running every morning I need to buy myself a pair of running shoes, and I need to buy myself a heart monitor ( like a fit bit ), and he'll I also need running shorts.
So in my case this was my mind trying to make excuses why I should not run. If it was me I would not worrie right now about the tablet I would just keep doing what I was already doing and take care of the important stuff in life first. I would get a tablet when I knew I could afford it with out a doubt. Hope my advise and insight helps hope you figure it out.
Prioritisation. As with all things in life, a need needs to be attended to first and foremost, depending on what that is.
As for your future tablet:
You can either get a cheaper one that can do something similar to what you have in mind.
Get your tablet, payable by installments.
Make a post about it here so members can pitch in. Ive read of a few members getting a laptop this way.
Remember though that if you do get your tablet now, future earnings will still depend on people buying your art. As with any investment, risks are there, it can provide you more than you need or vice versa.
I guess we have in common situation I need to think wisely for the best solution.Im also in very much need a single mom of 3 I dont have a proper income and depend online I used to have a good RTW business but ruinned because of too much trust.Im only using a poor starmobile android phone to steem and very slow pocket wi fi and this very old too slow laptop.I know I can make more money online if I have faster internet and faster gadgets because I have a lot of online jobs but I prefer to prioritized my kids needs and our basic needs than to buy faster gadgets and for faster internet connection.
So my advice is to prioritized the most important needs.When the income is good like if you start to earn 100 dollars a day here at steemit then time to buy new gadgets but for now we just need to be patient and keep working if the gadgets are too slow.Believe me all of our sacrifice one day will be worthy.I believe that here at Steemit theres success! just stay possitive...
IF YOUR SPOUSE IS RATIONAL ENOUGH to understand your intentions. Sit down together to discuss when he/she is in a mood for a conversation of this nature.
Make a list of your (you and your spouse) spending priorities.
Draw a backup plan with respect to how you can buy your drawing pad later even if it doesn't make it to the priority list or does not make it to the top of the list(if you can't afford to purchase it right now).
If you are 200% sure that you can start making money right after you get the drawing pad and START DRAWING. let your spouse know this, so that you can both include it on your priority list or prioritize your drawing pad over other expenses.
Be sure that you have clients waiting to get and pay for your services before you place all your bets on getting the drawing pad. you will be more frustrated getting the pad and not making money with it ASAP. Therefore, if your spouse is not a GREEDY person that would exploit your openness to discuss the issue, make sure your spouse is in on how you spend whatever you currently have. Why is because YOU WILL STILL HAVE HIS/HER SUPPORT EVEN IF THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED. You don't want to bear the consequences alone.
If your spouse can cover pending or other expenses while you get your act together towards earning through drawing. Then you can go ahead to get her permission and let him/her know the TRUE POTENTIAL BEHIND what you intend to do and how it would benefit you both. Don't force him/her to agree or force your decision down his or her throat.
If you can start making money immediately from drawing, you may buy the drawing pad and begin work immediately. However, make sure you have a plan B on how to take care of other urgent expenses that your current budget does not cover.
Finally, how to spend the current bufdget you have should be a joint decision made by you and your spouse.
Checking if you can actually make enough money to contribute to the sustainance of your family through drawing. Scale your potential income from drawing against other means through you can make money.
make sure is not just a temporary hobby that makes you feel better about yourself, but something you can actually make money from.
Respect your spouses' opinion about your decision. Remember you're disabled and he/she is probably the only support you have. You might not want to get on the bad side.
I understand your intentions to support your family, but make sure your ego is not involved, allow room for mutual understanding and decision making.
I am wishing you a success, fulfillment, and prosperity in whatever you chose to do for a living as long as it doesn't put anyone in trouble.
You have the support of your spouse to buy the new tab. Please do so. One fact is true til this day. You need to invest money to make money. I completely support you investing in an asset, not a liability, that way you can make money continuously to assist yourself and your family.
good luck with getting clients. Regardless of the kind of tab you buy, if you don't grow your client base. you might get stuck as well. With that being said get the new tab and worry about getting clients. Good luck mate!
Depends on what the things they need that they weren't able to take care of. If it's related to health they should prioritize. But an investment for better or high quality work output is also essential to get more financial leverage in the months to come.
invite your wife to steemit too this will atleast double your earnings and you can easily buy that drawing pad :)
As I am also an artist. I will suggest to buy a pen tablet as soon as possible. If budget is your problem you can go for Wacom Tablets, they are cheap and performance is good. It will improve your creativity and soon you will be earning a handsome amount with your artworks.
It is really very tempting to take risks, especially when our gut-feeling says "go ahead". As they say: "high risk, high returns". Or losses. Who knows?
We do not know the whole situation of our letter sender but based on what has been given, I would say, hold on just yet. Finish your obligations and slowly save up for the tablet. And yes, there are establishments that can offer such devices on installments so that can also be an option. Remember though that the installment amount will have to be included on your expenses calculation for a period of time until the term finishes. So they have to make adjustments on their budget. Then again, the income he may earn from his artworks using the device may be enough to pay for the installment or even support other household expenses. Possibilities are endless. We just have to exert a little more effort.
Hang in there, my friend. You'll get there. Best of luck!
Right, with that I would say "go for it" because you seem really confident that you can easily earn back this money from your commissioned works. You should not feel guilty because your intentions are good and would not spend the money for any luxury. That is an investment, a tool required for work. Most importantly, you have the support of your spouse so stop breaking your heart and get that tablet. 😉
Best of luck!
personally, i think you should get a drawing tablet as it will enhance your drawing ability, you have no reason to doubt yourself since you have been improving continually. I wish you the very best.
Here is my advice:
Do not buy the tablet if you don't have the money for it.
Don't take loans (they will skin you alive) and don't do anything shady.
Simply - do not buy the tablet.
But you still need to draw, in order to earn money.
Use what you have.
Why?
Because believing you are good, and actually being good are two very different things.
If you are really good, then you can earn these money.
If you aren't, then buying the tablet would be a waste of money. You need these money for food, rent, and bills.
If you want to have a full-time job simply take your drawings to the employer and ask them to help you with the tablet. If you really draw good - it might work.
Many employers would be willing to invest a bit, in order to requite true talent.
If you want to be a freelancer, just publish some drawings as your portfolio.
=> Most importantly <=
Keep drawing, even if nobody is paying for it. The more work you have behind your back, the more people would be willing to hire you. With creative professions, your past work is your Resume. Work on your Resume. Make it great.
...Money will naturally follow.
Also - don't forget to share your drawings on SteemIt.
It might give you an extra dollar or two.
True to the spirit of the Steemit community, I am excited to see finally, Dear Steemit is starting to be a venue to positively discuss possible solutions to a given challenging situation. Steemit's very own advise column, where all of us take part in counseling!
Most of us may have found ourselves in a position where we have to make tough decisions, and we seek other's counsel to help us in our decision-making. Dear Steemit aims to be a venue for this- the scenarios may be real-life experiences, or theoretical, that most people may relate to. If you have a challenging situation to share and would wish for the Steemit community's advise, feel free to message me via discord or steemit chat, username dreamiely.
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