Tiare Smith

Please tell us what you do.

I am a mixed media and art journal artist and instructor. I teach online workshops via my online school.

I also provide occasional in-person workshops and retreats. You can find my original art pieces, as well as postcards and art accents in my Etsy shop.

My art is also available printed on pillows, bags, tee shirts and other household accessories via Society 6.

Please tell us about your art?

I create mixed media paintings mostly featuring women and angels. I have been making art and creating since childhood.

You wrote about a college art class that destroyed
your interest in art and caused you to take an 18
year break, can you please explain?

Being a “smarty pants” I decided to take a drawing class in my last year of college, to get an “easy A.” I could draw and thought this would lighten the load of my last year. I HATED it! I did not enjoy being asked to draw things I had no interest in drawing. Never mind the wonderful techniques I could have learned. It wore me out and sucked the inspiration right out of me. When it was over I put my pencil down. I simply had lost my desire.

Please tell us about your online classes?

My online classes are intended to empower and uplift people to embrace the artist within. With a variety of techniques, instructors and lessons, students leave my classes feeling more free and with a great arsenal of tools and techniques they can use again and again. Students are then able to experience and express themselves more freely. Built in with the classes is also an amazing support system of like-minded individuals.

Why did you choose Teachable to host your classes?

I like Teachable for it’s ease of use, affiliate program and tax readiness. These things are taken care of for me automatically. I also, like the ease of use for the classroom for me setting up and for students taking classes.

Do you think online classes are a good way for
artists to earn income?

Yes. It’s a great way to earn additional income, to share your passion and inspire others.

You have many products for sale on your Etsy shop,
can you tell us about your experiences selling on
Etsy?

I personally, enjoy selling via Etsy. I have had not only regular sells on Etsy, but I have also been contacted for additional opportunities by people who have found my work through Etsy.

Can you please give some advice for artists selling
on Etsy?

Keep your shop updated with new inventory, as well as well stocked, follow good SEO, promote, promote, promote. Do not sit and wait for Etsy to promote for you. You must still build your own following and promote your products.

Do you have any advice for artists hoping to make a
career of their passions?

Try a variety of avenues, have multiple streams of income, be consistent, educate yourself. Take classes. Don’t sit back and think social media will sell for you. You must be an active participant in your own business and promoting it, regularly. Learn. Know your audience. Strategize.

Tiare Smith’s Most Popular Art Class: One Badass Art Journal

One BADASS Art Journal is designed to empower you to create, to learn, to feel confident and provide you with the tools, techniques and encouragement needed to feel BADASS every day that you make art!