Article: Why I Stopped Offering Custom Orders (And How I Knew It Was Time)
Why I Stopped Offering Custom Orders (And How I Knew It Was Time)
Someone emailed yesterday asking if I take commissions and if I could paint a specific subject with custom colors in my style. My gut reaction was to say yes. I want everyone to have exactly what they want. But as a creative business owner, I've learned something important about custom work: it's not always the right fit.
Here's what I've learned: When I create what's in my head, it's authentic. When I create what's in someone else's head, it's a service job. Both are valid, but only one fills my tank.
The Difference Between Service Work and Creative Work
I realized I don't want to be a service provider. I want to make things and find the people who love them as-is. Does that mean fewer sales? Maybe. Does it mean I still love my work after 28 years? Definitely.
How to Know When to Stop Offering Custom Work
If you're a maker or artist wondering whether to offer custom work, ask yourself: Does this energize me or drain me? Am I creating or fulfilling orders? There's no wrong answer, just your answer.
There's freedom in not being everything to everyone. And there's a particular kind of joy in making exactly what you want to make and trusting the right people will find it.
Your Turn: What fills your tank versus what drains it? What have you learned to say no to (or what do you need to say no to)? Tell me in the comments. I think we all need permission to choose what energizes us.
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Author - Audra Sampson
We create homewares and accessories from our studio in New Bern, NC. Here on the blog, I share what I'm learning about running a creative business, motherhood, and figuring out life as a Gen X woman.
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