What's Been Going on With Me: Chatty GRWM
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Shop my creations! relicsoftherat...
sorry for the long break and sorry for the slightly off content of this video, i really needed to get some stuff off my chest so thank you for coming along for the ride
ALSO THANK YOU to everyone who has left supportive and kind comments on my posts, I really appreciate them, and while sometimes I have trouble believing people genuinely mean it (as opposed to are just being nice) your support and kind words means the world to me !!!!
(Also thanks mom and dad and Caige for your support)
Makeup Used:
Concealer: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop NYX concealer in Light Ivory
Powder: Talc Free Mineral Wear Matte Finishing Veil in Transulecent
White Eyeliner: Annabelle Waterline Matte Kohl Eyeliner in White
Brows: Colorpop Eyeshadow: Seed Money
Inner Corner: ColourPop Eyeshadow: Young Love
Crease: NYX Offtropic Palette
Eyeliner: (lashline) Essence Super Precise Eyeliner (long lasting + waterproof)
Eyeliner: (wing) Essence 24 Hour Inkliner (intense black)
Mascara: Essence What the Fake! Volumizing and Lifting Mascara
Brushes i’ve had forever, most are from BH Cosmetics
~ My Links~
Tumblr / rattusrattus3
Monster High Tumblr / punkdraculaura
Buffy Tumblr: / mywickedplum
My Instagram / rattusrattus3
Cat Instgram / lemonandtuna
~PO Box~
Relics of the Rat
PO Box 61046 Kensington
Calgary, AB
T2N 4S6
thanks for watching! feel free to like/comment/subscribe if you enjoyed!
Business Inquiries Only: rabbit@relicsoftherat.com - Навчання та стиль
This video is so real and raw. I always wondered why you don’t have sponsors or ads for your videos. You 100% deserve to make money from these videos! You work so hard and they’re great quality videos. On top of that the products that you’ve been showing off look amazing. Take the plunge! Shoot for the moon, and if you miss you will float among the stars ⭐️
yes they absolutely deserve money from these videos!! i'd happily watch any sponsored video!!
100% Agree!!
Honestly go for it ! You have the motivation, the inspiration, the skills (at least for the creation part) there's no reason it wouldn't work and I sure would buy your stuff if I had money because it's so cool ! This past year I've been in a rough depression and it keeps me from doing all the stuff I want to do, or working to put food on the table. There are so many projects I want to see happen and it's killing me to see time go by and stay like this, realizing nothing. So if you feel it, go for it ! Enjoy life and make it what you want ! You can always go back to a regular job later if it doesn't work out, but you don't know if you're gonna be able to follow your dreams later ! Take your chance, and do whatever you want ! I can't wait to see all of that
Rabbit...there's a reason you have 70K subs.... you got this :)
P.S. Yes, do vids of your inventory. We're your fans, we want to see and buy your creations! I can't wait to buy your dolls and your jewelry. And Halloween stuff! This is gonna be so great for both you AND us! - Kada 🧡
You dont have to be big on all social media, just one. And you already have it: youtube. Youre ahead of the game. Same with the marketing. Youre already marketing right now! Just keep doing what youre doing and start your shop
As long as it doesn't interfere with functionality there is a charm in the inevitable imperfections of hand crafted things. Your work is distinctive and original. I LOVE to buy things made by hand.
Ok this is genuinely extremely helpful in reframing how i'm evaluating my items - thank you!!!!
The problem with pricing as a small business is that you have to compete with all the sweat shop factories that pay their workers nothing. I had someone try to shame me at a market for charging $20 for some of my earrings, but I know how much the materials cost me and how much time I spent to make them. I'm sure if they were mass produced they would be cheaper, but I'm not Temu.
ugh so true, about fast fashion ;-; Screw that person, they don't know what they're talking about :(
Good luck with future markets; im sure you make wonderful items!
Rabbit! As an anxious person who has had a small business for 3 years now, I relate to literally everything you just said!! First off, I am so proud of you! You are taking a big step to pursue your passions and that is so remarkable. I also work in a hospital lab and I get anxious about running tests and releasing results- what helps is someone told me that that means you really care about the patient. So the fact you are worried about pricing and quality, shows you truly care about what you put out to customers, which is a good thing!! Also, you may think that you are overpricing your items, but that is because we are so used to mass-produced cheap-labor-sweatshop prices. People really are willing to pay more for handmade items because of the effort, quality, and ethical reasoning. I felt so bad pricing my jewelry at a high price, but then I realized I did not need to worry about pricing it accurately, because people were still buying it. Also, people will buy your things even if it can get DIY'ed because it is art!!! They buy art because they like the artist, which is you!! I can't wait to see what you make and I hope to buy some things!!!
I'm actually working towards getting into medical laboratory work at the moment lol application time for me and I want to eventually have a small business so I'm glad there is someone out there living my dream. It gives me some courage 💜
Rabbit, you were born for this! There's a reason why you're naturally creative and talented. Your feelings of excitement & motivation combined with work disatisfaction is the universe opening a door. Make what you like, how you like - people will buy. Work through your Imposter Syndrome - take the fear out it by trying a "pilot program." Maybe commit to 18 months or so, see how it goes, then decide from there. Think of all the successful independents you admire - like Zoologist. They were *exactly* where you are at one time. It happened for them, it can happen for you. I believe in you! - Kada 🧡
Kada you are the best!!! your support means so much, i'm so excited for this journey, and your kind words mean the world!
omg this comment is beautiful, made me really emotional reading it🥹 yes rabbit, you got this!!✨
I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do with your own business! And I for one look forward to buying from you. A few things to consider:
1 you ARE already doing it. You've sold at markets. You've sold custom dolls. People loved it. And you have a youtube channel where you showcase your ideas. People tune in to watch and be inspired by the things you make, and that is without the ability to own it for themselves. Your youtube viewership is a pretty good indication that people like the things you create.
2 Being prepared is awesome! But when it comes to things like researching how to run your own business, it's important to remember that capitalism seeps into everything (unfortunately) and that means giving advice on how to run a small business is also a business model. People will come up with some very elaborate advice just so they have a strategy to promote. That doesn't mean what they say can't be true or valuable. It just means that there is only so much content to be made on the topic, and at some point consuming a lot of it starts yielding negative returns.
3 yeah, a lot of the things people see on the internet is stuff one can make oneself. But people don't want to make it themselves. They want you to make it. You thought of it, not some killstar or shein marketer that stole the idea from an uncredited artist. People are happy to pay for that. Also, the reason it's easy for people like you to make the stuff to see online is because you have years of experience in crafting, and the skills that come with it. That is time you've invested over the years to learn all this stuff, and that is a marketable thing.
4 shipping is a lot. I live in Europe, and ordering stuff from Canada or the US is expensive. But for me, that means I just save up and order more things to get my shipping's worth.
5 people will be able to see the hours you put into your craft on your youtube channel. We can see where the hours you charge for come in. You don't just push a button and a plushie rolls out. People appreciate that.
You've already done way more preparing than the vast majority of people who start a business. Take it from someone who translates business proposals for a living. You're doing very well. You've got this, and I'm excited to watch you do it.
Genuinely, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and advice, i am so excited and feeling more confident about this journey already - thank you for your vote of support!!!
Handmade items...no two are alike and they intrinsically have tiny flaws BECAUSE they're handmade. ❤️ You'll know if you need to redo it. How much denim do you need? I have tons, and the textile recycler is too far, and my quilter friends say denim is too heavy.
Oh! PS... figure AVERAGE shipping, farthest is too high, closest is too low, so on average, look at your range first (Your region, your country, your continent, or worldwide) & calculate average distance. 👍 Also, I have friends who set up tables at flea markets, all the foot traffic comes to you, and you get word of mouth advertising from folks who actually saw your stuff in person, held it in their hands. 🙂
I also feel like maybe they should start off only shipping to Canada and the US, that way they can build more savings.. THEN open shipping internationally? Or would that be unwise?
Go for it! Things I've made from your tutorials have gotten people to ask me where they can buy it, so trust me, people want your art! There's so many people I know who'd love to buy from you if you start a shop (and theyll stop asking me to make it for them lmao).
That is so Awesome, thank you!!!!
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling anxious and not great… but in a weird way I feel almost comforted in the thought that there are others going through similar things as me. I’m 23 and I was supposed to graduate university last year, but now it’s pushed until December 2024 because my depression has been awful. I feel disappointed in myself, but your videos and general presence has helped me so much and given me so much motivation and hope. Thank you for continuing to post and for creating!!
No shame in completing things later than expected, but i get the anxiety! and i hope your depression eases... I believe in us!! we can do it! thank you for the encouragement; your kind words mean a lot! sending a big hug
Your store is sounding like my literal dream store! As in a store I’d love to go to. I literally can’t wait to see what all you create! Also about pricing there is the thing of not comparing yourself to super cheap made mass produced things. I would much rather spend more money on a handmade product that I know was made by someone who is a good human! There is so many horrible corporations and rich people that I just hate buying from, so the more artists and people I find that I can get things from that last longer and are made with love the better! Much love 💕
All your creations are amazing, though, and it'll be worth it to the people who see how much love you put into each item. 🖤 Considering you make tutorials, you are helping people access the ideas/skills to make things. For people like me who struggles to make things, then you are giving them an option to buy such special items and get to support you.
Also, I for sure would love any of the bags you showed 🖤🦇🖤
Sorry, I would also love to see inventory updates and how you feel as you go through this journey.
Sorry one more comment 😅 you don't have to be in a terrible situation to want something different. I always guilt myself into staying at jobs because "it isn't that bad" but there are some many possibilities and options in the world so why not try to experience something new or something you want to try.
Very insightful comments and I also want to add that I think under capitalism, I think most jobs are pretty bad. Very rarely do people earn a living wage AND love their work.
Thank you so much, your support and kind words mean so much!!! Im so excited for this journey !!!
3:10 If you're interested in theatre, consider looking into community theatres near you. They're usually happy to have volunteers helping with all sorts of things. You might be able to sign up for theatre newsletters or have to send emails to specific people/general inquiries about volunteering (bonus points if you can offer unique skills they're specifically looking for), but its so worth it to get involved with that community.
in regards to the bag. it is the charm of handmade. i make chainmaille and have the same qualms
you should vlog the journey. id be interested. im old and cant be adventurous, you are young.... give it a go. im afraid of opening a website. ive limited myself to depop and facebook marketplace
That is so cool that you make chainmail jewellery! I would love to vlog the journey, thanks for your vote of confidence, and i believe in you if you want to open a website - go for it! And feel free to promote your depop etc here, that sounds amazing!!!!
Hi, I'm probably one of your older subs. I'm a freelance artist of over 7 years and some change.
Some pointers:
-Yes, this hobby will become a job if you choose to make money this way. That is okay. Creatives do not need to create for the sake of output. I would really start structuring your on and off the clock hours now, while you're simply building inventory. That way you establish your work/life balance even while working from home. It's a skill that takes practice.
-Working online is another way you can get hired, and so is working face to face. Networking works in the arts as well as to foster an audience online.
-Selling things what they are worth at the start provides expectation for both you and your clients/customers. Personally, sometimes I do discounted pricing for certain clients or events, depending on the situation. Because I have worked a long time, I feel comfortable doing this. Perhaps you will get there too.
-Work will fluctuate in the arts. No matter what, never plan on consistency and always, and I mean, aways, have a back-up plan.
Good luck!
PS: People buy handmade things as opposed to making them themselves for all sorts of reasons, don't sell yourself short. (:
I think you are so talented and it would be such so cool to own something you make. I know several folks who have their own little shops and stores selling their art so I think it is extremely possible for you to do it. Good luck!! And I hope it bring you so much joy and happiness! ❤
Thank you so much! Your support and kind words mean a lot!!!
im always in awe of everything you make !! handmade things are never perfect but that is part of the charm :) i believe in you
Just know that everything you’re feeling is so valid. My bf felt a lot of these things when he quit his desk job to pursue being a jazz musician full time. Bc who tf can make a living being a jazz musician!? But like he’s been doing great! And he’s never been happier doing what he loves! I feel like youre doing this right. You’ve done the research, and you’re a very capable person. I believe in you 100%!! Also- do look into UA-cam ads or sponsorships if you have the capacity for it. It can be a great way to have some easy side money coming in from something you already do! And if you ‘fail’ - it’s not a failure of you. Please remember that. You are such an inspiration to me and so many other people. Sending you so much love during this time 💜💜💜
When I saw the Beetlejuice bag in the crate I was like, "WOW! I want that bag" and you pulled it out I was like, "wow look at that bag I really really want that bag" and when you pointed of the problems and said it was bad I was like, "give me that bag all never treat it bad"
I know it sounds odd but I feel so comforted by seeing people my age take on transitional periods in their lives. Life is currently forcing me through a really scary growing period where in reevaluating a lot, I've never been future-oriented so it's terrifying. The reality is we're all scared and learning about ourselves and what's important to us. We believe in you Rabbit, despite your anxieties you completely light up from the inside when you talk about your crafts. You'll never know if you have the capacity to run your business until you try it out but I think you've got the spark and the values to keep yourself going, as well as people who support you!
Ahh thank you for the kindness and I really hope your transitionary period goes smoothly ❤️ I believe in us, we can face the future ! Good luck !!! ❤️❤️❤️
Long time lurker here! Please don’t sell yourself short! The things you create are worth so much more than it might seem. As a fellow artist, I know it can be difficult and overwhelming to put an “appropriate” (?) price tag on the things you create, and often times you might undersell it for any various reasons…but I’m really excited to see where this goes from here! It can be scary to take the leap into uncertainty, but you’ll never know if you don’t try. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for updates!
Whenever I start working on some crafty project/painting jackets/patches/etc. I always put on your videos in the background. They’re always so inspiring to me and immediately put me in a creative mood no matter what I’m doing. I listened to this video on a long drive home from work, and the whole time I’m driving I’m thinking “man, I can’t wait to make something when I get home” haha
So please take care of yourself. Im excited to see the new things you create, I wish you the best on this journey!
Go for it! You've got this! If it doesn't work out, for some weird reason, or there are more quiet times in your business, you can always return to being a barista, or just do a shift or two here and there to get by. Your work history and skills won't disappear when you switch careers.
I have been waiting for the day for you to make and sell what you make. You are extremely talented and I have always liked the things you make. I will 100% buy things you make.
I think a big part of handmade items to remember even if it's hard to, is that it's okay if its not perfect. That is a huge reason why I love handmade items. It proves that a real human being made it and that is wonderful. I think that bag you were talking about is sooooo cool. I love the sketchiness of the paint and the tension of the stitches makes it unique and special. Artists and creatives are often their worst critic. It is refreshing to realize that sometimes what you see as a mistake, someone else can see as their favorite part of your creation.
Go for it Rabbit! Your art is fun and unique, and that handmade quality is something that a lot of people are searching for. As for things being imperfect - even retail stores sells things with imperfections (a stitch out of place, a scratch, missing a bit of paint, etc). I like to DIY and paint, and that actually makes me want to buy other people's art even more knowing all the hard work that goes into it. As for pricing and inventory - it is nice when there is a dynamic price range available (buttons and pins, patches, art prints etc as the low end) to sell alongside your larger and more time consuming projects. (if someone likes your stuff but can't afford a big plushie or bag, they can get a patch instead). Kind of like how crochet artists sell keychains of small crochet animals and fruits alongside their more elaborate plushies or clothes. Didn't mean to ramble. Best of luck!
Dude you can always achieve your dreams in working creatively!! I've wanted to be an animator since I was like 9 and I'm actually finally doing it!! Never let people tell you you shouldnt pursue your passions just because it isnt financially stable, especially when you seem to have such good support around you
Your feelings are sooo valid ❤ when i started to pursue small business, i felt incredibly similar.
I felt that everything needed to be perfect and fully realized from the start, but at least for me in hindsight, i was being way too hard on myself / creating insurmountable levels of pressure.
I dont think you're being unrealistic with your goals or overall desire to pursue this! :) i think listening to yourself and going for it is beautiful and wish you the best of luck with everything ^-^
I think there's many people out there (me included!) from both a selling and buyer perspective that truly see and value handmade creations and supporting creators like yourself. :) you can do this!!!! ❤
I think a lot of people would love to have their own creative business and make a living out of their art, and living vicariously through you making videos about it would be very fun! Also a surprising number of people are not crafty at all, and even if you have a tutorial on how to make something, they will look at the tutorial and go "that looks hard, I'll just buy it". I get comments on my tutorials all the time asking if I sell things, I think it's something people really do accept and even expect
dude! i think this is such a natural progression of your whole thing! a lot of the time i see the stuff you make and am like "i would buy that for suree" and hell yea quit your job!! i really believe in you and you can make this shit work!
Plunge in! You're young, energetic, and the world is your oyster. Do what you love. It's good to have an anchor job with benefits and flexible hours. If it doesn't work, try something else, life is a voyage of discovery. Good luck to you 🙂🖐️🍀 I think your talents are custom suited to a platform like ETSY.
Thank you for your faith and encouraging words!!! I'm so ready for this journey!!!
@@RattusRattus You got this, you're one of the magical people. You're a ray of light on UA-cam 🌞🖐️🙂🍀 I wish you all the best.
As a person with bad anxiety, I understand kind of how you feel, but I honestly think you’re so talented and make so many people, including me, smile. You just have to remember that this is your dream and if this is what you really want to do, you should go for it, because if you never try you’ll never know. I honestly think it would be so cool, and I know it feels scary, but honestly, you should follow your dreams, and if this doesn’t work out, something else will 🖤. I’m a minor, but seriously you have helped me with my confidence and expression so much since i started watching you mid-last year. I really love you and your content, and I really hope that you have fun with this and that it works out :)
You should absolutely show your inventory! 1) It can be a DIY ispo 2) it’s OK to show things your going to sell. Likely a lot of your customers would be your subscribers, so they’d like to see your stuff 3)it’s just interesting to look at your creations
I wish you luck on your way to opening a shop! Hopefully, that goes well:)
Also I am so surprised to find out that shipping in Canada is so expensive (i mean of course It’s a big country but still surprised that it’s THIS expensive)
On the topic of the paint and stitches and other small details that might not be perfect - I think the joy of having handmade things is that they’re not going to look like a machine made them. They’re more beautiful because they’re unique and imperfect. You know that someone’s hands put this together and someone cared enough to do it. Also that lamb plushie is so adorable and I would totally buy your stuff!! I hope everything works out :)
Hey Rabbit! I’m so happy that you shared what’s going on with you lately!
These are genuinely all things I’ve been struggling with in starting a small business myself.. perfectionism is quite the killer..
what you make is amazing, and honestly in my opinion, the fact that YOU made it makes it more special.
I’ve always been here for your videos because of you being such a genuine human being and your creativity and the things you make are a fun bonus!
I’d be happy to buy things from you because I know how much love and care you put into the everything you make.
You’re such an inspiration and I’m so proud of you for knowing your worth!🖤🖤
Thank you so much! This means a lot
a big thing for me making handmade crafts and selling pieces is that it is hand. made. it’s gonna look hand made and for a lot of people, that adds charm to it cuz it’s clearly made by a human being. like ofc you want it to look nice but like, the handmade quality is an important part of the reason people like getting handmade stuff
I love the things you make. I think you will do well, and don’t undervalue yourself. Handmade one of a kind items are much more valuable and your customers/fans will know that. Would love to see videos about items you are creating to sell. Your enthusiasm is infectious. So excited for you. Go for it!
Thank you so much!!! 🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️
about the "who would buy it, if people can just do this themselves" - I know many people, who'd rather buy even the most simple handmade stuff than do it themselves. it might be due to the lack of skills or confidence, lack of time, but seriously - only small percentage of people actually diy things. and even if they do, they usually master one type of diy (crocheting, sewing, etc) and don't bother with trying more. also unique, strange type of things either sell really good (cause no one else sells them) or really bad... so it is kind of lottery, but i'd say go for it, i think your ideas has potential Rabbit🖤
I don’t know if this will help at all, but I have some advice about the “will other people buy my stuff if they can just make it” anxiety. I’ve run a crochet business for the past two years, and I’ve found that fellow crocheters are some of my best customers. They appreciate the work that goes into making things and they buy things just for the sake of supporting fellow small business owners. Also, your products seem to be in the alternative punk-y niche. In my experience, weirdos are often some of the kindest people, who will have no problem with supporting you financially even if they could just “make it themselves.” You’re curating an audience of kind alternative people. Who loves community and small businesses more than punks?
I hope you get well soon, I feel down when I think about changes too.
The whole 'Why would anyone buy this if they can just make it themselves?' thought is something that i've also really really struggled with, but i do think you hit the nail on the head with the fact that people don't all think like that. It's so hard for me to step out of the creative mindset where i look at things and instantly wonder if i could do it myself, but in my experience there are tons of reasons why someone would still buy something they can make! In fact, a lot of my sales for any sort of handmade thing come from people who are also interested in making those things! i think it makes the most sense to look at it through an artist's lens (because anything handmade is inherently artistic) because even artists buy art!
Also!! It's crazy that you mentioned this but yeah, i totally am also in a majorly weird transition phase. shit's scary, but it helps to see other people who are comfortable (maybe not the right word, but hopefully you understand what i mean) sitting with that anxiety and expressing it and still moving forward. i have a tendency to be overwhelmed by that insecure/anxious/freefall feeling and forget that what i'm moving towards is actually beneficial for me and supposed to be fun lol
I've been crocheting for 10+ years, so I know the struggles all too well - my personal preferred balance is to have a regular job and sell my creations at a big convention once per year (I can't realistically make enough stock for more than one per year anyway, lol), though I understand it might not work for everyone :)
I love how real you are. I can keep up with you… most people talk so slow and don’t really say much in my opinion. You always have a lot to say and I love it! Don’t say sorry… you’re inspiring!
YESssssSsss Show your stuff… and tell us how much you want or let us bid for it. Like eBay. Love you rabbit… keep filming and being creative. You do you! ❤
Hey man, I really resonate with this especially coming out today. I am training to be a tattoo artist and to have my own business, and I feel like the world is so vast and there is so much to learn and figure out. I have a lot of anxieties and fears that I need to work through
Hello! Thanks to my declining/shitty health, I've learned to look at things as "go for your dreams as soon as you can, because you never know what life may throw at you at any point in time!" As someone who has to keep quitting things I start and try to do due to being physically and mentally unable to, I find myself feeling so satisfied though that I got to try the thing! Then I can have a feeling of contentment in getting to experience something new and I'm sorry this world is so obsessed with perfection, completion, whatever success means in other eyes, its very depleting for mental health stuff, so much pressure, but I've watched your channel for a long time, its been a great comfort and feel that your goodies you make have so much love put into them as well as great skills that they are very sellable and believe me when I say that, I'm autistic I literally don't know how to lie ha!
In a world where most products are starting to look the same, your art is so refreshing and different, we need more individuality and creativity in this world and as a bonus, creating art is so healing and good for mental health, it's a win win! Go for it! I have this funny/weird thing where I actually have a deep fear of things looking exactly the same, so that's why handmade items are such a treasure in my eyes; no two are exactly a like and I love that, that's what makes them so great and precious to get a hold of, there's a sell point in itself! I also am an avid toy collector and I always thought in watching your videos, "damn, their toys are so cute, I hope they sell some of their goodies one day," so that's already great, I'm sure I'm one of many thinking that!
Hey this is the first video of yours I saw and it's nice listening to someone ramble about crafts while doing my own so I appreciate it. But I wanted to address a point you made in the video about how you giving tutorials on how to do your crafts could possibly harm your ability to sell said crafts because people now know how to make them, and I think that fear is warranted and makes sense, but I want to give an example of that working in peoples favor within my craft community which is wargaming and miniatures. Games Workshop is by far the most prolific miniature maker atm. They make absolute truckloads of cash, but at the cost of immense disdain from a lot of their fanbase, the business model works to line their pockets but not to garner praise and likability which I think is incredibly important for small businesses like yourself. It is partially because they absolutely refuse to make the game accessible either by releasing free paper minis or by releasing STLS required to print them since those won't make them as much money. But they're simply wrong and I think it's greatly hurting their business, Mantic games and One Page Rules are two much smaller wargaming communities that offers both of those things, they have free online rules for anyone to download, as well as free army list builders so anyone can mess around and make themselves an army without having to buy digital books like GW makes you do. This gets people interested and makes them look at products, then they find that OPR has free paper miniatures and print them off and can play a game the same day they found out about it. This gets them hooked and then makes the customer look deeper and find that they provide a subscription service that produces STLS for their armies allowing people to pay money both for Mantic and OPR to get their unique models and play that way. And if they continue to love that they will then buy the full priced already made models for sale since they love the game so much they want to support it and have an objectively better version of the product since Mantic, OPR, and you will almost always be more skilled in making your custom product then someone making a recreation. it's a win win and I truly believe the model of making your product accessible to people will increase sales because getting your hands dirty makes you appreciate the product and the person making it so much more and the good will you garner by not gatekeeping will make people much more likely to look at you in a positive light and want to support you. Especially people like me who are so deeply ingrained in the crafting community, we know it's hard and we want to support each other, not million dollar corporations that don't give a fuck about us or their products. So good luck to you and I hope everything turns out well
Hi Rabbit, I love the doll you made me and I think your doll commissions will be very successful. I think if they are priced a bit higher, they will still be purchased since it's such a niche field. I think your items are one of a kind and that's part of the higher price. Also, handmade stitching for me seems to last way longer than any seams on newer clothing 😅🥲 For shipping try flat rate boxes, standard prices anywhere in Canada & always come with tracking which I think is super important! You could also set up a business account with the shipping place for a bit of a discount. Doing both markets and online with items of various price points will work very well. Having the patches and other fashion items will really round out the shop. Keep posting on UA-cam because you never know!! Very excited for you and look forward to the shop!
Rabbit, I understand your anxiety and worries 100%. But please remember that you have so many people that watch your videos and support your channel *because we want to* not because we have to. There's so many things I've bought even though I could make it myself, because I wanted to support that person and their art.
Again, I understand your fears and worries, it's totally reasonable!! But it's also important to remember that people will buy your stuff because they like it and they like you! I am very excited for you to start this path of your life and I can't wait to see the wonderful things you create! 🖤🖤
Ive always hoped that one day i’d be able to buy something you made. You’ll have at least one customer i promise ❤❤❤
also I WANT TO SEE THE INVENTORY PLEASE!!! i adore everything you make honestly
goodness, I can SO relate to your thoughts and feelings and anxieties in this video.
starting a business is SO scary - I have been thinking about it for about a year now as well and just thinking about all the paperwork makes me sweat.
In terms of your pricing - I do think that you can confidently price your products according to your calculations EVEN if it is expensive. Your products are handmade and they are unique art pieces, and as someone who works with Traditional Art, I have framed some Art pieces that have prices that are ABSOLUTELY way too expensive. That is the art market unfortunately. And I think whatever prices you decided to go with - you have actually put a lot of thought into it and you don't just randomly set a high price because you want to rip people off.
And most people know that handmade art is unique in its own way - there are no two pieces who will be exactly the same. The little imperfections make it all the more endearing and unique. And also most people know and appreciate how much time and effort goes into making art like that - and they're happy to pay for it.
You already care about your customers and you have so much passion for this, so I really hope you will go for it and I wish you all the best for this new journey.
I'd also LOVE to see more videos about it. Behind the scenes, inventory videos, whatever you feel like making, I think would be super interesting.
This video PERFECTLY summarizes the feelings I've been having as someone who has been starting a small business myself :') Especially the perfectionism and the feeling uncomfortable with marketing, etc... coming from the punk scene. I have been watching your content for a few years now and I just want to say that I would LOVE to buy some of the awesome things you make! You were one of my biggest inspirations for starting alternative diy clothing stuff, learning to sew, etc... and despite me and other diy fanatics technically being able to make certain things ourselves, a lot of us also love supporting other creators and fellow people in the alternative scene :) I would also love to see some of the stuff you've been working on!
I feel inspired hearing you talk about following your dreams. It just sound sweet!
Honestly, all of your concerns are super valid. I love that you want to sell quality stuff to people for fair prices. You're clearly a good person with integrity.
I wish I had suggestions, but I have zero experience marketing or selling art.
In the future, feel free to make more videos like this. You have an audience (myself included) that cares about what you have to say.
Also, please make inventory videos. Any Rabbit content is good Rabbit content.
Re worrying about people saying "I can just DIY it myself" - speaking as a person with a passion for crafting, I absolutely still buy things from other creators. I did just this week. It might be for convenience (I.e. I *could* make that, I just don't wanna right now, and they've already got a finished product available) or because the crafting involved is something I don't enjoy doing, or I am not good at.
When it comes to little mistakes and things not being quite perfect, it's a cliché, but everyone is their own worst critic. I saw a meme a while ago where one person says "I love that craft thing you made!" and the other says "Thank you, let me point out everything that's wrong with it". I have literally done this when receiving compliments about something I've made!
The majority of people are unlikely to even notice mistakes as long as they're not huge and awful.
I really applaud you for trying to do this and I wholeheartedly wish you all the best with it 💜
Also wanted to say that I'm so excited for you! This seems like such a wonderful, crazy exciting, and perfect path for you. I love that you have such a variety of crafting interests. I think only making one thing where everything is the exact same would become so boring. Being able to switch back and forth between different projects seems like it would help prevent burnout and make sure that even when you are working you will still find joy in the process of creating. I think it is so sweet that you want to make sure to have a range of different priced items. Something to remember for the higher priced things is that your artwork and creations deserve to be a luxury item for someone. It is so exciting to save up and buy from a small business when I know that as excited as I am to receive my new thing, they are even more excited to be able to sell it. It is so nice to know that my purchase has directly supported them to keep being able to do what they do. Also as for making videos about this whole process--that would be so cool. Seeing makers stock before it launches is such a cool sneak peak. It drums up excitement and lets people who may not be able to purchase your stuff yet, still get to be a part of everything and support you in your journey.
Would love to see the inventory!! Many blessings!!!💜💜💜
yesterday i tried writing a very detailed comment but i got completely lost in the process lmao but 1 thing i wanna say is i absolutely adore u & ur bravery! its obv a big step even thinking it through & then possibly decide to just make the cut & give ur all into ur dream & i think however things may turn out in the end, this also a major opportunity for new experiences & personal growth & im so excited for u & for everything yet to come. + it takes serious!!! balls!!! xd to step into building a small business! stay safe & much luv
I run a clothing business and what I've learned is you won't make money in the start, it will take a lil while to pick up pace but you gotta stay consistent. Possibly doing it alongside your job until it's sustainable would be a good call !! The "skeezyness" is apart of it and we are all aware of that and so are the customers ! you gotta do what u gotta do to get your creations out there. My best advice though is just be yourself and stay consistent, don't pay to much mind to others and if it doesn't work out for you you won't live in regret wondering what could have been
I wanted to say that this has inspired me to try to push to get my own shop up and running. I have been in a burnout space trying to prototype things and your video has given me the inspiration to really give it a go! This made me realize I just need to take that step and go for it! So thank you! You got this and you have given me hope to push through and I can't wait to see what you do going forward!!!
I think the best way to combat that feelinv of your things never being "good enough" to please everyone is to remember that many of the people your cool artsy items attract are other artists and makers who know what kindo of effort goes into making things. And they will see the small imperfections as proof that a human hand made the thing they bought from you! Its evidence that it wasnt mass manufactured in a plant for pennies on the dollar. I absolutely love seeing little bits of evidence that things are hand made with love, and hand done stitches and prints are just 10 million times more charming to me than manufactured "perfect" things. Keep on making things with love and people will love them 💕
Ps, i love those purses, and if you post your shop here on the UA-cam community tab i will try my best to snap one up. The stensil thing is something i am terrified to try and yours always turn out so cool!
Oh Rabbit….I feel so bad for them. Starting your own business is such a great idea but I totally understand the feeling. Working in a professional firm, it’s been a hard few months especially with the April deadline coming up (if you know you know). Sometimes it just feels like selling things and being able to do what you want just sounds so much more freeing but I know they have so many fans. I just want them to feel free and do what they want. I know no matter what, we’ll support you through it all 🧡🖤
Ahh you're too kind ;-; i'm honestly feeling a lot more confident and better since posting this and reading all the supportive comments, thank you for the kind words and i'm excited to see where the journey goes! I hope things start going better working at the firm for you :( that sounds rough, im sending a hug
@@RattusRattusaww thank you!! Sending a hug back, you got this 😊
I'm in a similar place. I just quit a profession I thought I'd be in for a long time, and I avoided being an artist for a long time out of fear...and now I just want to be able to make art/sewing projects for people cuz it makes me so happy to make things for people. You're in the right place if you're doing something that scares you - because it's something that matters to you! 🦇💜
Congrats on quitting your other job! I’m proud of you! It’s scary but We’ve got this 🖤💜 good luck on your journey! (& Feel free to share your shop in the comments!)
Just started the video. Will have more to say I'm sure but just wanted to start this off with saying you are absolutely gorgeous with or without makeup, oh my gods!!! Remember, if you don't try, you'll never know if it would have worked, and you'll be thinking years from now, what if I would have done that. I have to constantly remind my best friend of that with his streaming.
Rabbit, ABSOLUTELY do it. Go for it.
I'm also going through big transactions..and I've been doing more what im passionate about and all kinds of things. I am so full of joy, so on top of the moon not being constrained.
I hope it goes well, i hope it treats you well. I have faith it will :)
I've always wanted to buy a custom doll from you. Even though you make tutorials, people will still want to buy clothes and accessories. It's kind of like when you could buy veggies and chop them but like sometimes you just want to buy already cut up veggies. I'm so excited for your new journey! Being nervous is natural and it means you are taking it seriously.
Omg, Rabbit! I know it's so scary and there will be growing pains and lots of learning to do, but I really think you can do this! You have so much passion! As someone with many hobbies who makes many different things, there are lots of different things I'm not deterred from buying because I don't care to spend the time or learn the skill, or I recognize that someone put time and love into making it with their hands! For instance, I crochet, embroider, sculpt polymer clay, and I'm currently picking up cross-stitch, bookmaking, and macrame. But I hate sewing! And I think custom dolls are gorgeous but I don't think making them is for me. So those are some things I'm willing to pay more for!
Also, I understand your desire for all of your products to be accessible, but (to an extent) art is a luxury! Like, charge $300+ for those OOAK dolls and stuff, friend! I wish I lived closer so we could meet up and chat about it! Not that I know how to start or run a small business, but I'm a good listener and I know what it feels like to be so anxious and have so many conflicting thoughts.
Anyway, I would love to see inventory videos and such! Those purses look so cool! And I've literally thought about asking you if you would sell patches but I didn't want to pressure you. So I will 100% be buying patches! Oh and those big "shirt" collars that aren't attached to shirts!
Sorry for leaving such a long comment, but I'm so excited for you and to buy some of your wares! 🖤🖤
Rabbit, from what you've said You're about as ready as you can be without taking an actual class on buisiness. Your products look good, you know your niche, and you have a couple of safety nets in place already. Have faith in yourself! Majority of us surely do :)
The anxiety is totally understandable!!! Diving headfirst into anything that's not considered a mainstream way of employment is always daunting. I'm pursuing acting and have been for years, and it definitely has caused its share of heartache and frustration. But at the end of the day, I know that this is what I want to do with my life and that makes it worth it. If you know you want to do this, go for it!!!!!!! I think you will be amazing at it, and if I ever have the extra funds I will 100 percent be wanting something from you! Even though we don't know each other you're just so personable, and we seem to have so many things in common, I consider you an honorary internet buddy haha. You're going to do amazing at this!!! 🎉
I love your creations and would absolutely buy from you! Anything a little less from perfect I love because it embraces the handmade and grunge vibes. Maybe you could describe the imperfections similar to that??
I hope people see the good in buying things that are unique and handmade! I think most people are starting to see it! And thank you for the video I’m going to graduate from high school soon and it’s scary especially with pressure from family and friends:(
I'm kinda in the same boat with selling stuff I make! I've been watching your videos for a little while now and you've helped me a lot with making my own patches (thank you btw ^^) and even the possibility of making other things! If there's one thing I've learned from being around other artists is that we're always down to buy each other's stuff and not worry about the ~imperfections~ because we know what we've made was made with love 🖤 also, I love getting compliments on my handmade bought stuff and getting to brag about who made it!!
You got this I believe in you!!!
All things that you create are great! Everything will be wonderful! I believe in you! Thanks for your videos, they always make me feel so comfortable!
Oh Rabbit, what you've described with your job was almost EXACTLY my situation recently, so I know how you feel. Honestly if you don't try, you'll never know, so take the leap! If it doesn't work out, you can always get a different 9to5 job. Especially if the job you have now becomes more and more toxic. For me the hardest thing about starting a small business is audience, because in order for someone to buy your stuff... they'll need to know you exist. It's so hard to get noticed on social media, it feels like I'm stuck in a black hole. And you're lucky, because you already have an audience on UA-cam and Instagram (well deserved of course) ❤️ so I'm pretty sure people would buy your things! Of course it would still be A LOT of work to make the business happen and to make products, but I think you're halfway there already with your social media. 😊 Lots of people love to buy handmade one of a kind stuff, even artists who have the skills to make it themselves, so you shouldn't worry about that. Even if you make tutorials, sometimes people prefer to get a ready-made product. And some people love to buy a product that they saw being made from scratch (think of doll customising youtubers making videos about their doll makeovers, and then selling them). It's exciting to watch a video of an artist creating beautiful things with their hands... and then you're able to buy it and hold it and it's yours and exciting and even better in person! You could consider recording some of your creation process, would be awesome to watch. Sorry for the rambling, good luck, I'm sure you'll do great! 🐇🖤
no, THANK YOU for the ramble, and thank you for your kind words and confidence in me, im already feeling more inspired and and ready to tackle this journey!! Im excited to vlog some of it too :D sending a hug!
@@RattusRattus Hugs back! Glad I could help a little ❤️
dont overthink things, no one expects or even wants handmade things to be perfect!!!
dont feel bad for wanting to promote your buisness or it feeling "sales pitchy" you put so much effort into your work dude you deserve to be proud and show it off! I know ill definitely make some purchases :))
Omg. Follow your one year plan. Just do it !!!! I would definitely buy because you are so talented!!! Love it the items you showed. And please let us know when and where you will be selling !!!!
Ahh thank you!! and (once its up and running) will do!!!
I love this start your own business, and I am excited for this new journey you are on. I would 100 percent buy anything you make. I am worried that eventually making things and doing things you love becomes a chore and not fun.
Thank you! I hope it doesn't turn into a chore, we'll see ! I'm excited to see where the journey goes :)
Trust me this video doesn’t come off as arrogant or entitled - I think a lot of us can relate to this thought process and wanting to feel more fulfilled in life and that’s just human!! I’m in web development but I’ve had a lot of similar experiences with management issues and feeling like I should just be grateful that I have a job in the first place and how I’ve been working here for 3 years but do I really want to be doing this forever? What you’re doing is honestly a pipe dream of mine and I’m just happy for you to be pursuing something you care about. It won’t be easy but we’ll all be here to encourage you through it, you’ve got this Rabbit!
The things you're talking about here are so relatable. I've been thinking about trying my hand at selling things I make at local markets, but I have the same issue as you with not wanting to narrow down my interests to make just one marketable thing. 😭
It looks like you have a lot of good prep work under your belt, though, and I think you're going to do better than you think. And 26 is still quite young! It's a good time in life to work put yourself out there and try doing the things you love. Go forth boldly!
Thank you so much! And good luck also with your handmade selling! I believe in us! We can do it!!
Also I LOVE LOVE LOVE your style and makeup
i think you should do it! Seems like a natural course of action for someone who is as crafty and creative as you are, honestly, :) Give it a year! At the very start you can price things just a lil bit lower (if you feel unsure about pricing) and then raise your prices once you have some sort of a clientbase and you feeled out what sells out the most :) I think you'll do great, you are so skilled and you have so many cool ideas, there are definitely people out there that will appreciate it and buy it ❤❤
Ahh thank you nox !!!! Your advice and support means the world !!! ❤️
There is so much more value in something that is rare and handmade than there is in something that is mass produced and perfect. I understand your worries, cause I have them myself. But often times in my paintings it’s the paintings that I never finish and have like pencil lines still showing And unfinished areas with layers of oil over it that people are drawn to so keep that in mind. Sometimes purposefully making it looking a little unfinished add personality to it.
Rabbit! You need to give yourself some credit! 💗 you’re such an incredible powerhouse of creativity and the things you make are amazing! I know you’re anxious about a big life change like this but I have faith that you’re going to smash it ☺️x
go for it rabbit!! it sounds like you really really have thought it through and done the research, have great support and most of all want to do this! and there's definitely a niche for your shop, you already have the support of your youtube followers and i would love to shop from you! the thing about handmade things is that theyre handmade, imperfect and perfect at the same time because theyre made slowly by someone really skilled!
Thank you so much ! Your support means a lot ❤️
rabbit i get ur worries sm!! im a small business owner myself, and it's really really nerve-wracking to start a business, it's so overwhelming and I get it sm. I'm currently still in highschool, working a minimum wage job and running a small business so I totally get all the worries that comes with it. and if you have to means to do it, I would go for it! i wish so hard that right now I could quit my minimum wage job and make my silly little earrings but that's not possible for me at that very moment. hopefully soon, though! I've been working very hard and you seem like you've been researching hard and educated and you have an audience that's interested in your items and help you get them out there! personally, i'd be super super interested in your items, especially patches/jewelry!!
Thats honestly so impressive!!! I hope your small buisness endeavours continue successfully!! I believe in you! We can do it
I'm in a similar boat to you and just thought I'd share some tips here ....
1. You have to put yourself out there even if you think your products aren't good enough!!! There is a lot of charm in things with messed up stitching/scratchy wobbly lines. ALSO and more importantly I've been to art markets and you'd be surprised at the range of skills each seller has. IMO if you make your things as pleasing to look at it in the booth, it doesnt really matter how ugly it is. (Ugly Dolls Reference lol those things are crayyy)
2. You should offer a range of products in your market (different value$$$) that will in total cover the cost of a days work. So, if you made something "easier" that takes about an hour as well as working on something "harder" in the same day... you may charge LESS for the harder one since you were also able to do the easier thing which would help something that maybe costs $70 become $60. Also, some markets allow you to split a booth with another artist- so in case you needed a little extra invatory or help with the initial costs of having a booth - everything will be taken care of!
Tip: eventually you'll have different avenues of income (maybe a successful patreon!) that'll help you meet daily/monthly $ quotas.
3. Lastly, with social media- it's best to stick to a schedule. For example, at 11 AM- Mondays- post a product photo, Tues: a reel, Wednesday- day off, Friday- a doodle promoting your business etc etc etc.
I hope all of this made sense!!! Im a new fan of yours and obsessed xD xD xD
Also for pricing a thing I learned was to remember to account for your years of experience. Just because something didn't take you super long to make doesn't mean it was easy. Sometimes a maker is fast because they have been doing their craft for a long time so their process is quicker/more efficient.
Thank you for your time and honesty. There's a big path before you and I hope that you are happy with what you decide to do. You make great items and I'm sure people would buy them. I'm sorry you're having a rough time at work. I've had my share of unfulfilling jobs. What helped me in the past was getting a new job. If it were me, I'd get a better job while also building my business. That way the bills are paid and that's one less stress to worry about. I've lived off savings before and it goes quick. However, if focusing on your passion 100% now is something you must do then I know you have the willingness to learn and drive to make your business thrive. Enjoy the journey.
Thank you for this comment and advice!!! I really appreciate it, and am excited to see where this road goes :D
I say go for it!! I would totally buy some of the things you make (I promise im serious i will support😭) and I know a ton of other people that would too! And about the stitching or paint not being perfect, I honestly think it looks good as it is and it looks more homemade and edgy in a way ? (i hope that makes sense) I'm really excited to see what you end up doing ❤
Rabbit!! Here comes a letter in the comments lol. I almost wrote this whole thing in response to your Tumblr post about this and didn't, but I have had this exact crisis for the last four years since I graduated college and started working in an office with my mom.
I've always wanted to have my own independent art shop, sell cute little stickers and stationery stuff that i want to see in the world like so many of the art vlog girlies I watch on UA-cam, but I've been facing the same anxieties! I've done tons of research and even bought materials and still been too scared to pull the trigger. I want to just quit the office so I can commit time to it and give it the full time and attention I think it deserves but I know in my head it's not a good idea (like I said, SAME CRISIS LOL). I want to start UA-cam to go along with it and a Tumblr blog and maybe Instagram if I can stomach it, but I'm largely not a social media person either and that's such a huge part of it...
The best advice I can give as a person in the same position is not to pay the business bros too much mind - they have helpful tips sometimes but they are married to the idea of becoming rich off this, you just want to make enough to get by! Sell your things at a price that seems fair to your for your time materials and skills and don't worry about the bigger business worries of reproducable, outsourcable, etc.
I can also say that shipping is one of the major things I worry about and I'd cite as one of the main reasons (minus the time) that I haven't pulled the trigger myself yet. My things I'd likely be able to send thru letter mail, at least, but I recently took up crochet and could totally see starting to sell those products and that would require package shipping....
I guess the point of this very rambling comment is to say that I totally get it and I totally encourage you to take the leap!!! I'm getting to my own breaking point and am starting to seriously consider the same thing. You are incredibly lucky to have people around you who are also artists and supportive, I think my traditional parents are a little more skeptical. The idea of doing markets terrifies me but if you've had good experiences I say go for it!!
If you transition the channel to a "studio vlog" style about making your inventory and your business along with the usual fashion and misc spooky fun I think that would be awesome!! I love that kind of content from like, Radhia Rahman and Cheyenne Barton, etc. I think it'd be really interesting and fun for your unique kind of business!
Idk I just wanna say I'm with you and I support you and I feel your anxiety more than you probably know lol. Do it for us Rabbit!!!! Maybe it'll finally give me the courage to do the same ;_;
oh god! Today I was really struggling with these feelings too, it was too much for me and I had to step back for a bit. Overworking, overthinking and the anxiety are the worst, but your video gave me a lot of comfort and motivation to go forward. My history is similar, but I want to dedicated my full time to sewing/crafting and meanwhile, finally write my first book. To be honest, being a writer is one of my biggest dream (since I was a kid I knew I want to write for living) and those dreams never vanished, they getting stronger!
I just want to tell you: you are not alone with that, your work is beautiful and if you feel inside it's what you want to do, follow your heart. Don't be miserable because you never tried! Just remember to take breaks when you need it.
Wow, that is so awesome, congrats/good luck on the book writing journey (and the crafting and sewing also of course!) we can get through it, anxiety is tough but persistence is tougher! We got this
@@RattusRattus Yeah, we got this! ❤ Thank you for kind words btw!
I need to comment more under your videos, I love your content and you seems like genuine and sweet person. ❤ And ofc, very skilled and passionate about your craft. 😘
*Hug*
Fellow creative here! I kinda know what you're going through. Work also takes away from my time and drive to create. For me, the only fulfilling work is creating art. When I wanted to get into selling my art, it made it that much harder to create cause I felt like I had to be marketable and make things flawless, but it def seems different for you!. It's mega scary and I feel that fear of all of the "what ifs". Fear of not working fast enough is so real too. We're not machines mass producing stuff, we're working with our hands, and I know I love that handmade quality in stuff I buy!
Only advice I wanna give is to quit your job regardless, because screw inconsiderate management, and tell your friends to come with you to the next job if you end up needing one lol. Seeing behind the scenes on your business sounds really interesting! I'd love to know your approach and see what you learn. Anything you're down for, I'm down for.
Thanks for creating and sharing your art with all of us Rabbit! 😄
Things don't need to be perfect, that's what I like about handmade stuff ! The uniqueness makes it special, and flaws are part of life ! As long as your thung stilk functions as it should and doesn't break un half a second it's okay ! People who don't agree will just not buy your stuff but I swear not everybody cares that much
hi Rabbit!!! you’re so brave for starting to follow your dream and i’m so proud of you, you’re so talented!!
i’m from italy and i can’t wait to support you even if this means buying a little patch or something from your shop, good luck!!! 🤍
Completely outside perspective (and i dont really like categorizing people lol) but you definitely seem like a type A personality enough to be able to handle it and succeed with a small business. I think something to keep in mind is how MANY other small businesses selling ooaks that ARE successful. This is one of the careers/jobs that is really difficult but literally IS for people that are very passionate about their work which you definitely seem to be, making videos and projects extremely consistently for at least the past 3/4 years (just based on how long ive been watching your videos). As long as you have some money in the bank and some people in your life to rely on if things go south, id say go for it :)
You are one of the most talented people I’ve ever seen, and I personally, have desired some of the things you have made. I think you will do fabulously well. I know it’s hard, but try to just rest in your love for what you do; let your creativity flow; and trust that people will love what you create. You will be a successful artist/seller 💗
This is so kind, thank you so much
@@RattusRattus 💗💗💗
On the perfectionist thing, i will say that the whole apeal for me, and im assuming many other people, of punk art is the imperfections. I love something so much more if i can tell another cool human made it themselves. Its the reason i love alternative styles in general tbh, it embraces flaws and things that most other styles would look down on. Its also nice to know another person passionatly made something you have because it feels more like you are, like, really part of this world? Idk how to describe it. Basicaly, the best part about art is human connection :))