Can you make a living owning a commissioned art quilt business?

[rainyday2989]

I want to start an online business selling commissioned art quilts and was wondering if i could make enough money to live on. I would do pet and house quilt portraits. I would also sell my own designs and possibly sell patterns for pet quilts. This would be my only income.

[manningjames34]

you can do anytihng your little heart desires!

[Billy Shat]

This is probably the wrong economy to start such a venture, but with enough advertising, anything is possible.

[bluraycrisp]

I've been in the commissioned art quilt business for 6 months and let me tell you---it's rough.

Lot's of good players out there.

However, if you stick with it and show a passion and make your site different from all the rest you might have a chance.

Make sure your site is interactive. Start a blog, get a twitter account, start a myspace group. Use a lot pictures and links to not only attract traffic but to get on google's radar.

Having products and decent designs isn't enough these days. You need to spend 90 percent of your time marketing and getting your site out there only after you have built a great 2.0 site.

But, hell. If I could follow my own advice I wouldn't be doing half bad!

[skylar0]

Okay,

Well yes because my Grandma has done that and has made a lot of money!!! She sold them on this website. look it up on google I for got but it might be http://www.homestead.com but im not shure so.. look up free website maker for companys... they give you this paypall thing where they can order things with their card.

Well I hope I Helped you

Sincerely, Skylar Brandon Cyclops Company- youtube.com/cyclops23666

[Natascha92]

Yup definitely. You are going through what i am going through really. Im trying to get into selling commissioned paintings for people.
I know of some people that will spend heaps for a good quilt, you'll be surprised how much people that would buy from you.
I'm not sure how, but start up a website maybe,news paper etc and advertise yourself. Its best to get into a job you love.
All the best.

[pattiann42]

You will have to answer your own question.

How has this been working for you so far?

Are you so busy you don't have time for your day job?

[ErikwithaK]

Honestly, I would have to say you might. The economy isn't what it used to be and quite frankly, who NEEDS an art quilt. To sell your things you are really going to have build a heck of a site and still have to get out and peddle your wares; art fairs, galleries and so on. Who is your target group? Many quilters are crafty enough to figure out their own patterns, or may not want an art quilt of their cat. Homes are a great idea...but again, how many people are actually going to want an art quilt of their house. I am a quilter and have NO desire to have either my house nor a pet in a quilt. You could maybe get by doing this if you pair it with something else like taking in quilt tops to quilt. I think you need to do something bread-and-butter right now to get things off the ground for yourself. There is tremendous competition in the online world for anything, blogs and sites abound! I don't think that you would stand much of a chance earning a living just at art quilts. Get your feet wet, network, and then jump right in.
Good Luck!