Why I Chose Big Cartel to Simplify and Sustain My Art Practice
Why I Chose Big Cartel to Simplify and Sustain My Art Practice
When it came time to choose a platform to host my art and creative products, I knew I needed something that aligned with my values as an artist and a small business owner. Big Cartel stood out to me for several reasons, and I want to share why I chose them and why I think they’re a great option for creatives looking to build a sustainable art practice. Here are three key reasons Big Cartel won me over:
Values-Driven Company: Big Cartel is built with artists in mind. They actively support the creative community, both by making their platform accessible and by backing initiatives that matter to independent artists. They put their money where their mouth is, funding projects and organizations that align with their mission.
Simplicity and Accessibility: Their free account option is a game-changer for artists who are just starting out. It allows you to host a limited number of items and simplifies the process of setting up your shop. With only one photo per product and a streamlined interface, it’s perfect for those of us who get overwhelmed by too many decisions.
Encouraging Sustainability: The platform’s minimalistic approach encourages thoughtful curation. By limiting the number of items you can list, Big Cartel helps reduce overproduction, unnecessary storage, and decision fatigue. This aligns beautifully with my values of sustainability and intentionality in my art practice.
Aligning Your Platform with Your Values
Choosing a platform like Big Cartel isn’t just about convenience; it’s about aligning your tools with your values. As artists, we often have to navigate a world that can feel overwhelming and overly complicated, especially when it comes to turning our creativity into a livelihood. That’s why I recommend finding tools and systems that resonate with your goals and ethics.
Here’s why:
Sustainability Matters: Aligning with platforms that prioritize simplicity and sustainability helps us stay grounded in our practices. Big Cartel’s limited-item approach forces me to be intentional about what I create and share, which keeps my inventory manageable and my focus clear.
Accessibility Encourages Growth: The fact that Big Cartel offers a free account means there’s no barrier to entry. For artists just starting out or those working with a tight budget, this is invaluable. It’s a low-risk way to dip your toes into selling your work online.
The Beauty of Constraints: Sometimes, having too many options can lead to decision paralysis. Big Cartel’s straightforward platform limits unnecessary choices, helping indecisive creatives (like me!) focus on what really matters: making and sharing meaningful work.
My Experience with the Free Plan
I love the free plan’s simplicity. It’s not about flashy features or endless options—it’s about getting your work out there without overcomplicating the process. For example, the single photo limitation encourages me to select the best representation of my work, rather than obsessing over multiple angles or setups. This constraint feels like a creative challenge and keeps my shop clean and easy to navigate.
Additionally, by limiting the number of items I can showcase, Big Cartel helps me avoid the trap of creating too much inventory. It’s a gentle reminder to focus on quality over quantity and ensures that I’m not bogged down by managing excess products.
A Seasonal Cadence for Artistic Connection
Looking ahead to Spring 2025, I’m excited to share a new collection launching on the Spring Equinox. This collection is deeply tied to the themes of setting intentions and reconnecting with ourselves as we transition through the seasons. Each item in this collection is designed as a study of an object—a totem, a meditative token, or a tool—to help us pause and connect to the sacred choices that create the art of our daily lives.
Blog Post Title One
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.