The Skinny!
A couple of weeks ago you may remember my blog post about making changes to how I brand myself, and how I market myself as an artist. I decided I was going to discontinue using the ‘Illusio Creative’ business name and promote myself using my own name. It was a BIG decision that had been some time in the making. I felt I wanted to step out from under the Illusio banner and adopt a more personal approach. This was hard as I have been using the ‘Illusio Creative’ name for over ten years. But, given the overwhelmingly positive response I received from friends, supporters and industry experts, I knew I had made the right decision.
So, this is my first official post using my domain www.lorriewhittington.co.uk. All my content was moved successfully from the old domain to this one, and I have my hosting company 34sp to thank for that who made it all so easy for me.
I have also changed the names (or closed own) all of my major accounts including, Facebook, Twitter, Instragram etc. I created a new facebook page (closed), which was also a wrench as I had had the original one since 2007 and has over 2,500 followers. But…again, out with the old and in with the new. Starting again is exciting and a challenge.
If you are linking to the old domain, can you please update your links to point to this domain, www.lorriewhittington.co.uk, thank you. So, exciting times for moi!
New Art and Etsy
Yes, having pretty much said over two years ago I wouldn’t go back to Etsy, or open any more new online selling accounts anywhere else, I opened a NEW SHOP ON ETSY. But, a NEW shop. Not my old one reopened and made over (that has been closed for good), but a brand new shop using my own name and starting from scratch. However, shops on other portals have all been closed, some recently and some a while back, including Folksy, DaWanda and Big Cartel etc. It’s about keeping it small and manageable now.
At the moment my new Etsy Shop is stocked with some new original drawings, prints and postcards. However, there is some old stock on there that I want to sell because once it is gone, it is GONE GONE GONE. There will be no more swirly whirly sea art postcards or abstract pattern paintings.
From now on I will be concentrating on what I do best, and that is ink illustration and ink based paintings. So, once those postcards have gone they will not be reprinted. I will be releasing new prints of my ink drawings when the school holidays are over.
However, I am NOT a retailer, don’t want to be. I will be keeping my online selling fairly small as I am concentrating on bigger things at the moment which will be in full swing after the holidays. More on that later in the year.
This is a NEW age of art for Lorrie. Much more defined and focused. Looking forward, and looking forward to hearing from you. xxx
******
My Etsy shops is now closed for good. If you are interested in purchasing any original pieces, postcards and prints then please visit my ART SHOP.
I read this with satisfaction because I know what a hard decision it was to make and a brave one. I am glad you are making your ink drawings your priority as these are your strength. You are a very talented illustrator, but you must push your self more and not be afraid to take on new challenges and subject matter you find hard. I think you will achieve great things.
I am not sure about Etsy, but understand it is good to have your name there.
I wish you every success.
Didier
Thank you Didier. Everything you said echoes my sentiments entirely and thank you for the kind words about my art. Yes, I know I need to get out of my comfort zone and I am working on that. I know you have always liked my ink illustrations best, you have been telling me forever 😉
Good to hear from you.
xxx
Hi Lorrie,
I’m really inspired by your new decision to be more focused and defined as I’ve been wanting to do the same as well. I’ve started doing so in little ways but all the big stuff like changing from Creativesque to my own name and closing down my Etsy shop and switching to a new one is incredibly daunting to me. I keep putting it off.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi there Stacey-Ann…
Thank you for that, I take it as a great compliment when people tell me I have inspired them in any way. I will be keeping an eye on your progress. Also, don’t be daunted. Once you have made the break it’s incredibly liberating. Don’t forget, I had worked under the Illusio name for a long time, longer than the ten years that this domain has been going. I have been using the Illusio name as my online identity since about 1997!!
Cheers hun
xx
Hi Lorrie, just noticed the ‘new you’! Love what you are doing, seems like this is the way to go, and great to see that you are reinvigorated by the change – that’s always good! Can’t wait to see the new designs you make with a ‘brand’ new you 🙂
Rachel x
Hi there Rachel..
Well, thank you for the kind words, lovely to see you here.
Yes, I am very excited and can’t wait to start new things. Little bit held back at the moment as it’s the school holidays, and my day times are all about Orla, as it should be 🙂
But, lots of plans are being made.
Thanks for stopping by
xxx
Sorry for the late postage Lorrie. For what its worth, I think you have made the right decision. Time to come out and be seen using your own (and very unique) name.
CR
No worries Collette, I am not always as prompt as I should be to answer comments.
So yes, its great all the validation I have gotten, it seems that everyone agrees with my decision and if definitely feels the right thing to do.
Thanks for the ‘unique’ comment, I am in fact rather fond of my name, which is why I kept it when I got married.