How to Grow Your Art Business During Economic Uncertainty (Even When You’re Scared to Start)

Picture this: It’s 2009. I’m up late at my kitchen table, surrounded by nearly empty art supplies, zero dollars, and a recession screaming, “Maybe this isn’t the time to start your own creative business.”

I literally wrote about this in my upcoming book The Artist’s Side Hustle— (available for pre-order now) out Nov 18, 2025 via Hay House—because starting this dream while working full‑time in chaos? That’s the whole point.

It’s Not Just Hard—It Can Be HARD AND FUN

You know that feeling: everything’s shifting, your world resets overnight, and you’re hanging on like your knees are glued to the pool’s side. I get it, I’ve lived it.

Since 2009, I've navigated:
 

• The Great Recession (ended June 2009) – launching a creative business in a rough economic climate. 

• Etsy going public – ushering in resellers and manufacturers that completely changed the marketplace.

• Blogger shutting down – and losing most of my organic traffic overnight.

• COVID‑19 pandemic – wiping out major revenue streams and forcing an entire business pivot.

• USPS postage hikes – stamps rising from around $0.45 in 2013 to $0.78 in 2025.

• Personal impact – my husband lost two jobs, and we had to maintain household stability while keeping the business afloat.

I list these because I get the trepidation—you’re not imagining it. I remember it.

It’s terrifying to lead when your footing is shaky. When you deny the fear, shove it down, and still show up, that’s gaslighting yourself into doing work you don’t feel like doing. Because if you don’t show up, your worst fears often come true. But the magic? If you do show up, you survive. You grow. HARD CAN BE FUN.

Why Now Is Actually Your Moment

• People are pausing: Homes, cars, courses—everyone’s freaking out mid‑decision, just… waiting.

• Global shakeups: Tariffs and shipping chaos mean fewer voices fighting for attention.

This is your lane:

• Consistency wins: While others freeze, your art becomes a beacon. You show up. You matter.

• Connection counts: Hearts want stories and soul now more than ever, that’s what you create.

• Smart investment: This isn’t about cheap ads or materials—it’s about placing your energy where it counts, while others hesitate.
  
  

What You Can Do Today (No Fluff)

1. Learn one small thing: A new technique, brushstroke, style tweak. Go deeper on your interests.

2. Share it: Post or email—messy is better than silent. Don't shrink. Get louder. 

3. Talk to one person: A fan, a follower, a friend who loves your work. Real connection builds real trust.
   
   

Want Guided Help?

Leverage Your Art opens for enrollment on August 19. This isn’t a fluff course. It is the whole dang system that I used to build my multiple income stream powerhouse of an art business. Join the waitlist by clicking here.

I’ll teach you how to:

• Level up your creativity and build a business that you are absolutely wild about!

• Design and sell products

• Teach what you know, courses, workshops, you name it

• License your art additional income
  
  

This is the last year I’ll offer all three complete income streams in this format. I can’t spill all the beans yet, but I guarantee: I won’t offer this much game-changing content inside Leverage Your Art again.

Final Word

Most people stay on the edge of the pool—and that’s… safe.

But safe doesn’t make art matter.

You—your voice, your vision, your art—does.

So dive in. Show up.
Your future self and every person touched by your work? They’re already high-fiving you.