Probably Less Than You Think

There’s a question I hear all the time from artists:
“How much art do I need before I start?”

It’s usually followed by:
“Should I wait until I finish my portfolio?”
“Do I need a full collection first?”
“Once I have more pieces, then I’ll be ready…”

But here's the truth most creative business owners won’t tell you:

You don’t need more work. You need a clear way forward.

In fact, most of us career artists started with far less than what you probably already have.

That Small Stack of Art? It’s More Valuable Than You Think

When I first started putting my work out into the world with intention, not just doodling, but shaping collections and testing ideas, I had four finished pieces.

Not a full portfolio.
Not a polished product line.
Just a few cohesive designs and the willingness to try something new.

That was more than enough.

With a small body of strong work, you can:

• Create your first product mockups
• Upload to a POD site or Etsy and start selling
• Begin pitching for licensing
• Define your visual style and start building a brand

Your success isn’t based on how much art you have.
It’s based on what you do with what you’ve got.

Hot Take: Starting Is Great—But So Is Skill

Here’s something most people don’t say in the “just start” pep talks:

You don’t need more art. You need your best art—right now.

I’ve seen a lot of artists rush into business too early—thinking “done is better than perfect” means anything goes.

And while I’ll always encourage progress over perfection, let’s be honest:
Craft matters. Cohesion matters. Quality matters.

This doesn’t mean you need to wait until everything is flawless. But it does mean your art should feel intentional, well-executed, and ready to represent you.

Even if that’s just 3–5 pieces.
Even if it’s not a full collection.
Even if your Instagram isn’t “perfect.”

Start with your strongest work—and go from there.

Stop Waiting. Start Building.

One of the biggest myths I see artists believe is that they need to hit a magic number, 20 designs, 3 full collections, a “perfect” online presence, before they can show up as a business.

But the truth?

You become ready by doing.

• You refine your style by creating consistently
• You build your shop by launching with one product
• You gain confidence by sharing your work—even before it feels “finished”

You don’t need 100 designs.
You don’t need to know all the answers.
You just need to begin—with what you have right now.

Inside Leverage Your Art, We Work With What You’ve Got

I created Leverage Your Art for artists in the messy middle.

The ones with six pieces and a dream.
The ones juggling life, creativity, and goals of building income.
The ones who feel close, but don’t know how to make it work.

Inside the course, I’ll help you take the art you already have and turn it into consistent income, real momentum, and a creative business that actually supports your life.

Even better? You don’t have to do it alone.

So… How Much Art Do You Really Need?

Just enough to begin.

That might be five strong pieces.
Or two digital patterns.
Or one mini collection.

Whatever you’ve created so far is your starting point.
The rest? You’ll build that along the way.

And if you’re curious about Leverage Your Art, the waitlist is open now.
Because your art deserves to be seen, shared, and sold—not just saved in your sketchbook.

👉 Join the waitlist here.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.