-By Howard Lyon

Ashcloud Phoenix - Magic: the Gathering

Feed My Sheep - 11 x 14 oil on panel

When I switch from one kind of work to the other, I come back each time with a renewed and increased energy.

My audience has doubled over the last few years. Google Analytics has given me good insight into how my audience has changed and what they come to my site for. On and average day traffic is nearly a 50/50 split between my religious work and fantasy work.

Producing work consistently for a market is key to keeping it moving forward. Regular releases help to keep your audience engaged even when there is less work coming out.

The two markets I have been producing work for have offsetting seasons. I focus a little more on promoting my illustration in the spring and summer and my religious work in the fall and winter. If you should work in a couple markets, that might be something to consider.

Master the Way - Magic: the Gathering

I sometimes feel that I have to sacrifice one opportunity for another. That being said, when I was solely doing contract work, I felt that way all the time.

Some customers have expressed concern or disdain at my spectrum of work, from both sides. I suppose there is a further risk of not being taken seriously by some as long as I have a foot in both markets.

There is an added measure of stress. I can't pin it down exactly, but there are more things to juggle. Even if I did the exact same amount of work, with two markets to feed and grow it is more hectic.

I keep more inventory on hand as far as prints go, so that I can ship quickly. This requires ongoing investment that is greater than when I was fulfilling one audience.

My social media relationship... "it's complicated." Building your social media presence takes time and regular effort. If you want to keep your social media separate, it can take a lot more time.

King of Kings - 36" x 48" oil on linen

And to balance that out, some gifs showing the progression of a couple Magic cards.

Master the Way

Warden of the Eye

Howard Lyon

Happy Halloween!



Labels: HL