2024 was a rollercoaster year for so many—especially since we were dealing with high business costs and lower purchasing thanks to inflation. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, just starting your watercolor business, or exploring watercolor as a hobby… you know that creativity and commerce often require balancing vision with strategy.
For Mercy Creates, this past year brought some incredible wins—moments that affirmed the mission behind my work and laid the groundwork for more products and services. These victories weren’t just about ticking boxes; they were about finding new ways to serve my audience, honor my craft, and simplify processes in a way that reflects good stewardship. Win-win-win.
I want to share three of those wins with you—because understanding what I’m managing and struggling with… may help YOU make intentional adjustments in your art business. And if you’re a visual learner, check out more of the good and not-so-good moments from 2024 on YouTube >>
1. Streamlining Product Creation for a Growing Business
When you’re running a watercolor business as a solo entrepreneur, efficiency becomes non-negotiable—ESPECIALLY if you have any semblance of a life outside of business—or hair has a strict washing schedule. For me, that meant rethinking how I created our signature Christmas ornaments. These bestsellers are a popular collection in the Mercy Creates shop, but the process of hand-tearing paper, applying gold leaf, and assembling hundreds of ornaments was exhausting.
This year, I invested in tools like a circular hole punch and personalized charms that reduced time spent on each ornament while maintaining their signature beauty. Customers loved the updated look, which proved that streamlining doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. One memorable moment was hearing a customer compare the new design to my older, hand-torn edges and say, “They’re both so beautiful—I can’t choose which I like better!”
This transition wasn’t just about simplifying production. It also positioned me to scale the process, making it easier to delegate in the future. As my art business grows, having a refined workflow ensures I can continue meeting customer demand without burning out.
Your Turn:
What’s one repetitive task in your business that could be streamlined with the right tool or process? Take a moment to evaluate whether your current workflows are sustainable for the long haul. Could investing in better tools free up your time for more creative endeavors?
2. Launching Watercolor Foundations: A Game-Changing Digital Course
One of the most exciting milestones this year was the launch of Watercolor Foundations, a 6-module course designed to take the frustration and intimidation out of watercolor painting. It covers everything from understanding paper and brushes to mastering color theory, techniques, and the entire painting process.
For years, I’ve received messages from budding watercolor artists asking:
- “Which brushes do I need for florals?”
- “Why does my paper always warp?”
- “How do I stop my colors from turning muddy?”
This course answers those questions and more, helping students gain confidence and save time (and supplies). By combining step-by-step videos, downloadable resources, and bonus tools like a 7-day wreath project, I created a comprehensive guide that takes the guesswork out of watercolor painting.
Join here to start your watercolor journey today and unlock your creativity!
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students sharing how this course has helped them embrace watercolor without fear. Plus, it’s not just for beginners—it’s also a great resource for experienced artists looking to refine their techniques or build a watercolor business.
Your Turn:
What questions do you get asked most often? Could those questions be turned into a digital product, guide, or class? Think about how you can multiply your impact by sharing your expertise in a scalable way.
3. Growing My Email List with Targeted Freebies
In 2024, I also honed in on what my audience truly values, leading to the creation of seasonal mini-digital Bible studies like Summer in the Psalms and Christmas in the Psalms. These studies were inspired by The Psalms Project Digital Bible Study, an email-driven resource designed to help busy women prioritize time in God’s Word.
The Psalms Project Digital Bible Study includes:
- Daily emails with short, manageable readings from the book of Psalms
- Prayer prompts to deepen your conversations with God
- Study questions to help you apply Scripture to your life
- Access to a resource library filled with curated articles, playlists, and tools
This study makes it easy to engage with the Bible wherever you are—whether waiting in a carpool line, on a lunch break, or in the quiet of your home. It’s been a blessing to see how this resource has grown my email list and encouraged so many to grow closer to God. And if you want the Psalms delivered to your inbox every day, you can join the study here.
The seasonal mini studies, inspired by the main project, provided an approachable introduction to this concept, with shorter commitments during busy seasons like summer and Christmas. These studies were especially impactful because they resonated with my audience’s needs—quick, meaningful, and spiritually enriching content.
Your Turn:
What free resource could you offer to grow your audience while showcasing your expertise? Consider creating something that solves a specific problem for your customers or brings them joy.
Moving Forward
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m reminded that every step forward—no matter how small—builds on the progress we’ve already made. Wins like streamlining production, launching a digital course, and growing my email list didn’t happen by chance. They came from a mix of prayer, planning, and intentional action.
For anyone running an art business, whether it’s focused on watercolor or another medium, the key takeaway is this: keep refining, keep learning, and keep connecting with your audience. Success doesn’t require perfection; it requires movement, trust, and faith in whatever God has called you to.
What’s one thing you could streamline, create, or offer in 2025? Reflect on your own wins from the past year, and let’s celebrate progress together. Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story and cheer you on!
Let’s make 2025 a year of creativity, connection, and bold steps forward in our art businesses.
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