Got a Business Idea: Finding Your Voice and Turning Ideas into Products

Whether you’re an artist, small business owner, or fashion startup, I provide insights on saving time, avoiding mistakes, and turning your ideas into real, tangible products. If you’re ready to take the next step in product creation, this is your sign to get started!

Let’s Talk About Sharing What You Love!

Today, I want to share something that’s been on my mind lately: showing your work and finding your voice. I’m reading a fantastic book called Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, and there’s a chapter that really hit home for me, it’s all about finding your voice.

Austin Kleon’s advice is simple but powerful:

“The only way to find your voice is to use it.”

It made me stop and think. So often we get caught up in what to say or how we’ll sound, but Kleon reminds us: talk about what you love and your voice will follow. That’s it. It’s not something you need to “find” somewhere out there; it’s already built into you.

For me, that love lies in helping creative entrepreneurs, especially small businesses, artists, and fashion startups, bring their product ideas to life. I get energised when I share my foolproof approach to product development, and I’m here to pass that excitement and knowledge on to you.

Why Sharing Your Work and Voice Matters

As a small business entrepreneur, artist, or startup founder, you’re likely bursting with ideas. Maybe you dream of designing a line of journals, creating beautiful fabric-based products like table runners or bunting, or even launching an entire clothing collection. But getting from idea to a physical product can feel overwhelming.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it alone. And you don’t need to have all the answers right away. By sharing your process, your struggles, and the things you love, you not only find your voice, you connect with your audience.

Think about this:

• Your audience doesn’t just want a product; they want to know you,your journey, your creativity, and your story.
• By showing your work, you build trust and make meaningful connections.

So if you’ve been waiting to share that big idea or take that first step, consider this your nudge to just start talking about what you love.

 

How To Share Your Work

1. Start with Social Media

   • Choose platforms that align with your audience: Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook.
   • Post progress shots, finished pieces, and behind-the-scenes content.
   • Use Instagram Stories and Reels to show quick time-lapses, tools you use, or workspaces.
   • Engage with your audience, respond to comments and ask questions about their favourite pieces.

2. Create a Portfolio Website

   • Build a clean, user-friendly website using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress.
   • Include high-quality images of your work, descriptions, and a contact form.
   • Add an "About Me" section to share your story, style, and inspiration.
   • Keep it updated with new artwork and any exhibitions or projects.
   • Use AI

3. Start a Blog or Share Your Process

   • Write short posts explaining your creative process, challenges, or the inspiration behind your work.
   • Share step-by-step content like sketches, drafts, and final outcomes.
   • Use blogging platforms like Medium, Substack, or your website to publish.

4. Use Video Content

   • Share process videos or time-lapses of your work on YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok.
   • Film tutorials or “Day in the Life of an Artist” content to engage viewers.
   • Create short videos showing your tools, techniques, or workspace setup.

5. Participate in Online Marketplaces

   • List your art on platforms like Etsy, Society6, or Redbubble.
   • Sell digital versions of your art (prints, phone wallpapers, etc.).
   • Optimize your listings with keywords, clear descriptions, and quality photos.

6. Join Art Communities and Forums

   • Share your work in online communities like DeviantArt, Behance, or ArtStation.
   • Participate in challenges or competitions to grow visibility.
   • Engage with other artists to network and get feedback.

7. Leverage Email Newsletters

   • Build an email list of supporters and collectors through your website or social media.
   • Send newsletters sharing updates, new pieces, exclusive previews, or studio stories.
   • Offer freebies like digital wallpapers or printable art to grow your list.

8. Collaborate with Other Creatives

   • Partner with other artists, brands, or businesses to cross-promote work.
   • Join themed art challenges or collaborative projects to increase exposure.
   • Highlight collaborations on your social media and website.

9. Host Virtual Art Exhibitions or Workshops

   • Use tools like Zoom or Instagram Live to showcase your art virtually.
   • Host live workshops or Q&A sessions explaining techniques and inspiration.
   • Record these sessions and share them later as digital content.

10. Share Customer Testimonials and Photos

• Ask buyers or fans to share photos of your artwork in their space.
• Repost these testimonials on social media or your website.
• Create a "Collector's Spotlight" series to build credibility and community.

11. Document Daily Progress 

• Show the not-so-glamorous parts: sketches, mistakes, or works-in-progress.
• Share your tools, creative rituals, or personal workspace.
• Consistently post small updates to make your audience feel part of the journey.

12. Repurpose Your Content

• Turn one piece of content into many:
  • Sketch > Post > Time-lapse video > Blog post > Final showcase
• Share finished art as phone wallpapers, printable PDFs, or digital art downloads.
• Use the same content on different platforms to maximise reach.

Remember, Start talking about what you love, take action, and trust the process. You’ve got everything you need to succeed right inside you.

• Show your work consistently—even if it’s unfinished or imperfect.
• Talk about what inspires you and share your creative process.
• Engage with your audience and invite them into your journey.

The more you share, the more your voice and audience will grow. Start small, keep going, and trust the process. 🚀Here’s to finding your voice and bringing your dreams to life—one product at a time! 🚀

How I Approach Product Development

When I work with new clients, I focus on one thing: saving them time, money, and stress by guiding them through my proven product development process. Whether you’re working on a journal, a table runner, fabric samples, or even the first prototype for a fashion collection, I follow these key steps:

1. Start with the Idea.

   • What’s the vision for your product? Who is it for? What problem does it solve?

2. Refine the Design.

   • Turn your sketches, notes, or inspirations into a tangible design. Even a simple Pinterest board can spark the starting point!

3. Sample & Test.

   • Sampling swatches or creating prototypes is crucial. This step helps you identify materials, tweak designs, and fine-tune your product.

4. Go to Development.

   • Once your samples are perfect, we move to actual production—getting your product ready to hit the shelves or launch online.

This process doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. I’ve refined it over years of experience, and I know how to make it work. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creative, I’m here to help you turn ideas into reality.

Your Action Plan: Turn Ideas into Reality & Find Your Voice

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start creating, here’s a simple 

actionable checklist to help you get going:

Step 1: Share What You Love

• Write down what excites you about your product idea. What makes you passionate about it?
• Share it on Instagram, LinkedIn, or even with a friend. Don’t wait for perfection, start talking about what you care about.

Step 2: Break It Down

• Define your product idea: Is it a journal, a fabric product, clothing, or something else?
• Write a simple 3-5 step plan for how you’ll get from idea to prototype. Don’t overcomplicate it.

Step 3: Find Your Experts

• Don’t struggle on your own! Connect with someone (like me!) who can guide you through the sampling, testing, and development process.

Step 4: Start Small, Build Momentum

• Take one small action today. Maybe it’s sketching your design, finding inspiration, or booking a call with a product developer to ask questions.
• Action creates clarity. Don’t wait until you “feel ready”, just take the first step.

Step 5: Document and Share Your Process

• Remember: showing your work builds connections. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your progress, from idea sketches to samples.
• Be authentic, share your excitement, and trust that your voice will grow stronger with every step you take.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Finding your voice by using it—is a game changer. Talk about what you love, and your voice will naturally follow. And as you start turning those dreams into products, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance.

If you have questions about product development whether it’s designing a journal, fabric products, or anything else reach out to me! I’d love to book a call, answer your questions, and walk you through my process. My goal is simple: to save you time, money, and stress so you can focus on creating products you love.

Take the Next Step

Ready to bring your idea to life? Let’s make it happen. Drop me a message, book a call, or leave a comment below—let’s chat about your vision!

Liked this blog post? Drop a comment or share it with a fellow creative entrepreneur who needs a little push to get started! Don’t forget to join our mailing list for more tips on product development, creativity, and building a dream brand.

BuildtheDreamBrand,

The Right way!