Hi, I'm Christy! I'm an artist that loves sparkles, boba, and cute pastel galaxy art. ✨
For many years, I struggled with insecurities about my physical appearance... But art became a powerful tool for self-expression and self-love. I finally picked up a pencil and started drawing to remind myself, and others who might feel the same, that beauty comes in all forms.
We are all beautiful.
Follow me on Twitch for live drawings! www.twitch.tv/illustratingchristy
Visit my website at illustratingchristy.com/
Email: IllustratingChristy@gmail.com
Subscribe for more marker illustrations, drawing tutorials, and art process videos! ⭐
It looks very cute and I love your desk spaces, I just wish you had more of your desk surface to work on. Especially because you’re working on your business. Have you considered removing the closet doors and having a deeper and longer desk in there, for you or for him? If it would be for him for example, then you could have an L-shaped desk setup by the window. Or if you are using that desk in the closet, you could hang all of your packing supplies right above you and have the printer on the desk as well etc. Your pen collection is amazing. I love your streaming set up as well. That animated wallpaper OMG, where did you get that? It add’s so much to your space. Love it.
Hiii! I’ve literally never commented on any video on RU-vid before but I just wanted to tell you that you’re so amazing. I’m so proud of you for going through with your business and you’re honestly everything I aspire to be as a 16-year-old introverted artist. 😭
I almost wanted to go back and get more lol, but after redecorating I think I have enough fake plants in my studio haha. I think I remember you mentioning you love reorganizing and decorating since you were young, so I hope I make you proud lol!!! Thank you so much for watching! <3
Honestly, I think your personal state's sales tax is the most important part. Just making sure you have your permit (if needed) and knowing the rules for collecting sales tax where you live. End of year taxes really only matter if you make a certain income. From what I understood when I was working (normal job) my first job after high school I made under $19k so I didn't even have to file. I just did it to see if I would make anything back, which I did even though it was hardly anything. I'm currently a stay at home mom, so my hubby takes care of all the end of year taxes. I only had time to do one art market this year, and I suspect I won't make more than $1k. And being completely realistic about it, I probably won't make more than $500 just cause of the time of year and it being my very first event. I have an online shop, but I don't really promote it besides my business cards because I don't get much time in the day. Even if I sold out of my online store, I wouldn't profit more than $1500 this year total, which means I don't have to claim it as an income on my end of year taxes. I only have to file for the sales tax on what I sold. For my state, I file sales tax quarterly, but at the end of this year I can request to file yearly because my income was low enough I won't have to file quarterly in the future. Sales tax is fairly simple, the most complicated thing is honestly just keeping track of sales and following your state laws around them. For instance, in my state I'm not allowed to include sales tax in my final sale price. So I have to decide how much I want to charge for something in total, then take the 6% (my state's %) out and sell it at the price before sale's tax is added. Example: I want to charge $35 for an item; so that's 35×.06=2.1 So I have to charge $32.90 +tax for the customer to pay $35. In my state, it's required that I list my items like that. I could lose my permit if I listed an item at $35 and a tax auditor came through a show and asked how tax is being collected. If I say it's included, I could lose my permit. We have to show "proof" that the customer is paying the 6% sales tax. Which is kind of annoying, but at that point all the work is already done I just add it all up and file quarterly. Some state's allow for the sales tax to be included in the final sale price, so you could charge just $35 and then come tax time, you just figure your tax% from your item/sales and file it that way all at once.
Oh my, thank you so much for the detailed advice! I definitely need to look into what all goes into it for Florida then. I work full time while trying to start this small little business after my work hours so I'm not sure how it stays separate when I file taxes or if I need to even file for this like you mentioned. There's a lot I need to ask an accountant I think , but your experience has helped greatly! Thank you so much 💜✨
@@illustratingchristy yess, of course 😊 Your situation is definitely than mine! So always good to ask someone who knows the laws around everything, but a great place to start would be looking up Florida's sales through their tax.gov site. I think I remember someone from Florida in one of the vendor FB groups I'm in say that they can include sales tax in their total price? This subject comes up a lot! I was thinking about making a RU-vid video about my first market (this Saturday) and all the important stuff to know. Cause I had no idea about permits and stuff! Some events even require you to have business insurance.. Hopefully everything can start up smoothly for you 😊 I definitely would start simple and just see if your state requires a regular seller's permit and if so start your application for it and just brush up on the rules around sales tax for Florida specifically. That way when you do talk to an accountant you can already have your permit ready. Every state is just so different. Like mine you can get a temporary seller's permit for markets and things, but it's only good for 3 events per year. And if an event you signed up for gets canceled and you already notified the state you would be there it still counts as one of your 3 events so it can waste a whole slot. If you sell more than 2 physical products per year in my state you have to have a permit.. So for online sales and events it was easier for me to just go ahead and get my regular permit. It was free to get, but I did register my business name beforehand and that was around $25 so my permit is tied to my business rather than me as a person.
@@illustratingchristy no one really talks about or tells you these things, just kinda the basic stuff like setting up for a market or tips to get through a market and good things to bring with you; not so much the legalities behind them. So I definitely want to try to sit down after my market and make a RU-vid video talking about it, even if it's the only one I post for a year to two till I have time to actually start up my channel lol
This whole video made me smile! You're doing what I've wanted to do for so. long. I seem to get a bit disheartened by teens/20somethings doing all this, so it's so refreshing and reassuring to see someone my age going for what she wants to go for! I'm a mega procrastinator too, and I have so many excuses, but I've started a youtube channel... just haven't filmed or done anything about it looool. Baby steps, right? haha. Thank you for your encouragement! All the best for your shop and all aspects of your art career!! You're awesome!
@@SamolinaSketches I am 10000% a procrastinator lol I can't even believe I managed to make this video! I hope you make yours soon; I just subscribed 💜💜💜 thank you so much for watching! I'm really glad it made you smile. I totally know what you mean by seeing the younger generation do this but no one else that we can relate with. I am realizing now that I'm really not alone. ✨
Im planning on trying to start a small art business but im a teen living with my parents, do you have any tips for starting out based on your experience? I want to sell stickers, prints, custom commissions, and jewelry, do you have any affordable equipment that wont take much space in my small room that you would also recommend? Loved the video ❤ Edit: sorry one more question, what did you use to build your website and online store? I cant seem to find a free resource that fits my needs for my business 😭
I have actually seen a lot of RU-vid videos out there of people making stickers without expensive devices like a cricut. One of those RU-vidrs is called YayDay Paper Co. Check them out! Also, if you do have a printer at home, try printing one of your prints and see how you like the color and texture of paper. You don't have to have a fancy printer to make prints. Custom commissions can be advertised on Instagram if you already have a following there. If not, use a platform where people are familiar with your artwork to let them know you have opened up commissions. Lastly, jewelry is fun to make! You can buy affordable supplies at your local art store: like beads, charms, etc. Get creative and make something unique to your art style. Needless to say, you won't need to spend hundreds of dollars just to get started. So start small by trying things that could potentially work for you and then expand and invest as time goes by and you become more comfortable.
Omg the taxes... Don't even get me started XD I once heard someone say that doing too much research can be detrimental, especially if you're the kind to go crazy over little things. Learning about too many things at once can be unmotivating, and thus slow you down, so it's better to just learn a bit and throw yourself into it, which is what I did. You'll surely learn as you go. ❤ Also, PO boxes can be quite expensive, so upon looking for alternatives, I learned about digital addresses. They're pretty similar. A PO box near me would cost 60$ for three months, while the digital address was half that, which is good considering I don't expect having to use that address for anything other than sending the products for the first few months. Just wanted to provide another option for anyone interested XD Great video, my dear! You're doing great! 😆❤
Omg... I wish I knew about the digital address!!!! Oh man I am definitely looking into that. Can people ship returns to a digital address though? I'll do a little more research. (But I won't go crazy like I usually do lol) Thank you so much for sharing that!!! <3
@@illustratingchristy The company I went with said that they receive the package, scan it if you approve, then keep it for around 30 days before tossing it away. I'll tell you what company it is if you are okay with it, but I really appreciated the fact that I had that option XD They gave me an address in my city which I'll put as the return address on my packages, but it can be used for other kinds of business mail also. 🥰
Omg scorpio is my zodiac sign and im obsessed with pink! I absolutely need to pick it up when you launch it! Today i have been drawing spooky sticker designs for Halloween cause i want to launch my shop before Halloween 🎃 👻 wish me luck!
New subscriber here. 👋 Im trying to start my small business this year, too. You give me hope that i can. 😌 You have a really nice setup and room, too. 😍
You have no idea how happy i am to see you! A familiar face in this RU-vid art world! All the best girl! You're already an inspiration for starting like this. I relate to all you're saying i could cry right now!!!🥲🥲🥰 Lotsa love!
Hi! Loved this! Your studio actually looks insanely rad and is very organized. Your art is adorable. I watched your video as I swatched my new set of Ohuhu markers and worked on some old sketches. I come from a clinical therapy background - a world I am still very much invested in. But I am continually researching and drawing and drawing and drawing with the hopes to launch my small art business soon. Art makes me so happy. But it's fascinating how many of us are on similar paths; I almost feel as though we could form a monthly meet & greet/social/networking over virtual coffee among emerging artists (if anyone is already doing/hosting such a thing please invite me lol). But anyway happy to join you on this journey my girl 🖤
I am still in disbelief with how many people have told me they are on a similar path or they have been feeling the same things I have. It's so nice to feel like I'm not alone. I think you are on to something though! We should definitely have some kind of meet & greet for artists like us who work full time, but are working towards a common goal. That would be awesome! Hopefully one does exist out there already. I really appreciate your sweet comments. Thank you so much for watching my video! P.S... Ohuhu is THE BEST!
@@illustratingchristy yea it’s wild hahaa. I saw one of your latest videos on your new equipment and working on art as well as feeling the nerves and I have to say that you’re videos thus far are positive and convey your excitement but are also realistic since you are obviously stepping into unknown territory and therefore understandably unsure at times. We feel you and appreciate you for your willingness to share! P.S. Ohuhus really are the best! I’m enjoying both the pointy thin tips and the brush tip ones (i had to order a small batch of the brush tips as my first large batch was missing some primary colours). I’m surprised with how fun they are to use as I’m more inclined to digital art and have been pushing myself to use more physical media for art practice! Love it so far
I found your accound today and follow you now. You are amazing, please never stop belive in your passion. You do it grait! You are a amazig girl! ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
Just found your channel, I’m in love with the style of your videos and I love how the lighting was such a lovely purple throughout the video. The zodiac sign bubble teas are such a cool idea I’m in love. 💕💕💕
I'm flabbergasted as they say: I'm 35, working in IT, making art as a hobby but I want to do this more seriously and launch a little store, my favorite color is purple, I'm an aquarius, I like astrology and bobbas, I love Ohuhu markers and I share an office space with my husband. I also have the same colored light behind your desk. We're almost the same in different fonts! I don't have kids, I live in France, our art styles are different and I still didn't make my first video ahah ˆˆ'. But damn the algorithm is algorithming tonight! Your video made me smile, your style is lovely, you've got the skills and charisma, you're going to make it this time! Can't wait to see what you do next :)
@@charline-m OMG that is wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE do a video!!! Haha that is so freaking cool!!!!! I hope you do start your small art business! Let me know when you do 🩷💕💜💜💜💜
I am so inspired by you and this video! I've been wanting to pull the plug on starting my Online Art Shop for a while now.... honestly since 2020 and the pandemic. I also work full time as a psych nurse, and just had my first child.... I've wanted to start so many times.... but I've been stuck in the "I'm still planning and researching" mindset. The level of transparency is refreshing! I hope I can be as brave as you! I look forward to seeing you grow and come into your own!
You ARE brave! You are already making decisions that will make such a difference in your life for you and your family. I'm so excited for you!!! Please keep me updated and let me know if you start recording your journey, I would love to be there to support. My son is 2 years old and I remember when he was a new born. It was so ... HARD. But I wanted to give him the world. I still do. He is what is motivating me. I absolutely believe you will find a balance to accomplish what you need to for your family.💜
Just subbed! There's nothing at all wrong with starting something new and being nervous about it. I'm in the process of starting a sports blog and I'm nervous but I know for sure I can do it! And you can too! Can't wait to watch more!! ps- I'm loving the music and the editing it's dope af!!
Thank you so much!!! Omg I'm so excited for you!! I remember wanting to start a blog in the past during the pandemic, but I let fear and insecurities get in the way. So proud of you for making that leap! I'd love to subscribe to it when you get it set up! 💜
Thank you for having the courage to do this !! I really look up to people who do things that make them happy / doing a leap of faith it makes me feel like I’m not alone and it gives me courage/ courage to do it myself so thank you !!
Thank you so much! I really believe that I can do this! I just have to not give up and not give in to my insecurities. I really appreciate you supporting me along the way. 💜
You're mess is pretty organized, I love your art work and I know you will certainly have success with your shop. I'm 34 and realized I am miserable been bouncing from job to job, none of which that pay me enough. I let the misery last too long, I no longer do the things I love like music and art. Decided to get back into art this year and also want to open a shop but I definitely don't have all the things I need to do that. But, I want to just try to just use my current resources and do it like you said stop procrastinating because I will always feel like I need or want more before starting. What are the markers named you are using, what type of tablet are you using, and what program are you using to create the bobba tea art, I am in the learning phase of how to digitize my art and you seem to seamless use that program. So, far I've tried a few different programs but not loving them. I think I am going to attempt inkscape because I think it will work best for my needs but what your using seems seamless too. Also, love the bobba tea zodiac signs simple but fun designs so far. You inspired me to scale back I have been making designs too complex especially since I have been out of practice.
I felt everything you are feeling right now!!! I really hope you are able to start and no longer feel the way you are feeling, that helpless feeling just feels awful, doesn't it? I am here to help you every step of the way. I'm learning as I go so hopefully you don't make some of my mistakes as I catch them lol. The markers are Ohuhu Markers, the best affordable alcohol markers that compare with Copics. The iPad I use is an iPad Pro. The app on the iPad I use to draw is called Procreate, there is a one time payment for it which I believe is only $10. Thank you so much for the compliments. I am wishing you the best on your journey! Please keep me updated. <3
I LOVE YOUR HAIR, SETUP, AND VIBESSSS !!! A few seconds i and i'm now subscribed - i loveee your studio space looks soo pretty and i'm wishing you the best for your buisness !!!!! 💞
Im loving the channel! I had to subscribe. It's nice seeing other artists grow. Always a journey! ☺ Im curious to know where you got your cards printed? they look good and so cute!
