Bob: I have no idea what your studio practice is like, but I would encourage you to make make make. And also go out and see lots of art in person. Visit museums and galleries like crazy.

Bob-
It could partly be lack of confidence or know how.
Maybe you just need to exercise your creative muscle. Find a book on creativity and go from there.
You could also figure out what you really like to draw and start doing a bunch of small studies from life. Just keep drawing it over and over, really looking at it. Maybe something will come to you.

Elisha: I’ll be writing more about this in this new feature on the blog. But there’s no such thing as a federal sales tax. You need a state sales tax and a federal ID. Consider taking a tax class with your state. Our state (CO) offers them through the Department of Revenue and does them at various locations in the state. I think most are free.
I have also attended one on local sales tax, which is necessary in Colorado since local cities and counties collect taxes separate from the state.

Good idea, Meltemi. Just remember that in the US you can only deduct the cost of materials when you donate. You can’t deduct the fair market value if you’re the artist.

I’m glad you found it helpful, Lisa.