I just got back from an indoor show, and I was quite annoyed with my neighbor across the aisle for most of the weekend. He was displaying a number of intricate ceramic tiles, and displayed them underneath a large, intense light raised high on a pole at the corner of his booth. Shortly after he [...]
Read More...“Just Ask”
For several years I’ve been fortunate to communicate with you around concerns you’ve had about running a successful business. I have posted all the questions and answers that have appeared over the years in “Just Ask” in The CraftsReport.
Chose A Gallery With Care Please
I have been following several galleries that I think would be good fits for my work. Can you give me an idea of the questions I should ask as I try to make a choice? Also I’m a bit concerned about consigning my work. Any ideas will be appreciated. I’m always encouraged when I read [...]
Read More...Getting your press release read
I overheard one of my fellow gallery artists discussing her new press release. I haven’t done one before, and I am wondering if I need to. Are they just a fancy newsletter or are they only sent out when you have something new? I have an e-mail list of customers and potential buyers, but I’ve [...]
Read More...Choosing a location for a crafts shop
I am a ceramic artist and I have some questions about opening a combination studio and retail shop. I have been working out of my home’s spare bedroom for the past four years while selling at shows and through my website. I have been making enough of a profit that I am ready to take the next leap and open up [...]
Read More...Opening a craft gallery
My name is Elizabeth and I’d like to first say how awesome your website/magazine is! I just happened upon it when someone asked a craft question on Yahoo! Answers, and one of the individuals answering the question provided a link to ya’ll in their response. And walla I’m in L-O-V-E! My question is in regards [...]
Read More...Making room for new members in the coop
I am an artist at a co-op; we currently have 11 artists and are always looking for more information about running the co-op. We have been successful for 20 years, with a very relaxed environment and contract with the artists. Right now we are in the midst of a dilemma concerning one of our artists. Last year, we were a bit too [...]
Read More...Thriving at the soggy craft fair
As spring comes around in the Midwest, I am trying to prepare for soggy outdoor shows. I did one last May and had beautiful sunny weather that was nice and dry. I then did a show in June that was like selling in a lake! It had rained for three days prior to the show [...]
Read More...Going the fair trade way
My gift shop (located in a tourist town) has been doing well lately, and I would like to expand my current inventory. I have researched the idea of fair trade and am unable to decide if I should look further into offering fair trade items. However, I don’t want to offend my current supplier artists. [...]
Read More...How much is enough at a craft fair?
I design and make hand-knit, original hats. Some of the yarn that I use, I have designed and spun myself. For many years, I have thought about selling my hats at craft fairs. I am at the point now where I would like to actively begin to make this happen. The question I have is about inventory–I have no idea [...]
Read More...How do artists get something published?
My wife makes wheel-thrown goblets and vases and we would like to get her work published into a book. However, we don’t know how to get something like that started. We’ve seen fiber books about knitters and even a book by a wood-turner on how to turn the perfect bowl. How do artists get something [...]
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