So, how do you make that leap from amateur artist to professional and, not to beat around the bush here, start making a living from your art?
That’s when a lot of makers realise that, not only are the competing with newcomers, but also with old-timers who are doing it ‘for fun’. You wouldn’t get this is law, or brain surgery, or car mechanics for that matter, but you do get it in art and craft (and all the other arts). That’s just the way it is.
Donna described the difficulty of being at a craft fair, charging a fair price for her craft, also what she needs to pay her bills. On the stall next to her was a ‘hobby’ crafter who was only needing to cover their costs, with similar quality work.
Most importantly, deliver quality art consistently. Make sure your work is fit for purpose, use good quality materials, ensure it will last and is finished and presented well. Bargain shop canvasses and pre-made craft sets may keep your costs down, but they make your work look amateur and cheap and nobody will want to pay a good price for that!
Just a little extra quality will give you a serious edge over the beginners and hobbyists in your field and is worth the extra time and investment.
To start with, use the friendship groups you already have – don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to support you, they are your best first buyers!
4) You’ll need a website (or even an etsy or folksy shop to start with). You’ll also need to use facebook, twitter, have a blog, get business cards, use proper receipts and invoices. Don’t even think about skipping this bit! There are free or very low cost websites out there, so it needn’t break the bank, but if you want to play with the pros you will need these tools.
Work on a look that says who you are, what your work is about, and whist complements your pieces. Price clearly, and have your name visible on stalls or price tags. If you are framing work, do it well – nearly everyone uses cheap, mass produced frames from a large superstore we shall not name here. If you do something different your work will immediately stand out, so be more imaginative than the others. Give your beautiful creations the background they deserve.
If you are face-to-face with your audience, talk to them about you, your pieces, the value of handmade work – and focus on how much THEY will enjoy owning one! Be proud of who you are.
10) Price yourself properly. You don’t want to be priced out of the reach of people who would buy from you, but if you’ve created a quality piece it’s worth charging a decent amount for it.
Take a look at what similar makers are charging as a guide. Be businesslike about this – work out your materials costs first and, if you are making a lot of pieces to sell (say, for a craft fair or a solo show) then price them as if you were going to sell, say, twenty percent or so of them (you won’t always sell all your stock).
Work out where your ‘break even’ point is and ensure you get to that as quickly as you can, so that it’s not costing you money to be a maker.
A small note – working out your hourly rate as a maker may dishearten you, so add a little realism to the mix. A good place to start for pricing work is to count ALL your outlay (but not your time) – materials, travel, framing – and double it. Once you are established, your prices can go up. You will also get quicker at making your pieces as you make more of them, which helps!
Example time!
A very successful maker is Katwise – her site includes many photos of her wearing her own creations, as well as of her amazing house, colourful bus and her artwork. Her gorgeous coats, jumpers and cardigans are made from recycled wool and sell for between £80 and £400+. She’s also now selling the instructions for how to make one, as demand has exceeded her ability to supply. Talk about a dream situation, huh?!
Katwise is so successful her pieces sell out within 5 minutes of being listed online, every month, so she’s certainly doing something right!
Her pieces are very, very beautiful and this is a big part of her appeal, of course. They are also quite unusual and have a unique, consistent look – although there are similar styles out there, most people who like her pieces will recognise one on the street. Most importantly, and this is what we think is a big key to her success, she’s sharing a whole ethos and lifestyle with her work.
She also shares her process, so that people can see how much love and work goes into each piece.
People who buy her pieces aren’t just getting an object, they’re getting a piece of the dream life she leads. Be aware that this is what people are REALLY buying when they buy handmade, and make sure they’re getting that from you. Understanding what your customer really wants, and delivering it to them, is the secret to success in any enterprise.
