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| Kandi Christian of SewTimeless |
Her class was a lot of information that I, and other serious Etsy sellers, already knew, but it was a good refresher course with some new information to glean. Of course not many in this class were Etsy sellers and Kandi dispensed tons of information for those wanting to be or thinking about being an entrepreneur. She wasn't selling anything, although I did go to her booth later and buy her book.
The best advice, that I think she gave was to call your self an artist. She calls herself a fiber artist, I call my self a textile artist. (Mostly because I work with fabrics, and Kandi works with thread, yarn, and fabrics.) It's all about how you think yourself to be, and presenting yourself properly to prospective buyers. One other thing that she said was to call your items, not "handmade" but "handcrafted". This denotes an artistic designed stylish piece, not just made at home.
Kandi discussed the four P's of PROFIT--Product, Pricing, Promotion, Placement--which I won't go into in this post--I'd be repeating almost her entire lecture! Purchase her book on her website if you want more information!
All things considered, the SewExpo provided me with some information and some ideas of where to purchase specific supplies in the future, albeit not in huge amounts. 'Sew' . . . . I guess it was a good experience, but I will be looking for another informational venue for future attendance.
SEW . . . .
what shows or venues do you attend to learn more about your craft?
12 comments:
Ooooo...I like that "handcrafted" vs. "handmade". I'll keep that in mind!
That's great that you enjoyed this course. Too bad you already knew most of the information though. I like her terminology too. I think getting used to calling yourself an artist allows you to feel ok asking for prices that you deserve!
I'm glad you were able to take some things away from the course, even if most of it was just a refresher. I do love the word handcrafted, it has such a simple appeal to me. :)
Thank you Linda for such a nice post. I remember you and am so glad you enjoyed the lecture. Good luck to you in your business. Kandi
this sounds like a wonderful class.....i'm glad you enjoyed it!! hope you have a fun weekend! xox
That does sound like an interesting teaching. I guess I most often think of myself as an artisan. Glad you enjoyed yourself at the Expo.
Sounds like it was a great experience. Sometimes just hearing the same thing in a different way moves us to see it differently. Glad you had a good time!
Very interesting post! I think I will start using "handcrafted"--it does sound artsier than handmade.
I'll be waiting to hear all about your visit to Sisters in July.
I usually don't call myself an artist. I know some people who call themselves "artists" but me a craftperson. That ticks me off! {:-D
These are really great tips, i.e., calling yourself an artist and saying you make (design!) handcrafted goods. By the way, I looked for the book on Amazon, and couldn't find it for less than $69. Ouch! Do you know of a better source?
Judy--
Kandi Christian's book is available on her web site. There is a link in the post.
Calling yourself an artist may be difficult for some people, but really, isn't that what we are? We may put things together in new ways with new combinations, use unexpected materials, etc.
Handcrafted does sound like a better word.
glad your experience at the SewExpo was good even if not as wonderful as expected.
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