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A note from the FNO newsletter editor
Greetings FNO Artists and Craftspeople,
This article is for folks just starting out in the art and craft show
business. Enjoy, or share it with someone who might!
The featured artist is Massachusetts ceramist Sharon Levy.
If you have written any articles about the craft and art show industry,
please let me consider publishing them. I love to hear from you
and get new ideas for the newsletter.
Best wishes!
Julie Cochrane
FNO Marketing
Festival Network Online
http://www.myspace.com/festivals
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Getting Started Selling Crafts by William T Lasley
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Starting
a craft business, like starting any other type business, requires
planning. That said, I will go over some preliminary ideas that should
be thought through before beginning your new venture.
Do what you love
Don't get started in the craft industry simply to make money. I know
that may sound strange since the goal of any business is to make money,
but starting and running a business takes time and dedication to
succeed. Almost definitely, there will be lean times and if you do not
absolutely love what you do you will not have the stamina needed to
follow through.
Start small
Give yourself enough time to learn your niche before spending thousands
on national retail and wholesale shows or mail-order advertising. Local
craft shows and selling to friends and family at home shows are great
ways to get started in the crafts industry. In a short time, you will
learn a lot from your customers and fellow craftspeople that will
enable you to succeed.
 Give it time and don't borrow
All businesses take time to make money. I recommend planning on at
least two years before showing major profits in the crafts industry.
While you may have great results from the start, don't count on it! You
must allow enough time to establish your craft business and to learn
the ins and outs of the industry before success.
With that in mind, I do not recommend borrowing money to start your
business. I know that sounds radical; however, when you have a couple
of shows that do not meet expenses, you will quickly become frustrated
if you have a payment that must be made! In the U.S.A. we have been
blessed with a great economy for the past several years, but there are
always ups and downs. When lean times hit people quit buying are
nonessentials, including craft items.
Save money to start your business and as you make money, use it to grow
your business. Debt is the number one reason for failure among
start-ups and established businesses alike. If I still haven't
convinced you that debt is bad business, I'll mention two businesses
that you may have heard of who are, and always have been, virtually
debt-free: Microsoft and Harley Davidson.
by William T Lasley
Other things you should know when you're starting out.
Your Guide to Arts / Crafts Business http://artsandcrafts.about.com/
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| FNO Featured Artist - Sharon Levy
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ANCIENT ECHOES ARTS
http://www.ancientechosarts.com
When Sharon wrote to me about being a Featured Artist, this is what she
had to say, "I am a ceramist, not just a potter and therefore I am not
limited by decorative or functional or sculptural definitions but am
defined by what the clay has to say."
After over 25 years of exploration and experimentation, ceramist Sharon
Levy has produced a variety of works using ancient methods, materials
and techniques. She uses these methods and materials in contemporary
ways to interpret the world around her: physically, spiritually,
religiously and politically.
Her works reflect the physical environment by way of the landscapes
found in her boxes that utilize natural edges in addition to bas relief
carving. She sees her thrown bowls as offertory in nature with a
spiritual connection to the inspiration of pioneering eastern
ceramists. In addition, she enjoys exploring Judaica through the
current and ancient symbols, language, and colors that have become
obscured due to the Judaic world's emphasis on the written word.
If you're in New England, you can catch Sharon at these events:
DeCordova Museum Art in the Park; Lincoln, MA, 6/8
Royal Collections Gallery, Providence, RI 4/17-5/31
Earthly Connections II, Lowell, MA, 5/9 - 5/31
Email Julie Cochrane if you are interested in appearing here.
(Please put "FNO Artist Feature" in subject line)
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Festival Network Online Affiliate Program
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Want to earn commission for referring your fellow exhibitors to FNO? Click here to learn about our affiliate program!
We can print you custom FNO fliers with your name on them to distribute
at fairs and festivals! We pay $5.00 for every new member you send our
way! FNO is for all show pros! Food vendors, Musicians,
Commercial Vendors, and all Exhibitors! Interested in promoting
FNO for extra dough? Let us know!
We're always looking for ARTICLES about working in the
festival biz, tips, ideas, techniques, resources. Send to: julie@festivalnet.com and put "FNO Newsletter" in subject line.
To unsubscribe, go here: https://festivalnet.com/members
Log in, click "My Account," and "Manage Free e-lists."
If you need your user name and password, email info@festivalnet.com for assistance.
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