Savvy Crafter's Guide to Success by Mccall, Sandy -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Page Title Page Copyright Contents INTRODUCTION

My story Before you go any further

CHAPTER 1: Get Started

Are you ready? Is it “art” or “craft”? What are you afraid of? Are you thick-skinned? Are you prepared to live without the comfort of a steady paycheck? Are you self-motivated? Are you able to juggle time, deadlines and multiple projects? Are you prepared to travel?

CHAPTER 2: Define Your Direction

Define your direction Choose a solo career or a partnership Ask other artists Pick a business name Relax…then get started

CHAPTER 3: Organize Your Workspace

Wasted space Office space Your space Organized space

CHAPTER 4: Get Ready

Develop your image Create your logo Get your bio ready Establish contacts Build your mailing list Make a portfolio

CHAPTER 5: Photograph Your Work

Cool cameras Background prep Art prep Lighting 3-D artwork Flat artwork Natural sunlight Camera supports

CHAPTER 6: Get Noticed

Know your market Aim high Develop your elevator pitch Time your introduction Tell people what you want Create a consistent look Build an image Design the product’s look Stand out Build a community Listen Television Web sites, Magazines Newspapers

CHAPTER 7: Teach Your Craft

Weigh the pros and cons Find teaching venues Be prepared Brainstorm for classes Calm your nerves Get it in writing Sell yourself Publish first

CHAPTER 8: Be a Writer

Writing outlets Books Query letters Proposals Publishers Contracts Blogs

CHAPTER 9: Sell Your Art

Your product Marketing Salesmanship Shows Preparation Merchandising and displays Credit cards Your policies

CHAPTER 10: Choose Your Venue

Fairs and local bazaars Craft malls Retail craft or art shows Galleries Stores Museum stores

CHAPTER 11: Find Other Outlets

Become a craft designer Develop new products Demonstrate at stores and trade shows Sell patterns and kits Host your own art retreat Sell your drawings to rubber-stamp companies Start your own rubber-stamp company

CHAPTER 12: Take Care of Business

The dilemma of start-up costs The wonder of computers The agony of paperwork The question of price The cost of overhead The decision of wholesale and retail prices The benefit of buying wholesale The abundance of resources The beauty of artist-endorsement programs

CHAPTER 13: Mind Your Paperwork

Items out list Purchase orders Invoices Inventory lists Monthly income and expenditures Profit-and-loss statements Sign-up sheets Licenses, zoning and rules…oh my! Business licenses Fictitious business name statement Zoning ordinances Federal Trade Commission Resale licenses Contract labor Business checking accounts Insurance

CHAPTER 14: Reassess the Situation

Art blockers Burnout The power of positive thinking

ARTISTS’ BIOS RESOURCE GUIDE