These are a few of my favorite things: #18 – Resources for artists wishing to sell their work

First, allow me to say mea culpa . . . I know there’s been more time than normal since I posted my last favorite thing.  My favorite event, HGA’s Convergence 2012 was held last week and I was busy preparing to teach.  Yes, Convergence is one of my favorite things; however, that’s not what favorite thing #18 is about . . . This time it’s a short collection of resources I think artists wishing to “go pro” may find helpful.

Second, I want more people weaving!  And I believe attracting people to weaving and other crafts may have as much to do with ensuring it can be a viable profession as much as having a passion for the creative process.  If you’ve ever dreamed of making money with your craft, there may be some listed below that may be helpful.

10 Great Websites to Buy Handmade Goods – http://mashable.com/2010/05/26/handmade-goods-etsy/

Many people are familiar with Etsy, but there are more opportunities.  I figure if this list includes websites to BUY handmade goods, perhaps it’s a good list for many wishing to SELL their work.  I’ve known of this list for over two years and it’s a great way to see what others are doing.  1,000 Markets is now Bonanza.com, but here is list of reasons to sell through them . . . and a couple (e.g.,  Artflock and Folksy) don’t seem to be working . . . however, there’s still an opportunity to take a look at these websites to see if they are a potential fit.  Yesterday, I met a gal in Weaverville, CA who was telling me that she and her husband ran a salsa business through Etsy.  Surprise surprise!

The 10 Biggest Mistakes Artists and Creatives Make at Internet Marketing (and How to Fix Them) – http://lateralaction.com/articles/artists-internet-marketing/

Learning mistakes from others can be invaluable and save a lot of wasted time and money.  I appreciate many of the mistakes this author shares . . . such as not doing it and the use/abuse of social media resources.

Top 10 tips for approaching galleries – http://thecreativeboom.com/tips/top-10-tips-for-approaching-commercial-art-craft-galleries/

During Convergence 2010 in Albuquerque, NM, Jill Heppenheimer gave a morning presentation on getting in to a gallery.  I was impressed with the turnout and appreciated every tidbit she shared.  For those that were unable to attend, these tips may be a good way to help attenuate you to prepare to approach galleries.

How to Market and Sell Art – http://www.borsheimarts.com/booths.htm

For anyone thinking of going in the direction of exhibiting and selling at arts and crafts shows, there is a list of Tips for Exhibiting Arts and Crafts in Shows that may help from the application process to avoiding aching feet.

10 Top Tips For Artists– http://kirstyhall.co.uk/2007/10/09/10-top-tips-for-artists/

Being a professional artist isn’t just about staying home and making stuff.  This list raises some very important issues and some point out the need to stay fresh and keep in contact with other artists.

The above are a mouse click away . . . but, I wanted to add a few more that may be as close as your neighborhood library.

Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business (ISBN 978-0811858366) and Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business (ISBN -1452101415).

Hand-Dyes For Sale: How I Turned My Hobby Into A Business (the Kindle edition is only $0.99 . . . and there’s not much else available for under a dollar)

The Crafts Report – http://www.craftsreport.com/

The Crafts Report is a magazine aimed at the professional crafts artist.  I have subscribed for over a decade and it has paid for itself many times over.  Articles range from marketing and photography tips and techniques to business and tax information to staying organized.  A digital subscription costs less than $1/month.  There’s even a free issue available for viewing.  I learn something from every issue.  For anyone considering making money at their craft, this magazine is definitely worth a look!