CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Threading The Business Needle

It is very feasible to start and run a successful business selling handmade products. This series of articles based on my book introduces you to the things you will need to do along the way as you develop your business road map. You need to embrace the idea that you are in business. You have to understand how the creative marketplace works. You have to understand, as well, what business fundamentals need to be brought to the fore. You have to be comfortable with money, documentation and production. You want to approach going into business with a clear vision of its challenges as well as its rewards.

Business involves creating sustainable income strategies. These includes things like:

1. Putting your jewelry designs on a sound cost/revenue footing,

2. Developing market-driven strategies (as opposed to product-driven ones),

3. Pricing your pieces for sale,

4. Implementing various selling strategies, and

5. Resolving artistic and design choices and tensions, in the interest of the business.

It is important to understand why designers fail at business so as not to repeat their mistakes. It is important to develop a management mindset where you are balancing creativity and business.