Total Art Soul - for artists

Hi all - I have been completly engrosed in this thread, so thought I should add my two penneth!

I have been sewing since I could first reach the peddle of a sewing machine, and come from a line of sewers and crafters - one grandma even worked in a local cotton mill - I live in the heart of what was, many years ago the cotton capitol of the world, turning all that gorgeous fibre sent from America, into cloth.
It is something I have always done, returning to it all my life, and almost 12 months ago I quit my job that was driving me insane to finally persue a hand made career.
Perhaps a world wide recesion was not the best time to start - but being utterly sick of mass consumerism, it had to happen. Sales have not been good so far - I think I need to have more of an individual style, or maybe find out more what people need or want.

This last Christmas - I bought every gift from crafts people, on Folksy, Etsy, craft fairs, other online shops - It was such a buzz knowing I was supporting people who were trying hard to make it as individuals, and therefore the gifts were also individual, made with love and passion for a craft and a life style.

I have a 'starbucks' value I sometimes put to work in my mind, what I mean is, when you stand a craft fair, you see people pick up your work, handle it, complement you on it, want it! then see the price tag and move on. On leaving the fair it is highly possible many of these people could walk into a starbucks and spend more on a coffee and sandwich than you were charging for the item they put down.
The coffee etc might satisfy them for an hour or two, but they could have owned that item forever, they are indiferent to paying a fortune for a mass produced, average product contributing to the millions the company maks, but don't value your time, creativity, and love expended in making that item, not to mention the costs for materials.
I think we are mostly products of our western culture, so why should our customers be any diferent?

I just hope that one day, if we all chip away long enough, we will find a generation of people who truly appreciate each other for what we can do, and the time we take to do it well.

Wow - didn't start out to ramble on like that - hehehe, could up in the moment!
Well done if you get to the end of this post!

It always takes a bit of time to get any business off the ground and I think the handmade market is quite a big one. I do think that having something unique that no one else does is the way to go. Even if the skills are similar, ie sewing cushions, make them stand out by adding something truly unique so that you can standout in the crowd.

I think the problem with some people is that they have gotten so used to being able to find things that are mass produced or made in sweat shops for peanuts. This means that when any of us charge what is an acceptable rate, they don't want to pay it because they feel they can get it cheaper. I think it's about educating people that cheap does not necessarily mean ethical. I ask myself all the time now where things come from and who made it.

Joe and I live a very simple life in a very rural place and it does make you question consumerism and all that comes with that. I think it's brave what you've done and ultimately, I do believe you will feel happier.

Hi Juicy Fig, and welcome.
I have been in the arts and craft business for most of my life and have been selling my work for over 20 years. I am truly inspired by the joy that some people find in buying handmade - there are many people out there who value the energy that artisans put into their work. I think that this way of being is increasing as people begin to see that there is no joy in so much of the factory made junk that is on the market, like you say, 'for peanuts' today.

The fiber art, textile, sewing, clothing etc market has been particularly hard hit by mass production and sweat shop mentality and I still find it very hard to be beside a cheap importer at a market venue. I try not to attend events like like this if I can help it. I would encourage you to choose your venues carefully too.

I wrote a blog article about this topic a while ago that you may find interesting:
www.totalartsoul.com/members-blog/gettin...sustainability-.html

I wish you all the very best with your initiative to follow the sewing muse and to continue to be inspired by the traditions of cloth amongst women. I agree with Cathy that choosing ethically rather than consumer driven will bring you happiness.
Hurray for you