Craft, Inc.

by Ilasco, Meg Mateo

• ISBN13: 9781452101415
• ISBN10: 1452101418
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-10-05
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Llc

Summary

"Believe me, it ain't easy to get paid for doing what you love. But if it's possible, Meg Mateo Ilasco can show you how to do it." - Jonathan AdlerThe growing legions of crafters looking to turn their hobby into a profession can rely on the tried and true advice in Craft, Inc. In this completely revised edition of the definitive crafter's business book, entrepreneur Meg Mateo Ilasco offers expanded and authoritative guidance on everything from developing products and sourcing materials to writing a business plan and paying taxes. With all-new sections on opening an online shop, using social media strategically, and more-along with updated interviews from such craft luminaries as Jonathan Adler and Jill Bliss-this comprehensive primer features the most current information on starting and running a successful creative business.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 8
Your Creative Mind	p. 10
Creative Mythology
Lotta Jansdotter:
Surface Designer, Lifestyle Goods
What's Your Creative Bug?
Building Creative Confidence
Craft Time
A Room with a Muse
Jill Bliss: Eco-Conscious Crafts
Sharing Your Dream
Your Business Mind	p. 26
Quiz: Are You Entrepreneur Material?
Business Plan Basics
Designing Your New Career
Sunshine's Scarves: Crocheted Scarves
Naming Your Baby
Business Essentials
A Team or Solo Effort
What's Your Legal Structure?
Financing Your Business
Beth Weintraub: Etched Metal Modular Art
Record Keeping
Your personal Style and Your products	p. 52
Keeping It Real
Creative Mission Statement
Company Identity
Denyse Schmidt: Quilts
Starting the Ideation Process
Capture Your Ideas
Setting Goals
Market Research
Wool & Hoop: Crewel Kits
Trend Watch
Copying Your Creative Muses
Using Images and Patterns
Ashley G and Drew: Illustrated Prints
Packaging
Evaluating Your Products
Protecting Your Work
	p. 74
Sourcing Raw Materials and Vendors
In Fiore: Luxury Holistic Skin Care Products
Buying Equipment
The Manufacturing Life
The Skin Object: Curiously Small Crafts
Internationally Made
Pricing Your Products
Creating a Pricing Formula
Evaluating Your Prices
Lovely Design: Found Paper Stationery
Marketing, and publicity Strategies	p. 94
Printed Materials
Catalogs
Getting Professional-Looking Pictures
Online Presence
port2port press: Letterpress Stationery
E-mail Blasts
Online Communities and Social Media
Design'Sponge: Craft and Design Blog
Be Your Own Publicist
Press Kits
Press Releases
Hiring a Publicist
Reaching for the Stars
Advertising
Creating a Marketing Plan
Matting. Sales and Order Fulfilment	p. 122
Online Store
Etsy
Retail Shows
Renegade Craft Fair
Consignment
Wholesale System Necessities
Poppi: Jewelry Designer
Getting Paid
Approaching Stores
ReForm School: Craft and Design Boutique
Trade Shows
New York International Gift Fair
Representatives
Being a Good Salesperson
Order Fulfillment
Customer Service
Ups,Downs,and Next Steps	p. 160
Knocked Off
Where Are the Orders?
Variegated Inc: Textiles
Burnout
Life in Balance
Parent Entrepreneurs
Hiring Employees
How to Be a Good Employer and Boss
Jonathan Adler: Potter, Designer
Other Sources of Income
Outgrowing the Home Base
Growing Your Business
Calling It Quits
Internet Resources	p. 187
Index	p. 190
Acknowledgments	p. 192
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.