Workshop wrap up

I led a workshop at Montserrat College of Art this past weekend about being an artist and a businessperson. The main focus of the workshop was getting your work online using Etsy and I talked loads about social networking, selling at craft fairs, licensing and gave all the tips I could think of. It was eight hours of enthusiastically trying to show creative people who are on the fence about selling their work how to go for it! It was seriously so much fun and I couldn't be more proud about the response I've gotten from the participants. I'm feeling very warm and fuzzy about all the feedback and I can't wait to see the shops they set up.

I know I haven't got it all figured out for myself but teaching people what I know has helped me see how far I've come.

I can't wait until my next workshop! Teaching is the best. I am learning so much.

My first workshop is a doozy!

Next month I'm teaching my first workshop at the school I graduated from five years ago! I'm very thankful that Chelsea invited me back to Montserrat College of Art to lead an introductory class for people who want to start selling their work on Etsy or at craft fairs.

The class is on October 15th and 16th from 10-3. At first I was a little intimidated by the idea of giving ten hours of content but once I started outlining the class and all I would like to cover, I almost feel like I will have to rush! I expect it will be an enthusiastic whirlwind of information and handouts. My goal is that all the students will have shaken off any self doubt and intimidation about putting their work out there and feel confident in their craft fair vendor/ online shopkeeping skills!

Today I made a massive list of tips for having happy customers, an attractive shop, good descriptions, reliable packaging and effective promotion and I suddenly became gripped with the feeling that I do not always practice what I preach! I would really hate to be telling students what to do but also secretly knowing my own shop is not the most shining example. So today I am starting a shop overhaul. I will critique my own product shots and policies and descriptions as thoughtfully as I plan to critique the students.

I should be doing this anyway but it is nice to have a nudge with a deadline.

Here is a link to Montserrat's continuing education class list. Mine is called "ETSY (AND MORE!) FOR ARTISTS" and costs $100 for the weekend. I think that is a pretty darn good deal for ten whole hours of advice. If I gave ten tips per hour, that is only one dollar per gem of wisdom! Yes, I know that is a ridiculous way to think about it but I do think that this class will help people get a strong start at selling and that it will be a good investment in the success of their business.

http://www.montserrat.edu/continuing-ed/workshops.php#a117
Beverly, MA

If you can think of any artists/ makers in the area who need a nudge or a mentor, I would be very grateful if you would show them my class.