5 TIPS ON MAKING IT AS A MAKER
Want to take your passion to the next level? Sarah Weston is the retail, commissions and development manager for Craft Victoria, where she mentors members in developing their careers as makers
1 Tell a story
“One of the most critical selling tips that we teach at Craft is about narrative and making narrative very much part of your brand. If you can communicate the specificity of your craft process and the time and energy that goes into creating these works, then it’s easier for people to connect with them and makes it a much more special object.”
2 Get insurance
“If you’re starting to sell and you’re starting to do markets, you have to have [product and public liability] insurance. Starting off from that professional standpoint is really important.”
3 Develop a strong visual language
“In this area of social media, the standard of visual communication has exponentially grown. There’s an expectation that you can promote yourself via social media or to a retailer or to a market with some beautiful images of your work. It really will help you to get press and media, and markets and retailers.”
4 Stand out in the marketplace
“It’s all about finding your own unique voice. I always find that when makers start to think about their own history and the way that they work and the materials that they like to use, then that’s when you can really see them find their voice in their body of work.”
5 Become a member of Craft Victoria
“We have members who work at all levels, from really emerging and mid-career to incredibly established makers. We offer a diverse program that caters to all those differences, whether you want to learn how to build your own website, take photographs of your work, learn how to do a market or write about your craft at an exhibition level, or apply for grants.”
Craft Victoria has been providing support to makers for 47 years. Members receive professional development consultations, a profile on the Craft Members page and an opportunity to showcase work in the Craft store. Memberships start at $100 per year. You can visit the Craft Victoria store at their new venue, opening in early September. ■ à Watson Pl, Off Flinders Ln, Melbourne 3000. 03 9650 7775. www.craft.org.au. Mon-fri 11am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm.