Hi Daniel,

I wish you the best of luck with your new venture. If this is the direction you wish to go I would suggest (bear in mind I have been wrong before) that you pursue the market research fairly vigorously and don't buy too much kit on too much credit from the start. It may be useful to find a friendly local metalworker who has a well functioning workshop that he or she may let you use or hang around asking questions.

There are lots of marketing folk out there who will happily eat you budget to promote yourself without any return.

What about local shows where you could exhibit your wares with minimum cost?

Good luck mate,

Andy

andrewkaysculpture.com

Hi Daniel,

I wish you the best of luck with your new venture. If this is the direction you wish to go I would suggest (bear in mind I have been wrong before) that you pursue the market research fairly vigorously and don't buy too much kit on too much credit from the start. It may be useful to find a friendly local metalworker who has a well functioning workshop that he or she may let you use or hang around asking questions.

There are lots of marketing folk out there who will happily eat you budget to promote yourself without any return.

What about local shows where you could exhibit your wares with minimum cost?

Good luck mate,

Andy

andrewkaysculpture.com

Hi Daniel, It's very feasible, that's exactly how I got started. Review your area/market and look for a niche involving metalwork, whether that be ornate gates, lighting, sculpture, or whatever, keeping in mind that it has to be something you enjoy. Try not to market a specific service that is already provided by larger shops, as it's very difficult to compete with their equity(this isn't too hard to do, most large shops don't like doing artsy detailed metalwork). Then find people that might want your products. Since your starting out small, blanket marketing isn't a very good idea. You probably won't be able to invest the money needed to make it work, but the good thing is that you don't need it. Look for connections involving architects, designers, artisans, restaurants/bars, etc and target them specifically. Any profession that relies on a visual "wow" factor to make an impact. What you want is exposure and examples to prove that your competent at your trade so try for projects that a lot of people will see(railings on a busy street, outdoor dining or railings for a restaurant, etc). You'd be surprised at how few people do this kind of work so once a few good people know about you and your abilities, you might have all of the work you need. Keep us updated on your progress.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE