ArtMetal

Hi QuiQue,

I think it was a nice video, and on a subject most don't like to talk about. Staying positive during times like these is difficult especially when one is starting out and creating a name for themselves.

For myself this year has not been bad, but also been tough to get through. I have to agree that the orders come in all at once and things are great, and then there's nothing. Like my hair business, my art has had it's seasons.

Back in July I bought the Art Calendar Magazine and read a couple of great articles on surviving the recession and also the use of Social Networking. The article on surviving the recession covered things like using your resources, and thinking unconventionally about your approach to art as a business. One of the things that stuck out for me was teaching.

A while back I had thought about teaching, but then talked myself out of it. Well here I am now teaching small workshops on wire wrapping and chain mail, which was where I had started when I began making jewelry. Now I'm able to pass on the very thing that got me to the point of where I am today.

Another thing I'm working on is casting pendants for my daughter's Cross Country team. I will be selling them to the team, and donating a portion of the proceeds to the team. The packaging will have my name on it, and will reach out to many families who want to purchase something memorable of their students school activities.

Booking Trunk Shows is another good one I've managed to get going, and from this now boutiques are being set up for the holidays. Again this is through the schools and networking with friends and clients.

The Social Networking is also a huge one! I get most of my sales from social networking. Facebook is one that has really helped me to generate an income. I've had friends refer others' that added me to their friends list just so they could check out my work.

I've also added those who were interviewed in the articles I've read and chatted with them about their articles, and that has made a connection as well.

Now I can't say that all I've done in the past couple of months will bring in lots of money, but what I can say is I've tried to meet others' through a lot of networking and word of mouth. I've kept away from big shows, and set up smaller venues that show case my work in a one on one setting.

Lowering my prices on my Silver pieces is not something I will do, for one the price of sterling has risen quite a bit, and made it more difficult to purchase in larger quantities. I have lowered prices on my wire wrapped pieces, but that doesn't seem to help, and almost makes it look as if I'm desperate for a sale, so I've backed off on that.

We shall see in the coming months how things turnout. It's all been an experiment for me, and a process of learning what to do, and what not to do.

Now that I've written a book on the subject...

Jamie