support

The farmers market is a big part of moth and squirrel's success. It is not a perfect organization. It doesn't cater to all of my needs. However, it is generally a pleasure and an honor to set up my tables every saturday from april through october. To get feedback from my community and exposure to tourists is priceless for a young business. The farmers market is not as cool as the indie craft fairs, but it gives me exposure to people who would never go to a craft fair or hip boutique, people who are just hungry for carrots or tomatoes or something to do with their in-laws. This past year of focussed studio work and parenting, the market has served as an unexpectedly delightful social outlet for me. In short, it is a dynamic and profitable part of my business. Despite the unpredictable weather and economy, I am making it work.
Every spring there is a rumbling from the membership right before we open for the season.I think of bears awakening from their hibernation.Bears who have forgotten the sweetness of honey and berries and salmon.Bears that feel winter's poverty in their bones.This year the rumbling is quite loud. A discussion board has gotten heated, as many a discussion board will. Even though I wasn't participating in the "dialog,"I removed myself from the Google group this morning. I still feel agitated. And I don't want to give it any more of my time.
So in an attempt to turn that negative energy into a positive resource, I am going to devote more time on this blog to sharing things that support me in my business and creativity. My hope is that I can in some way support you in your creative dreams.
Two websites that I have just recently been reading are Hello Craft and Crafting an MBA.
HelloCraft is a great all around resource for indie crafters. I've gotten links to craft fairs, photo tips and an indie trend report. They were at Crafty Wonderland last spring and held the Summit of Awesome, which I wish I could have attended. I mean Summit of Awesome, that's exactly the kind of positive support that feels lacking in my market community right now.

Crafting an MBA is specifically business tips for independent artists and designers. I really believe the best way to make it though the economic hard times is by strengthening our business skills while improving our craft. Better customer service, getting over shyness about selling ourselves, seeing a bigger picture, understanding financial realities, marketing and networking, these things don't have to cost money, but they do take practice and study. And they don't have to be slick or fake or pushy. I think we can be successful and authentic to ourselves and our visions.