The Business of Being a Fiber Artist: Understand What Kind of Product to Make and What to Charge On Demand Web Seminar

Turning your hobby into a business is not as simple as it seems. For many of us, we would love nothing more than to turn our love for our craft into a full time profession. There are many things you need to know in order to become a professional fiber artist. Sometimes the hardest part is the disparity between our creative minds and having a business perspective.

Robyn will guide you through various stages of starting your own business. She will highlight key aspects of establishing yourself as a professional artist, your identity as an artist, and getting organized. With in-depth detail, Robyn outlines exactly what you need to start your own successful business, such as keeping records, promoting yourself, creating your own business schedule and outlining the professional artist's tool kit. Citing specific examples from her experience as a full-time professional weaver, she will help you take the steps you need to get your business up and running.

Fundamental knowledge you will receive:

• Creating your identity as an artist-What do we mean by "brand"?
• How to get organized and turn your hobby into a business.
• Understanding what a "business" looks like, as well as what it means to operate like a business.
• An introduction to the professional artist's tool kit.
• Better understanding on successful business practices, such as writing a business plan, getting a business license, and establishing hours of business.
• What tools are available to you as a professional fiber artist and resources to assist you while getting your business started.

About the Instructor:

Robyn Spady learned to weave in 1969. She completed HGA's Certificate of Excellence (COE) in 2004 with the specialized study Loom-controlled Stitched Double Cloth. In addition to weaving, Robyn spent nearly 20 years in “corporate America” working in a variety of positions, including a management consultant focused on marketing and communications. She has been a full-time professional weaver since 2001.

Who Should Attend?

• Fiber artists who are interested in making a professional career out of their craft.
• Fiber artists who are considering starting their own business, but have no idea where to start or have little to no experience with starting a business.
• Fiber artists wanting to gain insight on how to start their own successful fiber art business.
• Fiber artists looking for tools to aid in starting their own fiber art profession.
• Fiber artists wanting to understand the fundamentals of owning your own business, such as finances, promoting yourself, creating a brand, and more.