It is completely possible to turn your hobby into a business, even if your hobby revolves around arts and crafts. Once you turn a hobby into a lucrative business though, it’s important to remember that it may not be as fun as it once was.
You will be turning something fun and stress relieving into a job that requires focus and will sometimes actually cause you stress. However, don’t let that keep you from chasing your dreams if you really want to turn your creative endeavors into a job.
Come Up With A Business Plan
You want to know what you are getting into and have a plan together of what you want to accomplish. Start out by not quitting your day job until you actually have some income coming in from your new business. Then start making a list of what you want to make, how much you need to make, and where you plan to sell.
This is also a good time to pick a business name, and to come up with your niche. According to Park West Gallery, it helps to make a clear distinction of what type of art your are selling, or what you are crafting. Know the process of your product and even any history accompanying your type of work.
Work On Your Marketing
Use online markets for letting people know about your art or craft. Get on Facebook and share your creations with your friends and family and ask them to share with their friends as well. Take photos and post them to Instagram, and make videos to share on YouTube.
You can also market to local and online businesses. Take an item or two into local art galleries, art stores and stores that do consignment with crafters and artists.
Make Sure You Have A Portfolio
Sometimes it isn’t convenient to lug all of your items to a store to find out if you have what it takes to be showcased in their store, which is when a portfolio would come in handy. Your portfolio should include a little bit of everything you do.
You should have a printed portfolio, maybe even using actual pieces of art, scans and copies, and even photos. You should also have an online portfolio that you can email to people and places that aren’t in your immediate area.
Once you’ve gotten product made, marketed it, and started getting your stuff into stores, you will be on your way to having a business that is all your own and you can be proud that you are selling your own creations.
Take these steps, and find out what rules your area has about self-employment and running businesses out of your own home so you aren’t breaking any rules. If you are really motivated you may think of opening your own crafting store or personal art gallery.
Originally posted on July 28, 2015 @ 1:33 am
