• I read in your bio that when you first started out selling jewelry it was mainly through art and craft shows. How was that experience in general? Are those shows worth it for those who are just starting out selling, or would you recommend trying something else?
Initially, selling at art shows for me was a great experience. My very first show was at a small art school, and I was so successful that the show organizers all came over to check out my tables (which were borrowed and I had no tent…nothing). Shows for us were a ton of work because at the time we both worked full-time jobs, so that meant we worked all weekend too. But it was a wonderful learning venue - what my husband referred to as “data collecting.” Nothing beats the contact with customers you get at shows.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that as the years went by the shows got worse and worse as far as quality of vendors and general organization, and that often affected sales. Not that there still aren’t some great shows out there, but they are tough to find. I think shows can be worth it still for those just starting out simply for the fact that you learn so much about the whole business of selling and dealing with customers. It’s like having your own mini-store for a few days. Home shows are also becoming really popular now, so that is another good option for beginners.
• Selling jewelry on consignment in local shops: did you ever try that and if so what was your experience with it?
Yes, I’ve done this a number or times. In fact, I just recently stopped doing this with a store I’ve sold through for, boy, years and years. I just can’t keep up with selling much jewelry now that I have so many writing obligations.
I’ve had good and bad experiences with consignment. It really depends on the situation, and consignment is never my first choice. I would never recommend anyone agreeing to consign with a store that buys other merchandise from vendors. First of all, if they can buy from them, why can’t they buy from you? Secondly, if they don’t consign on a regular basis, then they probably can’t be trusted to keep inventory accurately or push your merchandise.
It’s a much different scenario when you are dealing with stores or galleries that consign with all their artists. That is how they regularly do business; they should know what they are doing. They should have a contract for you to sign, and it’s in their best interest to sell your work so they can pay their bills.
• Do you have any tips on how people could potentially get their jewelry into galleries and/or museums? This seems really daunting for the beginning jewelry maker… do you have to be more “well-known” before trying this?
It’s daunting because of the face-to-face rejection potential. But, again, the very first place I ever sold my work through was a small gallery in Ovideo, “The Artistic Hand.” My stuff was still the “rock on a stick” style, but someone had suggested I go there, so I did. They gave me some fairly tough criticism, but (after drying my eyes) I took their advice, went home, came up with some new designs, and returned.
I sold a ton of jewelry there for about eight years, and I was a nobody. In fact, I was still learning the craft. Maybe I was just ignorant and lucky back then, but I still don’t think you have to be someone famous. Everyone has to start some where, and if your work is good and appeals to the vendor’s clientele, then that is normally enough. (I have an article I wrote about this that some of your readers might find helpful).
• How and when did you become the Jewelry Making Guide for the About.com website?
In 1998, I got laid off from a job working as a technical support consultant. The company I worked for lost a huge contract, so they let about 10% of the office go. I was pretty much in shock for awhile (they weren’t exactly nice about it…here’s a box…here’s the door…see ya’), but while I was trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life, I remembered seeing that About.com had an opening for a Jewelry Making Guide. I figured even though it wouldn’t pay much (the stipend at the time was $100 a month), I would at least learn more about HTML, and of course, I had plenty of time on my hands! I applied for the position and went through the on-line training, which took a few months, and was accepted.
Now, of course, I realize getting the boot was the best thing that could have happened to me. About.com has been really good to me. It’s the best job I’ve ever had in my life, and it has opened many doors for me.
• Are there a lot of younger people who come to the site who are interested in jewelry making or is it mostly, er, “older” folks?
Well stated! :) We really have a large mix of readers at my About.com site, and I think the younger crowd has started to discover us, but I have to admit that it seems most are kind of like me…let’s say mature women.
• This may seem like a bit of a funny question, but since I’m a guy and occasionally make jewelry (caught the craft bug from my wife) … are any of your readers guys or is it pretty much 100% women? I don’t know too many crafters who are guys…
Not 100%, we do have a few active forum members who are men, but yes, mainly it seems like a lot of women are on my site more so then men. I’ve never really understood this unless it’s because I don’t concentrate as much on macho jewelry making like metal work. There seems to be some kind of stigma with beads and boys.
