How To Start In The Gourd Artist Business
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No matter what your artistic abilities there is a way for you to start a small craft business as a gourd artist! You don't necessarily have to be able to draw a picture or sculpt a particular design. If you have the desire to get into a craft-related business, being an artist in this field is probably one of the easiest ways to do so. All you need is a little creativity and some networking skills! Gourd art can be created using a multitude of different mediums. Gourds can be sprayed with acrylic or water base paints, and can also be varnished and waxed to look like pottery, ceramics, leather or woods. They can be inlaid with stones, jewels or seeds, and can be burned or etched or carved. They can be turned into a gourd birdhouse or dolls - as well as bowls, ornaments, candleholders, vases, covered baskets, tableware, lamps, musical instruments and other decorative items. Starting A Successful Gourd Art BusinessYou can get started in this business with little more than a few hand tools, a couple of how-to books, and your creativity. The small business start-up details are similar for this business as they would be for any other small business. You will need to consider factors such as advertising, sales, accounting, insurance, required training or education, keys to success and potential ideas for expanding the business. Join one of the several gourd artist guilds or associations to learn more about the industry. Network aggressively with other gourd artists to understand the nuances of marketing and sales tactic, and attend classes where you can find them. You could even take classes in different art subjects, as all your influences will help you in making and selling your creations. As part of your advertising budget, consider donating some of your pieces to charities for use in their fundraising events as well giving them to people who might display your art in an area where other potential customers will see it. This might be a doctor's office, a hairdresser, a favorite bank etc. Offer to make a few gourd instruments for a local elementary school or day care center.
With a little experience under your belt, you will be able to develop a custom "look" across your products. This unique look will help to differentiate your products from those of competitors and will help customers to more easily recognize your product line. Decide how you want to sell your art. Perhaps some local craft stores will sell them on consignment. Look into craft fairs, farmers' markets and similar events. Of course, in this day and age, a website with a gallery of your pieces for sale is almost a necessity. Expanding Your BusinessDepending on your experience level, you may decide to expand your business beyond the actual creation of your gourd art products. You may decide to write your own instruction book on gourd design, or give classes in the art at local community colleges, retirement homes, recreation centers, and even in your home if you have the room. These are ways to make additional money and also an opportunity to showcase and sell your gourd artist products! You could also expand your product line beyond gourds by producing and selling other specialty artwork items such as macrame, beadwork, or Native American pottery. |