Congrats to Alicia, nan50 and Shelli.
Interweave/F+W have been releasing a lot of fun special issues of their magazines lately. Artists & Makers (retails for $9.99) is a special by the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors, but it’s great for creatives of all types who are interested in starting or growing a business selling handmade goods.
The magazine includes profiles of artists including Brooklyn knife maker Chelsea Miller, letterpress master Kevin Bradley, sculptor Gustavo Victor Goler and portrait artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. There first-person profiles give insight into the artists’ inspiration, influences and the evolution of their work, as well as peeks into their studios.
There’s also information on nuts-and-bolts business skills such as using social media in your creative business, finding funding, dealing with hagglers at shows and arranging your studio space for an open house, among other things.
You’ll also find reviews of books on creative businesses, all sorts of creative tidbits, a look into a day in the life of furniture artist Greg Klassen and brief profiles of creatives whose businesses give back (including Nicole Snow of Darn Good Yarn, whose company supports the female craftspeople of Nepal who make her yarn and other products from recycled saris and other cast-off fibers).
This magazine is a lot of fun and should serve as great inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to start or grow a creative business in the new year.
I have three copies to give away to people who leave comments on this post before the end of the day Monday, Jan. 5. If you already have a creative business, I’d love to hear about it, and if not, I’d like to know what you’re thinking about or what you might get out of this magazine.
Alicia says
Would love to order the magazine.
Andrea *B says
I am currently in business plan stages of a creative endeavor that brings “non-artisans” who are interested in crafting and making together with different local makers and artists… it’s a first go… a first jump – very scary and exciting all at the same time:)
Jennifer says
I’ve started a business selling soaps and other handcrafted items. 🙂 http://www.sparrowsoapsandsundries.com
laura says
It is about time. I have been in business for 35 years and was ready to give up this year. I only sell retail in Utah and people here are so frugal it is hard to make a living. I designed a Tiny Tent in 1983, doll backpack, burp cloths, minky quilts and moving onto some purse and jacket designs. I want to sell only on line but have not as I am soooooo old school. I have had some designs published for recycling and several front page newspaper articles from working at home in the 80’s, copyright stealing, to refusing to sell finished products made in China.
June says
Ohhhhh…I’d so very much love to get a copy of this brilliant sounding magazine. I’ve looked in the shops here, but no one seems to have it. Understandably, as it’s new, but even when I asked them to check with their suppliers, they told me that it’s very unlikely that they can get it in for me. Boo to that!
Please, please please enter my name into the draw/giveaway for this zine – I’d love to end 2014 on a creatively inspiring and motivating one. Thanks in advance for the very generous offer, even if I’m not one of the lucky ones who win it. 🙂
June says
Oops! I just realised I’m meant to leave a comment about what I’d like to get out of this magazine, if I won a copy. Well, I do have a small craft business, yes, and am looking for ways of taking it to the next level. I sell at markets and Christmas fairs and the like, but I want to expand on that.
Thanks again for the generous offer of this giveaway. Fingers crossed I win.
Susan Samuel says
This looks a very interesting magazine, and would like to see the possibilities open to me as a possible newbie to business.
J J Badgett says
New to the crafting business, my partner and I could use all the help and information offered. We believe this magazine could be the start of our education and welcome a chance to receive one of your copies. Thank you for considering us.
Jolene Eriksen says
I have just retired from my 9-5 desk job and I am looking forward to starting my business, using my creative side. I work in stained glass, quilting, and beekeeping. This could be a wonderful resource.
Jenn Sparks says
I would love to read this, perhaps it could help me make my dream life a reality.
Elane Holloway says
Sounds like it would be a very good read. I am looking to start a home based business when I retire (hope that is soon lol) and I think I could get some good tips. Thanks for a chance to win.
Nikki says
I’ve always wanted to have a clothing business…not sure what kind of clothes I’d make, but it’s something I’ve always thought about
Clemencia says
I would love to have a copy of your magazine, I’m sure I can learn lots from it, thanks a million for your generosity 🙂
Robyn Madison says
It would be nice to read of successful art ventures
Barb says
I’d like to see this magazine, looks interesting. I just like to learn how people make things and turn their craft into a business. Thanks for the giveaway.
craftrhapsody says
I love reading about people crafting and their success. Thanks so much
Una Walker says
I am a hooked rug designer, teacher and product developer for my business.
nan50 says
I am a graphic artist and think I would be inspired by this magazine and possibly get ideas to create my own creative business. Thanks for the chance!
Shelli says
I would love to see this magazine. I create floral bouquets. I would be so appreciative to hear from others, as I am fairly new to the business. Thank Bels Bouquets
Megan O'Brien says
I’d love to see how these artists have made a living with there art, especially in a mag from interweave I love there stuff
Donna H says
I’ve often thought about opening some type of craft business, but don’t know really where/how to begin. This magazine looks really interesting and includes some wonderful artists. Thanks for this great giveaway!!
Marie Christopher says
I am Director of a small town library in Central Texas and would love to have a copy for display for our patrons. Thanks!
Barbara Hanaburgh says
I keep seeing this magazine cover on line … would like to see the rest of it.
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
Oh thank you! I am a photographer and also create digital art, as well as do paper crafts. I’d love to win this. God bless you and yours in the New Year and always!
Sarah says
I am thinking about selling the things I make, but it’s only an idea at this point. I’m interested in reading about it!
Karin says
I want to be inspired! That is why I want to read this magazine.
Christina C says
I sell a variety of things that I make! http://www.craftynanny.com
Monica Williams says
I have started selling my creations both online and off. I do a variety of crafts including knitting, sewing, crocheting, and wreath and home décor design. I would absolutely love a copy of this magazine as it appears to have information that will be very helpful to me in trying to make this business work. Thank you for the opportunity!
Natasha Tung says
I’d love some ideas for starting my own business. I also would love to get into doing my own printing.
Kim McM says
I like to read about how other people are living the dream of being their own boss. I dream of being able to support myself by buying and selling used furniture, antique or otherwise, that has been updated with a creative twist. Enter me in the drawing, please!
snowangel12066 says
So excited to read this new magazine! I have just started a new business for my own creative knitting needles and cannot wait to get up and running! I am a third year art student at RMCAD and will be happy to share the news with my FB and school friends! Would love to win a copy of my own!
Jean Gerretsen says
I love reading about artists and their businesses. Hope to start one of my own.