Anyone looking to make a little money or exchange critical writing for art? The Present Group is looking for a critic.
Ponoko Meets Spoonflower September 30, 2009
over at Envelop. The Belgian-based company digitally prints your designs onto fabric. They make aprons and pillows (and other things) out of it. They set up the eCommerce web site and do all the selling. You upload your designs and reap the profits. Becoming a member is free, but not all designs make the cut. For tips, see their submission guidelines.
via SwissMiss
Happy New Year September 20, 2009
Fall is the beginning of my year. It always has been. In the first place, I’m Jewish, so I celebrate the new year in the fall rather than in January. I take stock and make my resolutions in the fall. Fall is also when school starts, and when people come back after having a long break. Fall is when I naturally feel compelled to start in new directions and when the economy begins to ramp up again.
This year my main goal is to take those new directions and make them more, um…directed. I’m trying to set clear, achievable goals for each of my current projects, which I am trying to cull and focus in service of a greater professional goal: an independent and sustainable career as a creative professional.
I’ve decided I need help with this, so I’ve been in contact with Lisa at the Renaissance Business Center here in San Francisco. Renaissance is a non-profit dedicated to helping people start and/or grow small businesses. What makes them different from SCORE, SBA and the SBDC is that they are much more focused on providing intensive, long-term assistance. Two programs I’m currently looking at are their 14-week business planning course (which has been described as a mini-MBA program), and their 1-3 year business incubation program (probably the virtual incarnation). I’ve got a tour and orientation on Wednesday. Hopefully they can help me focus and kick my ass a little.
In the meantime, I’ve been applying for some holiday shows, and trying to create new wares for them. The one I’m currently most excited about is DesignerCon in L.A. (formerly Vinyl Toy Network). It’s sort of a combo trade fair/cash-and-carry for folks who make the kinds of things you see in designer toy and comic shops–plush and vinyl collectibles, limited-edition prints, and character-driven art of all kinds. At $125 for a one-day booth, the cost is comparable to your standard craft fair. I’m planning on showcasing/selling Sweet Meats on one side of the booth, and presenting samples of my plush design work on the other. DesignerCon is on November 21st, which gives me a concrete deadline by which to have my new web site and business cards done, as well samples of next year’s toy line.
A little bit further down the list is a book proposal. I’ve heard from fellow crafters that writing an instructional book is extremely difficult and takes about a year of full-time work to complete. According to Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo, just writing the proposal takes a week. Things being what they are in publishing, writing a book is often not very lucrative, assuming that your proposal even gets picked up a by a publisher in the first place, which is unlikely. On the other hand, authoring a successful book significantly increases your profile as an expert in your field, leading (hopefully) to press, more clients and higher rates. What doesn’t get picked up you can always publish on your own, so I’m keeping it as an option for now.
As for making a Thing-A-Day, I’m still doing it, though I’ve fallen back on the “work on an existing project for 30 minutes” net a couple of times this week. Yesterday I made and decorated a cake for my friends’ 26th/30th birthdays, but I didn’t like it enough to photograph it. Otherwise I’ve mostly been working on re-making my pieces for the Plush You show next month.
It’s going to be a busy fall. I’ll keep you posted about what I learn along the way. Happy New Year, everyone!
Sketchbook: Bacon Newsletter July 20, 2009
Spent my day hand-sewing dog squeakers into 48 plush toys then dealing with UPS (see prevous post). Not ideal. But I also managed to finish this image for my newsletter announcing the Shapin’ Bacon to the world.
sweet meats shapin' bacon plush newsletter
Using a very limited font collection and breaking TONS of typography rules, I tried my best to imitate this California Gold Rush pamphlet I found with Google images:
As soon as I finish entering the hundreds of new subscribers I picked up during fair season, this baby will be good to go.
Apparently it is Easy Being Green July 2, 2009
Did you know that in addition to running the Bazaar Bizarre and working full-time in science education, Jamie Chan and her husband Blas Herrera also own Urban Fauna Studio, the best little fiber arts shop in San Francisco? It’s enough to make a girl feel downright lazy. Ever the overachievers (and responsible business owners), Blas and Jamie recently went through the process to make UFS a certified green business. Jamie agreed to share their experience with me so we can all become green businesses, too.
First a little background on their business: Urban Fauna Studio sells independently made and eco-friendly craft supplies and tools. They focus on ecologically and socially considerate manufacturing practices, products made in the US and handmade items. They host a growing community of consignment artists and crafters, all of whom are committed to bringing quality handmade goods to their customers. At UFS you can also explore the fiber arts through a revolving series of workshops (see their calendar for details). Blas has a background in environmental science and Jamie is a science educator. Both of them come from families that have long enjoyed the fiber arts, crafting and DIY.
Why did you decide to pursue green business certification?
Just because many shops are independently owned and selling green products does not make their business practice green. We decided that a more genuine commitment to sustainability was to get certified by the San Francisco Green Business program. SF Green Business helps San Francisco businesses adopt environmental practices that are sustainable as well as profitable. They set stringent criteria, provide technical assistance, and publicly recognize and promote Green Businesses with a seal that enables customers to shop in keeping with their values. The Program is made of up of three City agencies: the SF Department of the Environment, the SF Department of Public Health, and the SF Public Utilities Commission. We are the first fiber art and craft shop in the SF Bay Area with a green certification. We feel this sends a message to our customers and our fellow business owners that our commitment to sustainable retail goes beyond selling green, we live green too. It’s not hard to do considering many of us engage in green practices in our personal lives.
What are the benefits of being a certified green business?
San Francisco Green Businesses can save money by implementing practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water, and garbage bills. We have sought out a greener web provider who uses 100% green renewable energy, Carbon Neutral, who was actually less expensive than our previous, non-green, web hosting provider. We also participate in Carbon Offsetting with our electrical company and reduced our garbage bills.
We use all non-toxic, plant based cleaning chemicals which make us feel safer in our workspace and for our customers entering the store. We buy 80% post consumer, chlorine-free, recycled toiletry papers, 100% post consumer, chlorine-free printer papers, and 80% post consumer, chlorine-free business cards and promotional materials.
We enjoy a marketing edge over the competition. Coupon books, web site listings and other promotional strategies are fine. But a certification system with this level of transparency about standards and regulations makes us feel secure that people will know we are not trying to “green wash” them with hype. (**Blogger’s note: I was shocked by how few businesses are listed on the SF Green Business site. I thought SF was so eco-forward….)
Blas spent his college career studying environmental policy and social justice and I have studied marine sciences. We have seen the data firsthand and know this planet is not heading in a good direction with our current rates of consumption and use. He and I both care very much about the future of our environment and we want our business to reflect that. The biggest benefit is the peace of mind that this certification brings, that we are helping to make our local and global community better.
How long did it take over all?
We started the certification process right before we opened our shop. So about 10 months.
What did it take to earn the certification? Were there requirements you found particularly easy or difficult to fulfill?
We had to submit a written application and then a detailed table or checklist of actions we would take to make our business meet their retail business standards. Then we had a phone consultation with some follow up e-mails. There was an initial site visit from a consultant. Between that time we had more e-mails and to provide more evidence that we were engaging in green practices. This included taking pictures of certain parts of the store, providing bills and proof of certain services. Then there was an on-site assessment to verify that San Francisco Green Business standards are being met. We had a few more things to change and follow up on after our assessment. After submitting our changes, our San Francisco Green Business status was awarded! We were listed on the site within two weeks and warmly welcomed into their community. Nothing was particularly difficult. It was at worst, annoying and eye-opening to realize how every detail of our business could be greener. We thought we were “green” already and it was good to know that someone else was there to ensure we got all the aspects of our business to be more sustainable.
Would you recommend the process to other crafters/designers or only to people with stores?
Yes, if your business is certifiable we would suggest it. They currently certify hotels, restaurants, offices, retailers and dentists. This INCLUDES home businesses….and we do mean you, indie crafters! Your studios, offices and work spaces within your home can be certified. It does not take a long time. Our case was an exception, most applications should be approved within 4-6 months. There is really no reason not go through the process if you can devote the time. We estimate that we spent no more than 20 hours total on this certification process. The certification program in SF is free of charge. Many towns have a green certification program…we encourage you to look at your options and get involved.
Did you get any help during this process?
Nope. We didn’t know of any certified green indie retailers at the time, but now YOU do! Feel free to contact us. We are willing to answer questions and in general help to promote other green indie craft businesses. The nice thing about being indie is that we all really DO need each other to make an impact in the world of corporate run, big box stores. Being green together, being transparent about our goals, is a good thing. Lean on people in your local business community, you’ll be surprised about how much you can gain from it.
Well, folks, there you have it. I’m definitely going to look into this for my own home office. Thanks, Jamie! If anyone else has experience with this process or is thinking about becoming certified, please share below.
Finally, Some Validation June 22, 2009
I was delighted to read this article/interview by Jenny Hart about how important it is to keep accurate, current books. She’s a super-savvy Biz Miss with a veritable empire of embroidery products. Her emphasis on bookkeeping makes me feel a little more validated and a little less geeky for having taken all those Quickbooks classes.
Also, somebody (Gary Taxali) finally gave a huge company (Google) the finger (literally) for soliciting original creative work in exchange for “exposure.” It has always floored me how ready companies are to try to take advantage of creative professionals, especially those companies who can afford to pay them fairly. I have personally been asked for free products or services in exchange for “exposure” on many occasions and I don’t understand why I’m not supposed to be insulted by this. I mean, you wouldn’t suggest that a lawyer work for you for free because you’re providing them with “exposure” to the dozens of “potential future clients” watching them work in the courtroom, would you? (NY Times via The Present Group)
