Hi all,
I am just getting into the art fair scene :) I do leatherworking...purses, cases, belts, instrument straps,
bracelets, key chains, and love to try new items. I sell most stuff I make at work pretty quickly
so I thought I might try a fair sometime. Are there any other leather workers here? I haven't run
across any while perusing the forums :D Thanks for the invite to the site!
Ellen
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
1. I make what I like. I tend to go for more delicate, petite, classic style jewelry for myself, so that's what I tend to create. However, I have to keep in mind that MY personal taste doesn't isn't a perfect match to others. So I need to learn to create outside my own comfort zone.
2. What we create- are luxury items- and those are chosen by the buyer's by their own personal style, taste, and lifestyle.
3. Also- depending on the criticism- a lot of it can be written off to sheer, unadulterated jealousy.
Some people are just so darn unhappy with their own lives they have to try and project that onto others to feel better about themselves. Their job sucks, so they take it out on a person who is creative, happy with their work and life. And some people, just are not strong enough, or comfortable enough, within themselves to be able to be creative, or happy. They can't understand that we are secure enough, believe in our talents and creativity enough, to take the plunge and say I will be self -employed, I will do what I love, what means something to me, and to heck with all the nay-sayers!
So criticism can be beneficial, and when it is, I listen with an open ear.
"more reds", "Bigger, bulkier pieces", "more variety"- if it's constructive, I can learn from it.
But negativity- "you can't", " I would never" I just measure the source, take with a grain of salt, toss it over my shoulder for good luck and move on-MY WAY! If its just nastiness, poured on by some meaningless nobody- who gives hoot!
Thank you so much for your reply Karole :) You can see pictures of my stuff at facebook.com/Ellensand. My camera is not the greatest but you can get an idea of what my stuff looks like. I will try and post a few things here too. I have had pretty good success with making custom items for people as long as they are willing to allow me plenty of creative license. Most people have been really happy with the finished products. I know that negativity is part of dealing with the public and that artists have to learn to deal with it but I would be interested in any thoughts people have about how to rebound from negative feedback.
Ellen
Karole Bowlds said:
Hello Ellen! Welcome to the site! My name is Karole, I'm from Maine, and I do jewelry. Do you have a website? I would love to see your work- I'm an avid purse collector! LOL! I also have leather jewelry- a few cuff bracelets and leather corded necklaces. I did not make them- but I love the fact that they last for generations with the right care! I haven't seen any other leather workers here- but you may start a trend! If you have any questions about shows, the biz of doing shows, etc. just let us know. The discussion board is loaded with info- the best advise I can give you is research, and prepare! Again Welcome, and please post some pics of your work! Karole
Hello Ellen!
Welcome to the site! My name is Karole, I'm from Maine, and I do jewelry. Do you have a website? I would love to see your work- I'm an avid purse collector! LOL! I also have leather jewelry- a few cuff bracelets and leather corded necklaces. I did not make them- but I love the fact that they last for generations with the right care! I haven't seen any other leather workers here- but you may start a trend! If you have any questions about shows, the biz of doing shows, etc. just let us know. The discussion board is loaded with info- the best advise I can give you is research, and prepare! Again Welcome, and please post some pics of your work!
Karole
Replies
I just try to remember a couple of things:
1. I make what I like. I tend to go for more delicate, petite, classic style jewelry for myself, so that's what I tend to create. However, I have to keep in mind that MY personal taste doesn't isn't a perfect match to others. So I need to learn to create outside my own comfort zone.
2. What we create- are luxury items- and those are chosen by the buyer's by their own personal style, taste, and lifestyle.
3. Also- depending on the criticism- a lot of it can be written off to sheer, unadulterated jealousy.
Some people are just so darn unhappy with their own lives they have to try and project that onto others to feel better about themselves. Their job sucks, so they take it out on a person who is creative, happy with their work and life. And some people, just are not strong enough, or comfortable enough, within themselves to be able to be creative, or happy. They can't understand that we are secure enough, believe in our talents and creativity enough, to take the plunge and say I will be self -employed, I will do what I love, what means something to me, and to heck with all the nay-sayers!
So criticism can be beneficial, and when it is, I listen with an open ear.
"more reds", "Bigger, bulkier pieces", "more variety"- if it's constructive, I can learn from it.
But negativity- "you can't", " I would never" I just measure the source, take with a grain of salt, toss it over my shoulder for good luck and move on-MY WAY! If its just nastiness, poured on by some meaningless nobody- who gives hoot!
That's the way I deal with it, anyway.
Karole
Ellen
Karole Bowlds said:
Welcome to the site! My name is Karole, I'm from Maine, and I do jewelry. Do you have a website? I would love to see your work- I'm an avid purse collector! LOL! I also have leather jewelry- a few cuff bracelets and leather corded necklaces. I did not make them- but I love the fact that they last for generations with the right care! I haven't seen any other leather workers here- but you may start a trend! If you have any questions about shows, the biz of doing shows, etc. just let us know. The discussion board is loaded with info- the best advise I can give you is research, and prepare! Again Welcome, and please post some pics of your work!
Karole