Tip 2. Make a great product.

Ideas Journal courtesy of Etsasketch.etsy.com

Here is some cold hard honesty for you, buyers have millions of choices.
Millions.

We are competing not only with each other, Ebay, Amazon and so on, we are also competing with local craft markets and local art shows and worstly, local import shops & big name malls. As the world tightens its fist around its pocket change you will need a great and covetable product to pry those pennies from the fingers of your competitors (oh how dog eat dog, no?).

So how do you make a great product? How do you take your craft and turn it into something everyone wants?

1. Pick a product.
Pick one thing you really like to make and make it perfect, and then make it again, in a new way, perfect. Design is constant recreation of the same idea, once you've made it into something you're beaming proud of, it is ready to show to the world. Taking a great idea and making it better is making a great product and without one you cannot expect to compete.
2. Strive for the perfect presentation.
There is no secret that paper glued to scrabble tiles is kind of silly. But gluing paper to scrabble tiles, finishing them with a rich, clear gloss, adding a silver bail & a ribbon & tucking it all neatly into the perfect box makes something seemingly silly into something gorgeous and elegant. Once you find your niche item find a way to show it off and take it one step above the rest.
3. Name it well.
Black gold is nothing more than rotten garbage cooked into fertilizer. However calling it "rotten garbage cooked into fertilizer" isn't going to attract a lot of customers. The words "black gold" imply something mineral rich and chock full of value. The right title can make all the difference, it will help you sell.

If you have lots of things you like to make but nothing that really grabs you as a top seller (and you decide you want a top seller) my best advice is to keep creating.

1. Keep an ideas book or journal handy. (see above).
Great ideas come at the weirdest times, writing them down in the same place is a great way to find inspiration later on.
2. Take classes, or even better, teach a class.
Showing someone how to do what you do can put a fresh spin on your talent. Simply setting down with a good friend and showing them a few tricks can give you a whole new perspective (and better yet, new inspiration) on your products and your line.
3. Wander the aisles of your favorite supply shop.
I can spend hours looking at the possibilities in the odds, ends and dark places of my favorite supply stores. I tend to buy 3-4 different things to try new stuff with and always end up with something I'd like to make more of. Materials can be the best source for new ideas and having a closet full of "waiting" supplies is a great start to inspiration.

This may sound weird but when I want to make a new line or come up with a new idea I think and rethink and think some more. I actually set out to come up with a new idea, I pull out my supplies or head to my local thrift shop and I pick up, turn over or glue together all sorts of whatnots until I have something I can work with, and then I hop straight up to the first tip in the post, I make it and remake it until it is perfect, and then I make all over again, in a brand new way.

Comments

[ira]

This is fantastic, may I link your blog to mine?

[Angelia]

Thanks you for this great information. I am struggling with limiting my products and making them just right. A

[Barbra]

Once again,perfectly clear and concise info! Thanks.

[yellowfish]

This was really well-stated sound advice... thanks!

[Rachel]

thanks for this post!

[Kim]

Great article! Thank you!

[Robert]

Excellent and concise information.

[Frances (HomeMadeOriginals)]

Great advice. I posted a while back about creativity and cited Dewitt Jones, the world-class photographper, who talks about "Seeing the ordinary as extraordinary" and "finding the next right answer". You are so right that the materials often tell you what to make, I find that with my felted sweaters...often I just KNOW what it should be.

[Green Chair Press]

Your advice about teaching is spot on. When I started teaching my own craft, letterpress printing, several years ago, my printing skills increased exponentially -- based on questions and problems students had in class, I started experimenting and trying things I wouldn't have thought to try on my own. It not only helped me perfect my craft, but has taken me in new (and really fun) directions with my printing.

[PolishedTwo.etsy]

Thank you for the insightful tips!

[Kati]

You make some excellent points, thanks for sharing.

[Christine]

Thanks as always for great advice!

[Bee @ BeeDazzles]

Excellent article, Ryan :) Sometimes we get so absorbed in our own little Etsy world that we need to stand back and 're-look' at what we are doing. This article supports the "work smarter, not harder' concept. Nice job!! (...and as for me, I'm going to be working on my photos and descriptions tomorrow!!) :)

[Sara]

Great article! I'm going to poke around in your blog a lot more in the future.

[popko]

you ALWAYS inspire me to get back to work! thanks!

[Rocki]

Wonderful blog and article. Thank you!
☼Rocki

[loobyloucrafts]

Excellent advice - you're an inspiration. Thank you:)

[Nina]

wise advice here! :D

[karin Grow]

great information!

[Jen Nixon]

This is so true!

[waterrose]

Sage advice and clearly needed in the world of Etsy!

[Marla Barton]

Hi, I just emailed you regarding the Micael's coupons. :)

[Veronika]

thank you for everything,this article was really useful! I wish I had the full shelves of supplies ready. On the other hand,it is fun to walk to the shop every time I need something...gives you some excersise :)

[Great article! Thank you!]

Great article
Thank you!

[AdoreByNat]

I just found out about your blog. I'm glad I found it. It has inspired me. Thank You.