The Savvy Crafters Guide To Success: Turn Your Crafts Into A Career

I have been a professional artist, craftsperson and writer since 1981. In the intervening years I have read dozens of books about crafts business and general business practices. Some have been very good, some useless. I am happy to report that The Savvy Crafter's Guide to Success falls into the first category: a very useful book for those just starting in the craft business and those that have been in business for many years. At first glance, what sets this book apart from most business books is that it is in full color; a very nice thing for artists and craftspeople. This wonderful book is about more than just about selling your crafts, but also is about successful career building-- it covers aspects of teaching and finding arenas in which to promote yourself and your work. Also included are chapters about photographing your work, organizing your workspace, handling business paperwork, writing about your work, and how to judge your success. In addition, the book features profiles and interviews with a diverse range of crafters who have found their own way to building a successful crafting business. Beautifully laid out and photographed, this is one of the best crafts business books around. If you are at all serious about your business, it is a must read!

I bought this in a bookstore and was captivated by how visually appealing it was, and the writer's style is like you were talking to her in person. This book is not wordy and boring, nor is it flashy with no substance. This book really delivered. I couldn't put it down, it is both inspirational and practical. Most of all I appreciate the honesty and positive outlook. Example: other books will tell you to hire a lawyer in looking over a book contract, this author acknowledges that you should - but explains why and how she does review her own contracts. Humerously written from a crafty, practical, competent, but not overly technical point of view. Much of her information is based on her rubber stamp business, but it is easily transferrable to other crafts. She also includes the point of view of numerous other artists and their work which helps alot.

With general chapters covering everything from organizing your work space to finding outlets, and detailed specific sections on photographing your work, keeping records, and submitting proposals to publishers, Sandra McCall's book is a full-service sourcebook for anyone looking to approach their art as a business. A savvy crafter herself, Sandra also relies on the expertise of highly successful artist/business people like Claudine Hellmuth, Traci Bautista, Catherine Moore, and nearly 2 dozen other artists engaged in the business of art. A diverse array of art and craft is shown, there are extensive tips, quotes, record/financial pages that can be copied straight from the book, and a there is also compendium of useful resources including federal agencies and trade associations. The Savvy Crafter's Guide to Success is a beautifully designed and well-organized reference tool to which I find myself turning time and again.

I bought this at our local bookstore. It was the most current book they had. It has lots of helpful information. Some areas, like photographing your work could be more detailed, but that isn't the main focus here. It includes forms you can copy and customize for your own use. All in all. I really like this book. In fact, I'm re-reading it. Well worth the price.The Savvy Crafters Guide To Success: Turn Your Crafts Into A Career

Expertly written. Photographed interestingly. Not a stone left unturned, Go forth and succeed!