Making a Living in Crafts

While I was in the gift shop at the Penland School of Crafts, I stumbled upon this book, Making a Living in Crafts by Donald A. Clark. I picked it up thinking it would be a valuable source of information- but in the back of my mind knew I wouldn't have the time to read it any time soon.

Anyway, I got home and after a few weeks of looking at it and decided to skim through it to see what I could get from a quick glance. I got hooked in. I started reading the book and found so much crucial information for any crafts person looking to start, continue, or grow their business. I had taken a class in college that focused on the information covered in this book, but it is so great to have that information in print.

Donald A. Clark provides advice from successful well known crafters. He does a great job at making the information general so that it is useful to all areas of craft. He covers artists who specialize in production, artists who specialize in one of a kind pieces. He talks about the benefits of having your own studio vs. renting or sharing space, showing in galleries vs. craft shows etc. He also gives specific websites and organizations that are devoted to helping crafters succeed.

This book is very well written and a joy to read compared to the average text-book. It is easy to understand and straight forward. It also has plenty of images for those of us who need to be lured in by visual stimulation. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is involved in the craft field. Whether you have a degree or are self taught. Pick up a copy- the book sells for a mere $20 and is worth it's weight in gold- or wood- or clay- or whatever your creative hands itch to transform!