Hi Everyone,

Ok, this is going to be a long post, so I'm warning you up front.  :)  I've just finished up an awful year, business-wise, and I just need some advice and maybe a shoulder to cry on.  :)  I've been making jewelry for about 3 years now, and my business officially turned 2 years old January 1.  But, I'm having a horrible time making any money.  I've actually done better the first year than I did this year.  I went to more juried shows this year than I cared to count, tried over and over and over to book home parties, and held some of my own where no one showed up.  I am taking the next few months off while I try to decide whether or not to continue.  I'm ready to quit. 

 I am beginning to think that the problem is that the market is saturated with jewelry artists and that this is a problem of supply and demand.  I inquire about the number of jewelers at every craft show I go to, and there are always more there than what I was originally told.  I even hear the customers complain at shows about how much jewelry there is.  I have forked out a ton of money going to juried shows, and I always get in...the promoter always says my work is beautiful.  But, I barely make enough money to make it worth it.  Fortunately, I've always made up my booth fee, but not much more.  Just about everyone who comes through my booth oohs and ahhs over the jewelry and says how different it looks compared to the others, but they don't buy.  I have worked really hard on my display, and I always get comments on how great it looks, and I have noticed that it does attract customers who might just pass by otherwise.  I refuse to use lower quality materials, and maybe this is my problem.  But, I use all sterling and gold filled components, semi-precious stones, Swarovski, Venetian glass, pearls, and my own hand crafted polymer clay pendants.  Any glass that's used is always Czech.  My price points are as low as I can make them and still be profitable.  My necklaces are from $50-$100, bracelets $22-$50, earrings $5 - $25.  I really need to raise the prices because of the increasing cost of materials, but I'm afraid to do that because I can't sell what I have for the prices I have. 

I really think this is a reflection of a saturated market.  There are a lot of us out there.  I have tried to book home parties, which I did very well at the first year I was in business.  I'm finding, however, that there are a lot of other jewelers who have approached people about booking parties too, so people are tired of it.  And, you throw in Silpada and Cookie Lee, and people can't handle any more jewelry parties.  They don't understand that what I do is different and better than mass produced.  I've even had friends, who had booked parties for me in the past, host new parties for their friends who are now doing jewelry...and these people had come to my party and decided they could do jewelry too!  But, they go to Michael's and buy the materials there and then start their own sole proprietorship and they think they have a business.  I've seen their work, and I really don't mean to be rude or mean, but it's not the same.  It's one thing to do it as a hobby but to sell it to the public is different.  I may get people here who disagree with me and who get upset at this, and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, but I think that if you are going to sell to the public, there's a certain period of time that you need to put in to learn your craft well and put out a high quality product.


I'm trying to decide if I should just throw in the towel or if I should just move on to another craft.  I love all kinds of art, so I could always do something else, but I would never like it as much as jewelry and jewelry is where my artistic expression really comes out.  So, I guess all this rambling is to find out if others of you are experiencing anything similar...I've read Sparklebee's thread on "there's got to be a better way."  And, the other question I have is, is there any advice anyone can give me?  I know it takes a long time for a business to become viable, and I really want to stick it out, but I don't know how to stand out any more from the competition when everyone does jewelry.  I'm thinking about getting into silversmithing or pmc.  I just don't have the setup to work with it yet or the money to put into getting started.  But, I've got to do something or I'm going out of business.
 

~armysis 

I know just how you feel! And I think a lot of other people are in the same boat. I'm fairly convinced the way to go is to get into higher-end shops. (not that I've had time to pursue that angle). The other route you could consider is to get published in fashion magazines. I've been published a few times in jewelry magazines and it did almost nothing for my sales. Fashion mags would be a ton of work but the publicity might be worth it. Getting people to do home parties these days is a ton of effort and it never pans out anyway - I've stopped trying. Even when they bring it up it never happens!

Maybe trying to run a real business is more stress than it's worth... could you simply make jewelry for your own pleasure and sell a few pieces here and there to cover your costs?

It doesn't sound like adding more tricks to your bag (pmc, etc) will make the difference. You already have an attractive and unique product according to your post. It's probably the marketing that needs to change, not the product.  

Oh, and I would not recommend Etsy in this case - they are super-saturated with jewelry too!!! 

I think it's funny how after 3 years of making and selling jewelry you are complaining about all the new people making jewelry and the overly saturated craft show jewelry market.   It's a tad unrealistic to think after 3 years of making jewelry you'd be making a profit.  I know many, many talented jewelry people and few if any, make a profit selling their jewelry.

You wrote that you use "sterling and gold filled components, semi-precious stones, Swarovski, Venetian glass, pearls, and my own hand crafted polymer clay pendants.  Any glass that's used is always Czech", except for your polymer pendants, 3/4 or more of all the jewelry sellers at shows use those very same components.  There is no mystery why your pieces aren't selling - the buyers can't tell you apart from the other booth selling jewelry made from sterling and gold filled components, semi-precious stones, Swarovski, Venetian glass and pearls.  Sorry,  but that's the truth.  If you really want to sell jewelry and make enough to cover materials and expenses - I didn't say make a profit, you need to step it up and start making jewelry, not assembling components.

 

Well, here's a question you should be asking yourself:  what is it about your jewellery that is different from everyone else who make things out of Swarovskis, goldfilled and sterling components, Venetian glass, pearls etc etc?  A lot of people make things out of the same components.  What is the person who buys your jewellery actually looking for?  Why should someone buy your jewellery over the person two booths down from you?  If you can answer that, then you can start to formulate an idea of who your target buyer is.  Once you've decided who you're targeting, then you can figure out where your market is.  It might not be home shows or juried shows. 

Best of luck!

 

guys, don't discount the polymer aspect... if her work features her polymer then the jewelry is indeed different from the others! I agree, assembled-only stuff can all start to look the same but when you add hand-crafted polymer components you can be talking about a whole different animal. I feature polymer in most of my pieces and they definitely stand out. oh, and I was profitable within 9 months - so it is certainly doable! (not saying I earn anything to speak of, but the business does show profit each year).

I wasn't discounting her handmade pendants at all, I made of point of excluding that aspect of her work in my post.  I didn't say she couldn't make any money with her polymer pendants, she is bemoaning the fact that she isn't making any money.   Sight unseen, it's hard to say but, I would highlight the handmade pendants and minimize the ubiquitous components that so many jewelry sellers use in their pieces.

Karen, the previous poster mentioned that it was hard to make a profit, that's why I mentioned it. I could not agree with you more that featuring the hand-crafted aspects of the work is best!

I am seeing that, although there are a lot of jewelers out there, we each seem to be just a bit different.  If we can take what we do, and capitalize on those differences, there will be customers for each of us.

I am looking at what has sold, and what has not...what is predicted as the new color palette and the new trends, to see what direction to take in '08.  

 I would bead if it sold or not...I'm an addict to the stuff! 

My philosophy is, if we try to find "what's good about it", we'll succeed.

Good luck, folks.

Barbara

oh, one more thought, perhaps you could teach either at an LBS, community center, or your home in order to bring in a bit of dough to offset those months when sales are low.  

I've been beading just over a year, so I don't have a lot of experience yet.  But I have been very successful with home shows that I do with a partner or two(for instance Mary Kay).  We really advertise the event to be a special day out with shopping, food and fun for the ladies, and they love it!  Maybe I've just been lucky up until now. 

Also, craft shows are, to me, a waste of time.  It seems people want a good deal there.  I think finding people in upscale areas to do home shows and getting into an art show (not a craft show) gallery or shop in an upscale area is the way to go.  I sold more at one event in an upscale area to only four people than I did at an entire day's worth at a craft show. 

Also, I'm wondering if your prices vary too much.  As a customer I would wonder why one earring pair costs $5 while another costs $25.  Are you using cheap materials in one, or are you price gouging me with the other pair?   

Do you have a website or blog?  You can reach so many people that way, and I believe there are many choices for free sites.

You've been given a lot of good advice.  I hope you try each and every idea that comes your way before giving up something you love.  Best of luck!!!!  Alice      

This seems to be a common topic I can't make any money. The market has been saturated and will contiue that way. What you got to be is like Karen said different. I do not do any beading or stringing. I am a dichroic jewelr and do a lot of silve work bracelets earrings chain maille.

I am amazed at shows how many people are doing the stringing. It is amazing anyone can make any money doing that. Personal I do not make a lot of sales but I make good sales. Most of my shows in the past year have been good a couple of dogs but those were shows where no one really did good.

I strive to be different. I have many many doing the ohh and ahh but I my customers are a select small market. People all love the color and the wire work etc but its not for them. In July I start thinking what can I do new for next year and start working on it by November to bring into new shows at end of the year.

You have to be different and you got to continue to change. There are somethings that I like doing but they don't sell soI don't make them anymore or just a few. The footage is precious at shows to waste on what don't sell.

Also 3 years is not a long time to build up your own client base. Many artist at shows have good shows for one reason returning customers coming back  every year and bringing their friends.

 

Whos who at the zoo changes ever year it a matter of the strong will remaining and the others who are not willing to give 250% will soon drop out. I don;t care how many other jewelers are at the show and I might do the best sales up aginst others but I am there constantly changing improving my booth. For me it time to look at presentation at the show. How to make my booth stand out and have people want to come in and see whats there.

I actually think it was my fourth year before I actually made a book profit.

Tom

www.picturetrail.com/tomsfoolery

 

"I think that if you are going to sell to the public, there's a certain period of time that you need to put in to learn your craft well and put out a high quality product."

Indeed there is...and I don't believe "one year" is it. I was a hobbyist for eight years before deciding to try and make a living with my creations. I'm not saying everyone has to wait that long, but a lot of people try to turn their jewelry hobby into a business way too soon. They think it's an easy moneymaker and then they end up in the same scenario you've posted about. Also, many people who are just starting out haven't settled on an really recognizable look to their work. They jump around and try different things -  a bit of wire work here, some drapey chain items there, and a lot of strung work, most times. Which is what one should do when just starting out with a hobby...but it doesn't lead to anything cohesive as a business.

I agree with loopy. I haven't seen your work, but it sounds like you are doing mostly stringing, with the same "basic" beads that tons of other people use. That isn't going to set you apart form the sea of other designers out there. I don't know what your polymer pendants look like, but you'll need to have your own look with those as well, otherwise why *would* customers buy from you over the other 20 jewelry booths at a show?

You say you get into juried shows...how juried are they? There are a lot of juried shows out there that will "jury you in" once you send a check. Those are not actually juried shows. Truly juried shows will review your work by slide or photo or digital means, and are very selective about how many jewelers they will allow...that way you don't have 50 jewelers when you are told there will be 30. It also doesn't sound like you're being very selective about doing shows...if you are doing so many each year in the same areas (especially if they are all in your local area), you may be setting the customer expectation that they'll just wait to buy from you the at the next show...or the next...people can come up with lots of reasons to WAIT to buy...you need to give them reasons to buy right then. It sounds like a little exclusivity wouldn't hurt you.

Component jewelers are a dime a dozen...and it sounds like that's what you are. I'm not saying that as a negative comment in itself about assembling components, but if that's what "everyone" is doing - from others at shows to the costume jewelry that's sold at places like Macy's, Claire's, and other mall chains - and it's what you're doing, then again - what is a convincing reason for customers to buy from you instead of somewhere else? There really isn't one...if the work is essentially the same. And while your prices do sound low for U.S.-handcrafted work ($5 earrings? $22 bracelets? how are you making any profit or recouping costs / time on those?), if you raise them, there's even less of a compelling reason for people to buy from you, because then you're higher priced than the mall-chain jewelry.

.If your booth display gets tons of compliments, it might be time to think about changing it. IThat might sound counterintuitive, but Bruce Baker mentions on his booth design CD that people who design fabulous booths often end up with the booth display overshadowing their product. And when customers are drawn to your booth by your fabulous display, how do you interact with them? What do you say? How are you closing sales?

And speaking of Bruce, do you have his Sales CD? I don't know what your sales techniques are at a show, but unless you're a natural-born salesperson, his CD can only help. And if you're saying, "what sales techniques?" then definitely order one immediately. :) 

<<But, they go to Michael's and buy the materials there and then start their own sole proprietorship and they think they have a business.>>

So what do you do differently?  Do you at least buy your materials wholesale instead of at Michael's or other retailers? And even if you do, how does that set you apart (aside from having lower COG) from those others who "start their own sole prop. and think they have a business"?. Do you have a business plan? A target market? A pricing structure that allows for profit margin to let your business grow and expand? (Remember, $5 earrings...I cannot imagine that you are making much, if any, profit on those) Or are you just putting yourself into every festival that comes along and hoping for the best, because you have such a unique product? If you are, then you're just like those "friends of friends"...aren't you? Most beadstringers and component jewelers I've met think they have a great, original product. And you know what? Most of them DO NOT.

"They don't understand that what I do is different and better than mass produced."

How is it different and better? Do you explain that to them? Can you tell them why? And if you can an do, do they care? Most customers don't care. Many customers are shopping on price only, and those are not the customers you want. Do you think it's different and better because YOU did the work instead of a child in a factory in Asia or somewhere else overseas? If that's the only reason, think again. The materials might be nicer than some overseas imports, but if a child can (and does) do the type of work you do...the only difference is that you probably work under less harsh conditions and make a higher living wage than they do.

It's totally possible to make a living (and a profit) designing and selling handmade jewelry. I've been making a profit since my second year. I don't do beadstringing except for custom requests. I gave that up five years ago when I decided I wanted to try and earn a living with my hobby. In 2002 I walked show after show, to figure out which ones I wanted to apply for the following year, and all I saw was beads...strung beads. And as much as I enjoy(ed) that, I realized that I couldn't justifyt- even to myself - why a customer would buy my strung product over someone else's...I realized I'd have to differentiate. So now I work in metal. I fabricate my own components and designs, and all my work uses gemstones - and some pretty pricey ones. It has nothing to do with "refusing" to use what you consider lesser-quality materials. It has to do with planning designs and materials so that your prices are appropriate for your target market. My priciest necklace is $190, and it's one of my best sellers every year. One version uses London blue topaz - never an inexpensive stone. Another version uses Peruvian opal - also a pricey stone. So it's not necessarily about the materials.

My least expensive earring is what I call the "Two Bead" earring - essentially a couple of beads on a headpin. They don't retail for less than $20. I know a lot of people sell this type for less, but I don't want to write a sale for less than $20, so they're in the $20-$28 range. And they sell constantly. I wouldn't even make them except that customers were always wanting earrings to match necklaces, so now I make them regularly and I merchandise them with the necklaces. This often leads to a "buying the set" mentality and I don't even have to suggest the upsell. So instead of a $58 necklace sale, I'm getting a $79 sale...because I've made it easy for the customer to see the items together and to want to purchase them that way.

I'd suggest sitting down and asking yourself a lot of questions, including:

1. WHY do you design? And why do you design WHAT you design? And once you know that, how can that be an enticing story for your customers? How are my designs different than what else is out in the market (and no, "better materials"  is not a good enough answer). WHY would customers want to buy my designs over all the other designs out there? WHAT is my individual look?

2. WHO are my target customers? You want to know everything about the people you're designing for. Their education, income level,  what kind of car they drive, how they live, how they shop, what they enjoy as leisure activities, what kind of pets they have, kids?, travel? charitable work? liberal or conservative? eco-oriented? where do they go to eat? what kind of food do they buy? The more you know about your customers, the more you can target your designs to their tastes and spending habits / levels.

3. WHAT are my goals for my business? How much revenue do I want to earn by the end of 2008? How much profit? When can I pay myself a salary? What steps can I take to get myself there? Ideally a business plan should figure in longer-term goals, but you can at least start with a year-end goal and then break it down into steps to take that will (hopefully) get you there. A clear plan of action will give you something to strive toward and keep you on track.

 4. WHAT is my pricing structure? Am I covering *all* costs, not just COG and labor? You need to cover your overhead expenses *and* include a profit margin in everything you sell. Can you sell at wholesale or consignment (which essentially means cutting your prices in half) if you decide that is a better business model for you? From your post, it sounds like you are selling at wholesale prices, but at retail venues. That isn't doing you (or any other jeweler) any favors.

All this might not be relevant - again, I have no idea what kind of design work you are doing, without having seen the work. But it's not impossible to make a profit (and a living) selling handcrafted jewelry. It will, however, take time and a lot of effort, and a firm understanding of your product, customers, price points, your market, and your business goals.

Good luck!

 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue, please read Armysis's post again.  She has been beading for three years, and had her business two years--not one. 

I have to disagree with your idea that making jewelry for just one year is a hobby.  I happen to do very well and am satisfied with my business (not hobby), which is just over one year old.  Over time, an artist's tastes and experience in their craft will change and evolve, but it does not make their first or second year in business any less worthy, or to be considered a hobby.  Reading Armysis's post, I don't see where she stated she does this full time or part time.  Nor does she state that she is wanting to make a living at her business--but rather she seems concerned that she is not making any money.  There is a big difference between wanting to make money with your business and wanting to make a living from your business.     

Also, you make it sound like just string beads (or assembling componets as you called it) is a bad thing.  I string beads, and again I'm doing very well, thank you.  What sets mine apart (and other artists also) is the unique beads that I use in my pieces.  Not everyone has to do wirework, or polymer, or chainmaille, metalsmithing to be a success.  We can string bead and assemble components and still be successful.

I do agree that Armysis would benefit from asking herself what level she wants her business to become, making jewelry that stands out from all the rest even if it is still stringing beads, promoting her work and telling the cusomer why they should buy her pieces, finding venues in which to sell that attract people who recognize the difference and are willing to pay for it.

Alice   

 Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful and insightful responses.  You all have given me a lot to think about, which is what I needed.  I really appreciate what you've all said.
 
To answer a couple of questions asked.... Sparklebee, no, I really don't think I would be very happy just making jewelry for myself and for friends, although I do understand your suggestion; I've thought it over before.  I think I would end up with way too much jewelry!  Having my own jewelry business is what I really want to do.  And, yes, teaching is something I've thought about doing.  We have maybe two LBS's around where I live and it's mostly Michaels' and AcMoore.  I haven't seriously looked into it yet, but it is a great idea.

Peachtree and someone else asked about my price range and why did I have $5 earrings and $22 bracelets.  These were an experiment.  The $5 earrings are base metal, simple earrings, and they were designed to attract sales from kids and people who didn't have the money for sterling and higher quality materials.  The earrings cost no more than $.50 to make, so yes, I do make a profit on them. The bracelets are the same type of thing--czech glass and base metal.  I have actually sold quite a few of the earrings and bracelets to younger people (ie. teenagers and college students) who want a simple accessory but don't have the money to invest in it.  So, my lower priced pieces are less expensive materials designed to target a different group of people.  Maybe this is a mistake.  I have very few of these types of pieces. 

Yes, I do have a website.  It's in the process of being designed right now.  I'm working on learning how to take really good pictures of my jewelry to put up on the site.

Bluepiranha, I really appreciated your post.  It was very helpful to me.  I will admit that I have a hard time with the business side, and I know that I have to have a good understanding of this to be successful and not be a "starving artist."  I am going to sit down and answer those questions you posed.

I am having a hard time, though, identifying what kind of person buys my jewelry.  How do you go about doing this?  I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I think there is a particular type of person who buys my jewelry but I'm not quite sure how to put my finger on it.  People who do buy usually say something about how the particular piece caught their eye because of something different about it...the color combination, the clasp, the pendant, the size or arrangement of pieces.  Most say something about it looking artistic or "neat" to them.  I think there is something about the price range too.  I rarely sell a necklace more than $75 and bracelets that have sold are usually around the $40-$50 range. I wonder if the type of person who buys my jewelry doesn't have a lot of money to sink into jewelry and is looking for something that is different, but still quality, and is relatively inexpensive.

You are all absolutely right about stringing being something that everyone is doing and does not stand out.  I do think everyone does have their own style, but if it's not obvious, the average customer is not going to see it.  Most of the comments I get on my jewelry is that it's artistic and they love my use of color and the way the colors are put together.  But, this is not the majority of people who come through my booth.  It's what the people who buy say.  And, since most people are not buying, it must not be enough to attract customers.  You guys have helped me see that.  Thanks.

I really want to incorporate more polymer into my work.  People are always attracted to the pendants I make and they always ask what it is...they say it looks like glass but doesn't feel like it.  I explain what polymer clay is, and some have heard of it.  But, the majority who pick up the piece don't buy it.  They do comment about how light it is, but I'm wondering if they think it is cheap, like plastic.  I never use the word plastic in my description.  Sparklebee, do you run into anything like this?  How do you describe what polymer is to your customers?  I explain a little bit about how I make each piece, if the customer appears to be interested.  I also have a sign explaining what polymer is and how I make the pieces. Most of my polymer pendants are strung with semi-precious stones and silver.  Should I just sell them separately or just on a chain???

I think the polymer could be a key for me into making my jewelry stand out.  I really enjoy doing it, as well.  However, I am concerned that Sparklebee is having trouble selling her pieces.  Her work is gorgeous, and if she's having trouble selling, I am hesitant to launch into doing mostly polymer myself.  What do you think it is, Sparklebee?  Your pieces are outstanding. 

Oh, and I also wanted to ask how you determine prices for polymer.  I'm having a difficult time with this, as it's mostly time and artistic design that make a piece.  The actual clay is not that expensive.  I am also just starting out with polymer, so I my labor involved is going to be more than what I can charge at this point.  I do a lot of trial and error before I come up with something I really like.  That's just part of learning. 

Well, thanks again for your help, everyone.  Loopy, I would really like to think that you can make a profit making jewelry.  I understand that some will just do it because they love it, but for me, I need to make my business viable.  It is what I do full time.  I am fortunate enough to have a supportive husband who makes a decent salary that we can live off of while I develop my business.  I realize that it takes a very long time to actually turn over a profit...for most businesses.  But, for me, I need to make a profit, or this is just not going to work.  I find it hard to believe that you can't make a profit.  I don't expect a huge profit, but at least something to make it worth while.
 

I am glad someone else "just strings or assembles" and is doing well!  There is a market for everyone, and I don't see one as better than another, just different.

I could not afford the  prices on a lot of "art" jewelry I see, and much of it...as well done as it is....is not the taste of most of the people I know.  Some of us provincial types wear a lot of "just beaded" jewelry and sell a lot, too.

I just try to make mine with the best quality I can, while I improve my skills.  It's just business to try to make as much profit as possible, but I started my business trying to provide something of beauty for middle class people like myself.  Some of my customers make a lot more than middle class folk, but they value costume pieces made well, too.

There's a spot for each of us.

God bless.   Barbara

many thanks for the compliment : ) 

yes, do incorporate more polymer into your work! it will definitely make it and you stand out. honestly I have never received a negative comment about plastic. online with other people involved in jewelry I have seen general disparaging remarks, but people who see the beads/pendants truly don't give a rip what it's made of because it looks so good. they don't have a clue what polymer is... when they ask I explain it's a PVC compound and is not clay at all. I'm getting into resin really soon - can't wait to explain that one!

just because I complain about sales doesn't mean I don't sell a lot, don't get me wrong... in the past 2 1/2 years I've sold close to 1,000 pieces of jewelry. now I know that's not a lot for someone who is running a real business but gosh I think it's pretty darn good!  for me it's a matter of expanding my market because as it is now, almost all my customers are someone I know/local. yes, I would expect my sales to be higher than they are but I think people just don't care that much about buying jewelry as we might all hope!

 I do think it's a great idea to sell the pendants on a plain cord! Definitely try it! You can buy the sterling-clasped cords from www.beadsdumonde.com for a great price. I am not very successful with that, as much as when I string them with pearls but I am certain that is due to my demographic (ever see the Real Housewives of Orange County?. Well those people are over the top and the show is fake but that is where I live.) My stuff is a bit "interesting" for the more conservative tastes around here.
 

 I've noticed from reading thousands of posts over the years that so many people define making money so differently.  I make money; I cover my show & travel expenses, my material expenses and my educational expenses but, I sure don't make a profit.  I would love to hear from people that truly make a profit from selling their own jewelry.

 Sparklebee,  thanks for your comments.  I couldn't find cord at beadsdumonde.  I saw silver chain, but not cords.  Are they hidden somewhere? Or, maybe I'm just blind. 

I can imagine that you'd need to add more than just the cord if you live in Orange County!  Yes, I've seen the show. :)  

I think that a lot of slow jewelry sales are a reflection of the economy as well.  People just don't have the extra income with increasing gas prices and everything else going up. 

 

they are in the tab labeled "necklaces and bracelets" but I guess the party's over. they used to be $1.89 on sale. now they only have a few colors on sale and they are $3.04. still cheaper than Artbeads which has them for $4 but not an amazing deal like before.

Whew!  Hot topic!   But thanks for everyone's input & insights.  More to mull over & consider.  I'm glad you all were willing to be straightforward in your preferences & criticisms.

But how do you determine who your target market would be?  By the type of work you do?  If you only make one-of-a-kind?  This past December, I did my first juried show on my own at an art center.  Yes, you had to submit photos on a disk, & not all the jewelers got in.  Still they were 20 out of 60 vendors.  I lucked out w/one of my pieces being chosen for their mass mailing postcard.  [It was a watch & I only sold ONE during the show & one later!]  My booth was tasteful in neutrals w/ some unusual display items & a large picture frame w/ cream velvet insert & pieces pinned to it.

I realize it was my first year there, so show-goers were not familiar w/ my work.  I tend to be pretty eclectic & feature more colored metals.  I've also been doing kumihimo in silks w/ amazing focals.  The price of the silk cords, Hill Tribe SS cones, & fabulous center beads does drive the price up.  Perhaps people just didn't know what to make of it?  On opening reception night w/ the board members & benefactors there, I didn't sell a single piece, & apparently that's when your big ticket items generally sell best.

sher