The Crafts Business Answer Book

Completely revised and updated, The Crafts Business Answer Book is an essential resource for anyone looking to start a homebased art or crafts business or perfect an existing one. Crafts business expert Barbara Brabec provides the answers to every question a creative person might have about the business side of crafting-from pricing and advertising, to understanding tax and labor laws, to protecting original work with copyrights and trademarks.

This comprehensive instruction book relates specifically to businesses falling under the "arts and crafts umbrella"--from decorative art to needlecrafts to production and marketing of sideline products. Includes a collection of human interest stories about problem-solving and anecdotes about running a business. Illustrations.

Covers all aspects of managing a craft business, including accounting, legal issues, and taxes.

From writing a business plan and financing an idea to choosing the most cost-efficient production method and best-suited sales approach, Creating a Successful Crafts Business provides a sound blueprint for turning a beloved hobby into a lucrative career. Written by two experienced craftspeople who have been through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of running a crafts business, readers will learn, step by step, how to negotiate with bankers, choose the ideal retail location, promote the business on-line, expand into lucrative new markets, and much more. Filled with the infectious spirit of people who have “been there,” this down-to-earth book will bring fledging craft businesses to new levels of profits and success.

Can I be a stay-at-home mom and still earn extra income? Which home business is best for me? Where can I find expert advice on launching my own business? How much will it cost to get started? For nearly two decades, bestselling author and home-based business guru Priscilla Y. Huff has run a successful writing business out of her home while balancing her family life. In fact, this book, now in its third edition, is proof of her success. Her valuable advice on what works—and what doesn't—is available to you. From start-up costs to potential income, this book shows you how to: ·Choose the perfect home-based business from 101 of the best: customer service, arts and crafts, entertainment, computer and high tech, mail order, home-based distributorships and franchises, and many others ·Take the first steps to starting any business ·Find and use valuable resources, including local, state, and federal government sources; business and professional associations; books, Web sites, and other publications ·And much, much more! You'll also find inspiring stories from businesswomen who have achieved success and financial reward. If you've ever dreamed of owning your own business, this book should be your first investment.

The classic handbook for launching and sustaining a career that "explodes the romantic notion of the starving artist," (The New York Times) with a brand-new chapter on Internet art marketing Now in its sixth edition, How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist is the definitive guide to taking control of your career and making a good living in the art world. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, Caroll Michels offers a wealth of insider's information on getting into a gallery, being your own PR agent, and negotiating prices, as well as innovative marketing, exhibition, and sales opportunities for various artistic disciplines. She has also added a new section on digital printmaking and marketing in this emerging field. Most notably, this sixth edition contains an entirely new chapter: "Art Marketing on the Internet." Michels offers criteria for selecting an ideal Web designer for your online portfolio and for organizing your Web presence, and shares proven methods for attracting curators, dealers, and private clients to your site. She also addresses vital legal concerns in the age of e-commerce, including copyrighting and registering your art, and finally, the appendix of resources, consistently updated online at Michels's site the Artist Help Network, is fully revised.

Everything you need to know to run a profitable and satisfying craft business from your home From business and financial planning to marketing your business both online and through traditional outlets, this comprehensive guide provides practical solutions and solid advice on how to tap your creative skills to earn a living. Learn all about business plans, finding supplies on the Internet, publicity, zoning ordinances, and much more. Whatever your goals are, join the thousands of successful crafters, artists, and entrepreneurs, and experience the satisfaction of establishing and building your own home-based craft business. Look for useful charts and worksheets throughout the book, including: Market Survey Form Estimated Start-Up Costs Profit and Loss Projection/Report Balance Sheet Sample Invoice

Through her books, articles, and periodicals, Barbara Brabec has been showing people how to profit from their creative talents and know-how for over twenty-five years.