emiko-o reware

emiko’s Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Business Out There!

Winters Brush

Tip 2: Take Risks, Don’t Get STUCK: Balance

No one wants to be pegged as a one-trick pony, so even though you may sell a ton of one design in one style, don’t get stuck just putting all your focus on making the same thing over and over. Sure, making new work is a risk, but you have to allow yourself to play (don’t put the pressure on yourself that everything you make has to be a hit seller) and make work that you enjoy. I’m not saying to abandon old pieces that have sold for years IF you still ENJOY making them. Making work just for the money shows through to your customer, plus the work that you love is much easier for you to sell.

Maharajah's 6th and jedi gem bracelet

Balance: I’m a staunch believer in making important exhibition pieces as well as production, ready-to-wear. While the exhibition work may take longer to sell if at all, it definitely helps bump up the perception of value towards your production work. Once you start showing in exhibitions in galleries and museums, your work gets broader exposure (more press!), and validates you as a serious, skilled artist in the eyes curators, buyers, and collectors.

seattle times & American Craft articles

Gotta love those Google Alerts–just got one a few days ago for this posting on American Craft Magazine’s online Calendar for My First Royal Jewels! With less than a month left for the exhibition, it’s great to have some press to remind folks to get over to the museum before it’s too late. Much thanks to PR Queen Christine Dhein for getting my press release out into the world!