Professional Crafter

What does a professional crafter do?

• A professional crafter is an artist who generally works with materials not considered "fine art." They make hand-made crafts and sell them for profit.
• Some examples of crafting include glass work, jewelry making, ceramins, weaving, and bookmaking. These are only a few examples, there are thousands more!

Business Aspect

• Crafters are generally self-employed
• They must have some background knowledge in basic business: marketing/promoting, selling, packaging and handling money

Education and Experience

• A professional crafter does not need a degree. However, knowledge in fine arts is recommended so crafters can make high-quality products. It also makes them seem more legitimate to consumers.
• Many Universities and community colleges offer classes that focus on a certain craft. There are also crafting books a prospective crafter can read to self-teach themselves.

Skills

• Must have steady hands and be able to make intricate details
• Must have knowledge of materials being used and of the craft itself
• Must be good at marketing and selling to make a profit
• Must be passionate

Penny Lee Stew Art - professional crafter

• Penny Lee Stew is a professional crafter
• Her specialty is paintings of people, foods, and more!
• She has a website, blog, and Etsy account
• Her Etsy is https://www.etsy.com/shop/pennybiz
• Her website is http://www.pennystewart.net

Salary

• This completely varies based on the cost of materials and how much a crafter sells

Highest Paying States

Where do they work?

• At home or in a rented studio

How do they make their money?

• They sell their crafts on Etsy, Ebay or other websites designed for people to sell their items to consumers internationally
• Many crafters set up booths at craft fairs and festivals. This is a great way to promote one's business, make money, and meet like-minded people!

Professional Crafting Groups

• Etsy - a website and smartphone app where artists can sell their crafts
• http://www.procraftersguild.com Where crafters can get advice on how to become more professional and how to market their products better