I discovered crystal j. on etsy some time ago and was immediately a fan. As an aspiring batik artist myself, I was thrilled to find another crafter working in a similar medium who was using bold colors to create contemporary designs. I've kept an eye on Crystal's work ever since and I am very pleased to present her as this week's Crafter Interview. I'm also pleased to say that Crystal has recently been receiving some well-deserved attention, including appearing on the front page at Etsy, and recently being featured as the indie designer pick on Grechen's Closet for a piece on accessories with skull designs. Stay abreast of all that's happening with crystal j. and get a sneak peek at the newest designs at crystaljsilk.blogspot.com.
Artist: Crystal J., crrysstall.etsy.com and crrysstall.ecrater.com/.
Craft: Silk Painted Textiles
How long have you been in business?
It will be 2 years in the fall. I can't believe it.
How did you get your start?
I learned the French Serti technique of silk painting at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). On a whim I decided to take a bunch of crafts classes in my senior year. Fabric design, pottery and woodworking tied in well with my interior design major. Silk painting was one of the mediums we used in the fabric design course and I fell in love with it then. Here recently (well about 2 years ago, now) I decided to try my hand at it again. I had a concept to do quilted silk pillows - I made a bunch and took them to a local consignment shop. The owner loved them and took them all! This boosted my confidence level enough to continue making more stuff.
Do you have formal training?
Yes, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from VCU. Ahem...cum laude.
Do you think you've "made it?"
No way. I feel like I'm just getting my feet wet.
What would it take for you to think you've "made it"?
I think of myself as "making it" if people see my work and can immediately identify it as crystal j. Or if "crystal j." was to become a household name synonymous with silk home and body accessories. Or if my business can support me and mine very very comfortably.
Is selling your handmade items supporting you financially?
No.
If not, what is your day job?
I am an interior designer by day.
What's the best part of having your own business?
The freedom and burden to make decisions about the direction of the company. Also the satisfaction of knowing that I have set this thing up and it is a functioning business.
What surprised you about having your own business?
I have been surprised mostly by the online portion of my business. I would have never imagined I would be able to sell my work not only in my hometown, but up and down the east coast, across the United States and all over the world! I have had customers from places like New York, Arizona, Great Britain and New Zealand since I have been selling my accessories on Etsy.
What resources do you take advantage of?
The internet - I am constantly finding new sites to either help promote my business or get tips and helpful information on anything from running a craft business to what the current fashion trends are.
Richmond Craft Mafia - a wonderful group of women with burgeoning craft businesses. I am always getting information about craft shows or websites or marketing opps and other cool stuff that I didn't already know about.
Advice for someone trying to make it in your field:
Join a group. Be it online or in the real world. You will be surprised by how much you know that you can share and help someone with and how much others know that can help you too.
Advice for someone trying to build their own business (in whatever field):
Start small. Do something you like. Keep working to try to find your niche.
How and where do you advertise your product?
Etsy, Flickr, Stylehive, Tribe, Craigslist, Wists, Stumbleupon, Squidoo, Indie Finds
I consider myself as just starting out still - especially on the internet which is really the only place that I advertise.
What are your future goals for your business?
I would like to expand my body accessory line to eventually include more than just silk items; expand the silk line to target the baby and wedding markets; and expand the home accessory line to include more of a variety of unique hand made silk items for the home.
Can you speak anymore on the following topics:
- Approaching store owners
It is a very daunting task, but gets a bit easier as you make contact with more stores. I haven't done a ton of this and probably should do another round. Definitely give it a shot, you never know who might really dig your work. Be prepared to hear nos, I've had my fair share of those too, but you will be surprised. Most owners referred me to other shops that truly were a better fit for my product.
- Crafts fairs
Still in search of the perfect one!
- Trade shows
Never done one. I've researched them a bit and don't know if they are the right fit for me. I wouldn't be opposed to trying one, but I don't know that much about them and it is really not on my to do list at all. Well.
- Starting and maintaining a website
The combo of my etsy shop and my blog are the closest thing I have to a website. The mix is working for me right now, keeping them both fresh is more than enough to keep me busy!
-Your branding and packaging
Very important! It is the first thing people see before the actually experience your product (especially online). My brand is ever-evolving, but I like graphic design - developing marketing items for crystal j. brings me joy.
- The importance of blogging
Having a blog has been huge for my biz. My search ranks and shop views have increased since I have been regularly posting. I am not much of a writer and my blog is definitely a work-in-progress, but I enjoy chatting, if you will, about what I am working on or what's coming up or what I am thinking on that particular day. I like it more than I ever thought I would. I love my blog!
Great interview! I like her advertising list...I've used StumbleUpon & IndieFinds, but the rest are new to me.
Her stuff is just amazing...so bright and nicely designed.
As far as searching for the perfect craft show, I'd like to recommend the Handmade Market here in Raleigh...they had their first event this spring and it was *incredible*! Organized by a bunch of crafty local ladies, it was well-run, well-publicized, had awesome vendors, and a huge turnout. There's another one this fall!
http://www.thehandmademarket.com/
Posted by: Sarah | July 24, 2006 at 10:00 AM
My site is relatively new, but I would humbly suggest that it too will grow to become a great resource for professional crafters wishing to increase their Internet presence.
It offers crafters up to 3 links to their sites on pages within very specific categories. These links are free, but do require that artisans share a crafty tip.
The site also offers a selection of articles on creating your first professional crafty website.
Please come on over a check it out: http://www.CraftyTips.com
Posted by: Michele | August 10, 2006 at 06:52 PM