Tuesday 31 December 2013

Looking forward to 2104.

I'm not a great New Year person. I don't like looking backwards so I thought I would use this post to think about looking forward to 2014. I only officially started my business in late August and I am thrilled with how far I have come since then. I went through a difficult period which led me to take a life changing decision and now five months in I can honestly say that I am so much happier.

Fridge Magnet (on Etsy)
 In 2014 I want to:

  • Continue with designing and getting my work out there!  I love designing and my work has changed so much. I really enjoyed the Advent Challenge (see previous post) and had some terrific feedback. I am working on some new designs which seems to be taking my work further and am preparing for a blog hop in the next couple of weeks (watch this space!)
New Design Work on my Moyo Directory
  • Get an agent to take this work even further! I am going to actively start trying to fine someone who gets my design viewpoint.
  • Keep making things for my Etsy and Folksy shops and try out more craft fairs! generating more and more sales.
  • Seek out my own opportunities to sell in more outlets. I currently sell through a contemporary art gallery (The Minories, Colchester) and towards the end of the year have had good success with new ideas for jewellery and other items. I would now like to develop some other things to take to more outlets.
  • Embrace change! In 2014 we are moving to Hampshire which will bring lots of challenges and, I hope, opportunities. I want to be confident in seeking out new ideas and not be afraid of the unknown.

I think that is quite enough for now but I am sure that I will add more as the year progresses. The exciting thing about design is that it is an ever-changing landscape!

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for looking at my blog. My first post was on the 1st August and since then I have had nearly 2000 views! Wow, I never thought that would be possible.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Advent Challenge 2013

This year I decided to take part in an Advent Challenge producing a design a day all the way up until Christmas. It was the idea of fellow designer Faye Brown who came up with the themes for each day of Advent. I had such fun with this challenge as it was something I had never done before and it took me out of my comfort zone on occasions. I would never have dreamed a few months ago it was something I was even capable of! Anyway here are my 25 designs all together for the first time!

























There is also a Pinterest page that shows all the designs from the participating artists together. I am thrilled to have my work up there alongside. Would love some feedback!


Merry Christmas everyone!

Thursday 12 December 2013

Craft Fair Refelections.

Last Saturday I took part in my very first craft fair. I decided to start quite small and signed up to do the one at The Minories (a contemporary gallery) in Colchester, Essex. It is a bit of a way to go from where I live but I have links with the gallery as I did my MA there and sell works in their gift shop. My first worry was what to take? I spent a long time making and designing a range of items that I hoped would appeal to buyers. I also kept my items manageable so that it would be easier to pack and unpack. The Minories is in a lovely old building and my space was upstairs by the windows with lots of natural light. I set about arranging and the first thought I had was that my items were too diverse which didn't give me such a strong "look".


I tried to create different points of interest and height (in a former life I was a visual merchandiser!) and put out price points. The first hour was a little slow but as coffee time came around (there is a lovely cafe there) more people arrived. I had lots of positive comments, especially about my scarves and I sold two of these! I wish that I had made more but I simple didn't have the funds.

There were lots of other stalls and I was able to get some terrific ideas for the next fair that I do. I have thought about how to display my items more effectively, better labeling and promotional materials.  One thing that I did notice that lots of people look but don't buy! However it was great to engage with people, meet other designers/ crafts people and put my work "out there". It was a good day and in the end I made enough money to cover my stall twice (and a bit more).




Friday 6 December 2013

Christmas Card Swap

I was really excited to take part in my very first Christmas card swap this year and received some gorgeous typographical cards that I had to share with you. These are by Faye Brown  a very talented designer and are sold through her Etsy store. I'm in awe of anyone that can do typography in this way.  I really want to keep these and frame them rather than give them away! She also teaches typography through a Skillshare course.








I am currently busy preparing for my very first craft fair! I will post about my experiences soon.