Creative Careers in Crafts

Systematically organized by type of material-clay, fiber, metal, glass, and wood--each chapter informs through an enticing mix of inspirational profiles, an introduction to each medium, and information on where to find education and professional support. Within the chapters, readers will find career advice on the various sub-genres of each craft, e.g. the chapter on fiber art branches out into baskets, beads, book arts, dolls, quilts, wearables, weaving, and yarn.

With a section on the history of the crafts industry and the contemporary scene, cutting-edge industry surveys, and self-help planning tools such as how to create a business plan, this authoritative guide offers readers both a self-help teaching tool and a career advisor. This thorough, empowering volume will appeal not only to beginning crafters looking to start a career, but also to individuals who want to turn their creative talents or part-time activity into a full-time occupation.

Profiling nearly 50 professionals from every area of the craft industry, this comprehensive career resource is for anyone seeking to pursue a creative career full-time or on the side. Written by a market-savvy crafts career advisor, this book provides valuable tips on how to make the transition from a normal day job to a dream craft career, and includes a unique section for young craftspeople and their parents. Organized by type of material-clay, fiber, metal, glass, and wood-each section informs through an enticing mix of inspirational profiles, an introduction to each medium, and information on where to find education and professional support. Subgenres of each craft are detailed-fiber art, for example, branches out into baskets, beads, book arts, dolls, quilts, wearables, weaving, and yarn. With a history of the crafts, cutting-edge industry surveys, and self-help planning tools, this book will empower beginning crafters and inspire seasoned crafters to turn their creative talents into a successful occupation.

• Offers peer advice from nearly 50 experienced craftspeople

• Offers an eclectic mix of inspirational job profiles

• Advertising to include The Crafts Report and American Crafts

Susan Joy Sager is an artist and founder of ArtBiz, a center for professional development of artists and craftspeople. She is a regular contributor to The Crafts Report, WoodShop News, and the Maine Crafts Association Newsletter. She is the author of The ArtBiz Workbook and Selling Your Crafts. Sager lives in South Berwick, ME.