One of the trends of recent years that I am so happy to see is the popularity of handmade crafts for sale. Obviously, Etsy has played a huge role in this. While I know Etsy is not perfect, I love the idea that they created this online marketplace for handmade goods. Not only did it make it a viable option for people to start selling their products, I think it created more a demand for handmade things.
What I am also amazed by is how Instagram is playing into this trend. It is such a visual platform that it seems to be the perfect way for an artist to offer their pieces to the people who love their work. Artists are able to post their products as soon as they are listed and within minutes, it is SOLD via IG.
I am a good example of how well this works. Recently, another artist I follow on Instagram, Jessica Handmade, posted a photo of her first set of Christmas ornaments she had just finished making and that would soon go on “Instasale”, which basically means if you want it, you put your email address in the comments, and the first person gets it. She then bills you via PayPal and sends the piece. Here’s the ornament. It should be here soon and I can’t wait to hang it up.
Handmade painted clay ornament by Jessica Handmade
If you are interested in this movement that supports independent makers, Grace Bonney’s “After the Jump” podcast is a great resource. Every week she interviews someone from a creative industry, oftentimes independent artists. They share their stories of how their business came to be, and what its like being in business as an independent artist. Fascinating!
There is definitely a community and culture for “makers” that I hope continues to grow and be celebrated. I will be on the front lines cheering (and buying when i can).
