This section provides a selection of crafts-sector related advice from a range of experts along with recommendations and guidance from makers who have already been there and done it.
The information is divided into five areas - general advice, selling, funding/grants, professional advice and contacts for further information and help.
General Advice
Going Japanese
In 2004 three Scottish makers were selected to go on the British Crafts in Japan Outward Mission organised by the Crafts Council. What were they hoping to get from it? Did the reality match up to their hopes? craftscotland talks to Inge Panneels and Sara Keith to find out about their oriental experiences.
Residency Experiences
There are a huge range of different residencies available across Scotland, the UK and Internationally. Is it always a positive experience for the maker? How do they differ? craftscotland explores the opportunities and asks makers 'how was it for you?'.
Read our diary of a residency by jeweller, Sarah Keay, who has just completed the Elements of Change two project based in schools in Ayrshire.
Papermaking in Taiwan
Last year Caithness papermaker Joanne Kaar spent six months in Taiwan as artist-in-residence at Chaoyang University. Find out the suprising way this opportunity came about and how her work was influenced by the rituals of Taiwan leading to an exhibition in the Su-Ho Paper Museum in Taipei.
New Technology
The TACTiCS project – Toward Applying Computer Technology in Craft - explores and aims to support the application of computer driven technologies in relation to contemporary craft practice. They have produced a free CD package to help makers explore the potential for using computer technology in contemporary craft practice. Find our how more about the project and CD package in our news story.
Inspiration for Young People
IDEASFACTORY Scotland is a Channel 4 Education initiative to support young people wanting to develop a career in creative industries – including the crafts sector. It works on two levels, blending on-line and off-line activities. Find out more in our feature.
Selling
Pricing Your Work
Pricing your work correctly is a vital part of running a successful business. Our craftscotland factsheet contains advice on establishing a cost for your work, creating pricing structures, deciding your terms and conditions, good customer relations, solving payment problems and useful contacts for more information. Download the Pricing Your Work factsheet and find out about other craftscotland factsheets.
Approaching Galleries
Be professional - that's the important thing to remember when approaching a commercial gallery. Lynn Park, Director of Applied Arts at the Roger Billcliffe Gallery in Glasgow provides some valuable advice for makers about approaching galleries.
Profiles of Scottish Galleries
craftscotland regularly features different galleries who sell craft in our new stories, and we are now developing a series of profiles to help makers to find out more about a gallery before they make an approach. Our first gallery profiles are the Juno Gallery on the Cowal Peninsula and the Castle Gallery in Inverness.
Selling Overseas
Every maker profiled on this website now has a constant presence in an international market. Can you use the website to market your work? How do you handle an international enquiry? Find out where to go for help.
Creative Export also provides an information portal to help creative businesses with exporting.
Chelsea Crafts Fair
craftscotland asked a group of makers who have exhibited at Chelsea Craft Fair (now replaced by Origin: the London Craft Fair) what advice they would give to makers going there for the first time? Read their Chelsea tips covering everything from secret stores of food to methods of payment.
Surviving a Selling Event
The advice in our craftscotland factsheet on surviving a selling event comes from textile designer James Donald and sculptural willow weaver Lizzie Farey, who have sold their work at selling events in the UK and internationally. Their advice for making the most of a selling event was presented at an event organised by the Crafts Council for exhibitors going to Origin: the London Craft Fair 2006. It could equally apply to any selling event and provides useful tips for first time exhibitors and helpful reminders for the more experienced exhibitor. Download the factsheet and find out about other craftscotland factsheets.
Funding, Grants & Awards
Grants & Awards Information
There are a variety of grants and awards available on an annual basis at regular times each year. This craftscotland grants and awards summary has details about what is available, application deadlines and where to get more information.
Details about one-off grants are included in Opportunities and Training.
Scottish Arts Council Funding
Find out further information on Scottish Arts Council funding.
Professional Advice
Cultural Enterprise Office
The Cultural Enterprise Office offers a free business information, advice, development and support service for individuals and micro businesses operating in Scotland’s creative and cultural industries. Find out more at www.culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or call enquiries 0844 544 9990.
Legal Issues
This website provides useful legal information for artists and crafts makers in the UK.
Contacts
Craft Organisations
There are also a range of organisations that represent and support Makers:
For a listing of Crafts Guilds & Associations.
For information on Craft Development Officers in Scotland.
