The Business of Beading
I get a lot of emails from jewelry makers, beaders, designers, and writers asking for advice about jump starting their careers. Some want to make a living from selling their hand-crafted jewelry. Others want to open a bead shop. And then some want to be freelance writers like myself.
While I do the best I can in giving them advice, I often feel some are really looking for that magic wand. At least for me, my career didn’t just magically appear over night. In fact, I am still figuring things out. One way I do this is to experiment. Just like designing jewelry, I am designing my career. And, there’s no one way to do this.
Sometimes an experiment works out great. But, often, it doesn’t, and while this can be disappointing, I believe in learning from my mistakes. Also, sometimes it’s all in the timing. Something might be a good idea, but it might not be the right time to persue it.
If I had to boil down my advice then, two things come to mind:
- Don’t be afraid to try something different, to experiment, and to possibly fail. If nothing else, you’ll learn what does and does not work for you.
- Expect to work long and work hard because there is no such thing as a magic wand or overnight success. If it takes keeping your day job for awhile longer, then so be it.
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POSTED IN: Jewelry Design Careers
2 opinions for The Business of Beading
Bella
Jun 25, 2006 at 2:45 am
Yes, the magic wand! I totally get that too, people sometimes think because you do something “creative” for a living either: a. a magic fairy hooked you up with the job and you got “lucky.” b. it’s all fun and games and being boho all day long. c. they don’t see the risk and hard work.
Amen! Had to get that off my chest, I just FINALLY opened my vintage jewelry boutique. I want you to check it out when you can, I would love to know what you think.
Tammy Powley
Jun 25, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Good for you, Bella. You have to take chances or nothing will happen in life.
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