Yesterday on Design*Sponge, I shared my top 10 must read business books. (If you’ve just found your way over from D*S for the first time, welcome!)
I included Craft Inc. on that list, and while I consider it a fantastic resource, it’s not the only book on the market aimed at anyone running (or looking to start) a creative business. While many of the books on the market provide valuable insight on running a craft business, each has a slightly different focus. So I thought I’d do a little roundup here of three of my faves, to highlight which book might be right for you:
Craft, Inc.
Read it if: you dream of being the next Amy Butler or Jonathan Adler.
Craft Inc. is still my favorite crafts-business book, but it’s also slanted towards the kind of business I run. It focuses on designing for production, understanding the market, selling wholesale, and trade shows. But it’s also full of useful information on the nuts and bolts of your business, developing your brand, pricing, and other sales venues. Pair it with the Craft Inc. Business Planner
The Handmade Marketplace
Read it if: you want to run a small but successful business selling your work online and at craft fairs.
Kari Chapin’s newly released book is a must read if you want to grow your online business or find success at craft fairs. Like Craft Inc, the Handmade Marketplace covers the basics of setting up your business, branding, and marketing. But it goes much deeper into tapping into your creative community and the potential of online marketing. And it goes even deeper into selling at craft fairs and online. If you’re looking to build your business by selling directly to the customer through established handmade venues, this book is a good place to start.
I’d Rather Be in the Studio
Read it if: you dream of selling in galleries and cultivating collectors across the country.
If you’re more interested in one of a kind work than production models, then you should definitely check out I’d Rather Be in the Studio. It doesn’t cover the nuts and bolts of running a business (you should check out another small biz guidebook for that) but it does teach you how to promote your work and increase your sales so you can spend the maximum amount of time focusing on creating your work.
Each of these books is full of valuable information, and could prove useful depending on how your business changes. But if you’ve got an idea of where you want to go, picking the book that most aligns with your goals will help get you there faster.
Any other craft business books you’d recommend? Feel free to share ’em in the comments!
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I am interested in books for artists who want to run an art-related business — like hosting workshops and selling some retail. any suggestions for books along those lines? I have a few: “How To Start a Home-Based Craft Business” (which is also geared for the artist working from home – great for them if they’re setting up themselves as a BUSINESS; I also have books about writing a business plan – if anyone’s doing that – they’re very helpful.) — Davielle in California
Megan- I saw your article on Design Sponge and loved it! I have been reading your blog and Design Sponge for a few months now, so it was fun to see you two collide.
Great pics. Some I have read and some I have not read. I am excited to check out the others you listed – you can never learn enough!
One book that I would recommend is called The Boss of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business by Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon.
This book has given me a lot of insight as to the nuts and bolts of a business – crafting or otherwise.
I just wanted to thank you for your book recommendations. I bought Craft, Inc. based on your recommended reading list and now I’m going to check out I’d Rather be in the Studio. Craft, Inc. has definitely helped me with the nuts and bolts but as someone who paints, I think “Studio” might be a little more beneficial. All great reads!!
Thanks! Looks like the Handmade Marketplace is just up my alley.
I just sent interlibrary loan requests for Craft, Inc. and The Handmade Marketplace. Can’t wait to read them!! 🙂
Thank you for recommending these. I bought Handmade Marketplace a couple weeks ago and LOVE it!! It is perfect for my up and coming business.
My favorite is Crafts and Craft Shows http://amzn.com/1581154704 – practical advice for how to thrive in the crafts business and sell at crafts fairs from an old pro!
I’d also like to recommend “The Artist’s Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love” by Jackie Battenfield. Lots of great resources and advice! She makes everything you want to do as an artist sound possible which I appreciate too.
Craft Inc is the best around!! And a buyers tip – I always look on http://www.half.com for used copies first.
I just finished reading Craft Inc. It’s a good basic read and has great inspirational interviews from successful crafters. However, they need to update. There is a section on social marketing and no mention of Facebook. I would recommend The E-Myth — not craft specific, but makes you think about things you need to put in place if you want to really turn what you love into a business.
I have the first two books and have read both multiple times. I always find something new and useful to think about. My other favorite book along these lines is The Creative Entrepreneur. http://tiny.cc/b7yae
I have read and I act on I’d Rather Be in the Studio. Your other suggestions sound great, though. I get your blog on an rss feed so that I can soak up all your information. Thanks so much for a wonderful blog!
Thanks for you post! I read several books about creating crafty businesses, and like Gina, the one I would particularly recommend is The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears. This one is not specifically about crafts (the authors own a web design agency) but is still extremely useful to give anyone a good idea about what entrepreneurship really is.
It’s pretty basic, and not really philosophical, but Search Engine Optimization for Dummies is a fantastic and readable book! If you have your own website, it has so much good information and was definitely an eye-opener.
Most of the sites currently on the web are not detected by search engines. When you think about how much money some people spend on web development only to find out it’s all flash or Java based and not an ounce readable by search engines, it can get pretty scary! There is a lot of sound advice and knowledge you can use. Plus, the book doesn’t use generalities which drives me nuts when it comes to business or tech advice- instead, it lays out the steps and where to go, what to do.
Hi Megan- I am in Allyson Stanfield’s Shameless Self-Promotion Workshop workshop this weekend. It’s very motivating and full of great info. I am sure the worshop in conjunction with the book will be great way to move forward. Thanks for the great recs.
The reason there are defifrent face products is mainly the scent and men have a tendancy to have rougher drier skin than women. So they need a defifrent type of moisturizer. Honestly you would have to tell me what kind of moisturizer was advertised and I can tell you if it is safe for your face.
These books looks great. Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll have to check them out.
This is so wonderful! The book suggestions, the tips and generous professional insights. Why do people bother going to business school when they can visit Crafting an MBA?
Thank you again and again, Megan.