I spent the last few weeks thinking, and reading, and talking, and spending very little time on the internet. I didn’t answer emails, I didn’t check twitter, and I didn’t work, even when the urge struck. I spent much of 2014 feeling like a hamster on a wheel, always working but seemingly getting nowhere, and I needed a break. I needed to allow myself to be bored.
After two weeks off, you’d think I’d be ready to get back to it – the first Monday after the new year seems to be the true New Years Day when it comes to resolutions, doesn’t it? But I’m feeling a bit slow today and judging from my instagram feed, I am not the only one. I spent some time looking back on the last year of posts this morning… and found myself scrolling through the maker and brand interviews to get to the advice. I’m feeling a little more motivated, and I hope you’ll feel the same. Happy New Year!
“School, workshops, and internships are great as a jumping off point but there is no substitute for getting out there and doing. You’ll fail often that but that’s when you’ll learn the most.”
CAM Jewelry
“Making is great but if you want to make a living you must find a market that wants what you’re making and you have to figure out how to get your stuff to that market. If you can do that you will be more successful than your wildest dreams. If you’re out there struggling, reach out to people and ask for help. People want to help and want you to succeed.”
Conway Electric
“Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you believe in your idea and think you have what it takes to get it done, go for it! But be prepared because once you launch, your business is your baby – it’s wonderful, but it will take everything you have.”
Common Good
“You have to be ok with carving your own path. Responsible production takes a lot of constant assessment, you are constantly making and remaking a commitment to yourself.”
Heidi Merrick
“Find a group of supportive makers and creatives, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Other makers in your community have a wealth of knowledge, even if they are working in an entirely different medium than yours. Finding a like-minded group of creative friends can be a life-saver when you run a creative business, and most people are more than happy to lend a hand when they can.”
Cotton & Flax
“Take a leap of faith. It’s what life is all about and even if something does not work out, you will have learned from it and that means you’re growing and changing. If we’re stagnant, we’re nothing. Your instincts are usually right.”
Pierrepont Hicks
“Listen to your gut and do what feels right to you – never lose sight of your vision.”
Giejo
“‘Don’t give up’ covers a lot… Sometimes you just have to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and that can truly help.”
Maison du Soir
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