 Join my community of jewelry designers on myPatreon hub From Warren and Land of Odds Use December’s Discount Code For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds: DECEMBER25 www.landofodds.com December 1, 2024 Hi everyone, Some Updates and Things Happening. (Please share this newsletter) 1. In our jewelry designers’ hub, I post questions students and customers have related to jewelry design, either the techniques, the materials, or the business. Here’s one of the latest. Please share your responses on the hub. Did the people closest to you, your family and friends, encourage or discourage your pursuit of art as a profession? Share your experiences or thoughts on the influence friends or family have had on your pursuit of your art and/or jewelry designing.  2. I have always tried to push my jewelry making students to see themselves as professionals providing a service to others. I wrote my first book — SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER — with this foremost in my mind. If I were teaching an undergraduate college class in jewelry design, this would be my textbook.  600pp, many images and diagrams Kindle or Ebook or Print Taking Jewelry Design Beyond Craft Jewelry making has aspects of craft to it, but it is so much more. It is art. It is architecture. It is communicative and interactive. It moves with the person wearing it. It is reflective of the jewelry designer’s hand. And it defines and reaffirms the narrative stories of everyone who wears it, views it, buys it, exhibits it, collects it, talks about it. To go beyond craft, the jewelry designer needs to become literate in this discipline called Jewelry Design. Literacy means understanding how to answer the question: Why do some pieces of jewelry draw your attention, and others do not? How to develop the authentic, creative self, someone who is fluent, flexible and original. How to gain the necessary design skills and be able to apply them, whether the situation is familiar or not. Craft and art techniques and theories are of little help. These do not show how to make trade-offs between beauty and functionality. Nor how to introduce pieces publicly. These provide weak rules for determining when a piece of jewelry is finished and successful. Often, the desires and motivations of wearers, viewers and buyers are minimized or ignored. So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer reinterprets craft techniques, modifies art theories, and introduces architectural, socio-cultural and perceptual-cognitive considerations so that jewelry makers are better prepared to approach design. By the end of So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer, established jewelry artisan Warren Feld teaches you how to • Select materials, techniques and technologies • Choose, compose, construct and manipulate jewelry design elements • Anticipate expectations, perceptions, values and desires of client audiences • Develop those soft skills of creativity, inspiration, aspiration and passion Warren Feld examines with you all those things which lead to your success as a jewelry designer, and your associated design practice or business. This book is for someone who wants to develop that strategic kind of thinking and speaking and doing which underly their discipline we call Jewelry Design. TABLE OF CONTENTS Why I wrote this book and acknowledgements AN INTRODUCTION 1. JEWELRY BEYOND CRAFT: GAINING A DISCIPLINARY LITERACY AND FLUENCY IN DESIGN 2. GETTING STARTED 2a. BECOMING THE BEAD ARTIST AND JEWELRY DESIGNER: The Ongoing Tensions Between Inspiration and Form 2b. BECOMING THE BEAD ARTIST AND JEWELRY DESIGNER: 5 Essential Questions Every Jewelry Designer Should Have An Answer For 2c. GETTING STARTED: CHANNELING YOUR EXCITEMENT 2d. GETTING STARTED: DEVELOPING YOUR PASSION 2e. GETTING STARTED: CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE 3. WHAT IS JEWELRY, Really? 4. MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES 4a. MATERIALS: Knowing What To Know 4b. TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES: Knowing What To Do 4c. MIXED MEDIA / MIXED TECHNIQUES 5. RULES OF COMPOSITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND MANIPULATION 5a. JEWELRY DESIGN COMPOSITION: PLAYING WITH BUILDING BLOCKS CALLED DESIGN ELEMENTS 5b. THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR 5c. POINT, LINE, PLANE, SHAPE, FORM, THEME: Creating Something Out Of Nothing 5d. JEWELRY DESIGN PRINCIPLES: COMPOSING, CONSTRUCTING, MANIPULATING 5e. HOW TO DESIGN AN UGLY NECKLACE: The Ultimate Designer’s Challenge / You Be The Judge 5f. ARCHITECTURAL BASICS OF JEWELRY DESIGN: Building In The Necessary Support and Structure 5g. ARCHITECTURAL BASICS OF JEWELRY DESIGN: Anatomy of a Necklace 5h. ARCHITECTURAL BASICS OF JEWELRY DESIGN: Sizing 6. DESIGN MANAGEMENT 6a. THE PROFICIENT DESIGNER: The Path To Resonance 6b. JEWELRY DESIGN: A Managed Process 6c. COMPONENT BASED DESIGN SYSTEMS: Building Both Efficiency As Well As Effectiveness Into Your Jewelry Designs 7. INTRODUCING YOUR DESIGNS PUBLICLY 7a. SHARED UNDERSTANDINGS AND DESIRES: THE CONVERSATION CENTERED WITHIN A DESIGN 7b. “BACKWARD-DESIGN” IS FORWARDS THINKING 8. DEVELOPING THOSE INTUITIVE SKILLS WITHIN 8a. CREATIVITY ISN’T FOUND, IT’S DEVELOPED 8b. INSPIRATION AND ASPIRATION 8c. YOUR PASSION FOR DESIGN: Finding It, Developing It, and Embedding It In Your Designs 9. JEWELRY IN CONTEXT 9a. CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY IS NOT A “LOOK” — IT’S A WAY OF “THINKING” 9b. CONTEMPORIZING TRADITIONAL JEWELRY: Transitioning From Conformity To Individuality 9c. Fashion-Style-Taste-Art-Design: Coordinating Aesthetics With Pleasure 9d. Designing With The Brain In Mind: Perception, Cognition, Sexuality 9e. SELF CARE 10. TEACHING DISCIPLINARY LITERACY: Strategic Learning in Jewelry Design SOME FINAL WORDS BY WARREN FELD ABOUT WARREN FELD OTHER ARTICLES AND TUTORIALS BY WARREN FELD Kindle or Ebook or Print 3. If you’re lacking confidence when pricing your art… Set a price at which you’ll sell the maximum number of pieces, and achieve the maximum profit for your business. Your goal: a consistent and steady level of sales (the price can’t prohibit most interested buyers from buying). Flipside: don’t price it so low that you’re not generating profit for yourself (or any gallery you apply to). “To do this, start by understanding your baselines: what does it cost to produce? What is the framing cost? Time?” For more information: Pricing and Selling Video Tutorial Conquering the Creative Marketplace book “A Foolproof Formula For Pricing And Selling Your Jewelry” article 4. “Is my art good enough to be in boutiques and galleries?” There is always a boutique or gallery out there in which you can show your jewelry. Just like there are jewelry designers at every phase of development & progression, the same is true for boutiques and galleries (at every level of development). As the boutique or gallery becomes more established and grows, they will become able to be more selective and assertive. “Our job, especially in the early phases, is to show our work to as many boutiques and galleries as possible. Find those that are interested in your work, and grow right along with your galleries.” Further reading: CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE book “Selling Your Pieces In Galleries: Some Strategic Choices” article 5. It’s approaching the end of the year. You might have some excess inventory that you need to sell, and want to take advantage of the season to promote a sale. Feel free to use or adapt either of these two images (my copyright so you have full permission) in your marketing:   6. People are often hesitant about signing up for coaching services. One thing we don’t think about as much when it comes to finding the motivation to be consistent with your jewelry designing is something I talk about a lot in other contexts: Know Thyself. This is something I work on with designers when coaching them. When I’m struggling with consistency, it’s not the same mayhem necessarily that you’re working with. Our remedies are going to be different potions. We have to do the work to know who we are, to look honestly and as objectively as possible at our patterns, and to understand why we struggle with certain things. If you’re getting pummeled by procrastination, what’s behind it? Fear? What are you afraid of? Why? Is your tendency toward perfectionism? Where’s that rooted? Wondering why you’re not getting the sales you anticipated? Got shiny object syndrome? Always looking for the next thing to pull you in and not letting yourself mature into something remarkable? What part of you thinks it’s being nourished by that pattern? There’s a lot we can do to motivate and channel creative effort, but it’s all going to be short-lived if we don’t get to the root of our patterns. So who are you and what are your actions and mindsets that are in the way of your motivation? I hope you’ll give yourself some time to consider these questions. If you’re ready for support in this critical exploration, review my COACHING services. Book your coaching session now. — Warren  7. People are always wondering what types of jewelry I make. This is how I describe my personal jewelry making style. My Personal Style My personal style centers on a few key elements. I like to… – Mix colors in unexpected ways, particularly colors you would not ordinarily assume would complement one another – Use a lot of what are called “grays”, such as black diamond, montana blue, colorado topaz, alexandrite, and other “simultaneity effects” – Combine both bead weaving, bead stringing, and wire-working techniques within the same piece, but typically the emphasis is on bead weaving techniques. – Modify traditional weaving and stringing techniques or come up with my own new ones– I’m very experimental – Define and play with forms and themes, and thresholds, frames and transitions from one form to the next – Have pieces that emphasize the sensual and sexual – Create unusual, unexpected placement of shapes, such as using curved tubes where you might expect a straight tube instead, or using a cube where you would expect a flat rondelle – Add dimensionality, curvature, and interlocking forms, where I can, to make my pieces both fashionable and contemporary – Add a sense of movement and move-ability, wherever possible, and likewise, anticipate the aesthetic and functional impacts and effects which come from movement when worn – Push the limits of, and experiment with, the materials and techniques I am using – Organize my pieces into Series I call “Collections.” For each Collection, I study a particular culture or technique or design theory, and play with what I’ve learned. How can I adopt what I’ve learned to my individual style and approach? Each Collection, then, is a personal challenge of expression and expressiveness. – Consider that both the art (appeal) and architecture (function) goals both must be satisfied to the fullest, which most often requires making tradeoffs in design, – Believe that jewelry can be judged as art only as it is worn, thus, designed in anticipation of this principle. 8. Some Quick Notes a. Added 70 new colors, size 11/0 Miyuki seed beads to Land of Odds catalog. Shop here. b. Added 130 new colors, delicas (size 11/0) to Land of Odds catalog. Shop here. c. Added 159 new colors, size 8/0 Miyuki seed beads to Land of Odds catalog. Shop here. d. Added 202 new colors, size 6/0 Miyuki seed beads to Land of Odds catalog. Shop here. “Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.” / Georgia O’Keeffe And don’t forget to use this 25% discount code throughout December at Land of Odds!! Use December’s Discount Code For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds: DECEMBER25 www.landofodds.com SOME POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED: Can Jewelry Designers Deduct the Value of Their Handmade JewelryDonated to Charities or Non-Profits? SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER: Creativity: How Do You Get It, How Do You Enhance It? ODDS or EVENS…What’s Your Preference? AN ADVERTISING PRIMER FOR JEWELRY DESIGNERS: How To Work Within Different Advertising Channels JEWELRY MAKING TIPS: When You Attend A Bead Show… HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT: The Musings Of A Jewelry Designer: RACE THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S ORIENTATION TO OTHER JEWELRY FINDINGS: PART 2 (of 2): CONTROLLERS AND ADAPTERS |
| WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com) Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join our community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists. One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice for all new members! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow me on social media: facebook, instagram shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com Where you can buy: Seed Beads and Delicas, Kits, Books, Finished Jewelry school.warrenfeldjewelry.com Take advantage of our video tutorials, mini-lessons, projects and our coaching services: Read articles about jewelry design and about the business of craft: Articles on Medium.com Books (in kindle, ebook or print formats) by Warren Feld, purchase from Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com: Kits by Warren Feld Ask about my COACHING services Arrange a GROUP ACTIVITY Add your email address to my Warren Feld Jewelry emailing list here.  Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips, sources of inspiration and insights with you. Join A Community Of Jewelry Designers On MyPatreon Hub   |
Archive for the ‘craft shows’ Category
THE JEWELERS’ PALETTE, 11/15/2024
Posted by learntobead on November 12, 2024
The Jewelers’ Palette, 11/15/2024
Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub
From Warren and
Land of Odds
Use November’s Discount Code For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
November 15, 2024
Hi everyone,
Some Updates and Things Happening.
(Please share this newsletter)
1. I have been participating with the Columbia TN Arts Council over the last several months. Their major tasks are to develop a sense of community among artists (broadly defined), and a sense of place in a several block area off the downtown identified as the Columbia Arts District. I wrote a visioning plan for this District which I want to share, and welcome any feedback and ideas for programs, and community and economic development.
The Columbia ARTS DISTRICT (CAD) was created to provide a haven for artists to live and work. The CAD is located a few blocks from Downtown Columbia in the South Garden/High Street area. The City has established historic zoning overlays to protect historic and cultural assets that include distinct neighborhoods like the ARTS DISTRICT. The area currently comprises several blocks of old warehouses, old houses (some historically significant), mobile homes and manufactured homes, and vacant lots. One warehouse building was turned into a multi-story mix of artist studios, retail spaces, coffee house, some office space. There are some restaurants and specialty shops in the District, but not many. Columbia is a small town of about 45,000 residents, growing 2–3% annually, and is located about 45 miles south of Nashville.
The BIG question for me was whether you can create a community-based Arts District, where the focus and energy emerge from how the community interacts with and finds meaningful experiences within the space, rather than focusing on physical design per se.
My SECONDARY question was whether a District designed to bring artists to live, work and play together can remain competitively viable over time, or will the community either lose interest or will the area become so attractive that gentrification negates its original reason for being. Time will tell, … as will smart thinking, planning, and cooperative partnering.
What makes a space into a place? Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution.
Great public spaces are those places where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges occur, friends run into each other, and cultures mix. They are the “front porches” of our public institutions — libraries, field houses, schools — where we interact with each other and government. When these spaces work well, they serve as the stage for our public lives.
2. I created several kits using leather cord and larger hole glass beads, and call your attention to these. They make great gifts!
Beads On Leather Kits
@Land of Odds
https://landofodds.com/beads-on-leather/
LATTICEWORKS BRACELET
Criss-crossed leather full of unusual glass belly donut rondelle beads.
STREETSENSE BRACELET
When you walk down the street, everyone knows you’re with it.
WALK-A-BOUTS BRACELET
A hip bracelet for those casual occasions.
Beads On Leather Kits
@Land of Odds
https://landofodds.com/beads-on-leather/
3. I encourage you to take advantage of the very low prices of delica beads on the Land of Odds website.
Compare Our Prices To What You Are Paying:
In this monthly newsletter, occasionally, like in this newsletter, you will find a discount coupon code that you can use on the Land of Odds website.
You can also become a paid subscribing member on our Jewelry Designers’ Patreon Hub, which entitles you to a 25% discount as long as you maintain your subscription.
4. If you have the resources, I strongly suggest you look into furthering your jewelry design education by attending a degree program. Here are the top 30 jewelry design programs in the United States:
Here are some of the leading jewelry design programs in the United States, known for their specialized curriculums, faculty expertise, and facilities. While specific rankings can vary by source, these schools are widely regarded as some of the best for jewelry design.
1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) — Providence, RI
- Offers a strong focus on metalwork, traditional jewelry techniques, and contemporary design principles.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) — Savannah, GA
- Provides a comprehensive approach with state-of-the-art facilities and focuses on various facets of jewelry design and business.
3. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) — New York, NY
- Known for hands-on learning and access to New York City’s fashion and jewelry industry.
4. California College of the Arts (CCA) — San Francisco, CA
- Emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and sustainable design practices.
5. Parsons School of Design — New York, NY
- Offers access to an extensive network in the fashion and luxury sectors, with an emphasis on innovative design.
6. Pratt Institute — Brooklyn, NY
- Known for a strong arts program and a metal/jewelry design program focused on both technical skills and creativity.
7. Cranbrook Academy of Art — Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Known for a small student body and intensive, personalized instruction.
8. University of the Arts — Philadelphia, PA
- Offers a jewelry and metals program that includes contemporary jewelry, metalsmithing, and interdisciplinary work.
9. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) — Chicago, IL
- Known for an experimental approach that blends traditional and digital techniques.
10. Temple University’s Tyler School of Art — Philadelphia, PA
- Focuses on combining creative expression with technical skill development.
11. University of Washington — Seattle, WA
- Known for a broad curriculum that includes both traditional metalworking and experimental materials.
12. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) — Richmond, VA
- Offers a BFA in Craft and Material Studies with a focus on metals and jewelry.
13. SUNY New Paltz — New Paltz, NY
- Known for its Metal/Jewelry Design program that integrates both artistic development and technical skill.
14. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) — Boston, MA
- Offers a program with a focus on metalsmithing, jewelry, and art history.
15. University of Oregon — Eugene, OR
- Known for a jewelry program that encourages both traditional and experimental methods.
16. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) — Long Beach, CA
- Offers a BFA in 3D Media focusing on metal and jewelry arts.
17. University of Georgia — Athens, GA
- Strong focus on craftsmanship and a broad approach to metal and jewelry design.
18. University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
- The jewelry and metals program is known for its commitment to traditional techniques and design principles.
19. Texas State University — San Marcos, TX
- Offers a BFA with a concentration in Metals and Jewelry, focusing on both technique and conceptual development.
20. Indiana University Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
- Known for its craft-focused metalsmithing program, including traditional and contemporary approaches.
21. North Bennet Street School — Boston, MA
- Provides a specialized training program in jewelry-making with a focus on bench skills and craftsmanship.
22. College for Creative Studies (CCS) — Detroit, MI
- Focuses on both jewelry and metalsmithing, providing a solid technical foundation.
23. Kent State University — Kent, OH
- Offers a jewelry/metals concentration that emphasizes craftsmanship and innovative design.
24. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, IL
- Known for an interdisciplinary approach, blending jewelry design with broader art and design disciplines.
25. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — Rochester, NY
- The School for American Crafts at RIT is highly regarded for its jewelry and metals programs.
26. Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
- Offers a focused jewelry and metals concentration that emphasizes skill development and conceptual work.
27. University of North Texas (UNT) — Denton, TX
- Known for a metals and jewelry program that encourages experimentation and craftsmanship.
28. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) — Milwaukee, WI
- Provides a curriculum that emphasizes both skill and design in jewelry-making.
29. Arizona State University (ASU) — Tempe, AZ
- Offers a robust jewelry program as part of its larger art program, with access to a variety of tools and techniques.
30. Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC) — Portland, OR
- Although it closed in 2019, its legacy remains influential, and several of its faculty and alumni continue to contribute to the field.
Each program has unique strengths, from technical skills to conceptual approaches and connections to the industry.
5. I wanted to share this email I received from Miguel Mayher at the Professional Artists Assn. We were beginning to discuss the need to be consistent in using Instagram and Emails to promote our businesses. I had brought up that it was difficult to maintain my motivation, especially given the time it takes to use social media.
Hi warren feld,
Yesterday, we talked about feeling overwhelmed.
Overwhelmed by the amount of energy and time that seems required to stay up to date on Instagram & your Email Newsletters.
And how that can hold you back from getting the consistent art income you desire.
Today, I want to dive deeper into why this feeling is SO COMMON in artists and what’s actually causing it.
📱 There are over *2 billion* monthly active users on Instagram.
🤯 And when you open the feed, it can be overwhelming.
🙅🏻♀️ It’s enough to make an established artist yell “nope!”…
…and close the app immediately, never to open it again.
Avoiding Instagram & Email doesn’t just stop you from using the tools, it also affects your entire “sharing your journey” workflow.
Some artists hold their cards close to their chest, but then expect strangers to buy the finished artwork at first glance.
Because when you’re opposed to these tools (and yes, they are just tools), you’re left waiting until you finish every artwork before you share it.
Or even worse — waiting for your next “show” to announce it to the world.
Then your audience doesn’t feel like they were part of that creative process…
…they are not invested in your artist journey…
…because you are not sharing it with them.
And so surprise, surprise… they are not “bought in”.
Maybe you do end up sending that jam-packed newsletter with a smorgasbord of updates about the last 6 months…
….not QUITE what you wanted, but you settle, “good enough I guess…”.
And a whole world of steady monthly direct sales seems out of reach for you.
Here’s the truth though… it’s not your fault:
- Instagram is a hungry beast and the algorithm does reward consistency.
- Emails are easy for writers, using WORDS, but not for most visual artists.
So without a good framework to simplify all this, it’s natural to get lost.
The big problem is the time and energy required to keep the Instagram & Email wheels turning…
👨👩👧👦 Competes with your family time
🎨 Competes with your studio time
🤹♀️ Competes with “life’s demands” time
And so how can you justify investing your precious time and energy in them?
You don’t have a simple system to navigate the sea of online art marketing.
If you had a clear system, it’d be hard to get lost, even if you’re an introvert.
I have an amazingly simple framework to share with you at the end of this week, but for now, here’s some encouragement…
❌ You DON’T need to POST EVERY DAY.
❌ You DON’T need to EMAIL EVERY WEEK.
And most importantly… stop thinking of your newsletters as NEWS.
Start thinking of them as Letters, or even better, POSTCARDS.
They are a casual conversation.
Ideally one single topic per email.
And they either share your journey… or give an opportunity to buy from you.
No middle ground.
I know even this is a lot easier said than done, but don’t worry, over the next few days I’ll be holding your hand and helping you out.
In tomorrow’s email, I’ll share a simple framework that will help you look at your online marketing as an enjoyable documenting of your journey.
Even if you are not a writer.
Talk soon,
Miguel
Director of Education
The Professional Artist Association
ProfessionalArtist.com
P.S.
Remember, feeling overwhelmed is normal, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
6. I’ve added additional articles to my collection HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT. Check these out:
TRANSITIONS
A piece of jewelry is a series of sections, each integral to the piece, which must flow together visually and functionally. For example, transitioning from the strap to the centerpiece. How the jewelry designer manages the transitions between each section will determine to a great degree the success of the piece.
DOUBT / SELF-DOUBT
For the novice, all that excitement at the beginning, when thinking about making jewelry and making some pieces, sometimes collides with a wall of developing self-doubt. It’s not easy to quiet a doubt. Doubt may hold you back, but it can also be seen as an opportunity.
7. I liked this recent quote from KLIMT02
But the artist appeals to that part of our being which is not dependent on wisdom, to that in us which is a gift and not an acquisition- and, therefore, more permanently enduring. He speaks to our capacity for delight and wonder, to the sense of mystery surrounding our lives; to our sense of pity, and beauty, and pain; to the latent feeling of fellowship with all creation- and to the subtle but invincible conviction of solidarity that knits together the loneliness of innumerable hearts, to the solidarity in dreams, in joy, in sorrow, in aspirations, in illusions, in hope, in fear, which binds men to each other, which binds together all humanity- the dead to the living and the living to the unborn. / Joseph Conrad
8. Now is a good time to begin planning for enrichment travel and skills development opportunities you might take advantage of in 2025. Here are some ideas:
Here are 20 jewelry-related travel and learning opportunities in 2025, perfect for designers and enthusiasts who want hands-on experience, cultural immersion, and networking:
- Tucson Gem and Mineral Show — This iconic show offers a variety of workshops in jewelry making and design (Feb 8–11, Tucson, AZ). More information: Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
- Colors of the Stone — Held in Tucson alongside the Gem Show, with classes in bead making, metal clay, enameling, and more (Feb 1–8, 2025). Details: Colors of the Stone
- Santa Fe Symposium — An annual jewelry technology conference, ideal for designers interested in advanced techniques and business insights (Santa Fe, NM). Find details at Santa Fe Symposium.
- Pasadena Bead & Design Show — Featuring jewelry making and design workshops, Pasadena’s show offers a space for artists and buyers (Jan 17–19, 2025). Learn more: Bead & Design Shows
- Studio di Mare — Sogni d’Oro — In Italy, join immersive jewelry retreats that blend cultural exploration with expert-led classes in enameling and stone setting (Summer 2025, San Mango Piemonte). More info: Studio di Mare
- Great Bead Escape Retreat — A jewelry workshop retreat in Florida offering classes by skilled instructors, suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike (April 23–27, 2025, Live Oak, FL). Explore more: The Great Bead Escape
- Marin Arts & Crafts Show — A blend of jewelry and fine arts workshops in a scenic setting, ideal for creatives (Mar 7–9, 2025, San Rafael, CA). Details at Marin Arts & Crafts Show.
- Jewelry Arts Academy — Florence — Offers jewelry design and goldsmithing programs with Italian artisans in Florence. Contact them at Jewelry Arts Academy.
- SNAG Conference — Society of North American Goldsmiths hosts its annual conference with workshops and talks on metalsmithing and jewelry (Spring 2025, Location TBA). Info: SNAG Conference.
- Ecole des Arts Joailliers — A prestigious Parisian school offering workshops and courses on traditional French jewelry techniques. Check out L’École Van Cleef & Arpels.
- Penland School of Craft — Located in North Carolina, Penland offers workshops in metalworking and jewelry design throughout the year. Discover more: Penland School.
- Istanbul Jewelry Show — Workshops and networking in a historic jewelry hub, with thousands of international jewelers (March 2025, Istanbul, Turkey). Info at Istanbul Jewelry Show.
- John C. Campbell Folk School — This school in North Carolina provides jewelry and metalsmithing workshops year-round in a peaceful, rural setting. See John C. Campbell Folk School.
- Munich Jewellery Week — An annual celebration of contemporary jewelry art in Munich, Germany, with exhibitions, talks, and workshops (March 2025). Visit Munich Jewellery Week.
- Craft in America Jewelry Residency — A Los Angeles residency offering workshops, talks, and mentorship for emerging jewelers. Find out more at Craft in America.
- Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts — Tennessee-based school offers multi-day workshops in metals and jewelry design. Learn more: Arrowmont.
- American Jewelry Design Council Workshop — A one-day workshop for emerging jewelry artists in the U.S. More details: AJDC.
- Jewelry Studies International — Offers annual workshops in Austin, Texas, on topics like CAD jewelry design and hand engraving. See Jewelry Studies International.
- Walnut Creek Bead & Design Show — A bead and jewelry show with classes in techniques like chainmaille and wire wrapping (Mar 21–23, 2025). Details: Bead & Design Shows
- Jewelry Design Lab NYC — Based in New York City, this lab offers short-term and seasonal classes in modern jewelry-making techniques. Find out more at Jewelry Design Lab NYC.
These programs provide a diverse range of learning, travel, and cultural experiences to enhance skills and deepen your appreciation of jewelry design worldwide.
Some more ideas:
1. Gemstone Mining Experience in Sri Lanka
- Travel to Sri Lanka to visit traditional sapphire mines, learn about sourcing gemstones, and attend workshops on stone cutting and polishing.
2. Jewelry Design Retreat in Bali
- Join a retreat focused on traditional Balinese silversmithing techniques, including hands-on workshops with local artisans.
3. Italian Goldsmithing Tour in Florence, Italy
- Explore Florence’s historic goldsmithing district, including visits to renowned ateliers and classes on classic Italian jewelry techniques.
4. Diamond District Tour in Antwerp, Belgium
- Gain exclusive insights into the diamond trade with a behind-the-scenes tour of Antwerp’s Diamond District and attend a masterclass on diamond grading.
5. Native American Jewelry Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Discover Native American jewelry traditions with workshops led by expert artisans in silver and turquoise jewelry.
6. Gemstone Safari in Tanzania
- Participate in a guided tour of Tanzanian tanzanite mines, with sessions on gem selection, sourcing ethics, and jewelry design.
7. Paris Jewelry Week
- Attend Paris Jewelry Week, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and networking events with prominent European designers and jewelry houses.
8. Jewelry Design Masterclass in Jaipur, India
- Study Indian jewelry design, from enameling to intricate gemstone settings, with local artisans in the “Pink City,” Jaipur.
9. Silversmithing Workshop in Taxco, Mexico
- Taxco is famous for silver. Join a workshop to learn silver jewelry crafting techniques from skilled Mexican artisans.
10. Luxury Jewelry Show Tour in Dubai
- Tour Dubai’s high-end jewelry markets, attend the International Jewellery Show, and visit the Gold Souk for an insider look at the luxury jewelry industry.
11. Art Deco Jewelry Tour in New York City
- A guided tour through New York’s Art Deco landmarks and workshops focusing on jewelry inspired by this iconic style.
12. Lapidary Arts Course in Idar-Oberstein, Germany
- Idar-Oberstein is known for its gem-cutting industry. Attend a course on lapidary arts and gem faceting techniques.
13. Pearl Cultivation Workshop in Okinawa, Japan
- Learn about pearl farming in Okinawa with tours of pearl farms, plus hands-on sessions in pearl grading and jewelry design.
14. Scandinavian Design Tour in Copenhagen, Denmark
- A guided tour focusing on Scandinavian jewelry design, featuring visits to design museums, workshops, and jewelry houses.
15. Thai Gold and Gemstone Tour in Bangkok, Thailand
- Explore Bangkok’s gem and gold markets, attend workshops on Thai goldsmithing, and learn about local jewelry design traditions.
16. Russian Enameling and Filigree Workshop in St. Petersburg
- Learn traditional Russian techniques of enameling and filigree in a workshop setting in historic St. Petersburg.
17. Artisanal Gold Mining Tour in Colombia
- Visit artisanal gold mines in Colombia and attend workshops focused on sustainable and ethical jewelry sourcing.
18. Swiss Watchmaking and Jewelry Workshop in Geneva, Switzerland
- Discover Swiss craftsmanship with a combination of jewelry-making and watchmaking workshops and factory tours.
19. African Beadwork and Jewelry Design Tour in Ghana
- Join a cultural tour and workshop on traditional African beadwork and jewelry-making in Ghana’s artisan villages.
20. Modern Jewelry Design Course in Barcelona, Spain
- Attend a design-intensive course focusing on modern techniques, including 3D jewelry design, hosted in Barcelona.
These trips offer unique learning experiences, hands-on practice, and exposure to global jewelry design techniques and cultures.
And don’t forget to use this 25% discount code
throughout November at Land of Odds!!
Use November’s Discount Code
For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
That’s it for now! There is a lot of creative expression all around the world right now. Hope you get to experience a lot of it, either first hand, or through social media online.
WSF
SOME POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:
(1) HOLD THEIR ATTENTION WITH TEXT HOOKS
One way of keeping and holding someone’s attention is to use what is called a text hook or verbal hook at the beginning — literally within the first 2 seconds.
(2) How do you make the leap from another career to becoming a full-time jewelry designer?
(3) How To Bead A Rogue Elephant: DOUBT AND SELF-DOUBT
For the novice, all that excitement at the beginning, when thinking about making jewelry and making some pieces, sometimes collides with a wall of developing self-doubt. It’s not easy to quiet a doubt. Doubt may hold you back, but it can also be seen as an opportunity.
(4) How To Bead A Rogue Elephant: TRANSITIONS
A piece of jewelry is a series of sections, each integral to the piece, which must flow together visually and functionally. For example, transitioning from the strap to the centerpiece. How the jewelry designer manages the transitions between each section will determine to a great degree the success of the piece.
(5) SIGNATURE READY? … You Judge!
(6) COLUMBIA ARTS DISTRICT: CASE STUDIES
There are many approaches various towns and cities have taken when finding that mix of art and planning necessary for revitalization, and community and economic development.
(7) COLUMBIA TENNESSEE ARTS DISTRICT VISIONING PLAN
Establishing an arts identity can take many directions. A vibrant arts scene no longer means a street lined with art galleries. It can include a broader segment of the creative community — theatre, music, writing, crafts, fashion, media arts, applied arts and graphic design, interior design. The specific arts identity for any community is shaped by those arts for which a community has a special affinity for, as well as the types of assets available to support those arts.
Feature your jewelry Here next week In This Newsletter, as well as, on our Jewelry Designer’s Hub!
Email a post (text and/or image) to warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com.
Promote your current projects, promotional copy, News & Views, videos, reels, tutorials, instructions, social media posts online in this newsletter and on our jewelry designers’ Patreon hub.
No deadlines! Opportunity available all the time. No fees.
But don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity.
FREEBIRD FEATHERS by B. Batson-Paculabo
https://www.freebirdfeathers.com
View the featured story in our App
“Our story is rooted in the personal testimony of our founder, B. Batson-Paculabo, which tells of how she overcame a low season of adversity with a God encounter and answered prayers that led to liberation and unlocking gifts from within.”
This copyrighted material is published here with permission of the author(s) as noted, or with Land of Odds or Warren Feld Jewelry. All rights reserved.
Repairs Stumping You?
Let Me Take A Look
I take in a lot of jewelry repairs. People either bring them to me in Columbia, TN, or, I pick them up and deliver them back in Nashville. I am in Nashville at least once a week. It’s been convenient for most people to meet me at Green Hills Mall. But if not, I can come to your workplace or your home. This is perfectly fine for me. My turnaround time typically is 3–4 weeks.
I do most repairs, but I do not do any soldering. I also do not repair watches. These are the kinds of repairs I do:
o Beaded jewelry
o Pearl knotting, hand knotting
o Size/Length adjustment
o Re-stringing
o Wire work/weave/wrap
o Micro macrame
o Broken clasp replacfement
o Earring repair
o Replace lost rhinestones or gemstones
o Stone setting
o Stretchy bracelet
o Metal working which does not involve soldering
o Bead woven jewelry and purses
o Beaded clothing
o Custom jewelry design
View my How-To-Repair-Jewelry videos on our Jewelry Designers’ Hub.
My most recent how-to: Converting 3-Strand Stretchy Bracelet to Cable Wire W/ Clasp
WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join our community of jewelry designers
on my Patreon hub
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice for all new members!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow me on social media: facebook, instagram
shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Where you can buy:
Seed Beads and Delicas, Kits, Books, Finished Jewelry
school.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Take advantage of our video tutorials, mini-lessons, projects and our coaching services:
Read articles about jewelry design and about the business of craft:
Articles on Medium.com
Books (in kindle, ebook or print formats) by Warren Feld, purchase from Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com:
Kits by Warren Feld
Ask about my COACHING services
Arrange a GROUP ACTIVITY
Add your email address to my Warren Feld Jewelry emailing list here.
Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.
Join A Community Of Jewelry Designers
On My Patreon Hub
Posted in architecture, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: accessories, art and planning, craftsmanship, fashion, jewelry, jewelry design education, jewelry making, urban planning | Leave a Comment »
THE JEWELERS’ PALETTE, 11/1/2024
Posted by learntobead on October 29, 2024
Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub
From Warren and
Land of Odds
Use November’s Discount Code For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
November 1, 2024
Hi everyone,
Some Updates and Things Happening.
(Please share this newsletter)
1. I wanted to share some great resources for packaging and display supplies:
FETPAK
www.fetpak.com
AZAR DISPLAYS
https://azardisplays.com/
ULINES
https://www.uline.com/
VISIPAK
https://www.visipak.com/
CLEAR BAGS
https://www.clearbags.com/
2. A couple of quick links for you that you might want to bookmark
a. RIO GRANDE’s new KNOWLEDGE HUB
Access an ever-expanding library of articles, videos, podcast episodes, charts, and graphs available 24/7. Whether you’re interested in the latest trends in jewelry design and techniques or problem-solving at the bench, we have a wealth of information ready to help you learn, grow, and thrive.
Tons of info about jewelry and every kind of technique of jewelry making.
b. The 2024 Summer Design Challenge Winning Design
Matthew Piorkowski’s winning piece, “Interstellar”, features a stunning fantasy-cut octagon ametrine showcased in a custom yellow-gold pendant setting. Centered on the bail is a brilliant square-shaped diamond with sixteen accenting diamonds along the left side of the pendant mounting, creating visual interest along the path of the diamonds.
Rio Grande runs a seasonal challenge called For the Love of Jewelers Design Challenge. They haven’t announced winter or spring submissions rules yet. Check on their website: www.riogrande.com
c. 7 Steps to Create Photorealistic Images With Stable Diffusion w. Chat AI’s Image Generator
In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, the ability to create photorealistic images has become a groundbreaking achievement. ChatAI‘s Image Generator, powered by advanced Stable Diffusion models, offers users the tools to create images that blur the line between reality and AI-generated art. This article will guide you through the 7 steps to create photorealistic images with Stable Diffusion, focusing on the art of prompting. We’ll start by explaining what photorealistic images are, delve into the concept of Stable Diffusion, and then provide a step-by-step guide to crafting effective prompts. At the end, we will share 15 example prompts to inspire your creativity.
3. I encourage you to take advantage of the very low prices of delica beads on the Land of Odds website.
Compare Our Prices To What You Are Paying:
In this monthly newsletter, occasionally, like in this newsletter, you will find a discount coupon code that you can use on the Land of Odds website.
You can also become a paid subscribing member on our Jewelry Designers’ Patreon Hub, which entitles you to a 25% discount as long as you maintain your subscription.
4. 🎭 As a jewelry designer, it is important to identify your direction, voice, & identity.
Direction is understanding what work you want to make, and why you are making it (your emotional response to your work).
Voice is your unique take on your work’s descriptions and your unique way of portraying messages within your work.
Identity is about what you have experienced: what makes you you, including aspects like your family or where you grew up.
5. I’m always faulting craft show vendors for not having good enough signage for their booths. Recently, I came across this sign, and liked it.
6. What does jewelry sound like, I, for no particular reason, asked myself the other day, so I went to take a look.
To my surprise, there are thousands of jewelry sound effects. There are sounds the jewelry makes when someone wears it. There are sounds the jewelry makes when someone makes it.
22 Royalty Free Jewelry Sound Effects
https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/jewelry/
Click sample jewelry sound effect
Click sample jewelry ring spin sound effect
Click sample jewelry chain bounce sound effect
YouTube and Tik Tok have lots of jewelry sound effects
necklace jingling sound effect
7. Sometimes, as jewelry designers, we feel we don’t have the luxury of great access to resources — support, money, materials. There are opportunities available to you. Read the first of what will be a series of articles about this here.
NOTE: The word “artist” is often used in these opportunities, but in most cases, you should take this to be broadly defined, to include jewelry makers and fine craftspersons,
Building Creative Futures: Residencies, Grants, and Opportunities for Artists
“Often burdened with a bad reputation, an artist’s career is not the easiest path.
It’s true, that unstable income is not particularly reassuring in a world increasingly governed by financial power. After graduation, many young artists leave behind the schools where they had access to resources, mentorship, and time to create, often needing to fully realize how valuable that support was. This transition into the professional world can be daunting as they face the challenge of establishing themselves in a competitive industry.
With this in mind, we have created a series specifically dedicated to programs, grants, residencies and incubators, all aimed at supporting artists in research. This includes selected open calls, formative meetings, articles, and interviews published on Klimt02 to help artists better understand these opportunities and confidently use them as valuable resources to expand and communicate their creative practice.
This series will be continually updated to reflect the latest opportunities, ensuring you, the readers, have access to the most current information and resources published on Klimt02.”
8. Are you wondering if working with me as a coach would be a good fit?
Not sure if you’re ready or if you’re at the right place in your jewelry design journey? But you’re thinking that you want to do something powerful to bring more meaning to your art and start to actually make the pieces your soul is craving (maybe silently, maybe4 LOUDLY) to express?
Jewelry Design is not a simple, easy path. It is full of incredible challenges, and those are different for every designer. You will be confronted with struggle, obstacles will be placed at your feet, you’ll be bowled over by tedium, and frustrated by setbacks, befuddled when introducing your work publicly. Most things you will learn come from the art world or craft world, and don’t fit perfectly with what it means to design jewelry. The thing to remember is that those challenges are yours. They belong to you because you stepped into that world we call design. You have that desire to find and explore what all that means.
So often that first step in working deciding to work with a coach is the most difficult. But it is all about having the right guide through all the barriers and dilemmas and vagaries when designing jewelry.
I’m here to talk if you’re feeling stuck and curious about what it would be like to have the support of my mentorship program with you on the journey. Go ahead and schedule a free consultation to talk about your jewelry and problem solve some ways to jump start your creativity. This is a completely no-pressure opportunity to talk about your work and see if we can bring fresh energy, more meaning, and bitter impact to your art.
I’m here to offer guidance and if you think it’s a good fit to work together moving forward, that is great.
But really, this is a free opportunity, no pressure, absolutely no obligation. Let’s talk about where you’re at.
The easiest way to begin the process is to sign up here: COACHING WITH WARREN FELD
You can review what coaching entails. You can submit a form on this web page. When I receive it, I’ll schedule our free initial consultation. Beginning the process does not obligate you to anything.
Warren
And don’t forget to use this 25% discount code
throughout October at Land of Odds!!
Use November’s Discount Code
For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
That’s it for now! There is a lot of creative expression all around the world right now. Hope you get to experience a lot of it, either first hand, or through social media online.
WSF
Feature your jewelry
Here next week
In This Newsletter,
as well as,
on our Jewelry Designer’s Hub!
Email a post (text and/or image) to warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com.
Promote your current projects, promotional copy, News & Views, videos, reels, tutorials, instructions, social media posts online in this newsletter and on our jewelry designers’ Patreon hub.
No deadlines! Opportunity available all the time. No fees.
But don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity.
This copyrighted material is published here with permission of the author(s) as noted, or with Land of Odds or Warren Feld Jewelry. All rights reserved.
Repairs Stumping You?
Let Me Take A Look
I take in a lot of jewelry repairs. People either bring them to me in Columbia, TN, or, I pick them up and deliver them back in Nashville. I am in Nashville at least once a week. It’s been convenient for most people to meet me at Green Hills Mall. But if not, I can come to your workplace or your home. This is perfectly fine for me. My turnaround time typically is 3–4 weeks.
I do most repairs, but I do not do any soldering. I also do not repair watches. These are the kinds of repairs I do:
o Beaded jewelry
o Pearl knotting, hand knotting
o Size/Length adjustment
o Re-stringing
o Wire work/weave/wrap
o Micro macrame
o Broken clasp replacfement
o Earring repair
o Replace lost rhinestones or gemstones
o Stone setting
o Stretchy bracelet
o Metal working which does not involve soldering
o Bead woven jewelry and purses
o Beaded clothing
o Custom jewelry design
View my How-To-Repair-Jewelry videos on our Jewelry Designers’ Hub.
My most recent how-to: Converting 3-Strand Stretchy Bracelet to Cable Wire W/ Clasp
WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join our community of jewelry designers
on my Patreon hub
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice for all new members!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow me on social media: facebook, instagram
shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Where you can buy:
Seed Beads and Delicas, Kits, Books, Finished Jewelry
school.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Take advantage of our video tutorials, mini-lessons, projects and our coaching services:
Read articles about jewelry design and about the business of craft:
Articles on Medium.com
Books (in kindle, ebook or print formats) by Warren Feld, purchase from Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com:
Kits by Warren Feld
Ask about my COACHING services
Arrange a GROUP ACTIVITY
Add your email address to my Warren Feld Jewelry emailing list here.
Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.
Join A Community Of Jewelry Designers
On My Patreon Hub
THE JEWELERS’ PALETTE, 11/1/2024
Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub
From Warren and
Land of Odds
Use November’s Discount Code For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
November 1, 2024
Hi everyone,
Some Updates and Things Happening.
(Please share this newsletter)
1. I wanted to share some great resources for packaging and display supplies:
FETPAK
www.fetpak.com
AZAR DISPLAYS
https://azardisplays.com/
ULINES
https://www.uline.com/
VISIPAK
https://www.visipak.com/
CLEAR BAGS
https://www.clearbags.com/
2. A couple of quick links for you that you might want to bookmark
a. RIO GRANDE’s new KNOWLEDGE HUB
Access an ever-expanding library of articles, videos, podcast episodes, charts, and graphs available 24/7. Whether you’re interested in the latest trends in jewelry design and techniques or problem-solving at the bench, we have a wealth of information ready to help you learn, grow, and thrive.
Tons of info about jewelry and every kind of technique of jewelry making.
b. The 2024 Summer Design Challenge Winning Design
Matthew Piorkowski’s winning piece, “Interstellar”, features a stunning fantasy-cut octagon ametrine showcased in a custom yellow-gold pendant setting. Centered on the bail is a brilliant square-shaped diamond with sixteen accenting diamonds along the left side of the pendant mounting, creating visual interest along the path of the diamonds.
Rio Grande runs a seasonal challenge called For the Love of Jewelers Design Challenge. They haven’t announced winter or spring submissions rules yet. Check on their website: www.riogrande.com
c. 7 Steps to Create Photorealistic Images With Stable Diffusion w. Chat AI’s Image Generator
In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, the ability to create photorealistic images has become a groundbreaking achievement. ChatAI‘s Image Generator, powered by advanced Stable Diffusion models, offers users the tools to create images that blur the line between reality and AI-generated art. This article will guide you through the 7 steps to create photorealistic images with Stable Diffusion, focusing on the art of prompting. We’ll start by explaining what photorealistic images are, delve into the concept of Stable Diffusion, and then provide a step-by-step guide to crafting effective prompts. At the end, we will share 15 example prompts to inspire your creativity.
3. I encourage you to take advantage of the very low prices of delica beads on the Land of Odds website.
Compare Our Prices To What You Are Paying:
In this monthly newsletter, occasionally, like in this newsletter, you will find a discount coupon code that you can use on the Land of Odds website.
You can also become a paid subscribing member on our Jewelry Designers’ Patreon Hub, which entitles you to a 25% discount as long as you maintain your subscription.
4. 🎭 As a jewelry designer, it is important to identify your direction, voice, & identity.
Direction is understanding what work you want to make, and why you are making it (your emotional response to your work).
Voice is your unique take on your work’s descriptions and your unique way of portraying messages within your work.
Identity is about what you have experienced: what makes you you, including aspects like your family or where you grew up.
5. I’m always faulting craft show vendors for not having good enough signage for their booths. Recently, I came across this sign, and liked it.
6. What does jewelry sound like, I, for no particular reason, asked myself the other day, so I went to take a look.
To my surprise, there are thousands of jewelry sound effects. There are sounds the jewelry makes when someone wears it. There are sounds the jewelry makes when someone makes it.
22 Royalty Free Jewelry Sound Effects
https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/jewelry/
Click sample jewelry sound effect
Click sample jewelry ring spin sound effect
Click sample jewelry chain bounce sound effect
YouTube and Tik Tok have lots of jewelry sound effects
necklace jingling sound effect
7. Sometimes, as jewelry designers, we feel we don’t have the luxury of great access to resources — support, money, materials. There are opportunities available to you. Read the first of what will be a series of articles about this here.
NOTE: The word “artist” is often used in these opportunities, but in most cases, you should take this to be broadly defined, to include jewelry makers and fine craftspersons,
Building Creative Futures: Residencies, Grants, and Opportunities for Artists
“Often burdened with a bad reputation, an artist’s career is not the easiest path.
It’s true, that unstable income is not particularly reassuring in a world increasingly governed by financial power. After graduation, many young artists leave behind the schools where they had access to resources, mentorship, and time to create, often needing to fully realize how valuable that support was. This transition into the professional world can be daunting as they face the challenge of establishing themselves in a competitive industry.
With this in mind, we have created a series specifically dedicated to programs, grants, residencies and incubators, all aimed at supporting artists in research. This includes selected open calls, formative meetings, articles, and interviews published on Klimt02 to help artists better understand these opportunities and confidently use them as valuable resources to expand and communicate their creative practice.
This series will be continually updated to reflect the latest opportunities, ensuring you, the readers, have access to the most current information and resources published on Klimt02.”
8. Are you wondering if working with me as a coach would be a good fit?
Not sure if you’re ready or if you’re at the right place in your jewelry design journey? But you’re thinking that you want to do something powerful to bring more meaning to your art and start to actually make the pieces your soul is craving (maybe silently, maybe4 LOUDLY) to express?
Jewelry Design is not a simple, easy path. It is full of incredible challenges, and those are different for every designer. You will be confronted with struggle, obstacles will be placed at your feet, you’ll be bowled over by tedium, and frustrated by setbacks, befuddled when introducing your work publicly. Most things you will learn come from the art world or craft world, and don’t fit perfectly with what it means to design jewelry. The thing to remember is that those challenges are yours. They belong to you because you stepped into that world we call design. You have that desire to find and explore what all that means.
So often that first step in working deciding to work with a coach is the most difficult. But it is all about having the right guide through all the barriers and dilemmas and vagaries when designing jewelry.
I’m here to talk if you’re feeling stuck and curious about what it would be like to have the support of my mentorship program with you on the journey. Go ahead and schedule a free consultation to talk about your jewelry and problem solve some ways to jump start your creativity. This is a completely no-pressure opportunity to talk about your work and see if we can bring fresh energy, more meaning, and bitter impact to your art.
I’m here to offer guidance and if you think it’s a good fit to work together moving forward, that is great.
But really, this is a free opportunity, no pressure, absolutely no obligation. Let’s talk about where you’re at.
The easiest way to begin the process is to sign up here: COACHING WITH WARREN FELD
You can review what coaching entails. You can submit a form on this web page. When I receive it, I’ll schedule our free initial consultation. Beginning the process does not obligate you to anything.
Warren
And don’t forget to use this 25% discount code
throughout October at Land of Odds!!
Use November’s Discount Code
For Extra 25% Off @Land of Odds:
NOVEMBER25
www.landofodds.com
That’s it for now! There is a lot of creative expression all around the world right now. Hope you get to experience a lot of it, either first hand, or through social media online.
WSF
Feature your jewelry
Here next week
In This Newsletter,
as well as,
on our Jewelry Designer’s Hub!
Email a post (text and/or image) to warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com.
Promote your current projects, promotional copy, News & Views, videos, reels, tutorials, instructions, social media posts online in this newsletter and on our jewelry designers’ Patreon hub.
No deadlines! Opportunity available all the time. No fees.
But don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity.
This copyrighted material is published here with permission of the author(s) as noted, or with Land of Odds or Warren Feld Jewelry. All rights reserved.
Repairs Stumping You?
Let Me Take A Look
I take in a lot of jewelry repairs. People either bring them to me in Columbia, TN, or, I pick them up and deliver them back in Nashville. I am in Nashville at least once a week. It’s been convenient for most people to meet me at Green Hills Mall. But if not, I can come to your workplace or your home. This is perfectly fine for me. My turnaround time typically is 3–4 weeks.
I do most repairs, but I do not do any soldering. I also do not repair watches. These are the kinds of repairs I do:
o Beaded jewelry
o Pearl knotting, hand knotting
o Size/Length adjustment
o Re-stringing
o Wire work/weave/wrap
o Micro macrame
o Broken clasp replacfement
o Earring repair
o Replace lost rhinestones or gemstones
o Stone setting
o Stretchy bracelet
o Metal working which does not involve soldering
o Bead woven jewelry and purses
o Beaded clothing
o Custom jewelry design
View my How-To-Repair-Jewelry videos on our Jewelry Designers’ Hub.
My most recent how-to: Converting 3-Strand Stretchy Bracelet to Cable Wire W/ Clasp
WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join our community of jewelry designers
on my Patreon hub
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice for all new members!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow me on social media: facebook, instagram
shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Where you can buy:
Seed Beads and Delicas, Kits, Books, Finished Jewelry
school.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Take advantage of our video tutorials, mini-lessons, projects and our coaching services:
Read articles about jewelry design and about the business of craft:
Articles on Medium.com
Books (in kindle, ebook or print formats) by Warren Feld, purchase from Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com:
Kits by Warren Feld
Ask about my COACHING services
Arrange a GROUP ACTIVITY
Add your email address to my Warren Feld Jewelry emailing list here.
Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.
Join A Community Of Jewelry Designers
On My Patreon Hub
Posted in architecture, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: accessories, art, craftsmanship, fashion, jewelry | Leave a Comment »
HOLD THEIR ATTENTION WITH TEXT HOOKS
Posted by learntobead on October 21, 2024
One way of keeping and holding someone’s attention is to use what is called a text hook or verbal hook at the beginning — literally within the first 2 seconds.
So, you have created a reel or a video or a slide show, and you want your viewers to take the time to view the entire piece from beginning to end. In our day and age, people spend about 2 seconds on something, then move onto the next. One way of keeping and holding their attention is to use what is called a text hook or verbal hook at the beginning — literally within the first 2 seconds. These hooks are designed to pique curiosity, make the viewer feel like they’ll gain something valuable, and create a sense of anticipation for what comes next.
Some examples for you:
- “What if I told you this one trick can improve your jewelry design instantly?”
- “In just 5 minutes, you’ll see how this technique changes everything.”
- “Ever wonder how pros create stunning jewelry? Keep watching.”
- “This one jewelry making hack saved me hours of frustration.”
- “By the end of this video, you’ll master this powerful jewelry making skill.”
- “I bet you’ve never seen this jewelry making technique before!”
- “Get ready to unlock a new level of creativity.”
- “Stick around for my #1 secret to creating impactful jewelry.”
- “Here’s what no one tells you about improving your jewelry designs.”
- “If you’re struggling with (jewelry making technique), this is for you.”
- “You’ll be surprised at how simple this pro technique really is.”
- “I’m going to reveal how I overcame this major jewelry making block.”
- “Watch until the end to see the transformation of this piece.”
- “This one tool will change the way you approach your jewelry making forever.”
- “The difference between good and great jewelry? I’ll show you.”
- “Want to create jewelry which stands out? Don’t skip this video.”
- “By the end of this video, your perspective on jewelry will shift.”
- “I used to struggle with this, but then I discovered this simple fix.”
- “Stay with me — this final step ties the entire piece together.”
- “If you’ve ever felt stuck as a jewelry artisan, this is what you need.”
- “Are you ready to take your jewelry to the next level?”
- “Let me show you how this one technique will transform your work.”
- “Have you ever wondered how to make your jewelry more dynamic?”
- “This is something I wish I knew when I first started out.”
- “What if I told you that you can master this technique today?”
- “I’m about to show you something that changed the way I create jewelry.”
- “Stay with me — this tip could save you hours in the studio.”
- “Here’s how I achieved this effect with just a few simple steps.”
- “You’re not going to believe how easy this technique is.”
- “If you stick around, I’ll reveal the secret to my process.”
- Watch until the end to see the final result
- Here’s how to …(example/subject) achieve this (result)
- This is what 30 hours of beading looks like.
- Here are the materials I used to (technique used)
- Here’s what I did to (final result)
- This technique changed my life as a jewelry designer.
- The best and worst things about (technique)
_______________________________________________________
Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.
I have set up a space for our community of jewelry designers — Warren Feld Jewelry’s PATREON HUB — to learn, to interact, and to provide and/or get feedback on what they are working on. Please join here.
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists. Access more articles and other resources not included in my medium.com site.
WarrenFeldJewelry.com
Shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
School.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Coaching by Warren Feld
Add your name to my email list.
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE:
Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
This guidebook is a must-have for anyone serious about making money selling jewelry. I focus on straightforward, workable strategies for integrating business practices with the creative design process. These strategies make balancing your creative self with your productive self easier and more fluid.
Based both on the creation and development of my own jewelry design business, as well as teaching countless students over the past 35+ years about business and craft, I address what should be some of your key concerns and uncertainties. I help you plan your road map.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a self-supporting business, success as a jewelry designer involves many things to think about, know and do. I share with you the kinds of things it takes to start your own jewelry business, run it, anticipate risks and rewards, and lead it to a level of success you feel is right for you, including
· Getting Started: Naming business, identifying resources, protecting intellectual property
· Financial Management: basic accounting, break even analysis, understanding risk-reward-return on investment, inventory management
· Product Development: identifying target market, specifying product attributes, developing jewelry line, production, distribution, pricing, launching
· Marketing, Promoting, Branding: competitor analysis, developing message, establishing emotional connections to your products, social media marketing
· Selling: linking product to buyer among many venues, such as store, department store, online, trunk show, home show, trade show, sales reps and showrooms, catalogs, TV shopping, galleries, advertising, cold calling, making the pitch
· Resiliency: building business, professional and psychological resiliency
· Professional Responsibilities: preparing artist statement, portfolio, look book, resume, biographical sketch, profile, FAQ, self-care
Posted in Art or Craft?, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, craft, craft shows, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry making, professional development | Tagged: craftsmanship, fashion, instagram, interview, jewelry, luxury, reels, slideshows, social media marketing, text hook, verbal hook, videos | Leave a Comment »
SUBSCRIBE TO MY JEWELRY DESIGNERS’ HUB
Posted by learntobead on September 5, 2024
I have set up a space for our community of jewelry designers — Warren Feld Jewelry’s PATREON HUB — to learn, to interact, and to provide and/or get feedback on what they are working on. Please join here.
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
WHY SUBSCRIBE?
Engage with a community. Benefit from its collective power — insights, reactions, feedback, foresight, and directing you to opportunities.
Never miss an update. You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new article of interest, and announcements about kits, workshops and webinars, chat groups, feedback sessions, and special promotions, goes directly to your inbox.
I bring articles, tutorials, and chat-group discussion sessions to you about…
- What it means to be fluent and literate in design?
- What the implications are for defining jewelry as an “object” versus as an “intent”?
- Why some jewelry draws your attention, and others do not?
- How jewelry design differs from art or craft?
- How you judge a piece as finished and successful?
SUBSCRIBE NOW
MEMBERSHIP TIERS:
(1) FREE
· Articles. Stay up-to-date. Access each new article up to 3 months.
· Advanced Notice. Kits, webinars, workshops, tutorials, promotions, discounts
· Free Mini-Lesson Download. One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice
(2) SUBSCRIBER (7-day free trial)
· First view of all articles and kits
· Access to all the articles in the archive
· 25% Discount on beads, supplies and kits on LandOfOdds.com website
· Priority in posting comments
· All member chats
· Once a month online chat with Warren Feld
· + All free-tier member benefits
(3) VIP SUBSCRIBER
· Private Coaching with Warren Feld, for 2 hours/month
· + All benefits from other tiers
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Posted in architecture, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: metal work, metalwork, silversmithing | Leave a Comment »
INSTAGRAM SERIES: What You Need To Know, How You Should Proceed, What Works Best For Jewelry Designers
Posted by learntobead on August 7, 2024
I have set up a space for our community of jewelry designers — Warren Feld Jewelry’s PATREON HUB — to learn, to interact, and to provide and/or get feedback on what they are working on. Please join here.
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists. Access more articles and other resources not included in my medium.com site.
THE INSTAGRAM SERIES (14 parts)
Instagram is perhaps the best place to attract and find customers for your jewelry design work. In this INSTAGRAM SERIES, I cover some of the most frequent concerns and insights jewelry designers have about marketing on Instagram.
I have found, from personal experience as well as the experience of literally hundreds of my jewelry design students and customers, that Instagram is perhaps the best place to attract and find customers for your work. Social media marketing is not difficult, but it takes an inordinate amount of time. This marketing time takes a lot of time away from your creative time.
I have written this series of articles to provide insight and encouragement with your marketing on Instagram. I cover some of the most frequent concerns jewelry designers have about marketing on Instagram. I’m always cognizant of the tensions between business and creativity, and I hope this information will save you a lot of time to spend on your creativity side.
I suggest concentrating on only two social media sites, and that Instagram be your primary one. You want to set up a professional/business account on each. If you want to post personal things, then set up a separate personal account on each. Don’t mix the two things.
TOPICS COVERED:
INTRODUCTION
1. 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions Jewelry Designers Ask About Instagram
Marketing on Instagram can be both exciting and challenging for artists. Here are the 20 most frequently asked questions artists have about marketing on the platform. Continue reading here…
2. Making People: STOP, STAY, ENGAGE
The Instagram algorithm ranks and rates your posts based on making people STOP, STAY and Engage. Continue reading here…
3. HASHTAGS
The most useful way to be found on Instagram is to use hashtags. Think of hashtags as like books in a library — how will someone find them? Continue reading here…
a. Researching Them
Picking the best and right hashtags for your jewelry design business requires some research, understanding your audience, and analyzing your data. Continue reading here…
b. 50 Best Jewelry Designer Hashtags
Using the right hashtags can significantly boost your reach and engagement on Instagram. Here are 50 popular hashtags for jewelry designing and making. Continue reading here…
c. 50 Most Banned Hashtags
Using banned hashtags on Instagram can lead to reduced visibility of your posts or even account suspension. Some are obvious, others not so. Continue reading here…
d. Branded Hashtags
Create your brand-specific hashtag to make it easy for people to find you, your business, things you have made, workshops and shows your are involved with. Continue reading here…
4. Images and Reels
Some best-practices advice for using images and reels on Instagram. Continue reading here…
5. Best Posting Strategies for Jewelry Designers
What Makes Up The Best Instagram Posting Strategies For Jewelry Designers? Continue reading here…
6. Best Instagram Jewelry Design Related Posts
To get a feel for what an excellent jewelry design post looks like on Instagram, check out what others are doing. Here are some renowned postings. Continue reading here…
7. How Often Should I Post
Each post is your chance to get recognized by Instagram so that they more widely distribute it. Yes, it must be a great image. But posting also requires more strategizing. Continue reading here…
8. Don’t Let This Happen To You
Don’t let Instagram take over You. It is a tool for You to use. It is not a tool for Instagram to use You. Continue reading here…
9. Self Care and Social Marketing
Balancing self-care with social media marketing is crucial for jewelry designs in maintaining their creativity, well-being and motivation, while effectively promoting their work. Continue reading here…
10. CONNECTIONS:
To succeed as a designer and to succeed as a business, you need to be connected to the outside world. Continue reading here…
a. With Other Jewelry Designers
Connecting with other jewelry designers is invaluable and very easy. Important to nurture relationships. Opportunities will follow. Continue reading here…
b. Curating Your Own Show On Instagram
Instagram is an outstanding curatorial tool. Collaborate with great jewelry designers for a showing online (or offline). Continue reading here…
c. With Press And Other Publications
Use Instagram to meet jewelry design journalists, both online and off. Great opportunities to increase your visibility. Continue reading here…
d. With Galleries and Boutiques
Getting the attention of galleries and boutiques is important. This means, getting your posts in front of them, having a profile/bio that resonates with them, and writing meaningful comments on things they themselves post. Continue reading here…
11. STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Instagram is a very easy way for people to check you and your work out, and see you as a professional designer. Continue reading here…
a. Edit Your Profile/Bio
Instagram is a very easy way for people to check you and your work out, and seeing you as a professional designer. Your Profile/Bio should anticipate this. Continue reading here…
b. Clean Up Your Posts
Cleaning up your posts on a professional or business Instagram account is essential for maintaining a polished and cohesive brand image. Continue reading here…
c. Post Strong Images
What makes a great Instagram post? — Something that captures people’s attention, and makes them stay around awhile. Continue reading here…
d. About Including Text
Don’t overthink your text for your Instagram posts. The image is 90% of the battle, the text only 10%. Instagram is a visual medium for visual people. Continue reading here…
e. Feed vs. Stories
On Instagram, the Feed and the Stories serve different purposes. Your feed must be very curated, professional, and brand-reconfirming. Your stories are meant to be more casual, like behind the scenes topics or personal things about the designer. Continue reading here…
12. Takeaways
Instagram used to be like a personal blog. Today it is not. Today it is a professional representation of you as a jewelry designer. Continue reading here…
13. Data Analysis Using Instagram Insights
On Instagram, there are several advantages and opportunities for accruing more followers. But remember, it is their ENGAGEMENT that Instagram measures and likes the most. That is where Instagram Insights comes in. Continue reading here…
14. Using Jewelry Design Influencers On Instagram
If you have some money to budget to use influencers, they can speed up everything for you. Continue reading here…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have set up a space for our community of jewelry designers — Warren Feld Jewelry’s PATREON HUB — to learn, to interact, and to provide and/or get feedback on what they are working on. Please join here.
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
Visit my website www.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Feel free to add your comments.
Shop with us at Land of Odds.
Posted in Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design theory, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, wire and metal | Tagged: instagram posting, social media marketing | Leave a Comment »
Blending Your Goals With Your Process: Things You Should Be Thinking About.
Posted by learntobead on July 22, 2024
How do you prioritize goals when you have many projects and possibilities competing for your attention?
We’re approaching the busy 4th quarter jewelry-sales season. As you are busily trying to increase your inventory, either for sales or gifts, I think it’s a good time to ask yourself about your goals.
Goals are things that tell you where you want to end up and what you want to achieve. They help you make sense of, make choices about, set priorities for all the overwhelming set of things that have to get done to keep your business or avocation on the right track. That is, on the right track so that you do not get overwhelmed, paralyzed, frustrated, angry or disappointed.
You don’t want to get stuck wondering what the future should be.
You set goals and let them guide you in your decision making simply because you want to maximize your creative time, minimize your non-creative time, and end up with a satisfying degree of accomplishment and profit.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How do you prioritize goals when you have many projects and possibilities competing for your attention?
- How can you identify the things that really matter in your business or avocation, and stay focused on them?
- What is your current mindset around goal-setting, and how can you improve it?
Think of your set of goals as a strategy roadmap of what you want to do, and what is more important to get done. This roadmap needs to cover these topical areas:
- Financial things
- Customer satisfaction things
- Administrative procedure things
- Learning and growth things
You can use this strategy roadmap to keep score. At any time. In any part of the process. With whatever you are doing. What is your score, and how does it reflect a balance in everything you need to do and get done?
Think In Terms Of Circles And Overlaps
When keeping score and finding balance, it is useful to visualize your goals as a set of circles. Each circle represents (a) a set of activities, (b) a set of choices to be made, © a dependency on the availability of resources, and (d) a list of desired outputs and outcomes.
Where the circles overlap, called a Venn Diagram, these become the primary set of things to focus on, do and accomplish. These become the major things to which you score and balance. These are the options that get a first look and first dibs. As your list of things to think about and do get further and further away from where the circles overlap, the less important they are.
In your Venn Diagram, you will have 4 circles — the four types of things listed above which your strategy roadmap needs to cover — money, customers, procedures, and personal growth.
You want to train yourself to start thinking of your business or avocation in terms of circles and overlaps. Instead of thinking it has to be black or white, or left or right, or one separate thing after another, think of things in grays or middle grounds, or things which gel together or integrate together. The question for you is NOT: How can I do one thing or another? The question should be: How can I do one thing concurrently with another? How can you get the best of both worlds?
Goal Setting (Systems Thinking)
So, for each of the 4 topical areas above, you might list 10 options you want to do in order to accomplish the topical area satisfactorily. The goal here is quantity, not necessarily quality. Get 10 options for each topical area on the table.
Lay these out like a deck of cards into 4 columns.
Now, narrow down these options. Which ones co-occur or are co-dependent or where one can be done instead of another? Which ones are more important than others? You want to begin to define those optimum points between efficiency and effectiveness.
How would the benefits of A look like coupled with the benefits of B, so that I can benefit from both and find that middle path?
As you are narrowing down your options, do you begin to discover new options? Can you add these as more cards to your list, as you are rejecting others? Perhaps there is a more ideal option as you are thinking about the benefits that might result from all your cards.
Train your thinking process to be systems thinking. Your goals (that is, in this exercise, your cards) are destinations. Your process for evaluating, rejecting, creating, converging, diverging options is a process. Systems thinking is this process.
Blend your goals and your process orientation. You want to minimize the times when you feel lost and not sure of what you should do next. Systems thinking helps you here. It helps you identify what things you want to be involved with now. Such involvement gets you to that future without having to overly ponder it.
Set your time frame: Reality always changes. New opportunities arise, others close. It’s useful to think of your goal options in terms of this week, this month, this quarter.
Constantly adjust your process actions to new opportunities as these arise.
Follow through. Adjust as necessary. Think about the next logical steps. Following through and a willingness to adjust as necessary and thinking ahead leads to success.
Last, Step Back and Exercise Your Metacognitive Skills
It is important to be aware of your thinking process at all times. This is called metacognition.
Reflect on what you were thinking, what options you were delineating, how you were choosing some and not others, and why.
- Do you find your mind-set more goal-oriented or more process oriented?
- Do you need to balance these out?
- What strategies can you employ to find that best balance between goal-orientation and process-orientation?
- Are you thinking too much in the future, or getting too lost in the day-to-day?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUBSCRIBE
**Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
Engage with a community. Benefit from its collective power — insights, reactions, feedback, foresight, and directing you to opportunities.
Never miss an update. You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new article of interest, and announcements about kits, workshops and webinars, chat group, feedback session, and special promotions, goes directly to your inbox.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Take my tutorial on THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR .
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies. Use this coupon code XFOREVER25 to get a 25% discount on your order!
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
___________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design theory, design thinking, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, wire and metal | Tagged: financial-planning, goal-setting, goals, motivation, personal-development | Leave a Comment »
HOW TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST: LEAD MAGNETS
Posted by learntobead on July 21, 2024
You want to influence someone to establish a 1 to 1 relationship with you, when that someone is not familiar with you and your work. Think about what might motivate them. That thing is your lead magnet.
These days, a lot of business marketing and branding activities occurs through and on the computer. One core aspect of your business depends on attracting “eyeballs”. You might be expanding your email contact list. You might be trying to accumulate fans and followers. You might be trying to expand readers, customers, members and subscribers.
Towards these ends, one of the primary things you will do is expand your email contacts list. One of the most productive and successful ways of doing this is to offer a lead magnet. A lead (pronounced ‘leed’) magnet is a tangible thing you promise to deliver to your audience if and when they register their email address with you.
Crafting The Lead Magnet
Your lead magnet should be concrete, focused and actionable. The less abstract it is, the better.
It should be easy to consume. You do not want to overload the target customer with information.
It should have a recognizable value. Do not be cheap here; do not feel you are giving away secrets.
It should trigger and reconfirm a great impression of you and your work.
Again, make it a clear thing. It could be things like:
· Checklist of supplies and tools to have on hand in your studio
· An e-book, such as jewelry silhouettes vis-à-vis body and face shapes, or guide to getting started on Instagram
· A tutorial or project instructions
· A downloadable
· A ticket to access something else, such as getting into a private showing of your work
· A voucher, like a discount coupon for a piece of jewelry you have made
· A short how-to video
A physical lead magnet will work better than something nonphysical.
Give your benefit a name. The name should confirm that the benefit is a physical thing of value that the customer will get, thus rewarding the customer for sharing their email address with you (or registering on your website).
#’s, capital letters, symbols in messages catch attention.
Be A Generous Giver
You want to influence someone to establish a 1 to 1 relationship with you, when that someone is not familiar with you and your work. Think about what might motivate them. That thing is your lead magnet. Think about the best way to leverage your lead magnet in order to asset your influence.
You establish a sense of reciprocity. Be generous and they will trust you.
Keep their work simple. Ask them to make a micro-commitment — simple to get, little work for them, but a big asset for you.
Build In A Contingency
You can set some kinds of limits to heighten the customer’s motivation to follow through. Create a sense of urgency to comply with your call to action. For example,
· Your ‘benefit’ runs out in 30 days
· If you are the first 10 to sign up, you get a 2nd benefit
Examples of lead magnets:
· Free mini-lesson, ebook or guide on a technique or project or how to get started making jewelry
· Discount coupon for classes, supplies, pieces of jewelry
· Tutorial videos
· Jewelry making supply list, curated favorite jewelry making supplies, and how to use them
· Exclusive access to a webinar
· Printable color wheels
· Exclusive piece of jewelry, like a stretchy bracelet
· Live preview of new pieces you have made (before showing them to the public)
· Jewelry appreciation guide — techniques, materials, history
· Behind the scenes content so that they can see your creative process
· Personalize jewelry recommendations
· Survey their tastes so you can match these to your jewelry pieces which are currently available
· Collector’s guide: how to get started, caring for jewelry, how to determine value
· Jewelry-themed desk top wallpaper; mobile wallpaper: perhaps featuring your work
· Virtual jewelry show ticket — showcase your latest work
· Local Art and craft show calendar, particularly if you will be showing at these
· Various checklists
· Article about how to buy gemstones
· Invite to ZOOM or chat session for a Q&A about jewelry making or problem solving
Delivering Your Lead Magnet
As a jewelry designer, you want to convert exposure into prospects. This means you want to deliver your lead magnets everywhere you think you can get exposure to the types of people you want to stay in touch with you.
You might list it as your E-signature on emails, or on your business cards, in your social media profiles, on your website.
Example: In your Instagram bio: DM me “LIST” to get my upcoming materials checklist when it is ready. Then in response to their DM, return with, “Which email address should I sent it to when ready?”
If you are directly someone to a form for collecting email addresses, instead of heading that form: Join My Email List, focus on the lead magnet. For instance, you might write: Get my free guide to …
If you are creating videos and reels, your last slide my be that call to action: Get my free guide to…
__________________________________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
SUBSCRIBE
Engage with a community. Benefit from its collective power — insights, reactions, feedback, foresight, and directing you to opportunities.
Never miss an update. You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new article of interest, and announcements about kits, workshops and webinars, chat group, feedback session, and special promotions, goes directly to your inbox.
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Take my tutorial on THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR .
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies. Use this coupon code XFOREVER25 to get a 25% discount on your order!
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, craft, craft shows, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, professional development, wire and metal | Tagged: digital-marketing, email marketing, fashion, jewelry, lead magnet, marketing | Leave a Comment »
INSTAGRAM, The Best Site For Promoting Your Jewelry, Has Changed Its Algorithm — Better For Us, Let Me Explain How
Posted by learntobead on June 14, 2024
I have found Instagram the best social media site for promoting your jewelry sales, and their algorithm has changed for the better for us
Before, Instagram would show new posts to 1% of your followers first and, depending on the response, share further.
This favored accounts with a large following, such as influencers or jewelry designers with especially large followings, since their 1% is a lot more than the 1% of a small account.
Now, every new post will be shown to a random group of users, usually ones with a shared interest in the kind of posts you create. Think: followers of your followers who don’t yet follow you will get prioritized. Aggregators accounts, like influencers, will get diminished a bit. In a similar vein, co-occurring is this situation: If you post an image on your own feed as well as with an influencer’s feed, that image will only appear on your own feed, not on the influencer’s. Instagram’s goal is to reward originality and the creator.
This is great news for smaller accounts: it widens the funnel of potential engagement with each post.
Reels are still important, but they’re no longer the only ones.
Focus on posting a mix of Reels, still images, and carousels. Should NOT be all reels all the time.
The important factor is that you are giving your followers value. Make them feel like you are giving them something.
- Give people something to read (in the post or the caption)
- Provide an insider point of view to your jewelry-making process
- Choose an eye-catching cover image for all posts (hook them)
Better lighting often solves many issues of gaining and keeping attention. Also bring people in close to the elements in the image. Focus on a a section of the piece. Show them your hands at work. Don’t pull back for that wide shot of everything necessarily.
Bring people in close, show them what you’re doing.
Give viewers a reason to watch your entire Reel.
NO’s: Instead of simply showing your work, using captions such as:
- ❌ “Here’s my latest piece of jewelry…”
- ❌ “I have an event coming…”
- ❌ “My website is now live…”
YES’s: Capture their attention first, and then make your announcement:
- ✅ “Here’s how I turned this run-of-the-mill necklace into an exciting one..” finishing with “This piece is now available”
- ✅ “You won’t believe how this piece turned out…” followed by “Come see this piece live at my next show.”
WARNINGs: Less time-lapse of showing each step after it has been completed, and more showing something actionable, like implementing each step.
Come up with something that will make people hang out until the interesting part.
Come up with things to make people stick around. Bring them close-in to the action.
Be sure they see you sometime in the images.
Be sure, at the end or towards the end, they see the outcome, such as the finished piece or section of the piece, or completed step.
End with a CALL TO ACTION. Such as, direct them to your website where they can purchase the finished piece, or to your website where they can sign up for your newletters.
__________________________________
I hope you found this article useful. Please consider sharing.
I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Take my tutorial on THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR .
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies. Use this coupon code XFOREVER25 to get a 25% discount on your order!
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form
So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer reinterprets how to apply techniques and modify art theories from the Jewelry Designer’s perspective. To go beyond craft, the jewelry designer needs to become literate in this discipline called Jewelry Design. Literacy means understanding how to answer the question: Why do some pieces of jewelry draw your attention, and others do not? How to develop the authentic, creative self, someone who is fluent, flexible and original. How to gain the necessary design skills and be able to apply them, whether the situation is familiar or not.
588pp, many images and diagrams Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2
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IF YOU WANT A SUSTAINABLE JEWELRY DESIGN CAREER…Preventing The Business Side From Killing Your Creativity!
Posted by learntobead on May 19, 2024
There are so many different kinds of things you can do business-wise to promote your jewelry designs. Post on every social media site. Conduct several email campaigns. Take out ads. Create websites. However, all these can get overwhelming and begin to impede on your time and energy for creating jewelry. To prevent this, it is important to be organized. It is important to rely on more limited, predictable, easily accessible, repeatable systems of things you need to do to sustain both your jewelry designing and your business.
Some key business-related goals involve:
(1) Impression management
(2) Mentoring
(3) Audience recruitment and retention
(4) Networking and Partnering
(5) Selling
Some caveats:
(a) To create that manageability’ you want to do as much as you can from your computer
(b) In reality, selling actual pieces of jewelry, on average, only covers about 1/3 of your sustainability needs. You may have to take on additional work, and it makes the most sense that the work relate to jewelry designing.
(c) You are in the trust-creating business. You must be able to establish instant trust about the value of your work and the desirability of your work for your core buying audience.
Impression management
What impression does someone get from interacting with you, either online or in-person or through some other point-of-sale? To what degree can you influence and control this impression? Key things to consider:
o Website
o Email Etiquette
o Cold Calling
o Follow Through
Website. You want a professional website. This website will showcase your products. It will be home to lots of well-organized and accessible information, including: your bio, your art statement, your portfolio, testimonials, links to articles you have written, perhaps a creative-focused resume, and images of your work.
It might showcase shorter videos showing you at work, or delving into a particular work.
It will have links to your various social media pages. The layout, design and information presentation across social media sites needs to be very consistent across all your platforms. You should maintain separate pages for each social media for business vs. personal. You do not want anything personal to come up in your business page feed.
It may or may not have a shopping cart system attached. If not, then you need to make clear other alternatives for how people can buy your products from you.
It will have a FAQ page detailing contact information, purchasing and return policies, payment methods, any privacy concerns.
It will have a clear way for people to add their names to your mailing list.
Email Etiquette. It is critical to generate an email list of customers/potential customers. You want them to very formally and visibly opt-in to the list. You can generate sign-up sheets, online forms, and the like towards this end. You can also segment your list into smaller, targeted groups.
Email will be your best, primary and most powerful networking tool.
You can run your own email campaigns, or use an email client like MAILCHIMP (https://mailchimp.com) or CONSTANT CONTACT (https://www.constantcontact.com). I would suggest using an email client. This will prevent your own email address from getting blocked by the internet-powers-that-be as spam.
Each time you get someone’s email address to add to your list, send them a special email, thanking them. Also direct them to your website or online presence, such as on social media, with an active link.
A monthly contact is reasonable.
Caution: many anti-spam programs reject email addresses that begin with Info, Contact, Shop, Store, Help and other very generic terms.
In writing and tone, be professional. Don’t use the kind of quick texts or posts you might use on social media.
You do not want your email to appear that it is wasting anyone’s time. Use a polite greeting and closing. In your first sentence or two be very clear in conveying why you are writing this email specifically to them. Don’t ramble. Get to your points quickly. Don’t use long blocks of texts. Segment/section things and use subheadings throughout. You want the email to be scannable. Don’t use any or many images. None to two images would be more than enough. Wait to share images until after someone requests to see them. Do, however, include an active link to where they might find images of your works online.
To the best you can, personalize things as much as possible. Direct the email to a named person. Make things sound as if you are not sending out the same email to a long list of contacts.
Some examples of personalized phrasing:
o I visited your shop recently, and
o So and so suggested I contact you,
o I visited your website,
o I read about you in such-and-such magazine,
Cold Calling. With cold calling, you have two basic strategies: (a) Shoehorn, or (b) Direct. Whatever approach you use, be sure to have done some research about your target store/gallery, the designers they represent, a sense of preferred style and looks, and the characteristics of their primary customer audience.
With a shoehorn strategy, you begin to ease yourself into the world and universe of a particular store or gallery. You visit as a customer and ask questions. You contact and talk with other artists represented in the store. You participate in open houses and other events. You add your name to their emailing list. You begin to have more and longer conversations with the owner. Gradually you introduce the idea of having your jewelry represented in their venue. Always wear one or more pieces of your jewelry.
With a direct approach, you come into the store unannounced. Hopefully the owner is there then; otherwise, ask the staff when the best time to return is. Always wear one or more pieces of your jewelry. Be prepared with about 20 pieces, nicely organized and displayed in trays, that, if you are making headway, you can bring into the venue with you. It is also OK, if you have the inventory, to have even more pieces in your car that you can bring in, if it seems the owner is interested in purchasing some things.
If you are unable to visit in person, then send a letter. Don’t phone first. It is too easy for the store to ignore you. In your letter, keep it short and to the point. Establish your credibility as a designer, and clearly identify the fit between your work and their customer base. Sound authentic, not sales’y. Write about,
o Who you are
o Your style and design sense
o Why you think your jewelry would be a good fit for their customer base
o The materials and techniques you typically use
o Your previous experience selling your pieces
o Some sheets showing inventory, description, pricing
o End with a phrase like, “I’d like to get together with you to show my work in person. I will call you to set up an appointment, if interested.”
o Add links to your website of places which show your jewelry.
Follow Through. Be very clear about this: You are not an information-sharer. Rather, you are a relationship builder. Sending out emails, posting on line, targeting letters, cold calling are all tools you use to build relationships. Relationships are built up by sharing understandings, not necessarily tid-bits of information. These understandings have to do with values, desires, assumptions, expectations, and perceptions. The more you establish shared understandings — and that does not mean having to have the same opinions — the tighter and more productive these relationships get.
If you are wanting a response to something from someone, and it’s not forthcoming in a reasonable time, follow up with that person.
If you have visited a store/gallery and had some conversation with someone there, follow up with a thank you note or some note that continues something about your conversation.
If someone sends you a comment about you or your work, send them a thank you note.
In your follow-ups, repeat the name of the person you are following up with.
Provide additional valuable information in your follow-up conversations.
Mentoring
Share your art/designer skills for a fee. You can teach classes or one-on-one. You can create instructional projects or tutorials. You can write articles. You can curate shows. You can become a coach. You can conduct online webinars.
Things have synergistic effects — they amplify other things you are doing. Mentoring will result in a larger, more targeted email list. Students will look for all the mentoring activities you do. Students often will buy your pieces. Mentoring will increase the number of topics you can talk about when networking.
Keep your initial goal simple: Aim to attract 5 students, interacting with them 1–4x each month, encouraging them to spend $50–250/student per month on your mentoring activities and product sales.
Audience recruitment and retention
What is most important about recruiting and retaining audience members is not the numbers of contacts, but the quality of your engagement with your contacts. Again, success is a matter of forming and sustaining one-on-one relationships. When you have relationships, it becomes much easier to ask for favors. On a regular basis, you can create content, for free, shared through emails, which helps you connect and form relationships with your core audience.
You don’t necessarily need 1000’s of people in your core audience. More likely, having 30–100 regular buyers of your work would suffice. This allows keeping connected and creating connections with your core audience much more attainable. Know what this limited group of buyers is looking for. Know where they hang out and where to find them. Offer them opportunities to interact with you and your jewelry, such as offering them a first look, or a time to watch you and learn a few design techniques as you work. Turn these buyers into true fans.
Think about:
o What does this core buyer care about?
o What does this buyer read?
o Where do you find this buyer?
o What resonates with this buyer?
Answers to these questions could help you shape your marketing message when explaining how your jewelry could elevate this buyer’s life. Inspiring your buyer. Building trust. Note: you are not creating jewelry for this buyer per se; rather, given the jewelry you are creating and want to create, this assists you in finding that audience who might share your values and understandings as expressed within your designs and by you as an authentic jewelry designer.
Networking and Partnering
When networking and partnering, you uncover more opportunities at less risk and cost to yourself, your creative energy, and your business fundamentals. There’s less effort to find opportunities. Less effort to put plans and projects into effect. Less effort to get visibility. Less effort to make a sale.
It might be useful to set a goal as making 3 networking contacts per week. Use your network to get help in creating these pitches. Make them shared pitches. Use the shared pitches to introduce yourself to their audiences, and conversely their products to your own audience.
Caveat: Always direct people to specific webpages relevant to any pitch. Do not direct them to your home page on your website.
Selling
As a jewelry designer, your self-concept is most likely one as an artist. But when you are in business, you need to expand this a bit and see yourself as both an artist and a salesperson. If this makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, it’s understandable, but you need to get over it. Jewelry doesn’t sell itself.
You want to always have on hand 15–20 coherent pieces available for sale. They need to feel as if they are part of a line of jewelry, with a similar emotional appeal to a defined target audience.
You want to have a list of about 50 places you could approach to carry your jewelry. Then you work the list, perhaps 3 contacts a week. Prioritize your contacts. Begin your process with your lower priority contacts so that you can gain some experience in presenting yourself and your products before approaching your most desired sites.
You do not close a sale. Keeping with a key theme of advice: You create a relationship. You are not selling a product. You are guiding someone, in a caring way, to come to understand how your jewelry might enhance and enrich their lives. You want them to make a buying decision that will be good for themselves. You are not trying to get something from them; rather, you are trying to give them something which will positively impact their lives. Your key skill here when selling is empathy.
Be bold and confident when introducing yourself.
Always ask the person you are talking with what their name is; repeat their name several times while speaking with them.
Ask a lot of questions; show interest in the client or customer. Get them talking about themselves. You should be talking about 25% of the time and your client/customer should be talking about 75% of the time.
A great story about your jewelry will sell it. They are especially interested in your inspiration, as well as your process for creating jewelry.
Don’t let your client/customer get away without at least asking them if they have any interested in purchasing your jewelry. Even if that person says No!, you would be in a better position than if you had not asked.
Final Words
Don’t let the business aspects of succeeding in jewelry design kill your creative spark. Instead, make each broad business goal into a set series of systematic, repeatable activities.
As you can see, much of all this effort can be done from your studio on your computer. This will save you vast amounts of time which you can devote to the creative side of your life. Less time jewelry marketing. More time jewelry making. The end results of these activities should be increased exposure, relationships and engagements.
The most successful designers have
o Step-by-step plans
o Associations with expertise
o Become a part of a peer audience and community
Make your jewelry design journey flourish. Take ownership over it — how you spend your time, energy and the use of resources around you. Put everything to best use to attain your own highest values.
__________________________________
I hope you found this article useful. Please consider sharing.
I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Take my tutorial on THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR .
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
___________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, craft, craft shows, creativity, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, wire and metal | Tagged: Business, craft business, Entrepreneurship, fashion, jewelry, marketing | 1 Comment »
WHY YOU SHOULD ENTER ART AND JEWELRY DESIGN COMPETITIONS
Posted by learntobead on May 17, 2024
I highly recommend entering many art and jewelry design competitions each and every year. This is a good way to
· Raise your visibility
· Practice your self-promotion skills
· Get feedback on your work
· Gain more legitimacy and credibility
· Promote your value
· Keep aware of current trends and expectations in jewelry design
· Further inspire your clients
Competitions can supercharge your jewelry design growth and career.
The First Competition I Entered
In 2004, I submitted an entry (see image above) to the Swarovski Be Naturally Inspired jewelry design competition. I downloaded a copy of the rules and set to work. The project had to be at least 75% Swarovski Austrian crystal beads, stones, or other components. You had to submit an image of your final piece, an image of your inspiration, an artist bio, and an artist statement about your piece and how you translated your inspiration into the finished piece.
This image of the Grand Canyon at sunrise was my inspiration:
I set out to work. Created the general design, selected the technique I wanted to use, and with determination and a lot of trial and error, created the finished piece. In the process, I discovered that different Austrian crystal colors, when used together, tended to blur boundaries and lose some of that distinct color sense that I wanted. I had to solve that problem, which I did, by using black 1.8mm delica beads between each crystal bead. This helped create sharper boundaries.
Up until that point, I had not written any kind of bio or artist statement. I was uneasy about how to describe the finished piece, such as what to call attention to. I had to do several drafts of each. Was a great exercise.
Submitted the piece. Heard back that I was a finalist. Then I had to send them the original piece. I had trouble letting go and saying goodbye. I found one package to use, then rejected it. Then another package, and rejected that. The fifth packaging idea was finally satisfying. Then I held onto the ready-to-ship package for almost a week before taking it over to the UPS shop. I had to insure it. The value was priceless to me. But I had to pick a number. And I prayed that the package would not get lost or damaging.
Swarovski emailed me that it had arrived safely.
I was invited to the awards ceremony they held in their offices in New York City.
And said goodbye again to my piece which was headed for their museum in Innsbruck Austria.
You Are Always A Winner
Whether you win or lose, you are, in fact, experiencing a rich source of inspiration and learning. There never really is a setback.
At the very least, you most likely will be included in a publicly presented list of submitters. You have already increased your visibility.
If your submission is accepted, you have something to list on your resume or list of achievements. You can use this as talking points when selling to a client, store or gallery. You can add this information to wherever you showcase the submitted work. You can embellish your descriptions with information from the materials you submitted for contest entry.
You can generate press releases, social media posts, special email announcements. You can send out updates as your submission progresses through the competition process, such as should you become a semifinalist.
As you do these kinds of things to increase your visibility, this builds credibility and brand awareness. Many store and gallery owners watch these contests closely, often making note of the better pieces and their designers, often following the designers over their career.
Whether The Feedback Is Positive or Negative —
It Always Gives You A Better Understanding of Yourself As a Designer
Feedback provides clues to why your jewelry has VALUE to them. What do they want to know about it? How does the design help them solve a problem? What key attributes of VALUE should you promote to your clients?
Participating in competitions gives you a great opportunity to practice speaking about yourself and your jewelry, and seeing how others react.
Competitions provide many clues about what is relevant in the moment. They force you to figure out how to relate you and your design sense to a set of competition rules and expectations.
All this public visibility will actually inspire some people to spread the message about you. Generating word-of-mouth is often the most successful type of marketing.
Competitions Are Juried
Periodically do online searches for jewelry and art competitions. If the active link is a newsletter or mailing list of some sort, give them your email address. Some art competitions will allow submissions of jewelry; others will not.
Some sources of interest:
Jewelry Design Professionals’ Network
Last Note
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the rules, particularly concerning deadlines, word count limits, image formats and maximum and minimum sizes.
____________________________________________
I hope you found this article useful. Please consider sharing.
I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Take my tutorial on THE JEWELRY DESIGNER’S APPROACH TO COLOR .
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
___________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design theory, design thinking, Entrepreneurship, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, wire and metal | Tagged: accessories, art competitions, beadwork, competitions, fashion, jewelry, jewelry design, jewelry design competitions | Leave a Comment »
HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT: The Musings Of A Jewelry Designer: Authenticity
Posted by learntobead on April 21, 2024
An authentic life is a limitless life.
So what prevents so many jewelry makers and other artist types from living their authentic lives? What prevents so many designers from making choices and taking advantage of opportunities which are not limited by anyone — not limited by friend or family or boss or colleague or perceptions of cultural and social norms?
Aloise was sitting there, fidgeting, only half listening to the discussion in my class about jewelry design, when, suddenly, unusually with a forceful voice and expression, she said, No one likes her stuff. No positive feedback in response to seeing any of her necklaces or bracelets or earrings. She loved her designs, she stated plainly, convincingly. But no one else seemed to. Her designs did not resonate with her friends and the people around her. She loved making jewelry. She loved her style. She loved the pieces and materials she was using. But, because of the nil-to-negative feedback, she never felt authentic as an artist.
If you saw her pieces, you would immediately come to the conclusion that there was no reason for the negative feedback, except, perhaps, that her pieces did not reflect the current fashion. Well conceived. Well-made. Clearly a point of view.
My response to her was simple: They are not the judge, you are. The problem for you is not your design skills. The problem is that you need to either to connect with a different audience, or, much more difficult, you need to learn how better to express what makes sense and has value for you in your own jewelry design work to your current audience. It’s like thinking your design process out loud — how you made choices about materials, techniques and composition.
Design Is A Tool For Expressing Authenticity
Authenticity and design are integral to each other. Design is a tool for expressing your authenticity. You will have difficulty feeling and expressing your authentic self in public without reference to good design. And, ultimately, you can’t have good design without an ability to express your authentic self. Cannot have one without the other.
Authenticity means conveying a sense of your being genuine. Real. True to your values. Consistent and coherent in how you relate your inspiration to your aspiration when creating a piece of jewelry. Then, continuing to be consistent and coherent as you implement your aspiration, understandably making changes and tweaks along the way, into your finished jewelry design. This requires a lot of honesty with yourself. A lot of self-reflection and what is called metacognition. Your jewelry becomes a sincere expression of you and you-the-creator’s vision.
That’s authenticity. The sum of all your choices in the design process. Technical. Artistic. Social. Philosophical. Each piece of jewelry you make is evidence to the world about all the choices you have made. Choices about translating vision into a tangible form. Selection of visual elements, product functionality, technology and technique. Accepting or rejecting client desires and hoped for experiences. Steering your business towards particular ideas about branding. Design can enhance. It can amplify. It can set boundaries. It can increase accessibility. Engage. Impact.
Gennifer refused! She refused to listen to me about how important it is to relate the materials you choose to your design goals. She made wrap bracelets, usually two bands around the wrist. She sold them for $300 each. Took her about 2 hours to make each one. The materials she used were cheap. If the price tag you put on your jewelry has no relationship to the effort and materials you put into it, you’re not being authentic.
A wrap bracelet consists of beads ladder-stitched between two pieces of leather. She used Indian leather, which dries out and cracks easily. Does not hold up. She stitched her beads with fishing line. Fishing line in sunlight and heat dries out and cracks. Very quickly. She used glass beads from China. Glass beads from China typically are a clear bead with a color coating. The side of all her beads along the full almost 20” length of the bracelet which touched the skin had lost their color. Originally black, they were now white with peeling black. No reinforcement was placed on either end, so, on either end, again pretty quickly, the stitching would start to break and the two supporting strands of leather would come apart.
Gennifer’s wrap bracelets probably had $10–12 of materials in them plus two hours of labor. Her $300 price tag was not representative of appropriate design. She should have upped the quality of her materials: Greek leather, Czech glass or gemstone beads, micro bead cord for the stitching. She should have reinforced both ends, such as using a silk wrap technique. Then her pieces would be durable and justify the price tag, and be much more authentic to herself as a designer. Or, she should charge what her pieces are really worth: perhaps $75–100. I’ve yet to meet one of her customers who has gotten more than six months of use out of her pieces. To me, if Gennifer thinks she is being authentic, I’d tell her it’s contrived.
About Authenticity
Authenticity is multiplex. It functions on several planes.
You have material authenticity. Given the value you want to assign to your piece, your choice of materials, and how you leverage them, should be the highest, appropriate quality in durability, sustainability and craftsmanship.
You have technical and technological authenticity. Your choice of techniques and technologies, and how you leverage them, should bring your design to that optimum (sometimes called parsimonious) point of efficiency and effectiveness. That is, that perfect point where you can maintain both shape and suppleness.
There is emotional authenticity. Good jewelry should resonate with the customer. It should evoke genuine emotions in line with your audience’s intended desire(s).
There is cultural authenticity. Good jewelry shows respect and acknowledges any cultural influences and inspirations, when design elements are borrowed or otherwise represented.
There is contemporary design authenticity. In contemporary design, the designer substitutes personal values and understandings for those of traditional socio-cultural norms and values which influence more traditional design. You must always show respect for tradition while concurrently using your own authentic self as the measure and rationale for successful design choices within any designing process. You must overcome pressures to conform and present a curated version of yourself.
Another type is personal authenticity. As a jewelry designer, you always have something to say. It can be simple such as what you think might be beautiful or wearable or appropriate for a certain situation. It might be more complex where you make a series of interrelated choices relating your values and desires to those of your client.
Dilemmas For The Designer
For me, I grew up with both parents and teachers discouraging me from pursuing my creative self through the arts. Doctor or lawyer. Basically, those were the two allowed choices, as I was steered and tracked and encouraged (or discouraged) over all my young and teenage years. [Parents, if your child tells you who they are, support them!]
Finally, in my early 20’s, having achieved some separation from my overbearing career police, I made an attempt for a few years to paint. Pretty. Ok technique. No reflection of who I was as a person except perhaps, in the choice of subject matter. I tried to convey emotions and meanings, but, primarily ended up with pretty paintings to decorate my apartment. Friends and family loved them. Sold a few. But none of this was coming together as a reflection of my authentic self. I was in my 20’s but hadn’t found anything authentic about me.
Twenty years later, when I began to make jewelry, I felt a strong connection. With jewelry, I had to create something meaningful for both myself and my client. Both our understandings. Both our values. Both our desires. Jewelry by its nature requires this kind of dialogue. That challenge stirred me. It forced me to come to grips by reflecting on what I wanted the object I created to be, and how that compared to what someone else wanted. Add on top of this was the fact the design had to account for the fact that the wearer moves around and never wants to look clownish. Jewelry design, under these circumstances, becomes very complex. And, as a result of all this thinking and concerning and anticipating and interacting, my sense of authenticity began to grow and clarify and grow and clarify some more.
From my experiences, and those of my students and colleagues, I can identify several dilemmas and challenges for the designer who wants to find their authentic self and successfully express it through the designing of jewelry.
The originality dilemma. You don’t design in a vacuum. And most certainly, many of the design choices you make have been influenced by other designers around you. Finding a balance between originality and the influence of others can be daunting. But think about it this way. Define ‘originality’ as differentiation. Your authenticity will emerge and shine by the way you differentiate yourself from other designers and influencers.
The art market dilemma. For many of us, we want some level of commercial success. Often this means compromising our integrity as we bow to things like fashion, market trends, client expectations, commercial requirements and limitations. Sometimes, when commercializing what we do, we use the label “authentic” to commodify our jewelry, when we are really stretching the imagination and legitimacy here. The challenge is to find balance between making a living and maintaining true authenticity.
The shared understanding dilemma. Successful design emerges from the insights and applications of the values and desires of the artist in coordination and conjunction with the assumptions, values and desires of the client. That might mean some compromising. Some give and take. Some less authenticity. The designer must decide to what degree personal integrity will be compromised in the design process.
The vulnerability dilemma. Since jewelry must be introduced publicly — for someone to wear, to be exhibited, to be sold, to be collected — the designer, of necessity, must open themselves up. Be exposed. Be given critique and criticism. There is doubt and self-doubt. There is a questioning of whether you are truly genuine. The designer is faced with determining how to overcome feelings of vulnerability and how much ego-self-protection they want to build into what they do.
The evolution dilemma. You grow, you learn, you change over time. What you thought was your authentic self (and all that that meant) earlier in your career may be different than what it is now and how you want to express it now. In a similar way, your authentic self may vary a bit from one context to another. This might result in a tension between the consistency and coherency of your body of work as these relate to your authentic self as you see / feel / sense it in the moment. The designer, in this case, must grapple with whether to change or not, or if so, how much to change. If you are already an established business with a strong brand identity, this becomes especially difficult to deal with. Changing your brand identity is especially hard. You don’t want to be rejected by or confuse your audience.
During my jewelry designing career, all these challenges confronted me. I can honestly say that there is a give and take, from piece to piece that I have designed, between achieving that authentic self, and having to make some compromises. Often, when I find I have had to compromise too much — usually to conform to my client’s wishes — I concurrently design a piece in the abstract, one I can create which majorly resonates with many aspects of my personal authenticity as an artist.
One last point. Look around at all the jewelry available for sale and that people wear. There is a lot of sameness. Standardization. Very machine-made looking. In some sense, lacking in personality and individuality. Infusing your jewelry design with your authentic self helps you differentiate yourself from mass-produced or superficial alternatives.
How someone actually goes about finding and expressing their authentic self varies from person to person. This isn’t a straightforward process. You the designer must be guided by your own self-reflection, empathy and commitment to your core values, beliefs and desires. You must strive to align your choices about design with your inner convictions.
And remember: Rogue Elephants are always authentic. They can be no other way.
_______________________________
I hope you found this article useful. Please consider sharing. Thank you for clicking the CLAP HANDS icon at the bottom of this article.
I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Check out my books on Amazon.com
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Follow my series HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT.
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form
Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2
PEARL KNOTTING…Warren’s Way
Easy. Simple. No tools. Anyone Can Do!
SO YOU WANT TO DO CRAFT SHOWS: 16 Lessons I Learned Doing Craft Shows
BASICS OF BEAD STRINGING AND ATTACHING CLASPS
___________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design theory, design thinking, jewelry, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, wire and metal | Tagged: craft, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry making, Style | Leave a Comment »
Don’t Get Caught Falling Into The Abyss of Self-Doubt: Are any of these 8 questions keeping you from designing jewelry?
Posted by learntobead on April 20, 2024
Warren Feld
11 min read
Keep From Letting ‘Doubt’ Paralyze You As A Jewelry Designer
For the novice, all that excitement at the beginning, when thinking about making jewelry and making some pieces, sometimes collides with a wall of developing self-doubt.
It’s not easy to quiet a doubt.
As a jewelry artist, you organize your life around an inspiration. There is some fuzziness here. That inspiration has some elements of ideas, but not necessarily crystal clear ones. That inspiration has some elements of emotions — it makes you feel something — but not necessarily something you can put into words or images or fully explain. You then need to translate this fuzzy inspiration into materials, into techniques, into color, into arrangements, into a coherent whole.
You start to make something, but realize you don’t know how to do it. But you want to do it, and do it now. However, to pick up the needed skills, you realize you can’t learn things all at once. You can’t do everything you want to do all at once. That initial excitement often hits a wall. Things take time to learn. There are a lot of trial and error moments, with a lot of errors. Pieces break. Combining colors and other design elements feels very awkward. Picking the right clasps and rings and connectors and stringing materials is fraught with implications. Silhouettes are confusing. You might get the right shape for your piece, but it is difficult to get the right movement, drape and flow, without compromising that shape.
To add to this stress and strain, you need to show your jewelry off. You might want someone to like it. To want it. To need it. To desire it. To buy it. To wear it. To wear it more than once. To wear it often. To exhibit it. To collect it. To show and talk about it with others. And how will all these other people recognize your creative spark, and your abilities to translate that spark into a wonderful, beautiful, functional piece of jewelry, appropriate for the wearer and appropriate for the situation?
Frequently, because of all this, the artist experiences some sense of doubt and self-doubt. Some paralysis. Can’t get started. Can’t finish something. Avoiding showing your pieces to others. Wondering why you became a jewelry designer in the first place.
Doubt holds you back from seizing your opportunities.
It makes getting started or finishing things harder than they need to be.
It adds uncertainty.
It makes you question yourself.
It blocks your excitement, perhaps diminishing it.
Doubt and Self-Doubt should be useful in forcing you to think about and question your choices. However, for many jewelry designers, it mostly holds them back.
Having doubt and self-doubt is common among all artistic types. After all, for much of what you do and how you spend your time, you’re mostly alone with your thoughts.
What becomes important is how you manage and overcome it. You do not want your doubts to get in the way of your creative process and disciplinary development. You want your doubts, rather, to inform them.
8 Major Ways Doubts Can Force You Into That Abyss
There are 8 major ways in which jewelry designers get caught beginning to fall into that abyss we call self-doubt:
1) What If I’m Not Creative Enough or Original Enough or Cannot Learn or Master or Don’t Know a Particular Technique?
2) What If No One Likes What I Make?
3) What If No One Takes Me Seriously As An Artist And Designer?
4) I Overthink Things and Am A Bit of a Perfectionist.
5) How Can I Stay Inspired?
6) Won’t People Steal My Work?
7) Being Over Confident or Under Confident
8) Role Confusion
1. What If I’m Not Creative Enough or Original Enough or Cannot Learn or Master or Don’t Know a Particular Technique?
Everyone has some creativity baked into their being. It is a matter of developing your way of thinking and doing so that you can apply it. This takes time.
So does originality. The word originality can be very off-putting, but it does not have to be.
At first, when you are getting started making jewelry, originality will mean that you will try different ways of personalizing projects. There are always things you can do to bring some aspects of originality to your pieces. This might be the choice of colors, or using a special clasp, or rearranging some elements in your composition.
Again, as with creativity, the ability to be more and more original will evolve over time. It is helpful to think of originality, not necessarily as coming up with something completely new, but rather as differentiation — how you differentiate yourself from other jewelry designers.
For almost everyone, you don’t begin your design career at the height of your levels of creativity and originality. Yes, if you look around you, other people are more creative and original than you or have more skills than you. Don’t let these observations be a barrier to your own development as a jewelry designer. You get there through persistence and hard work. You handle your inner critic. You may not be there, yet — the key word here is yet. But you will be.
2. What If No One Likes What I Make?
We all have fears about how our creativity and originality are going to be evaluated and judged. We project our self-doubts to the doubts we think we see and feel from others. What if no one wants to wear my pieces, or buy my works?
We can’t let these outsider reactions dictate our lives and creative selves. A key part of successful jewelry design is learning how to introduce what we do publicly. At the least, it is the core nature of the things we create that they are to be worn on the body. Jewelry is a very public thing.
Turn negative comments into positive ideas, motivators, insights, explorations. Allow yourself some give and take, some needs to step back awhile, some needs to tweak. Jewelry design and jewelry making are iterative processes. They in no way are linear. Your outcomes and their success are more evolutionary, than guaranteed.
Distressing about what others may think of your work can be very damaging to your self-esteem. It can amplify your worries. Don’t go there.
Don’t become your worst critic.
3. What If No One Takes Me Seriously As An Artist And Designer?
Jewelry design is an occupation in search of a profession. You will find that a lot of people won’t recognize your passion and commitment. They may think anyone can design jewelry. They may think of jewelry making as a craft or some subset of art, not as something unique and important in and of itself. They may wonder how you can make a living at this.
The bottom line: if you don’t take yourself seriously as a jewelry designer, no one else will.
People will take you seriously as they see all the steps you are taking to master your craft and develop yourself as a professional.
4. I Over Think Things And Am A Bit Of A Perfectionist
Some designers let a sense that their work is not as good as imagined get in the way. They never finish anything. They let doubt eat away at them.
Perfectionism is the enemy of the good. It’s great to be meticulous, but emotionally, we get wrecked when anything goes astray, or any little thing is missing, or you don’t have that exact color or part you originally wanted.
Go ahead and plan. Planning is good. It’s insightful. It can be strategic. But also be sure to be adaptable and realistic. Each piece is a stepping stone to something that will come next.
The better jewelry designer develops a Designer’s Toolbox — a collection of fix-it strategies to deal with the unfamiliar or the problematic.
Overthinking can be very detrimental. You can’t keep changing your mind, trying out every option, thinking that somewhere, someplace there exists a better option. Make a choice and get on with it. You can tweak things later.
Yes, attention to detail is important. But so is the value of your time. You do not want to waste too much time on trivial details.
Be aware when you begin over-analyzing things. Stop, take a breath, make a decision, and move on.
5. How Can I Stay Inspired?
Designing a piece of jewelry takes time, sometimes a long time. That initial inspirational spark might feel like it’s a dying ember.
Don’t let that happen.
Translate that inspiration into images, colors, words, sample designs, and surround your work space with these.
Talk about your inspiration in detail with family and friends.
6. Won’t People Steal My Work?
Many jewelry designers fear that if they show their work publicly, people will steal their ideas. So they stop designing.
Yet jewelry design is a very communicative process which requires introducing your work publicly. If you are not doing this, then you are creating simple sculptures, not jewelry.
Yes, other people may copy your work. See this source of doubt as an excuse. It is a self-imposed, but unnecessary, barrier we might impose to prevent us from experiencing that excitement as a jewelry designer. Other people will never be able to copy your design prowess — how you translate inspiration into a finished piece. That is unique and special to you. It is why the general public responds positively to you and your work.
7. Over Confidence can blind you to the things you need to be doing and learning, and Under Confidence can hinder your development as a designer.
Too often, we allow under confidence to deter us from the jewelry design and making tasks at hand. We always question our lack of ability and technical prowess for accomplishing the necessary tasks at hand. It is important, however, to believe in yourself. To believe that you can work things out when confronted with unfamiliar or problematic situations. It is important to develop your skills for thinking like a designer. Fluency. Flexibility. Originality. There is a vocabulary to learn. Techniques to learn. Strategies to learn. These develop over time with practice and experience. You need to believe in your abilities to develop as a designer over time.
With over confidence comes a naivete. You close off the wisdom to listen to what others have to say or offer. You stunt your development as an artist. You overlook important factors about materials and techniques to the detriment of your final designs and products. You close yourself off to doubt and self-doubt, which is unfortunate. Doubt and self-doubt are tools for asking questions and questioning things. These help you grow and develop as an artist and designer. These influence your ability to make good, professional choices in your career.
8. Role Confusion
Jewelry artists play many roles and wear different hats. Each has its own set of opportunities, requirements, and pressures that the artist must cope with. It’s a balancing act extraordinaire.
First, people who make jewelry wear different hats: Artist and Designer, Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer, and Exhibitor.
Second, people who make jewelry have different needs: Artistic Excellence, Recognition, Monetary Gain, or Financial Stability.
Third, the artist needs to please and satisfy themselves, as well as other various clients.
Fourth, the artist constructs pieces which need to function in different settings: Situational, Cultural, Sociological, Psychological.
Last, the artist must negotiate a betwixt and between situation — a rite of passage — as they relinquish control over the piece and its underlying inspirations to the wearer and the viewer, who have their own needs, desires and expectations.
This gets confusing. It affects how you pick materials and supplies. Which techniques you use. What marketing strategies you employ. How you value and price things. Anticipating who your audience is. And the list goes on.
It is important to be aware (metacognitive) of what role(s) you play when, and why. Given the role, it is important to understand the types of choices you need to make, when constructing a piece of jewelry. It is critical to understand the tradeoffs you will invariably end up making, and their consequences for the aesthetic, emotional and functional success of your pieces.
Some Advice
While doubt and self-doubt can hinder our development as jewelry designers, some degree of these may be helpful, as well.
To develop yourself as a jewelry designer, and to continue to grow and expand in your profession, you must have a balanced amount of both doubt and self-doubt. Uncertainty leads to questioning. A search for knowledge. Some acceptance of trial and error and experimentation. A yearning for more reliable information and feedback.
Jewelry design uses a great deal of emotion as a Way of Knowing. Emotions cloud or distort how we perceive things. They may lead to more doubt and worry and lack of confidence. But they also enhance our excitement when translating inspirations into designs.
· Don’t let your inner doubts spin out of control. Be aware and suppress them.
· Be real with yourself and your abilities.
· Keep a journal. Detail what your doubts are and the things you are doing to overcome them.
· Create a developmental plan for yourself. Identify the knowledge, skills and understandings you want to develop and grow into.
· Remember what happened in the past the last time doubt got in your way. Remember what you did to overcome this doubt. Remember that probably nothing negative actually happened.
· Talk to people. These can be friends, relatives and colleagues. Don’t keep doubts unto yourself.
· Don’t compare yourself to others. This is a trap. Self-reflect and self-evaluate you on your own terms.
· Worrying about what others think? The truth is that people don’t really care that much about what you do or not do.
· Don’t beat yourself up.
· Get re-inspired. This might mean surrounding yourself with images and photos of things. It might mean a walk in nature. It might me letting someone else’s excitement flow over to you.
· Take breaks.
· See setbacks as temporary.
· Celebrate small steps.
· Keep developing your skills.
· Set goals for yourself.
_______________________________
I hope you found this article useful. I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form
Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2
PEARL KNOTTING…Warren’s Way
Easy. Simple. No tools. Anyone Can Do!
SO YOU WANT TO DO CRAFT SHOWS: 16 Lessons I Learned Doing Craft Shows
BASICS OF BEAD STRINGING AND ATTACHING CLASPS
___________________________________________
Posted in architecture, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, craft shows, creativity, design management, design thinking, Entrepreneurship, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, pearl knotting, professional development, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: art, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry making | Leave a Comment »
So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer: A Primer
Posted by learntobead on April 20, 2024
Where can you learn jewelry making skills?…
It’s important to learn in an organized, developmental way. You want to be always asking how things are interrelated. What depends on what? You want to pose what-if questions so that you can train yourself to anticipate the implications and consequences of making one choice over another. What happens If? What happens When? What enhances? What impedes? What synergizes? What can be leveraged, and toward what objective? You want to reflect on your outcomes.
Some places for learning:
Local craft or bead store
Community college
University (art, fiber arts, metalsmithing,
fashion)
Jewelry design program
Fashion schools
Bead and Jewelry Making Magazines
Social media groups
Self-taught, crafting at home
On-the-job training
Certifications
Art institutes
Art grants
How-to books
Video tutorials
Networking with other craft artists
Types of Beading and Jewelry Making
There is so much to know, and so many types of choices to make. Which clasp? Which stringing material? Which technique? Which beads? Which strategy of construction? What aesthetic you want to achieve? How you want to achieve it? Drape, movement, context, durability.
Sample of Techniques:
Stringing
Assembling
Bead Weaving
Bead Working
Wire Working
Wire Wrapping
Wire Weaving
Silversmithing, Metal Work
Cold Connections
Fabrication
Casting
Fiber Arts, Knitting, Crochet
Micro-Macrame
Bead Embroidery
Kumihimo, Knotting, Braiding
CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Enameling
Lampworking and Glass Blowing
Stamping
Engraving
Polymer Clay, Precious Metal Clay, Sculpting
Lapidary
Woodwork, Carving
Types of Tasks Jewelry Makers and Beaders Do
Adjust, reshape, resize, create and attach clasp assemblies
Cutting stones, setting stones, determining value and authenticity of stones
CAD (Computer Aided Design), 3-D Printing
Fabrication, stamping, engraving, casting, soldering, cold connections, shaping
metal wire and sheet, annealing
Model and mold building, sculpting
Manage thread tension, create self-supporting shapes, manage movement, drape and flow
String, weave, netting, embellish, embroider, knit, crochet, braid, knot, wrap, assemble
Understand jewelry-making as a process, from beginning to end
Select color, proportion, volume, shape, forms, size, silhouettes, themes
Place and Arrange design elements and components
Read patterns, figures, graphs
Select materials and techniques
Determine measurements
Assess stress, strain, strength, suppleness, stability and synergy
Understand and access the creative marketplace, introduce their pieces publicly
Learning Objectives
A. Technical Mechanics
1. Managing tension, whether using thread, cord, string or wire
2. Holding your piece to work it
3. Reading simple patterns, figures, graphs
4. Selecting appropriate materials
5. Identifying areas of potential weakness, and strategies for dealing with these
6. Determining measurements, including width and length of a piece, especially in relationship to bead and other component sizes
7. Extending your piece, such as adding thread or wire
8. Finishing off your piece and adding the clasp assembly
B. Understanding Craft Basis of Technique or Stitch
- Starting the technique or stitch
- Implementing the basic technique or stitch
3. Finishing off the basic technique or stitch
4. Learning variations on the technique or stitch
5. Embellishing the Stitch, including fringe, edge, bail, strap, connectors
C. Understanding Art & Design Basis of Technique or Stitch
1. Learning implications when choosing different sizes/shapes of beads or
other components, or using different stringing materials
2. Understanding relationship of the technique or stitch in comparison to
other techniques or stitches
3. Understanding how bead asserts its need for color
4. Creating your own design with this technique or stitch, in reference to
design elements and jewelry design principles of composition
5. Creating shapes, components and forms with this technique or stitch, and
establishing themes
6. Building in structural supports, and other support elements, into the
design
D. Becoming a Bead Weaving or Jewelry Making Designer
1. Developing a personal style
2. Valuing or pricing your work
3. Teaching others the technique or stitch
4. Promoting yourself and your work
5. Advocating for jewelry as “Art” and as “Design”
Types of Tools Needed To Get Started
Scissors
Chain nose pliers (inside of jaws smooth)
Flat Nose Pliers
Side Cutters
Flush Cutters
Tweezers and Awl
Assorted sizes of hard wire, cable wire, bead cord and bead, thread, elastic string
Ruler
Crimping pliers
Hammers and mallets
Steel block plate
Doming block, anvil
Sizing cones
Hand held torch and fire-proof work surface
Bead stoppers / clamps
Color wheel
Work Surface or Pad
Bead board
Round nose pliers
Ring, Jump Ring, and bracelet mandrels
Needles, wax
Jeweler’s saw and blades
Good lighting
Comfortable seating
Finding jobs and pathways utilizing your skills as a jewelry designer…
There are actually many career pathways for people who have backgrounds in jewelry making and bead working. Besides the obvious pathways of making jewelry to sell, or teaching jewelry making, there are still many job and career opportunities for you.
Jewelry maker
Illustrator
Fashion designer
Stylist
Metalsmith
Teacher
Lapidary
Gemologist
Jewelry repair
Wood worker
Fiber artist
Lampworking and glass blowing
Physical and Occupational Therapist
Counseling
Custom designer
Engraver
Sales
Merchandising
Website design
Data analyst
Grants writer/reviewer
Program director
Video instructor or host
Jewelry assessor
Display and Packaging
Influencer
Writer
Business Developer
_______________________________
I hope you found this article useful. I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form
Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2
PEARL KNOTTING…Warren’s Way
Easy. Simple. No tools. Anyone Can Do!
SO YOU WANT TO DO CRAFT SHOWS: 16 Lessons I Learned Doing Craft Shows
BASICS OF BEAD STRINGING AND ATTACHING CLASPS
___________________________________________
Posted in Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, craft shows, creativity, design thinking, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, professional development, wire and metal | Tagged: beadwork, crafts, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry making | Leave a Comment »
MIXING MEDIA / MIXING TECHNIQUES IN JEWELRY DESIGN: Some Do’s And Don’ts
Posted by learntobead on May 3, 2023
From my book: SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form, Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
Abstract:
For some jewelry designs, the incorporation of mixed media or mixed techniques can have a synergistic effect — increasing the appeal and/or functionality of the piece better than any one media or technique alone. It can feel more playful and experimental and fun to mix media or techniques. But there may be adverse effects, as well. Each media or technique will have its own structural and support requirements — that is, its own special characteristics and its own philosophy of technique. Each will react differently to various physical forces impacting the piece when worn. So it becomes more difficult for the designer to successfully coordinate and integrate more than one media or technique.
MIXED MEDIA / MIXED TECHNIQUES
It’s my belief that you cannot combine two different media or two different techniques to make a piece of jewelry without letting one of them predominate over the other.
Whether combining fiber with beads or metal with beads or paint and sculpture with beads, or braiding with beads or metalwork with glasswork or glass beads with gemstone beads, it is difficult to have a successful, satisfying outcome, without letting one of the media or technique be dominant over the other.
Each media and technique has its own set of structural rules and requirements — that is, its own special characteristics and its own philosophy of technique. Each interacts with light and shadow very differently; that is, the materials and techniques associated with a particular media reflect, absorb and refract light differently. Each has different problems with and responses to physical mechanical forces impacting the piece internally and externally with different stresses and strains. Each requires different strategies for managing tradeoffs between aesthetics and functionality. Each triggers differing responses by wearers and viewers as to sensory, sensual and/or symbolic impressions.
These kinds of things make the viewer’s experience and interaction with the media or technique and its resulting products different, from media to media and technique to technique.
So, you can have a “knitting” project that incorporates some beads, or a “beading” project that uses a knitting stitch and/or some yarn. In the former, knitting would predominate, with more focus on the fibers; in the latter, beading would predominate, with more focus on the beads. You can have a wire project which incorporates some beads, or a beading project which incorporates some wire elements.
But it is rare that you can look at a project, and say it concurrently meets the criteria for finish and success of both media — so, both a successful, satisfying knitting AND beading project, and both a successful wire AND beading project. It is difficult to preserve the integrity of either media if you force them to be co-equals.
It is difficult to mix materials within the same project. For example, it is difficult to mix glass and acrylic beads, or glass and gemstone beads…. Unless, you let one material become predominant over the other, or one technique become predominant over the other.
But all of this is very challenging, almost off-putting, to the jewelry designer who wants to combine media techniques and materials.
Types of Mixed Media / Mixed Technique Jewelry Projects
There are four distinct types of mixed media / mixed techniques projects.
Collage: Different materials or techniques are combined in an additive fashion. Often we create a foundation or base out of one material or technique, and embellish on top of it with another material or technique. It is very 2-dimensional.
Assemblage: This is a variant of the collage, where different materials or techniques are used to enhance the dimensionality or movement within a piece. The result is very 3-dimensional, sculptural and is very multiplicative.
Found Object: Various objects which are found and used by jewelry designers within their pieces because of their perceived artistic value.
Altered: An existing piece of jewelry will be reused and altered or modified physically, resulting in a different piece with a different sensibility. The original piece might be added to, cut up and re-arranged, materials changed, different techniques applied to reconstruct the piece.
How Can Two Things Come Together For Artistic Success?
For some jewelry designs, the incorporation of mixed media or mixed techniques can have a synergistic effect — increasing the appeal and/or functionality of the piece better than any one media or technique alone.
It can feel more playful and experimental and fun to mix media or techniques.
But there may be adverse effects, as well. Each media or technique will have its own structural and support requirements. Each will react differently to various physical forces impacting the piece when worn. So it becomes more difficult for the designer to successfully coordinate and integrate more than one media or technique.
Ask yourself,
How will you match tasks and/or materials?
How will you switch between them?
How will you adapt should one restrict or impede the flow of action?
How will you adapt should one alter or otherwise impede a shape or shapes within your piece?
What if it is easier to finish off the piece with one but not the other?
Typically, what works best overall is if you allow one media or technique to predominate. There its conformance to various art and design requirements will shine through without any sense of competition, incompleteness or discordance.
_______________________________
I hope you found this article useful. Please consider sharing.
I’d welcome any suggestions for topics (warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft Video Tutorials online. Begin with my ORIENTATION TO BEADS & JEWELRY FINDINGS COURSE.
Follow my articles on Medium.com.
Subscribe to my Learn To Bead blog (https://blog.landofodds.com).
Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
Check out my Jewelry Making and Beadwork Kits.
Add your name to my email list.
_________________________________
Other Articles of Interest by Warren Feld:
What You Need To Know When Preparing A Portfolio
Smart Advice When Preparing Your Artist Statement
Design Debt: How Much Do You Have?
An Advertising Primer For Jewelry Designers
Selling Your Jewelry In Galleries: Some Strategic Pointers
Building Your Brand: What Every Jewelry Designer Needs To Know
Social Media Marketing For The Jewelry Designer
Often Unexpected, Always Exciting: Your First Jewelry Sale
Coming Out As A Jewelry Artist
Is Your Jewelry Fashion, Style, Taste, Art or Design?
Saying Goodbye To Your Jewelry: A Rite Of Passage
So You Want To Do Craft Shows: Lesson 7: Setting Up For Success
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Metals, Metal Beads, Oxidizing
The Jewelry Designer’s Approach To Color
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Stringing Materials
Shared Understandings: The Conversation Embedded Within Design
How Does Being Passionate Make You A Better Designer?
Doubt / Self-Doubt: 8 Major Pitfalls For Jewelry Designers
Essential Questions For Jewelry Designers: 1 — Is What I Do Craft, Art or Design?
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Choosing And Using Clasps
Contemporary Jewelry Is Not A ‘Look’ — It’s A Way Of Thinking
Point, Line, Plane, Shape, Form and Theme
5 Tell-Tale Signs Your Pearls Need Re-Stringing
MiniLesson: Making Stretchy Bracelets
Architectural Basics Of Jewelry Design
Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry: What Works
What Glue Should I Use When Making Jewelry?
__________________________________
CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Between the Fickleness of Business and the Pursuit of Design
How dreams are made
between the fickleness of business
and the pursuit of jewelry design
This guidebook is a must-have for anyone serious about making money selling jewelry. I focus on straightforward, workable strategies for integrating business practices with the creative design process. These strategies make balancing your creative self with your productive self easier and more fluid.
Based both on the creation and development of my own jewelry design business, as well as teaching countless students over the past 35+ years about business and craft, I address what should be some of your key concerns and uncertainties. I help you plan your road map.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a self-supporting business, success as a jewelry designer involves many things to think about, know and do. I share with you the kinds of things it takes to start your own jewelry business, run it, anticipate risks and rewards, and lead it to a level of success you feel is right for you, including
· Getting Started: Naming business, identifying resources, protecting intellectual property
· Financial Management: basic accounting, break even analysis, understanding risk-reward-return on investment, inventory management
· Product Development: identifying target market, specifying product attributes, developing jewelry line, production, distribution, pricing, launching
· Marketing, Promoting, Branding: competitor analysis, developing message, establishing emotional connections to your products, social media marketing
· Selling: linking product to buyer among many venues, such as store, department store, online, trunk show, home show, trade show, sales reps and showrooms, catalogs, TV shopping, galleries, advertising, cold calling, making the pitch
· Resiliency: building business, professional and psychological resiliency
· Professional Responsibilities: preparing artist statement, portfolio, look book, resume, biographical sketch, profile, FAQ, self-care
548pp.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form
So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer reinterprets how to apply techniques and modify art theories from the Jewelry Designer’s perspective. To go beyond craft, the jewelry designer needs to become literate in this discipline called Jewelry Design. Literacy means understanding how to answer the question: Why do some pieces of jewelry draw your attention, and others do not? How to develop the authentic, creative self, someone who is fluent, flexible and original. How to gain the necessary design skills and be able to apply them, whether the situation is familiar or not.
588pp, many images and diagrams Ebook , Kindle or Print formats
The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2
PEARL KNOTTING…Warren’s Way
Easy. Simple. No tools. Anyone Can Do!
I developed a nontraditional technique which does not use tools because I found tools get in the way of tying good and well-positioned knots. I decided to bring two cords through the bead to minimize any negative effects resulting from the pearl rotating around the cord. I only have you glue one knot in the piece. I use a simple overhand knot which is easily centered. I developed a rule for choosing the thickness of your bead cord. I lay out different steps for starting and ending a piece, based on how you want to attach the piece to your clasp assembly.
184pp, many images and diagrams Ebook, Kindle or Print
SO YOU WANT TO DO CRAFT SHOWS: 16 Lessons I Learned Doing Craft Shows
In this book, I discuss 16 lessons I learned, Including How To (1) Find, Evaluate and Select Craft Shows Right for You, (2) Determine a Set of Realistic Goals, (3) Compute a Simple Break-Even Analysis, (4) Develop Your Applications and Apply in the Smartest Ways, (5) Understand How Much Inventory to Bring, (6) Set Up and Present Both Yourself and Your Wares, (7) Best Promote and Operate Your Craft Show Business before, during and after the show.
198pp, many images and diagrams, Ebook, Kindle or Print
BASICS OF BEAD STRINGING AND ATTACHING CLASPS
Learning Bead Stringing Is More Than
Putting Beads On A String And Tying On A Clasp
There is an art and skill to stringing beads. First, of course, is the selection of beads for a design, and the selection of the appropriate stringing material. Then is the selection of a clasp or closure, appropriate to the design and use of the piece.
You want your pieces to be appealing. You want them to wear well. You want someone to wear them or buy them. This means understanding the basic techniques, not only in terms of craft and art, but also with considerations about architecture, mechanics, and some sociology, anthropology and psychology.
In this book, I go into depth about: (1) Choosing stringing materials, and the pros and cons of each type, (2) Choosing clasps, and the pros and cons of different clasps, (3) All about the different jewelry findings and how you use them, (4) Architectural considerations and how to build these into your pieces, (5) How better designers use cable wires and crimp, as well as, use needle and thread to string beads, (6) How best to make stretchy bracelets, (7) How to make adjustable slip knots, coiled wire loops, and silk wraps, (8) How to finish off the ends of thicker cords or ropes, so that you can attach a clasp, (9) How to construct such projects as eyeglass leashes, mask chains, lariats, multi-strand pieces, twist multi-strand pieces, and memory wire bracelets, (10) How different teaching paradigms — craft vs. art vs. design — might influence the types of choices you make.
452 pp, many images, illustrations, diagrams, Ebook, Kindle or Print
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