Craft Lab Workshop Series

Facilitated by Navin Ramalingam

Join intellectual property attorney Navin Ramalingam, to learn the ins and outs of contracts, agreements, and licensing for artists and entrepreneurs. In this workshop we will cover key topics like: Contracts 101, Types of Agreements for Artists, including Common Artist Agreements, Intellectual Property and Licensing Essentials, and much more!

Facilitated by Michael Manes and Rachel Saul Rearick

Join Michael Manes, director and co-owner of Blue Spiral 1 along with Rachel Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft and former exhibitions manager for Pittsburgh International Airport,for an engaging and informative session exploring the ins and outs of navigating galleries and securing exhibition opportunities. Michael and Rachel will provide valuable insights into the exhibition submission process, how to build lasting relationships with galleries and institutions, and what to expect from the exhibition experience—whether you’re a first-time artist or a seasoned professional.

Facilitated by Hannah Cole

In this workshop longtime artist and tax pro Hannah Cole, of Sunlight Tax, will clarify the different options, and the pros and cons of each, so you can tailor your decisions for your unique needs. We’ll focus on the difference between a legal entity and a tax entity, the tax implications, and the level of complexity and expense that each type of entity involves. You’ll leave knowing what you need to cover first, and which entity decisions can wait until later, and you’ll know which questions to ask in order to determine your best option.

Facilitated by Betsy Altheimer

In this practical and supportive workshop, you’ll learn how to bring your unique artistic vision to life through compelling grant applications. This session will help you understand the essentials of grant writing and will make the process approachable and manageable. We will talk about making grant writing feel like an extension of your craft.

Facilitated by Sara Hussey with Karen Olson and Dave Schimke from American Craft

PR expert Sara Hussey, joined by Editor in Chief and Senior Editor of American Craft magazine, Karen Olson and Dave Schimke, will walk attendees through a step-by-step guide to public relations for small craft businesses. The workshop will include an intro to Public Relations, its benefit to your business, how to find the right media to contact, how to craft a media pitch as well as discuss influencer collaboration strategies. Participants will walk away with a deep understanding of the power of PR and a step-by-step process for crafting and delivering a pitch to the media.

Facilitated by Elaine Grogan Luttreull

As artists and designers consider the business side of their creativity, the art of capturing and describing value through a holistic pricing strategy becomes (almost) as important as the creativity itself. Four factors—cost, competition, customers, and competencies—affect the price for a creative entrepreneur’s work or time, and we’ll explore the science (and the art) behind each one. We’ll end with some conversational tools to talk about the true value of the work negotiation-style.

Facilitated by Veronica Edwards

Do you have questions about what financial tools and strategies are best for your creative business? In this two-part series, we will do a deep dive into the best financial practices for growing and sustaining a successful craft business. Part one will focus on the basics: bookkeeping, accounting, and basic financial management. In part two, we will explore different tax structures, how to read accounting statements and create reports, and more. Join us to explore the building blocks of financial success.

Facilitated by Joshua White

Documenting and promoting your artwork can be easier than you think! This workshop will explore tools and techniques to create images to highlight your work, products, or business in the best way possible. We will cover the basics of how to use a smartphone to photograph your work, utilize editing apps, and explore other tools to help make your work shine. We will discuss what makes a good image, answer questions, and provide tips and best practices along the way.

Facilitated by Kim Robinson

You didn’t become an artist to be a marketer—you became an artist to follow a dream and do what you love. However, marketing is a necessary part of growing your audience (and income) to maintain your creative practice. In this two-hour workshop, we will discuss how marketing can be redefined to become a more authentic way to connect to your audience. Together, we will explore strategies and tactics for artists to market their work and explore successful case studies.

Facilitated by Cindy Liebel and Robin Kramer

In-person marketplaces are a great opportunity to connect with customers, market your work, and, of course, make sales. But how can you plan to get the most out of your time at a marketplace? We’ve brought together a panel of experienced artists and show producers to discuss the many different aspects of preparing and executing a successful in-person market. Through a facilitated conversation and questions from attendees, we will explore topics such as booth design, pre and post-marketing techniques, sales strategies, and more.

Facilitated by Amanda Dinan

Are you ready to elevate your creative journey in the digital marketplace? In this workshop we delve into dynamic strategies that encompass key components such as choosing the right online platforms, optimizing with SEO, and increasing exposure through digital marketing specifically tailored for artists. Discover the tools you need to optimize your online presence and amplify your sales online.

Facilitated by Azriel Weaver

We all know that goals are important, but sometimes the path to obtaining our big dreams can seem insurmountable. Join workshop presenter Azriel Weaver for a two-hour deep dive into how to break down big goals into actionable plans. During the workshop, we will explore multiple systems for goal setting and planning, including SMART goals, Telescope and Microscope goals, and the WOOP system (wish, outcome, obstacle, plan) to clarify the most important goal you would like to accomplish in the next 30 days (as a start!). As a group, we will explore the ideas of “deep work” and “block scheduling” in order to create a plan that works for you. No matter how big or overwhelming a goal might seem, all goals are accomplished by focusing on one step at a time.