Trends are a tricky concept in the craft world. On the one hand,
craftspeople pride themselves on creating trends with the cutting edge work they do. On the other hand, we all need to make a living. What's the harm in creating things people want to buy based on consumer research and trends we see in the media, on the street, etc? We asked six noted craft industry leaders to offer their perspectives on what trends really mean to the making and selling of fine crafts. The answers may surprise you...check it out in the January 2000 issue.
Color trends for 2000 and beyond...
Color marketing experts from the Color Marketing Group (CMG) say that popular colors for the new Millennium will be influenced by consumers' interests in individualism, spiritualism, cultural blending and technology. Interest in environmentally influenced greens has been replaced by techno-based hues and shades influenced by diverse world cultures. Read about them in our January issue.
New columns
With the January 2000 issue, we're bringing back our legal column, which will be written by Washington D.C.-based attorney Joel Joseph. In addition to being the author of several law books, Joseph is co-founder of the American Crafts Project, an organization that was formed to help craft artists fight copy artists who illegally mass produce the artists' designs.
We are also adding a new column that will address the issues, problems and challenges associated with running a crafts studio. Jewelry artist and author Charles Lewton-Brain has written the first column on Setting up a Safe Studio.
Insight
The Crafts Report's "Insight" column will focus on marketing for a different medium each month. It provides marketing tips, interesting statistical and historical facts about each medium, as well as marketing insight from the artists who work within it. The January issue will focus on Furniture.
REGIONAL PROFILES
Each month, we cover what's selling in a different region of the country. We'll explore opportunities for selling work including quality craft shows and galleries. We'll also feature artists from the area, particularly those whose work is strongly identified with their geographic region. This month, we'll explore selling opportunities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
January 2000 issue on newsstands:
December 22, 1999
