How Do Consumer Trends Affect Your Business? compiled by Kirsten Coughlin

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?

Each month, The Crafts Report invites readers to respond to the Public Opinion question. Responses are published in the magazine. Go to our Public Opinion Question page to answer the current and/or future questions.

I don't really pay attention to consumer trends. The reason I became an artist is because I want to make what inspires me, not what others think my work should be.

Just because something is trendy doesn't mean that it will necessarily be able to sell in my medium. Plus, once I figure out what's "in," by the time I design it and make it, who knows, it may not be trendy anymore.

I think people put too much stock in trends. My advice is to make what feels right to you. Craftwork should be appreciated for its uniqueness and artistic value, not because it's all the rage.

Kelley Truman
via e-mail

I follow trends to an extent, but I don't put all of my eggs in one basket. I read magazines, visit galleries, pay attention to ads and commercials on television to keep abreast of what is new and in style. I don't necessarily change my whole style because of what I see. Occasionally, I'll see a trend like the resurgence of the home accessory market and think of ways I could market my work to appeal to new customers.

Jason Richardson
wood artist
Arlington, Virginia

Following trends is sometimes difficult, but I still try to be aware of what's new and trendy for the upcoming year. There are times when I've taken advantage of trends, such as what colors will dominate the market for a particular year, and there are times when trends don't apply to my work at all, as I'm sure is the case with most crafters.

New ideas are constantly being created, and often it seems like a part-time job to keep up to date on these trends. Overall, I don't think that trends impact the crafts field as much as they do for mass-produced work.

Henry Dissinger
via e-mail

Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.

JANUARY 2000: TABLE OF CONTENTS