SPECIAL FEATURE: HEALTH INSURANCE
According to a study by the National Federation of Independent Business, rising health-care costs represent the most challenging problem to entreprenuers. Artists, who often focus more on creating work that on running their business, are among those most affected by the lack of affordable health-care coverage. Contributor Diana Lambdin Meyer explores the current state of health care in the United States and its effect on artists. ALSO featured is a resource of arts-related organizations that offer group insurance rates to artists.
Craft Show Round-Up Ever wonder how show application fees compare? Which show has the highest booth fees? Which shows require booth fees due upon acceptance? Which shows provide partial refunds? Find out the answers to these questions and more in a comparison of some of the top craft shows – wholesale and retail -- in the country.
Booth Business: WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU SELL ... PART 2 OF A TWO-PART SERIES ON LIGHTING
Last month, columnist Bruce Baker, nationally known expert on booth design and sales expert, provided practical tips for determining your lighting needs and selecting the best lighting system for your booth and your work in Part I of a a two-part series on booth lighting. Part II provides detailed descriptions of your choices for lightbulbs, and prepares you for how much you will need to spend on a system that will boost your sales.
Crafts Photography: The Blame the Photographer Game
Hired a Photographer and You're Not Happy with Your Slides? What Now?
TCR's photography columnist Steve Meltzer provides a list of important questions to ask a photographer before you hire him. ... What if the photographer has already shipped the work back and it needs to be re-shot? Who will pay for the shipping? What if work is damaged in the photographer's studio? Who will pay for it? ... Check out the July photography column to prepare yourself for every possible situation, and to guarantee that you'll end up with quality slides of your work at the price you expected.
Craft Retailer: Considering a move?
If you're considering moving your retail shop or gallery to a new location, there are many things you should consider before you get set up. Does the new location reach the same demographic as the old? Will you need new inventory -- new styles or new price points? Will you be able to still reach your current customers? Craft retail columnist Grace Butland shares the experiences of Susanne Turino Casal, owner of America House Gallery of Contemporary Craft, and reveals insight that will help you in your move.
Also, coming in the July issue:
Jo'l Urruty: An Up-and-coming Artist "Cleans Up" His Image
Need Money? Getting a Grant May Be Easier than You Thought.
PLUS:
Regional Profile: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin
The July issue's "Regional Profile" features galleries and shows in these states. Find out what's selling and what types of work gallery owners in this region are seeking out.
Insight: Quilts
Next month's "Insight" section provides marketing tips from quilt artists, resources, and statistics. Find out how much money other quilt artists are making each year, how much they spend on tools and materials, whether or not they sell online, and more.
Studio Issues: Breathe Easy ... Your Guide to Effective Ventillation
Craft studios are filled with airborne dusts and chemicals. Constant exposure to these chemicals can be extremely hazardous to respiratory function. Ventillation systems are essential for long-term health. The July Studio Issues column details the elements of an effective ventillation system, provides tips for selecting the right one for your studio and the materials you use, and prepares you for how much you can expect to spend.
