For the last few months I have been busy developing my own range of homeware and stationery products, inspired by all the fabulous designer/makers I have come across since starting this blog towards the end of last year. I'm almost ready to release my tea towels, bags and cards in to the wild but a lack of self confidence (yes, really!) means I'm rubbish at blowing my own trumpet and the thought of approaching journalists and potential stockists absolutely terrifies me.
So, last week I attended the Crafty Fox Talk on How To Do Your Own PR.
I only found out about it at the last minute (thanks to Twitter) but luckily managed to bag myself the second to last available space.
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| Illustration by Jimbob Art |
The Crafty Fox Market is a curated art and design event giving emerging designer/makers a platform to sell their wares and is currently held seasonally in Brixton, south London. It is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Stephan and Sinead Koehler and it is Sinead who also hosts the Crafty Fox Talks. These speaker-led events are specifically for creatives and are a great way to learn and be inspired, as well as being a good networking opportunity.
The panel of speakers consisted of Perri Lewis, freelance journalist and author of 'Material World: The Modern Craft Bible', Zeena Shah, creator of lovely screen printed things who has starred on Kirstie's Vintage Home and The Apprentice, and finally Miss Cakehead (aka Emma) who runs the PR agency of the same name which specialises in 'edgy' campaigns that no-one else would dare!
It was an insightful evening and afterwards we were invited to showcase any samples of our products that we had brought along which is certainly a good ice-breaker.
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| Networking, Camden style. |
As I mentioned earlier self confidence is not my strong point and having seen the quality of some of the other items on show I was reluctant to let other people see mine. But, what good is attending a talk on PR if you don't take any advice? Coaxed by my new acquaintance, Mandy, I sheepishly placed my cards on the table and went off to mingle.
I met some very talented crafters, some of whom I will introduce to you in a later post, but the biggest surprise of the night came as I was chatting to the lovely Cecily Vessey about mugs, as you do.
I was approached by a very nice lady who loved one of my designs and, to my utter disbelief, asked if it was for sale. Why, yes, I suppose it is!
And so I sold my very first item. The thrill of having a complete stranger wanting to buy something I have created has given me a second wind. Now I know it is possible that other people will like what I am doing, I have the courage to put it out there.
Thanks, Crafty Fox, for teaching me to play like Dizzy Gillespie*.
*Any younglings reading this might want to Google him.