REPOST: Finding Your Signature Style

(Illustration by Patrick Murillo, copyright 2009.)

I'm reposting this article I wrote way back when, because I meet so many people who are turning to crafts to make extra money these days. Hopefully this will get you off to a good start!

Finding Your Signature StyleBy Kathy Cano-Murillo
You're crafty, creative and have a mean sense of business. Now you want to jump in the trenches of retail and sell some kind of artwork far and wide. But what can you whip up that will catapult you to superstar status and make your bank account rival that of Paris Hilton? It's all in your signature style.
First off - the Crafty Chica rule of thumb is never go for something just for the sake of raking in cash. I'm a strong believer in karma and good intention. If you have the gift of creativity, don't blow it by trying to knock off the latest and greatest invention. You'll only belly flop and it will sting your soul (and savings account).
You gotta find your style, doll. Yo' thang . Whatever it is that you decide to make - trust me - the magic will come from the energy and innovation you put into it. Devise a product that is as individual as your fingerprint on polymer clay. Something that will not only turn heads, but also motivate folks to ask: "Who made this? Can I touch it?".
Here are some Crafty Chica tips for finding your signature style:

1. Experiment. Don't just go "Wow, those juice bags purses are everywhere. I'm going to start a business making some!" Instead, take time to try out different genres such as mosaics, sewing, painting, etc. See which comes natural for you. Consider pricing the supplies (low), time factor, and availability of resources. Once you know what kind of crafty area you like, proceed to Step 2.
2. Know yourself. Make a list of all the tangible and intangible things that you adore. Also, what you are great at doing, the colors that give you goose bumps, favorite quotes, fashion style, etc. Look around your bedroom, your magazine/book/CD collections, and closet for inspiration. Write up a one-line mission statement of what you are all about. Now translate that into a tagline of what you want your designs to represent. Don't fret over it. You can always change it down the road as the process develops.
3. Research. If you see something that is already for sale in a retail store, chances are it is on it's way out, an upgrade is coming soon. Artists, as well as buyers, are always evolving, growing and searching for the next best thing. Plus, you don't want to be a Copycat Cindy, do you? Instead, look between the retail shelves. Go to the bookstore and flip through some crafty books. What hasn't been done yet? Now use what you learned from Step 1 and 2 to come up with something that is super craftificent and most of all NEW.
- Personal example: About three years ago, I wanted so bad to have some jewelry that had Latino imagery on it. I couldn't find any so I tinkered in my studio until I came up with a raw version of my picture bracelets. I thought I was Miss Rock Star Crafter, until I did a search on eBay and found oodles of other picture bracelets. BUT - I had my heart set. So I scoured the universe to find all the picture bracelets I could, so I would know what NOT to use in my design. It worked. Now when people wear my bracelets, they can recognize it and say "Hey, that's a Crafty Chica bracelet, huh?"

4. Go back and experiment more. Take all your findings and pull them together. Go back in the studio/kitchen table/wherever and play around with your supplies and sketches until you come up with something wonderful and brag-worthy. It can be as easy as a line of t-shirts with snarky sayings or as detailed as elegant necklaces for kitty cats. Just think different!
5. Branding/Gimmick. OK, got your design and your missions statement. But what is your "thing"? Now you must come up with a solid name that is catchy and easy on the ears and tongue. Examples:
- I know a 13-year-old girl who did a great job with this. She makes high-end crystal jewelry and calls her line "Cassy's Sassy Jewelry". It plays off her name and her spirit. It sounds inviting. She's only 13!
- There is a lady here in Phoenix whose name is Penny and she is a mosaic artist. On every piece, she incorporates a penny into her design. You don't have to have a convenient name like that; you can come up with some other gimmick, like a symbol or your initial of some sort.
- A writer friend of mine makes soldered collage necklaces. So do a lot of people. But what makes her stand apart from them is that she only uses vintage images of nude women, as well as vintage scraps.

6. Presentation. If you have time, make some nice hang tags to attach to your pieces. Give each piece a name and tell a little story about it. If all of your pieces are one-of-a-kind, handwrite it. If they are similar, print the info from your computer. List the materials used and add a spirited graphic. Don't forget to sign your piece!

Remember, you originate and let the others imitate. You'll feel so proud about your work and so will the people who buy it!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!