building a business: document

I talked to a friend last week who comes from a long line of sewers and embarrassingly enough – I HAD NO IDEA! Apparently she has sewn curtains and pillows for many of my friends. I really could have used her before she moved a few states away.

We had a conversation on the phone and I insisted that she start a blog to which she said, “No.” And the I insisted she at least have a Facebook Page for her business to which she said “Maybe.” Then I told her, “Fine, but can you at least email me some pictures of your work?” And she said “Yes.”

When I see talented people I like to pressure them to document their work if they are not doing it already. There are many reasons for this. The first, of course, is that if you take images of your work then you can use these to market yourself and your product. I cannot buy what you are selling without seeing an image!

Secondly, you can learn from your photos. How does your product REALLY look? What could you do differently? Does it look like other products out there that you want to emulate?

Feedback. Feedback is so helpful. You want to know what people think about your work and how it is perceived. What do your friends think? Family? Clients? Yes, you will know if someone purchases it, but what if no one can use a refinished desk at the moment, but they do APPRECIATE your work. They can tell you that if they see it.

Lastly, and maybe more importantly, you will be able to appreciate your own work. You can look at your images and think, wow, I did that. I look back through my photos of even last year of the really cool pieces that have passed through my studio and I am encouraged to do more. I feel proud of myself. I feel creative and inspired. In fact, the more I do, the more I want to do more of. Does that make sense?

Can’t buy a good camera? No problem, use your iPhone. I did that for at least the first 2 years. They have so many cool filters you can use to make your products look interesting.

Can buy a good camera? Great. Do it. Learn to use it by practicing in different light. Natural vs. interior light. Morning light vs. late afternoon. What hightlights your work and makes it look it’s best. You may not get it right for a while, but keep working at it until your products looks like something YOU would want to buy.

If you have a skill don’t hide it under a bush! I want to see it!