Creating Catalogs – How To Get Started

Many handmade sellers have told our team at HandmadeMarketing.org that they have seen their business grow through the use of catalogs.  From creating and printing a catalog from home to using an online web catalog service, crafters are testing the impact of catalogs on their small businesses.

Lindsay Fitchett, handmade seller who runs LF Jewelry Designs shop on Etsy.com, recently shared her experience with selling jewelry online.

“I am growing my business “from the ground up.” I consider myself to still be “in the ground”.  But, I gave my very small jewelry business a big step forward, giving it validity and affirming my pride in a business that I started,” Lindsay told HandmadeMarketing.org.

Lindsay was able to take her handmade shop to a new level by marketing through a catalog.  Like many other sellers, she was able to use resources to be creative with this project.

“This daunting task can be made simpler by making this one thing the main thing: Be Creative in your Resources. This idea can cover a multitude of frustrations and fears,” Lindsay explained, “and you can do anything if you rally your resources and make them work for you.“

Lindsay shared how she tackled the project of making her own catalog for her handmade jewelry.

“Let’s say you need a photographer,” Lindsay said.  “You may start thinking you can never afford it. Wait! Let’s get creative. If you are a little low in the funds department (and who isn’t?) lets start with the best possible option – someone who is free.”

She suggests looking to friends or family members who have made a hobby of photography.

“Look to those with the best skills,” she tells HandmadeMarketing.org.  “If those don’t seem to pan out, think of the local college. Maybe there is a coed that would like to start building their portfolio. Someone just anxiously awaiting your phone call and will jump at the chance to get their name in print.”

If you are still coming up empty handed, Lindsay suggests contacting a local professional photographer that would consider trading some of your talent for their talent.

In the end, Lindsay was able to find a great photographer for her catalog. “I was lucky enough to use a friend from high school who is an incredible photographer,” she said.

There are more elements to producing a professional catalog than just awesome images of your handmade crafts.  To take the concept from dream to reality, Lindsay said she gathered everyone she knew with talents of all sorts to help her press on towards my goal.

“I mustered the guts to call a friend who married a professional snowboarder and asked if she would model,” she told us.  “My other model was a local gal that babysat for us and was in our youth group. She was a beautiful and willing participant. Who is your eye-catching and willing participant?“

“My blogger friend from way back when wrote a majority of my descriptions,” Lindsay said.  “Who is your favorite blogger or local newspaper journalist? Maybe they would be willing to use their creative writing skills to make your hand-mades irresistible.”

“I was blessed with a local gal to do my makeup,” Lindsay continued.  “Her talent is mostly self-taught, but beyond what I could have hoped for. You could find your blessing at a nearby beauty school or Mary Kay consultant.”

Although Lindsay admits these ideas are just examples of what worked for her, it just goes to show crafters can find great resources anywhere.

“My feelings of being inadequate in the making of a catalog changed when I got creative in my resources,” said Lindsay.  “I surrounded myself with people that are proficient in their specialty.  Surround yourself with encouraging people, but that will also speak truth. Make sure you keep your vision for your project clear. Find a great printing company that will work with you. Trust your creative judgment. Make sure your catalog flows. Finally, have pride in your business no matter how “in the ground” you are.“

Lindsay says she is now encouraged to begin work on her third catalog!

You can see Lindsay’s work at her shop – LF Jewelry Designs on Etsy.com.  You can also follow this seller @LFJewelryDesign on Twitter and become a fan of her shop on Facebook. Lindsay also writes a blog.

Tell us what you have found works when marketing and selling handmade in your community!  Have you created a catalog?  How did you go about the creation of it?

HandmadeMarketing.org publishes tips and tricks from handmade sellers and crafters.  Be sure to include links to your shop or website in your article.  Sellers receive free press for lending their knowledge, and both new and experienced sellers alike get new ideas.  Share with HandmadeMarketing.org.