Setting Your Craft Business Up For Success

Posted 08/08/2024 in Tips for Crafters

The full moon on 19th August, the eighth full moon of 2024, will also be a blue moon, (more about that in a bit) and will be visible from 20:48 BST. For anyone needing to dust off their astronomy, the moon will be full as it will be exactly on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. It will also appear slightly larger than normal as it will be close to the closest point in its orbit to the Earth when it becomes a “Super Moon”.

There are two types of blue moons, monthly and seasonal, but neither of them is blue, just standard grey! A monthly blue moon is when there are two full moons in a calendar month. A seasonal blue moon occurs when there are four full moons in one astronomical season, instead of the usual three. When this happens, the third full moon of the four is called a seasonal blue moon and this is what we will be seeing on August 19th.

In North America, this approaching full moon is also known as “The Sturgeon Moon” as it is easier to catch Sturgeon in the Great Lakes in the summer months. So, if you happen to be near the Great Lakes on holiday, it’s the best season to see one of these monsters!

The expression “once in a blue moon” comes from the fact that blue moons are relatively rare, occurring about every two or three years, and running your own business, you may recognise the feeling of waiting for a blue moon to “catch your big fish”. Lovingly crafting your products, serving clients faithfully, posting to social media, paying taxes, taking the time to compare the market for craft insurance and, all the while, hoping for that special opportunity to arise that will see your business grow exponentially.

Although not many of us will know what waiting for a sturgeon to bite under a blue moon feels like, most will know how it feels to wait for your big break. Most of us also know that we have to learn to do whatever it takes to make our big break come sooner and bring those opportunities within our reach.

One of the best ways to create opportunities for your craft business is to present your products online in an optimal way. They have to be easy to find and presented in their best light. The good news is that, even if you are not a professional photographer, you don’t have to wait ages for the right conditions or purchase expensive equipment to get some great shots of your products! A mobile phone and a few useful tips will help you create professional-looking photos of your craft work, making your creations stand out and attract attention. Taking great photos of your craftwork using a mobile phone can significantly enhance the way your creations are perceived by potential buyers.

Here are ten handy hints to help you capture your craftwork beautifully:

  1. Good Lighting:
    Use natural light whenever possible by shooting near a window or outside during the day. Avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows, whereas overcast days provide even lighting. If natural light is not available, use soft, diffused artificial lighting.

  2. Clean Background:
    Use a simple, clean background with solid colours or plain textures that won’t distract attention away from your crafted items. Using a lightbox for smaller items controls the background and lighting.

  3. Steady Your Shot:
    Keep your phone steady to avoid blurry photos. The best way to do this is by using a tripod or placing your phone on a stable surface. It’s also a good idea to use the timer function to reduce camera shake when you are taking a photo.

  4. Focus and Exposure:
    Tap on your crafted item on your phone screen to set the focus and adjust the exposure. Also, always ensure that your main subject is sharp and well-lit.

  5. Use Grid Lines:
    Enable “grid lines” in your camera settings as it will help with composition, then follow the rule of thirds to create some balanced and visually pleasing shots.

  6. Avoid Zooming:
    Using digital zoom will reduce the photo quality so it’s a better idea to move closer to the subject if you need a closer shot. If you need a detailed close-up, you could use the “macro mode” if your phone has one.

  7. Try Different Angles:
    Experiment with various angles to find the most flattering perspective for your crafted items. Try shooting from eye level, from the top down, and at a variety of different side angles to see which highlights your work best.

  8. Edit Your Photos:
    Use photo editing apps to enhance your images. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos pop and crop out any unnecessary elements to focus attention on your crafted items.

  9. Use Props Wisely:
    Props can enhance your craftwork and add context but it’s a good idea to use them sparingly. Ensure they complement rather than overshadow your main subject. Always choose props that are relevant and scale-appropriate.

  10. Show Details:
    Capture close-up shots to highlight the intricate details and textures of your craft.
    Take multiple photos from different distances to showcase both the overall piece and its finer points.

Rather than waiting for opportunities, why not give your online presence an overhaul with updated images of your wonderful craft?

You could also take some time out to look at your insurance and compare the market. Craft insurance has been our speciality for decades and we’ll ensure that you have the right insurance package in place for your unique needs.

Having prepared your online presence, as you spend quality time this summer at craft fairs selling your unique products, you’ll feel secure in the knowledge that you are pointing customers to an online store which looks its best and you’ve also taken the time to compare the market for craft insurance to be prepared for whatever comes your way! Basically, rather than waiting for those “once in a blue moon” opportunities, you’ve taken steps to set yourself up for success this summer!