Curtis Buchanan Talks About Business

[John Morris]

I have posted a couple videos from this craftsman in the past, Curtis Buchanan is a chair maker, his specialty is the Windsor in all shapes and forms, he creates his chairs starting from the purchase of his logs, and he'll fell his own from time to time as well. And he's just a neat soul as well.

 

This video is long (20 minutes), I wouldn't expect anyone really to sit through a video this long, because these videos are like sharing music with others, they are personal, we all relate to music in our own way and the reaction you may expect from others regarding your musical tastes can be either disappointing or the music you shared may bring you together. But I feel there is something in this video for everyone.

 

I like this video because he touches on something, most of us woodworkers have either dealt with already in trying to start up a business, or you may be currently pursuing a livelihood in the craft. Either way, I think many of you will be able to relate to Curtis' challenges and success's in starting his own woodworking business in his own shop, in his own backyard.

 

This video is not so much about the chairs he makes, but the process he went through to become a successful and well respected artisan in his craft. He started with nothing, and he built it up to a livelihood.

 

Segment from the 2012 series Soul's Journey: Inside The Creative Process featuring 22 artists and craftspeople in the South.

 

[Gene Howe]

Inspirational. Viewing time well spent. 

Thanks, John.

Edited September 9, 2018 by Gene Howe

[John Morris]

19 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Inspirational. Viewing time well spent. 

Thanks, John.

Thanks Gene, glad you like it! Its' risky putting a long video up like this, but hey, you can watch it or not!

[DAB]

watched the last 8 min or so.

 

good for him in finding something he enjoys, something he's good at, and something he can do to earn money.  you need all 3 of those things to have a successful, money making career.

 

i too enjoy spending time in my shop, making things for our house, and sometimes for others.  feedback varies greatly.

 

but here's my position:  i do it because i enjoy it.  i don't want to start or run a business, with all the attendant paperwork.  and i don't need to run a profit making business.  we've been blessed so that I can afford to spend $100 making something for someone, and give it away, expecting nothing in return, and most time, not receiving anything in return other than a "thank you".

 

i can spend as little or as much time as i wish in my shop on any given day.  and i have other things i have to do around the property, and other things i like to do both at our house, and other places (like the shooting range).

 

i'm good.

[John Morris]

Glad your good Dab. Wasn't inferring otherwise.

[DAB]

You and I are good. 

 

Not it everyone who makes sawdust is in it for a career. 

[John Morris]

Just now, DAB said:

You and I are good.

Not it everyone who makes sawdust is in it for a career. 

Of course not, but if you are in it for a career, the video, in its entirety is a great read, errr, view. If you are not in it for a career, then it would not apply. The first half of the video went into his struggles, it was quite humorous, he talked about renting a $50 slot at the local big mall, and trying to sell his chairs, and other challenges. Even his own wife, said, "Curtis, how are going to make a living building chairs, when you don't know how to build chairs!".

The video as a whole is interesting, to those who are interested. But even for those who wish to woodwork for fun and or hobby, or volunteer work, will still get something out of it, I think. The video covers Curtis' volunteer work in Central America, teaching the locals how to build chairs, it was an endearing moment when he was being interviewed about his work in Central America. Even for a hobbyist, the video can be enjoyed and respected, I feel. Again, nobody is inferring here, that if you work the wood, you need to do it for a career. You watched the last half Dab, try the first half, it's actually more interesting I think, the meat of the video is the first half. Enjoy!

[DAB]

Will catch it all tomorrow. It began at the 12 min mark. 

[John Morris]

25 minutes ago, DAB said:

Will catch it all tomorrow. It began at the 12 min mark. 

Hmm, that's weird, it keeps starting at the 12 mark for me too, don't know what's up with that.

[DAB]

I figured you had set it that way, as though the relevant part started then. 

[John Morris]

23 minutes ago, DAB said:

I figured you had set it that way, as though the relevant part started then. 

No sir, tis wasn't me, I have tried to re link it and it still starts at 12. Go figure, oh well.

[DAB]

Gremlins. 

[HandyDan]

Finally had the time to watch it and it started at the beginning for me.  I enjoyed it.  Always makes me happy to see someone enjoy what they do.  I think all of us aspire to be like him but I would have become bored with chair making.  I like a variety but have noticed that people who have earned a living on their own usually have a specialty item for their main stay.

[Gene Howe]

Hey Dan, if you crave variety, check this out.

http://www.prmdesigns.com

[HandyDan]

7 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Hey Dan, if you crave variety, check this out.

http://www.prmdesigns.com

 

Not really looking for something to do with myself.  I'm retired and have found my niche in life.  I live in a