I'm not a turner but, I subscribe to Ron Brown's newsletter. He often publishes content applicable to general woodworking. This one is such a case. Hope you all find it as interesting as I did. If not, well it's only a few minutes lost.

 

Choices

I heard an artist on the radio voice his disgust over his recent interaction with the owner of an art gallery. It seems that the gallery owner had put stipulations on the kind of work he would accept – imagine the audacity! The artist was insulted that he wouldn’t be able to do whatever he wanted and go wherever his artistic leading took him. He felt that the gallery owner should just accept anything the artist did and give him space in the gallery just because he worked hard and was very passionate about his art.

 

Here is a hard truth: You can’t make people like your artwork just because you like to make it. Regardless of the amount of time and effort you put into something, people don’t have to like it and some won’t. The obvious solution here is that he open his own gallery and fill it with whatever he chooses assuming he can afford it. Or, meet the demands of the gallery owner.

 

Years ago, I made wooden furniture and sold it to a specialty retail store which sold it to the public. I learned quickly to make items which sold well and were relatively easy to make at an affordable cost. I learned to make things that the customers of this particular store wanted to buy regardless of whether I liked them or not. I tried introducing pieces I thought were beautiful and the owner allowed me to stock a limited number of my own creations. Most of them bombed horribly.

 

If you have followed me for some time, you have undoubtedly seen products listed on my website for a while, and then mysteriously vanish. I was certain that they would be run away best sellers and some are. Many more are not. Still, I keep trying. So here is the decision: If you are turning because it makes you happy and provides an outlet for your creativity, do anything you want to and can afford. If, however, you expect to earn money from at least some of your turning, make what people what to buy, not what you want to sell them. I realize that most of you don’t sell things you turn and that turning is simply a creative outlet for you. But for those of you who would like to earn some extra cash, a lot or a little, make what people want to buy. Make it the size they can use, in the colors or wood species they like and at a price they are willing to pay and that you are willing to accept.

 

I met a fellow at a wood show one time that made mostly simple wooden pens. He had three large cases of pens, about 50 pens in each case. The first case was full of pens in maple, oak and walnut. Case #1 was offered at “All pens for $10ea – your choice”. Case #2 contained some more figured wood and was offered at “All pens for $15ea – your choice”. And case #3 contained more exotic woods and was offered at “All pens at $25ea – your choice”.  I remarked that his prices seemed too low for the amount of work he put into these beautiful, but simple pens. Then he told me that he went to a flea market each weekend and sold out every week. He was OK with the prices where they were since pen turning was a hobby and he had a regular full time job to pay the bills. Now there was a fellow who knew his customers, what they wanted, and what he was willing to sell his work for. I wouldn’t change a thing.

 

If you are your own customer pleasing just yourself, do exactly what you want. If the public is your customer, do what they want and are willing to pay for because wherever you go there you are.

Good post Gene.  Thank you.  I agree with what he said.  I have made some nice things, and I have made some expensive firewood.  Except for maybe some frustration in a project not turning out like I wanted, I have enjoyed every minute of it.  I am sometimes asked if I ever make anything to sell.  My answer is always the same, that I have had two careers in my life, USAF and USPS, and I don't want another job.  Making things with the intent of selling them would relegate my hobby to a job, and I don't want that.  That being said, I do admire those of you who can deal with customer expectations, pricing, sourcing, tax forms, etc.  That is just not for me.  OK.  Off my soapbox for now.

Great read, Thanks!

Edited January 22, 20197 yr by lew

I make stuff to be given as gifts to family and close friends or to sell based on specific requests at an agreed price. I don't try to sell at farmers markets or art fairs because nobody wants to pay what I consider a fair price.

hat

@ Gene Howe

Thanks  for that article, I totally agree.

Herb

wise words.

 

i make stuff i'd use.  most recipients seem to like it too.

Thanks Gene...wise words and well worth the read.

I enjoy the aspect of woodworking making what I want and I enjoy. I have made some items for family over the years too.

I just do it because I enjoy doing it, not because I'm good at it.

OK,then, I'm going to make steampunk rustic-chic pallet wood stuff.   How about a bed?  I can paint it in distressed chalk paint.

 

Edited January 23, 20197 yr by kmealy

Good post Gene, some true wisdom and advice in them for old and new woodworkers alike.  Like some have stated it is a hobby and making things for themselves and family or friends is the limit.  Others endeavor to supplement incomes.  Anyway you cut it all is woodworking, just who you cater to is different.    

3 minutes ago, kmealy said:

I can paint it in distressed chalk paint.

purple camo!!