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Craft Lab Workshop Series

Craft Lab Workshop Series

Craft Lab Logo

The American Craft Council’s Craft Lab Workshop Series is a free virtual program for ACC members who are interested in honing the craft of business. From October 2023 through May 2024, join us monthly to learn directly from experts on topics as wide-ranging as photography, financial tools, and marketing for artists. Through presentations, discussions, and activities, participants will gain the skills (or get a refresher) on the most important elements of a craft business. Can’t attend one of the workshops? No problem! We will record them all and make them available for ACC members to view at their convenience.

ACC is proud to offer the Craft Lab program as a benefit for our members. If you are not a member, we welcome you to join us for one workshop at no cost and take part in the skill-building opportunity of our wonderful craft community. If you would like to attend all Craft Lab workshops and enjoy the many other benefits of ACC membership, we encourage you to join today.

Join ACC

The 2023–2024 Series has concluded.
Keep an eye out for news about our 2024–2025 Workshop Series!

Past Sessions

Headshot of Elaine Grogan Luttrull

Creative Budgeting: Making the Impossible Possible
With Elaine Grogan Luttrull

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Workshop Description
The art of budgeting can feel impossible when you have no idea what your income will be. And in the arts, often, we have no idea what our income will be. But just because it feels impossible doesn’t mean it is. Defining the vision and figuring out the path to achieve it is the process—a budget just happens to be the tool we use. In this workshop for creative individuals, we’ll review the five-step budgeting process that makes budgeting actually work for creative individuals. As part of this workshop, we will:
●    List the five-step budgeting process.
●    Connect the budget to an overall creative goal.
●    Describe modifications that keep the budget working over time.

About the Instructor
Elaine Grogan Luttrull (she/her) helps creative individuals master money in both one-on-one and group settings with the support of a long list of arts funders and advocates. She is based in Dublin, Ohio (Kaskaskia and Hopewell indigenous and cultural lands) where she serves on the board of the Short North Alliance, the advisory board of Healing Broken Circles and drinks entirely too much coffee.
https://minervafinancialarts.com/   |   https://www.instagram.com/minervafinarts/   |   https://www.facebook.com/MinervaFinancialArts/

Headshot of Azriel Weaver

Planning and Goal Setting for Artist Entrepreneurs
With Azriel Weaver

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Workshop Description
We all know that goals are important, but sometimes the path to obtaining our big dreams can seem insurmountable. Join workshop presenter Azriel Weaver for a two-hour deep dive into how to break down big goals into actionable plans. During the workshop, we will explore multiple systems for goal setting and planning, including SMART goals, Telescope and Microscope goals, and the WOOP system (wish, outcome, obstacle, plan) to clarify the most important goal you would like to accomplish in the next 30 days (as a start!). As a group, we will explore the ideas of "deep work" and "block scheduling" in order to create a plan that works for you. No matter how big or overwhelming a goal might seem, all goals are accomplished by focusing on one step at a time.

About the Instructor
Azriel learned the art of coaching at the Life Purpose Institute based in San Diego, CA. LPI is an International Coaching Federation accredited program that has helped millions of people around the globe since 1984. He is also a certified Heroic Performance Coach that incorporates ancient wisdom and modern science into the coaching practice. Before becoming a Creative Coach, Azriel was an entrepreneur co-operating a 6,000 sq. ft. retail space called Shotwell located in Union Square in the city of San Francisco, CA. He has been a professional graphic designer for over a decade doing work for small businesses to large billion dollar corporations like American Eagle Outfitters. His passion is to help my creative entrepreneurs design their ideal lives, accomplish big and small goals, and help them to live intuitively so they can experience joy and fulfillment.
https://www.azrielweaver.com/

Headshot of Amanda Dinan

E-Commerce Retail Strategies for Artists
With Amanda Dinan

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 

Workshop Description
Are you ready to elevate your creative journey in the digital marketplace? In this workshop we delve into dynamic strategies that encompass key components such as choosing the right online platforms, optimizing with SEO, and increasing exposure through digital marketing specifically tailored for artists. Discover the tools you need to optimize your online presence and amplify your sales online.

About the Instructor
Amanda has over 15 years of working in the retail and tech sectors for companies like Ross Stores, Samsung Electronics, and Amazon. She is passionate about helping small brands grow both in-store and online and specializes in SEO, online merchandising, retail strategy, and merchandising techniques. Amanda moved to Asheville, NC in 2020 and started Point of Sale Strategies, a retail consulting company. She has certifications in Google Digital Marketing and Google Analytics, is a Shopify Partner, and is a certified retail expert through Management One.
https://www.posstrategies.com/   |   https://www.instagram.com/posstrategies/

Headshot of Cindy Liebel and Robin Kramer

Craft Lab Panel Discussion: Preparing for an In-Person Marketplace
With Cindy Liebel and Robin Kramer
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Workshop Description
In-person marketplaces are a great opportunity to connect with customers, market your work, and, of course, make sales. But how can you plan to get the most out of your time at a marketplace? We’ve brought together a panel of experienced artists and show producers to discuss the many different aspects of preparing and executing a successful in-person market. Through a facilitated conversation and questions from attendees, we will explore topics such as booth design, pre and post-marketing techniques, sales strategies, and more.

About the Speakers
Cindy Liebel is a metalsmith and designer who creates modern, understated designs in her Virginia studio. She creates her handcrafted creations by combining traditional and modern techniques, drawing inspiration from abstract line art and Scandinavian design trends. Her designs are versatile, comfortable, and effortlessly lightweight.
cindyliebel.com   |   https://www.instagram.com/cindyliebeljewelry/

The owner of Red Boot Consulting and co-founder of Flourish & Thrive Academy, Robin has worked with leaders in the retail industry that have built their brands on innovative merchandising and strong service cultures. For 25+years, she has worked primarily with small, upscale brands and designers to bring their products to market, position these niche brands for maximum exposure to their target customers and build relationships with national and international retailers.
redbootconsulting.com   |   https://www.instagram.com/redbootgal/   |   https://www.facebook.com/redbootconsulting/   |   https://www.pinterest.com/redbootgal/

Headshot of Kim Robinson

Marketing Strategies for Artists
With Kim Robinson
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Workshop Description
You didn’t become an artist to be a marketer—you became an artist to follow a dream and do what you love. However, marketing is a necessary part of growing your audience (and income) to maintain your creative practice. In this two-hour workshop, we will discuss how marketing can be redefined to become a more authentic way to connect to your audience. Together, we will explore strategies and tactics for artists to market their work and explore successful case studies.

About the Instructor
Kim Robinson’s passion is connecting with, understanding, and helping ambitious creative entrepreneurs develop and grow the business of their dreams. It’s been the story of his 14-year career working with creative founders as a business development expert, marketer, strategist, coach, and multi-tool professional. He is the founder of 3pts (“three points”), a platform that bridges the gap between creative and business practice for artists and makers looking to make a living doing what they love.
3pts.co   |   https://www.instagram.com/3ptsco/

Headshot of Joshua White

Product Photography Using a Smart Phone (Two Session Series)
With Joshua White
Tuesday, November 7, 2023  |  Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Workshop Description
Documenting and promoting your artwork can be easier than you think! This workshop will explore tools and techniques to create images to highlight your work, products, or business in the best way possible. We will cover the basics of how to use a smartphone to photograph your work, utilize editing apps, and explore other tools to help make your work shine. We will discuss what makes a good image, answer questions, and provide tips and best practices along the way.

About the Instructor
Joshua White’s work has been published in National Geographic and featured by Wired, Scientific American, and Gizmodo. His exhibition record includes solo shows across the U.S., as well as many national and international juried exhibitions. White is an Associate Professor of Photography at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
www.joshuawhiteart.com   |   https://www.instagram.com/joshuawhitephoto/

Headshot of Veronica Edwards

Financial Tools for Creatives (Two Session Series)
With Veronica Edwards

Tuesday, October 3, 2023  |  Tuesday, October 10, 2023 

Workshop Description
Do you have questions about what financial tools and strategies are best for your creative business? In this two-part series, we will do a deep dive into the best financial practices for growing and sustaining a successful craft business. Part one will focus on the basics: bookkeeping, accounting, and basic financial management. In part two, we will explore different tax structures, how to read accounting statements and create reports, and more. Join us to explore the building blocks of financial success.

About the Instructor
Veronica Edwards is the founder of Balanced Virtually, and a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor with over 17 years of experience.
https://balancedvirtually.com/   |   https://www.facebook.com/balancedvirtually

windgate foundation logo

This program was made possible with the support of the Windgate Charitable Foundation.