Having a craft mentor... someone to learn from their experiences...A craft mentor.. can be a great experience!... Depending on your arts and crafts choice... you may have gone to college, night courses, or apprenticed.. to learn your craft.. you probably have learned from some of the best, and its good to keep in touch with these professionals!Their wealth of experience is something you can learn from... as you can not learn everything from books or how to tapes!.. If you have a teacher, then you are a lucky person.. if not, then why not consider working part time for FREE with a very experienced crafter?.. For an example.. pottery.. it can be a rewarding experience to work for a pottery shop, that has a customer base, or shows in galleries etc... you can offer your help in exchange for knowledge and experience. Let them know you NEVER plan on competing against them, but that you will want to start your own business, but maybe in a different way, but in the meantime, you would like to learn the ropes!
There are some craft businesses that grow and flourish from the experiences you get with a mentor.. someone to look up to.. someone who knows all there is to know about the craft... Learn as much as you can... become a sponge!.. ask as many questions as you can, and take notes!.... Maybe... one day,.. you will be a mentor for someone.. wishing to learn the craft...
So, don't be scared to sign up for some night courses on your favorite craft, to brush up your skills and meet others who have been doing this for a long time.
They can be a wealth of information, or be members of craft clubs or recognized guilds. It is one way to sharpen your skills and also market yourself.
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