Thinking about running your own craft workshop? Here’s why you should!

Have you ever considered running your own art or craft workshop? Workshops can be a great way to supplement your income when you’re an artist, designer or maker, and they have other advantages too:  they can help you connect with your audience, build your local community and network, find out what people need, offer exciting opportunities for collaborations and partnerships, and even introduce you to new friends. In this series, Clare Gordon looks at the benefits of running a workshop when you have your own creative business and shares her tips to help them go smoothly. So if you want to run your own craft workshop but you’re feeling at all daunted, read on… 

People want to learn – and will pay you to teach them!

How many times have you heard “I wish I could make something like that” from friends, customers or visitors at your craft fair stall? People want to learn new skills, but often they don’t know where to start. Yes, there is YouTube but nothing beats being taught in person by someone who knows what they are doing.  When you’ve spent years honing your craft, you’ve built up a set of skills that can be passed on, and people will pay you to teach them. A big part of feeling ready to run a workshop is understanding that there is real value in what you do.

Craft workshops are mindful, therapeutic and enriching

There has never been a better time to get out there and host craft workshops. With awareness spreading of the need for self-care and mindfulness in our hectic world, more and more people are looking to craft as a way to occupy their hands and calm their busy minds away from the distraction of technology.  Learning a new skill (especially one that involves creating something with your hands) can be very therapeutic and enriching.

Workshops are a chance to share your passion for craft 

As a maker, workshops are a fantastic way to get out of your studio or craft room and meet new people, while sharing your passion, skills and expertise. What could be more fulfilling than seeing others embrace your craft and create something unique? You don’t have to be a qualified teacher or particularly extrovert, just passionate about your craft.

Workshops bring in more money to your creative business

Workshops can also be a great way to boost your income.  We are living in a growing ‘experience economy’, where people want to spend their money on interesting and unique experiences rather than material goods. Occasions such as hen parties and baby showers are also a great opportunity to try something new and many groups are looking for unusual and fun activities in take part in.

So now you’re armed with lots of positive reasons why you should be running your own workshops, you can start planning! Look out for our next post in the series where we’ll be sharing our top tips for a successful workshop.