Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business

  Author:    MEG MATEO ILASCO
  ISBN:    0811858367
  Sales Rank:    76160
  Published:    2007-08-02
  Publisher:    Chronicle Books
  # Pages:    160
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 14 reviews
  Used Offers:   
  Amazon Price:   
  (Data above last updated:  2008-08-28 10:45:09 EST)
  
  
Sort customer reviews by:
  
Show All Reviews on Page      Hide All Reviews on Page
   
  
Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
  
Craft, Inc. is the hipster business primer for entrepreneurial crafters to turn what they do for fun into what they do for money. Pro crafter Meg Mateo Ilasco offers a step-by-step guide to everything from developing products and naming the company to writing a business plan, applying for licenses, and paying taxes. Chapters on sales, marketing, trade shows, and publicity round out the mix. Plus, in-depth interviews with such craft luminaries as Jonathan Adler, Lotta Jansdotter, Denyse Schmidt, and Jill Bliss provide inspiration and practical advice. Accessible, informative, and more than a little spunky, Craft, Inc. paves the way for today's creative minds to become tomorrow's trendsetters.
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 14 of 14                 
  
  
Review
Date
Review
Rating(5 High)
Review
Helpful
to:
Customer Review Reviewer
Info
Permanent
Link
Reader Reviews Below Sorted by Newest First
07-30-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Excellent book
Reviewer Permalink
This book definitely earns five stars. Its easy to understand, inspirational and great for people just getting started in the craft business. I felt she was talking right to me. I've been hesitating for a while about starting a craft business and have been inspired to go ahead and go for it. I found this book extremely helpful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-28 10:48:43 EST)
04-18-08 4 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Good reference book
Reviewer Permalink
This book was very useful when I was starting my business. I really like the design of the book it is very cute. I also like the stories and interviews of small business owners. I plan to keep this book as a reference.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-02 11:27:37 EST)
02-21-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Just what I was looking for
Reviewer Permalink
What a motivator! This book is jam-packed full of good advice for starting up your own art/craft-related business. In the midst of a major DIY and craft movement, this book is just the ticket for anyone who has ever thought, "Hey...I could do that."

As an graduate from a fine arts college, I left school feeling overwhelmed about how to make it on my own. Taxes, laws, startup, recordkeeping -- it was all a blur, too much to handle at the time. But now I have (almost) everything I need in one little handy book. And trust me, I had looked everywhere for a book like this.

The interviews are great offered me the most insight for starting up a business. Much of the marketing advice was pretty common sense to me, but might be helpful for those who have no idea where to start. And of course, the design of the book is wonderful. Pardon me for a moment for focusing on aesthetics, but the rounded corners and simple graphic design is very appealing!

I would actually be interested in seeing another volume of this book that would be entirely about legal issues and recordkeeping -- this is the area where most of my questions are, and Craft, Inc. just grazes the surface of it. It would be awesome to read a simple, no-nonsense guide to business and legal matters, written in the same clear and entertaining style of this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-19 10:17:45 EST)
02-16-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Yes!! This book has everything!
Reviewer Permalink
This book is amazing, it covers business forms, what to bring at craft fairs, how to name your business, advertising, publicity... you name it! I bought one to share, but I had to have my own it's so valuable. Thanks!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-22 10:21:53 EST)
02-13-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Invaluable Resource
Reviewer Permalink
This book was fantastic. It is packed with so much information! It answered every question I had. If you are looking to start your own craft based business you must read this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-15 12:01:37 EST)
02-08-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Everything you NEED to know!
Reviewer Permalink
Wow! I had no idea that this book was going to be packed with so much useful information! Ilasco questions some crafty designers already a few years in to their business for some real-world know-how and is full of vital information! I took notes on nearly every page and would recommend this for ANY business newby, even other than crafters! She talks about patents, taxes, payments, and more that can even be applied to the average families' life.

I truly enjoyed this book and it was a fascinating and easy read - I didn't even think of it as being a "business" book!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 23:49:04 EST)
02-08-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Very helpful
Reviewer Permalink
This book has a lot of helpful and encouraging information. My only complaint is that it's written at such a low reading level, I almost feel patronized when I'm reading it. It's also geared mainly towards wholesale businesses, not actual shops, like I'm interested in.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 23:49:04 EST)
01-05-08 5 7\7
(Hide Review...)  Perfect for the beginner!
Reviewer Permalink
I purchased this book over Thanksgiving and just now got around to reading it. WOW! I wish I had done it sooner! I agree with all of the previous comments. This book is a quick read with much to offer the new crafter in the way of marketing and getting organized.

Taking advantage of the internet is a must for anyone in business these days and Craft Inc. has some wonderful gems to offer in that regard which I am putting to use as I write this. The information is laid out in a non-intimidating way that lets you decide which methods are going to be best for you.

I am inspired by the interviews with successful crafters of various mediums and how they got their start!

If you are thinking about taking your hobby to the next level, this is a good place to begin your journey and you will not be sorry you purchased this book.

Cheers!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-08 10:25:54 EST)
12-29-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Hip and helpful
Reviewer Permalink
Barbara Brabec had written books on the crafting biz that are, I feel, the standard for what one needs to know. However, I am quite captivated by Meg Ilasco's take on the topic because she thoroughly modernized it (e.g. how one can fully take advantage of the Internet to promote one's business). Her style is highly readable and approachable. I like how interviews are interspersed with practical information. The attractive overall design of the book is also a bonus to potential buyers because, obviously, we who engage in the craft biz are naturally tuned to aesthetics.

My only criticism is that the Your Business Mind chapter could be a bit more in-depth, but given that the publisher probably wants to keep the book at the manageable size that it is, this chapter is still a good starting point, and it's up to the crafter to get more info from, say, the SBA.

I had borrowed this book from the library, but after reading it, I will definitely be buying my own copy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-06 07:50:12 EST)
12-03-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Incredibly helpful
Reviewer Permalink
This book is exactly what I needed, and more than I expected. It helps with virtually every aspect of starting your own creative business, from the technicalities of personal voice and company image to the bones of legal requirements, smart business thinking and how to get the ball rolling. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is interested in opening a store, peddling their handmade goods online, or selling their goods wholesale. It answers questions I wouldn't have thought to ask.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-30 10:48:46 EST)
11-18-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  great craft/business book
Reviewer Permalink
I would highly recommend this book for just about anyone.
I am freshly starting a craft business and this book is very helpful
and motivating in keeping the dream alive and doin' it right.
Great business ideas for any new blossoming business. Easy to read and execute!

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-04 08:27:36 EST)
10-29-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Pretty Informative
Reviewer Permalink
I thought this book was very informative and easy to read. I got alot of useful information on good business practices. Also very inspirational.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-19 10:49:56 EST)
09-24-07 4 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Excellent!
Reviewer Permalink
I really enjoyed reading this book.

Many of the marketing steps they suggested I already knew about, but continue to buy books like this to keep me motivated and to find out something new.

I also really enjoyed the interviews throughout the book.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-29 10:44:26 EST)
09-05-07 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  A must have for anyone selling handmade items
Reviewer Permalink
This book is an amazing tool. I am currently in the process of starting my own crafting business and this book is the best "guide" I have seen out there. Practical tips, great advise and interesting interview make it a wonderful book. If you plan to start your own business or even if you just casually sell on the internet or at craft fairs this book is a MUST HAVE!!!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-25 10:49:05 EST)
  
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 14 of 14                 
  
  
  
  
  
  

Because the data used to generate this site come from outside sources, VeryWellSaid.com cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the data.
Search VeryWellSaid™
Google
Web VeryWellSaid™
New subjects are added every week.
View Subjects Below by:
* Top Selling
 (click category name, left)
* Top-Rated Top Sellers
 (click 'Top Rated', right)
In the news...  
Dubai\UAE Top Rated
Influenza\Bird Flu Top Rated
Iraq Top Rated
Supreme Court Top Rated
All Books Top Rated
Arts Top Rated
Photography Top Rated
Digital Photography Top Rated
Digital Cameras Top Rated
Biography Top Rated
Business Top Rated
Management Top Rated
Marketing Top Rated
Sales Top Rated
Stocks Top Rated
Bonds Top Rated
Real Estate Top Rated
Trading Top Rated
Commodities Trading Top Rated
Time Management Top Rated
Starting A Business Top Rated
Children's Top Rated
Comics Top Rated
Computers Top Rated
PC Top Rated
Mac Top Rated
Programming Top Rated
Design Patterns Top Rated
.Net Top Rated
C# Top Rated
Vb.Net Top Rated
Asp.Net Top Rated
Java Top Rated
Python Top Rated
PHP Top Rated
Perl Top Rated
Javascript Top Rated
Ajax Top Rated
CSS Top Rated
Open Source Top Rated
SQL Top Rated
Databases Top Rated
Oracle Top Rated
MySql Top Rated
Sql Server Top Rated
IIS Top Rated
Apache Top Rated
Linux Top Rated
Windows Server Top Rated
Project Management Top Rated
HTML Top Rated
UML Top Rated
IT Certifications Top Rated
Cisco Certifications Top Rated
MCSE Top Rated
MCSD Top Rated
Cooking Top Rated
Italian Cooking Top Rated
Vegetarian Cooking Top Rated
Wine Top Rated
Engineering Top Rated
Entertainment Top Rated
Health Top Rated
Nutrition Top Rated
Dieting Top Rated
Sex Top Rated
History Top Rated
Military History Top Rated
British History Top Rated
Middle East History Top Rated
Land Battles Top Rated
Naval Warfare Top Rated
Air Warfare Top Rated
9/11 Top Rated
Terrorism Top Rated
Home Top Rated
Mortgage\Home Equity Loan Top Rated
Cars Top Rated
Car Buying Top Rated
Sports Cars Top Rated
Cat Top Rated
Humor Top Rated
Horror Top Rated
Law Top Rated
IP Law Top Rated
Legal History Top Rated
Fiction Top Rated
Oprah's Book Club Top Rated
Medicine Top Rated
Cancer Top Rated
Stroke Top Rated
Heart Disease Top Rated
Fertility Top Rated
Diabetes Top Rated
Pharmacology Top Rated
Back Problems Top Rated
Menopause Top Rated
Thyroid Top Rated
Pain Top Rated
Organic Chemistry Top Rated
Immune System Top Rated
Mystery Top Rated
Nonfiction Top Rated
Outdoors Top Rated
Running Top Rated
Radio Control Models Top Rated
Guns Top Rated
Parenting Top Rated
Divorce Top Rated
Professional Top Rated
Reference Top Rated
Religion Top Rated
Romance Top Rated
Science Top Rated
Physics Top Rated
Chemistry Top Rated
Astronomy Top Rated
Psychology Top Rated
Science Fiction Top Rated
Sports Top Rated
Teens Top Rated
Travel Top Rated
USA Top Rated
Europe Top Rated
France Top Rated
Italy Top Rated
England Top Rated
China Top Rated
All Books Arts Biography Click Here For An A-Z Index Of All 213 Best-Seller Subjects Business Children's Comics
Computers Cooking Engineering Entertainment Health History Home Horror Humor Law Fiction Medicine Mystery
Nonfiction Outdoors Parenting Professional Reference Religion Romance Science Sci-Fi Sports Teens Travel
In Association with Amazon.com

Cache miss
(not cached)