crafting money - real numbers

In this video, I will be reflecting on my journey as a crafter in the year 2022. From the ups and downs to the lessons learned, I will be sharing my experiences and how I've grown as a crafter. Whether you're just starting out on your crafting journey or are a seasoned pro, this video will provide you with an inside look into the life of a crafter and the challenges and successes that come with it. So, join me as I reflect on my year as a crafter in 2022 and see what the future holds for me and my craft.
This isn't the most engaging video (I freely admit), but there are some valuable takeaways from my experiences you may want to consider if you are choosing to get into doing shows or are a seasoned veteran.
I compare my results from previous years and notice an alarming trend, and I also provide a possible solution to those trends.
Link to my socials: linktr.ee/inlandwoodandresin
Scouting Craft Shows: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5vSgpmgf7h-i7c
1 Rule to Change Your Crafting Business: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXTShXt3bax4n5Y
Chunking Out Your Craft Year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqK2amiQq554Y8k

[@inlandwoodandresin]

The “Epoxist” Supply List *Below are my recommendations for materials and tools that are essential to making your epoxy experience much more efficient and fulfilling* Upstart Epoxy Deep Pour - amzn.to/3A9T2Aj Resin Paddle Mixers - amzn.to/3Twfzyh Silicone Stir Sticks - amzn.to/3En5385 5 gal Buckets - amzn.to/3UGyPtU Quart Mixing Cups (32oz) - amzn.to/3A9GBop Silicone Spatula Kit - amzn.to/3tmhCub Silicone Split Cups - amzn.to/3fZHWqR Silicone 100ml Cups (12pk) - amzn.to/3WXP9II 33lb Kitchen Scale - amzn.to/3g6vZ2u Sheathing Tape (Tuck Tape) - amzn.to/3O7SMaT Black Silicone Caulk (8pk) - amzn.to/3ULYFg4 Silicone Coaster Molds - amzn.to/3UP5KMN Painters Plastic - amzn.to/3GazYWo Nitrile Gloves - amzn.to/3X7yEtI Funnel Pitchers (4pk) - amzn.to/3ULX0Yt Woodworking Consumables List *Below is a comprehensive list of essential consumables I highly recommend in your shop* Shop Towels (30pk) - amzn.to/3AaZAyR Titebond II (Qrt) - amzn.to/3EpYMIM Titebond III (Qrt) - amzn.to/3hr1HI6 Titebond Thick & Quick (2pk) - amzn.to/3tmshF6 Titebond Dark (2pk) - amzn.to/3hDdqUb CA Glue w/ Activator - amzn.to/3tmcVjU 3M Cubitron II 6” 80grit - amzn.to/3Uuo4v9 Nitrile Gloves - amzn.to/3X7yEtI Frog Tape (3pk) - amzn.to/3G9NwS4 Ticonderoga Pencils (96pk) - amzn.to/3A9rdbj Sharpies (32pk) - amzn.to/3UUBlNn Lava Hand Soap (12pk) - amzn.to/3E5sG3T Walrus Oil Furniture Butter (For ALL Food Contact Projects) - amzn.to/3E5kC2K Rubio Monocoat Pure 2C (Furniture Pieces) - amzn.to/3G711SE (By purchasing through any of the links above, my channel will receive a small commission, which helps me continue to keep this rig rolling)

[@tylernickell3428]

Man, it's so nice to see a craftsman being up front and honest. Love the content.

[@michaelhyman4382]

Thanks for the video! Much appreciated.

[@vmoutsop]

Remember, it can take 5-7 years to organically build a business to the point of profitability/replacing your previous salary

[@lightningstrikelures2393]

Such a good video. Really appreciate your honesty and heart when it comes to the business. Good luck!

[@kd9856]

I see that you turned off the comment section on the video that you made about wood channels but are you afraid of the rebuttals you shouldn't be because you are absolutely correct

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

Hey man, 10K a year after expenses, a new F250 Lariat. I will take it. Good for you dude.

[@brandonyork4834]

Thanks for being so open.

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

Good video. I went fulltime last April. It has been a big learning curve. For me, my most profitable time was spent doing light carpentry or handyman jobs. Good luck.

[@jimdfwwoodworks37]

I agree. Thanks I will...

[@timadams7274]

Lost my big corporate job in October. Bought a CNC and am about to get started in February/March. Software learning curve has been the hardest part for me at this point. Working on niche brain dump ideas in a note pad to get me started. Very basic now, but starting to add additional bullet points on some and drill it down. I love getting out and shaking hands and meeting people, so I’m not afraid of the hustle. Just trying to figure out what the people want and what sells. Scared and excited at the same time. If it is to be, it’s up to me.

[@inlandwoodandresin]

Best of luck to you. There's definitely a market for well thought out CNC items

[@brucewelty7684]

Interesting sticker between "End of" and the gas mask.

[@inlandwoodandresin]

You're not the first to mention that. Good for a chuckle.

[@randywheeler3914]

I love Analytics

[@inlandwoodandresin]

They may not be the most detailed, but they do help make the process of doing the show circuit more fruitful. I know which shows to avoid and which areas to target

[@jimdfwwoodworks37]

You're at least trying! We don't have a lot of shows here in AZ. Planning on doing one in April 23, we shall see how it goes. Don't give up!

[@inlandwoodandresin]

Doing shows is always a crap shoot. Sometimes you do well, sometimes you don't. I try to approach every show with the "long game" in mind. I may not sell right then and there, but the more you're present, the more likely you'll be to get orders. Check out festivalnet.com/ and www.zapplication.org/ to find events near you

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

I never did a show. I've wanted too and have looked into doing them. My biggest challenge is stock. I don't have a lot of space as it is, so to build up the necessary stock for a show is a bit of a challenge. The other fear for me is. What if no one buys all the stock I built up? Now I'm stuck with all of that stock and have to try and sell it off another way. I did etsy for awhile but really grew tired of etsy promoting the bigger mass produced shops that really aren't handmade goods. A large portion of my sales were word of mouth commissions. I still want to try a show one time at least. Here in Pennsylvania we have some dandy shows that I do feel I could do really well at. I just need to get over that fear of failure. I like to build things and I don't know that I want the pressure of having to produce. I do it more for the enjoyment and gratifying nature of it. I think placing the pressure of having to produce and make money would ruin that for me.

[@inlandwoodandresin]

I've been there. Build up inventory for a show and it doesn't sell. Now what? I highly suggest having 2-3 examples of no more than 5 products. That way you can hopefully sell, it a heck of a lot less to pack up, and if a product is a hit you can take orders.

[@CoreyShockey]

As a newcomer to your channel, I'm still seeing some of these older videos. I found this one especially interesting as I have been looking for a way to cut my workweek down to 4 days from 5. While the people who have my products love them, I'm not sure I would cope well on the craft show circuit. People tend to annoy me more these days. Besides that, hearing real numbers from a fellow craftsman tells me I probably wouldn't be able to replace the lost income at this point. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Personally… I’d be happy with making 20 something thousand. But…. If my husband wasn’t the primary bread winner that wouldn’t be enough. I keep telling myself I’m going to do craft shows this year. And then I get behind and I just don’t do it. They are a lot of work. Still trying to figure out if I will this year

[@inlandwoodandresin]

It's a difficult way to earn a living, for sure.

[@cisco1dog]

Just a basic comment, based on your numbers, 20k divided by 200 hours, $100 per hour? Not a bad deal? Am I missing something?

[@inlandwoodandresin]

Not at all. There's a million different ways to break down the numbers to make whatever conclusion you want. I think we usually get sucked into the large cumulative dollar amount as a way of defining "success." Last season was a ton of work, but it was totally worth it.

[@moonwolf7135]

Maybe be a little more selective on which shows you attend, go to the ones that draw more or that or more popular with people. Around here the smaller ones people think the crafters should charge less for their products.

[@inlandwoodandresin]

Absolutely. Oddly, I was most successful doing the farmers markets in a few neighborhoods. Less financial investment, less time commitment, but higher overall sales numbers. The larger multi-day shows I didn't do nearly as well.

[@markfisch1330]

You need to utilize the power of the WEB!!!! You are missing thousands of people!!!!!!! GETTER DONE!!!

[@obiknobi8447]

Really appreciate this conversation. Hooked 🫡👌

[@inlandwoodandresin]

I saw your other comment on how to bid jobs. I've mentioned tips here and there, but a dedicated video may be a good topic for discussion. Fair warning, it may end up being a long-winded video. Thanks for chiming in