Helping Other Jewelry Makers, Good or Bad?
In fact, the one time I was very generous with my knowledge with a person I thought of as a friend, she turned around and started holding back information to me. This left a bad taste in my mouth, and I resolved to keep my knowledge top secret after that.
Well, obvioulsy, since I write about jewelry making now, that didn't really happen, but it does bring up an important question many of us deal with when we start to work on our craft as more than just a hobby. One member of the forum is deal with this situation right now, and she's asking for some feedback.
What are your thoughts? Do you give away your information freely? Do you keep it to yourself no matter what? Does it even matter that much these days when you can find so much through the Internet?
Comments
100% of each necklace designers I’ve sold my pendants to have told me that they were about to QUIT making jewelry until they started using my pendants. Check out www.maggiesgems.com ALOHA
I never believe in being secretive with information. An idea held enriches me, an idea shared enriches the both of us. I lose nothing by sharing my knowledge, and I have found that often I gain by doing so.
I don’t believe in keeping something secret that might help someone else.
On forums, if someone has a question and I happen to know the answer, I will tell them.
The craft would dry and die if we did not share tips, suggestions and , yes, techniques.
I have found that most jewelry designers are very helpful and will tell you everything. I return the same favor!
Shannon Culmo
www.kkpwdesigns.com
I used to be secreative when I first got started and made resin jewelry. As I have gotten a little older and wiser I share a lot more. The only thing I am still pretty tight lipped about are my sources for vintage goodies since with everyone making revamped vintage jewelry your obscure findings are the only thing setting you apart.
Hello! It is so refreshing to see such wonderfully positive comments on this subject. I completely agree with everyone here. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to share your ideas with someone else. In most cases, each individual has such a different perspective that your idea will actually take on a different look when used by someone else. That’s the fun part about sharing…seeing how each person interprets things so differently. Most creative types don’t really like to “copy” down to the last detail someone else’s work. They will usually put their own spirit into it.
i have my own jewelry business, selling handmade jewelry. i also write how-to articles, how-to books, and i teach jewelry making. aside from my passion for creating, i find the most satisfaction & happiness in sharing my knowledge so that other people may find the joy that i have. i have so many ideas and ways of making that if someone “stole” a design of mine, i would move on to the next idea. i might be unhappy or upset about the stealing, but i could easily move on. this business is about being friendly, open, and giving; it is not about being competitive or secretive. you gain so much when you give.
I own a bead shop, and I also teach and have done project features in magazines - so a sharing of stitch and project knowledge isn’t so much an issue (although many try to get for free what others sign up to pay for) - it those that want BUYING secrets that I am careful about. If I tell my customers my purchasing secrets - pretty soon I won’t have too many customers. However - if I do find myself in the presence of a newly born designer, I will happily share. There a couple of sources though, that I will NEVER reveal. Gotta stay in business so I can buy MYSELF more beads….
Techniques and supply sources are something that I never have a problem sharing with folks. It’s an artist’s personal style that makes a piece theirs, not the materials.
I sell my wares, so this is a sticky item, but I share what I have learned freely, as in the beginning, many beaders shared with me. And Joy is right~we all have our own artistic flair. Also, beading is Soulful to me and I love it, so I could never discourage anyone from learning to bead.
Great subject! Thanks for all the positive comments. I believe in making Art — like Life in general — the true purpose is to share. After all, where does this creativity really come from, is it ours or is it just coming through us? Sharing and helping each other is the way to true fulfillment. I grow when I help other people to learn.
I believe if you put your love and passion into your work it will show and people will want your Art — being free with what you know is a big part of this.