Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!!!