finding you niche...

[honey*bee]

I have been playing around lately with BHB and and blown vessels, I really like the concept. I do a little of everything, basic beads, tubes, off mandrel etc., but I am really wanting to focus on one a certain thing. I was wondering if many people "specialize" in one certain area and if so what is your niche? Also does it pay to do so, or is it better to try to offer a well rounded selection?

[swamper]

Heck, I haven't even found my style, but that works for me because my sales are primarily to one bead store so there is a little something for everyone.

[Otter's Flame]

When I first started in glass, it was my hope to find a "niche". This is not to say that I have found something nobody else does but it is an area I enjoy, I am comfortable with and most of my work falls into this category. I spent a lot of time learning techniques and practicing the basics. Gradually I started to focus on one area more than others and I am happy with it.

Also does it pay to do so, or is it better to try to offer a well rounded selection?
I think this could be debated and perhaps it is subjective. For me personally, once i found my "niche", I started selling more pieces, I was accepted into more galleries and I have earned more money then when I was offering a selection of different styles of beads. However I have been at shows when I invariably get the question..... "Well don't you make "X" style of bead?" etc. So because I specialize, I am sure that I do lose some customers. However there are so many of us out there that make glass, I am sure these people find some other person making the beads they desire and it works out for all of us.

[deirdreschaneman]

I think the natural process of experimentation, trying new techniques and learning from the work of those you admire leads to finding one's niche. If you're a fan of Sherry Bellamy's work, you know that she created a tutorial for using wire mesh to create really cool designs. Many people bought the tutorial and started working with copper mesh, but her beads are distinctive. Patti Walton started using copper wire recently and even thought the techniques may be related, her work is also very distinctly hers.

I've been making beads for over 6 years and I'm only feeling like I've found a specific "style" in the past year or so. My motto is to let the muse lead and everything will work out!

[Carolyn M]

I guess my niche is sets, and I wouldn't want to specialise more than that. OMG I would get sooooooo bored making the same kind of bead over and over again!

[honey*bee]

Thanks for the input. It helps to hear what people who have been in this for a while think.

[Ashtonjewels]

Kristina, I might be able to give you a little advice if you can answer a few questions for me.
1. How long have you been at the torch?
2. Where do you plan to sell your work? Internet, gallery, shows, or bead stores?
3. What made you decide to start lampworking?
4. Are you an artist or crafter?

[honey*bee]

1. Almost a year.
2. Internet and craft shows.
3. Started out in stained glass, but have always loved beads and once I found out what lampwork actually was I went for it! Glad I did because I love it.
4. I am an artist. Drawing mainly, I do tattoos for a living.

I know it's early to start trying to find a niche but I feel like if I focus on a specific type of bead and just work on different styles of that type of bead, I could maybe find and or perfect my own style. Kinda like how I developed my own style of drawing. What do you think?

Kristina, I might be able to give you a little advice if you can answer a few questions for me.
1. How long have you been at the torch?
2. Where do you plan to sell your work? Internet, gallery, shows, or bead stores?
3. What made you decide to start lampworking?
4. Are you an artist or crafter?

[woozles]

I have been lampworking for almost two years. I find that while I am drawn to certain styles, I still have so many many things I want to try and learn! I did not expect to be drawn to scultural work - but I am. I expected to concentrate on organics, but I enjoy florals and stripes and dots. I believe I am still too 'young' in this art to say that I have a certain style. And yes, after four years of making jewelry and almost two years of lampworking I am finally ready to call myself an artist.

At the same time, I frequently hear from others that my work is 'whimiscal.' That is not necessarily the first thing I think of when I think about describing my work. At the same time it fits, especially considering my business name. How much more whimiscal can one get than an obscure character in a children's story? LOL

I expect it will be quite sometime before I find a niche of my own. For me, it is about following what inspires me.

[honey*bee]

Well, I know that making sets isn't for me because, even though I love many of the sets that artists have displayed in here, it bores me to make the same bead over and over again. I like the idea of making one of a kind beads, and i figure that the only way i would sell beads as one of a kind would be with BHB, pendants or vessels (I'm not too good at making "focal" beads yet). I can make beads that go together but are all different.

[mostlydetails]

I think your niche can be always changing with what you learn, what you enjoy, and what people want (assuming you sell your work). I'm probably known for my fritted swirls and spiral bead sets (and I could probably make them in my sleep -- they're easy and calming for me), but I used to make lots of florals (which I still love, but they don't sell for me as well and I get more frustrated). There's lots of things I want to try, learn, and I can see having a different niche somewhere in the future. :)

My advice is to do what you enjoy, what others enjoy, and be open to possibilities. You'll can't chose your own niche. It choses you. :wink:

[ruca]

My advice is to do what you enjoy, what others enjoy, and be open to possibilities. You'll can't chose your own niche. It choses you. :wink:

:love:! yup!

[honey*bee]

My advice is to do what you enjoy, what others enjoy, and be open to possibilities. You'll can't chose your own niche. It choses you. :wink:

Sounds good to me!! Thanks.

[Tesorobeads]

My advice is to do what you enjoy, what others enjoy, and be open to possibilities. You'll can't chose your own niche. It choses you. :wink:

That is great advice.

Debbie

[Kevan]

I have no niche. I get bored to easily and I just really like doing different things.

It seems like having one is a good idea though. I see bead makers who have essentially been making the same bead for years and it pays off for them. Their bread and butter bead.

[LampworkbyLori]

Hi Kristina! You are from Indy? I am in Greenwood.

I've been torching for about 5 years and only found my niche in the past year. In fact, I only started liking my beads in the last year!!

There are two things that helped ME turn the corner:

1. I copied people. Yep. I did. I didn't really sell many of those beads because they sucked, and they sucked because they weren't mine. However, that was MY way of exploring different techniques. Now, my favorite beads to make are twistie beads. It took me a while, but I did develop my own take on them. Mine are typically long and in cool colors with bright murrinis on them. I could make them all day. They are wispy and have an "elusive" feel. Blink and you'll miss their beauty.. and that's how I feel about myself, which makes them doubly satisfying.

2. I took a class in wire wrapping and saw my beads incorporated into jewelry and that helped me to look at them in a new way. Now, I see much more potential in each one.

[Ashtonjewels]

Kristina, I'm such a dork. I completely misread what you were asking even though you were very clear in your question. I need to start over. . .

I think that since you are starting out and planning to sell on the internet, a well rounded selection might be the best way to go. This way, you can get a feel for what sells best for you. Then, you cut out some of the slow moving stuff and narrow your focus.

[honey*bee]

Kristina, I'm such a dork. I completely misread what you were asking even though you were very clear in your question. I need to start over. . .

I think that since you are starting out and planning to sell on the internet, a well rounded selection might be the best way to go. This way, you can get a feel for what sells best for you. Then, you cut out some of the slow moving stuff and narrow your focus.

It's okay, I can appreciate that since I'm a dork also!:lol: Thank you for the advise.