This past season I was privledged to judge three major industry design competitions.
I have a lot to say about the experience but the most important thing I must impart to you is ...
TAKE GOOD PHOTOS!
You would be surprised to know how many designers don't take professional photographs for their entries in design competitions. Presumably, they want to win those contests so why don't send the best representation possible? It's shocking.
You need to know:
judges judge the quality of your entry as well as the jewelry
your image is being shown for a very short time in between other images that might be of FANTASTIC quality
if judges can't see your work well they can't score it high no matter what great attributes it might have
Bottom line: if you're not a professional... Read More
Archive for March, 2007
As of the June 2007 issue, the magazine will now be called Jewelry Artist. The aim is to help those who make jewelry become "master jewelry artists," says editor Merle White (mwhite@interweave.com).
The magazine also gets a face lift and more how-to instructions. The recent issue had a great (for me!) article that took 10 artists and asked "where are they now."
Their choices interested me especially since I haven't seen Carolyn Morris Bach, Judith Kaufman, Marne Ryan and Michael Dyber in a long while. All are terrific artisans who seem to focus on the retail craft shows for their business -- and thus, I miss them often!
I'm looking forward to the new look and continued good read.
... Read More
It's time to send current photos to the trade magazines to make sure you'll be seen in the May/June/July issues.
These are the most visible issues and the most useful to your year-long marketing efforts.
Write a simple press release on your new collection, new items or new design direction and email it with a 300 dpi image to all the trade editors interested in designer jewelry (listed here for your convenience).
Carrie Soucy at JCK Magazine (csoucy@reedbusiness.com)
Jeff Prine at Modern Jeweler (jeff.prine@modernjeweler.com)
Beth Braverman at National Jeweler (bbraverman@nationaljeweler.com)
Paul Holewa at InStore (paul@instoremag.com)
Amber Michelle at Rappaport Report (amber@diamonds.net)
Cynthia Unninayer at JQ (jq.cynthia@gmail.com)
Good luck!
... Read More
Welcome!
This is our newly redesigned blog and we will post news, views, tips, tricks and great opportunities for fine jewelry designers to grow their businesses. If you're not familiar with our site, www.jewelersresource.com, please visit us and learn about our services.
I've been working for more than 15 years to help designers grow their businesses with information and insight. Think of me as your Guru for Successful Design'preneurship.
... Read More
