9 Steps to Prepare for a Market

May 23, 2016May 23, 2016Aruna Leave a comment

Exhibitions have been my favorite means of marketing my work since day one. These days they are known with ‘fancier’ names such as Flea Markets, Popup shops etc.

Here are a few experiences and tips to keep in mind if you are planning your first craft market.

Pic Courtesy: Sunday Soul Sante

Up your stocks: You need to make sure you have enough stock and varieties in your stall to keep it looking freshly stocked. Start preparing well in advance and book your stall only if you are sure you have enough.
Do your homework: Know the organizer or other participants of the event. Make sure you check the success rate of their previous events. Understand what is being provided in the stall – i.e. tables, chairs, plug points etc.
Be early: This is where I fail always so I know how important it is. Avoid exhausting traffic and the sun while you set up your stall. Be sure to have your stall set up before At some events, being early gives you a better stall location.
Checklist: Create an exhaustive list of things to carry along with you. This varies depending on your product but here is a list that has helped me:
1. Packaging Materials
2. Visiting cards and handouts
3. Banners
4. Table cloth
5. Display stands / chains / ropes etc.
6. Rain / Sun covers
7. Extra lighting
8. Food, snacks and water
9. Lots of change (cash)
Pricing: You know how much your work is worth so make sure to reward yourself adequately without overpricing you product. Its also important to price your product right for every event without your prices fluctuating depending on the venues.
Packing: This includes how you pack your goods for transportation and how you package what sells. Having them packed neatly will help you carry your stuff from home to car and car to stall and to unpack quickly. Packaging breakable items takes a lot of care and attention. Materials used to pack for transportation can be reused when the products sell.
Perfect Display: What you are setting up is a temporary store front, so make sure it is attractive enough to grab the attention of the customers. There is no need to spend much to create a nice stall, just use items lying around your house to decorate. Place the items categorized neatly to ensure that each item gets the attention it deserves.
Record your sales: No matter how much you enjoy your work, at the end of the day, it is a business. Keep track of the sales, inquiries and customer feedback.
Enjoy! You are at a beautiful setting so don’t forget to relax, enjoy and network!

World o’ Ceramica

The year – 2015

January 3, 2016May 17, 2016Aruna Leave a comment

A year that began on a low note, quickly picked up pace to reach the highest ever since inception of World o’ Cerámica.

A long term lazy dream of teaching my craft was realized when I set up a studio and conducted workshops for over 25 interested crafters. This included a bunch of individuals who found me primarily through Social media and word of mouth.

And for the first time, I experienced standing in front of a classroom and teaching a group of highly energetic kids!

Since the day I began crafting, 13 years ago, I have hoped and prayed that I would get noticed by the press! I was overjoyed when I finally got my wish. Information about my craft and workshops got published in the Femina magazine and the newspapers.

The year also gave me a 100% success rate in exhibitions, where not one event disappointed me. Either I’ve learnt to pick the right platform or I’m finally good enough to meet my own expectations.

Not to say that everything was well and rosy through the year though, because I was forced to take a 4 month break with no thought of crafts or anything else for that matter. I didn’t even know if I’ll ever get back to doing what I love. But the powers that govern the universe decided to be kind and life is returning to normal already.

The eventful year ended with a grand finale at the Sunday Soul Sante’s Christmas edition followed by a lovely article in the Deccan Herald.

The new year has plans for more workshops, more exhibitions and new dreams!

How it all began…

June 16, 2015May 16, 2016Aruna Leave a comment

The World o’ Cerámica was created 12 years ago, when I first discovered my love for the crafts.

I am a self-taught creator, who has been experimenting with various mediums since the first time I dabbled with crafts in 2002.
Internet, friends and other artists have contributed in creating my own style.

It first began as a bunch of amateurs from college setting up a stall for friends and family to earn some pocket-money.

We found our separate paths after we graduated, and mine led to this world of incredible peace and tranquility. That is what I experience when I am consumed by a project that need my absolute and minute attention.

I moved from pottery to murals and now my fascination is with these realistic looking food miniatures.

The possibilities that these cuties opened up are endless and ideas don’t stop flowing. The actual production is trying hard to keep up with ideas.

Even so, I’m in the constant search of new ideas and techniques that can be creatively used to blend with my style of work.

This search has led me to the amazing craft of decoupage, which a tech-obsessed friend described as real life in PNG format 😉

Since day one, I have been my only competition. Everyday I wanted to better my work and continue to gather compliments from my buyers.

Saying my work is a hobby is an understatement because it consumes me.

When I am at my work table, that is the only world that exists.

When I am at an exhibition, the only people who exist are those who look at my work. All I desire is to watch their faces transform with appreciation.