I had to find a local niche and focus on that. My niche is firefighter gear. I was trying to make dog collars and wallets when one of my friends on the FD hit me up about a radio strap. Now that’s my bread and butter.
I like your shop and your videos are real world with ups and downs. As far as the business end , maybe let that side come to you. Iam just starting this craft and my work is nowhere near the selling point, but when that day comes it will be at my speed and my speed only.
Hey thanks and I like the way you think. You’re right, it’s all about the pace of each individual and what they consider what’s success is. Thanks for sharing Rob
Just my opinion. I think you start off learning any trade, developing your skill, perfecting that skill as much as you can in your trade at your own speed. For example Plumbing. If you are a new build plumber, you know your going to install your underground drain,waste,vents, possibly a waterline here and there. Next your going to install your rough in plumbing drain waste and vent before you even think about running waterlines. After the DWV is complete and through the roof, you can now start on your water lines getting them completed, capped off, looped and ready for testing and hopefully inspection within the next day. As the rest of the trades progress, now it's time to set the finish plumbing sinks, water closets, faucets, water heater ETC. We all learn by repetition. I know I do. The more times you plumb the same type of house over and over the quicker you can do it. I picked up the itch for learning leather craft same as you, watching people you named in this video and a few others. I think first of all we need to settle down, learn the basics and skills of the leather trade, try to perfect the basics as much as possible, when we think we are ready for a task or challenge start off making 12 wallets, or maybe 12 belts, what ever it may be. Something most people use on a daily basis. Build your process, better your skill at making that product, and in return we gain our speed and sharpen our skills making that item quicker, neater, and more professional. Relaxing, having fun, gaining experience, and making a few dollars here and there is what it's about for me at the moment. The Best Part for me is that I can stay as busy as I want to be with this new adventure. We all need to start somewhere. GOD Bless...
I totally agree on your viewpoint. It does take a few years of digging into a craft and also seeing how much you love it. Each step of the way takes tweaking and redoing patterns to make a final product that does well. The ones who claim they make a ton of money when they just start off are not the real thing. There are lots of phoneys out there that flooded Etsy with things they really didn't make. Their main job is trying to build a YT channel and sell get rich quick schemes.
I believe everyone has a varying opinion of what success means. For instance, some think making the most money and others more freedom. If you enjoy what you're working on, the time and cost are negligible. I also believe too many people compare themselves to others when they should maybe look to others for inspiration or perhaps focus on your own journey and success. Ryan at Little King Goods could likely move into something other than leather and be successful, why, because he works hard and is naturally gifted. Does that mean everyone else should move out of leather, no way! You should do what makes you happy. Can you do this and make enough money to support a family? You bet you can! It's all relative to what lifestyle you want to live.
Great video. Pricing would not be unreasonable, but you up against people comparing your price to modern day production goods, and many people have low salaries due to modern day china production goods. It is what it what it is. Finding people who want to pay for your niche is the largest hurdle...
Exactly!! You can make a ton of stuff and then can't sell it for what you deserve. The best way I can sell my handwoven and sewn pillow covers is in person at a craft fair. However if you sign up for a pricey one with high end customers, then have a bad weather day (or in my case an indoor fair on the first great weekend of the year), your not going to do so well. It's risky, so you need to love what you're doing and not have to rely on the money.
I have a lot of experience in this business.I don't think you should get a machine or a skiver. For what you are going after, it is not in this business model. If you ask me a question, i will be glad to answer it.
I had to find a local niche and focus on that. My niche is firefighter gear. I was trying to make dog collars and wallets when one of my friends on the FD hit me up about a radio strap. Now that’s my bread and butter.
I like your shop and your videos are real world with ups and downs. As far as the business end , maybe let that side come to you. Iam just starting this craft and my work is nowhere near the selling point, but when that day comes it will be at my speed and my speed only.
Hey thanks and I like the way you think. You’re right, it’s all about the pace of each individual and what they consider what’s success is. Thanks for sharing Rob
Just my opinion. I think you start off learning any trade, developing your skill, perfecting that skill as much as you can in your trade at your own speed. For example Plumbing. If you are a new build plumber, you know your going to install your underground drain,waste,vents, possibly a waterline here and there. Next your going to install your rough in plumbing drain waste and vent before you even think about running waterlines. After the DWV is complete and through the roof, you can now start on your water lines getting them completed, capped off, looped and ready for testing and hopefully inspection within the next day. As the rest of the trades progress, now it's time to set the finish plumbing sinks, water closets, faucets, water heater ETC. We all learn by repetition. I know I do. The more times you plumb the same type of house over and over the quicker you can do it. I picked up the itch for learning leather craft same as you, watching people you named in this video and a few others. I think first of all we need to settle down, learn the basics and skills of the leather trade, try to perfect the basics as much as possible, when we think we are ready for a task or challenge start off making 12 wallets, or maybe 12 belts, what ever it may be. Something most people use on a daily basis. Build your process, better your skill at making that product, and in return we gain our speed and sharpen our skills making that item quicker, neater, and more professional. Relaxing, having fun, gaining experience, and making a few dollars here and there is what it's about for me at the moment. The Best Part for me is that I can stay as busy as I want to be with this new adventure. We all need to start somewhere. GOD Bless...
Well said and thanks for sharing Chris
I totally agree on your viewpoint. It does take a few years of digging into a craft and also seeing how much you love it. Each step of the way takes tweaking and redoing patterns to make a final product that does well. The ones who claim they make a ton of money when they just start off are not the real thing. There are lots of phoneys out there that flooded Etsy with things they really didn't make. Their main job is trying to build a YT channel and sell get rich quick schemes.
Facts 😢
I believe everyone has a varying opinion of what success means. For instance, some think making the most money and others more freedom. If you enjoy what you're working on, the time and cost are negligible. I also believe too many people compare themselves to others when they should maybe look to others for inspiration or perhaps focus on your own journey and success. Ryan at Little King Goods could likely move into something other than leather and be successful, why, because he works hard and is naturally gifted. Does that mean everyone else should move out of leather, no way! You should do what makes you happy. Can you do this and make enough money to support a family? You bet you can! It's all relative to what lifestyle you want to live.
Well said my friend. 👍👍
Just found your channel from being on A Ritter Bit will Do's live chat this evening. I'll be binge watching all your videos next week! And subscribed.
Welcome aboard. I’ll be checking out your vids as well. I subscribe as well. Let’s stay connected
@@OneLonelyPlumber excellent! Will do.
Great video. Pricing would not be unreasonable, but you up against people comparing your price to modern day production goods, and many people have low salaries due to modern day china production goods. It is what it what it is. Finding people who want to pay for your niche is the largest hurdle...
Another good point, thanks for sharing 😀
Exactly!! You can make a ton of stuff and then can't sell it for what you deserve. The best way I can sell my handwoven and sewn pillow covers is in person at a craft fair. However if you sign up for a pricey one with high end customers, then have a bad weather day (or in my case an indoor fair on the first great weekend of the year), your not going to do so well. It's risky, so you need to love what you're doing and not have to rely on the money.
Great honest review Gary. I totally agree!
Thanks Len, I hope all is well 😀
@@OneLonelyPlumber your welcome Gary, all is good buddy
I have a lot of experience in this business.I don't think you should get a machine or a skiver.
For what you are going after, it is not in this business model. If you ask me a question, i will be glad to answer it.
LOL, all this is exactly what I'm dealing with now. :)
the struggle is real 😀