Arts and crafts is all grown up–and it’s become a great way to make a living.
On Saturday, September 27, dozens of Etsy vendors set up shop at the MaRS Discovery District (near Queen’s Park Station). Etsy: Made in Canada is a marketplace-style event that showcased wares from some of the most talented artists in the city. I had the opportunity to stop by while the event was in full swing and check out the beautiful artwork, cool trinkets, and vintage-inspired pieces on display.
A haven for craftspeople and shoppers alike, Etsy is an online market that enables artists to sell their handmade and vintage goods. For a small cover charge, you can set up your own brand and upload dozens of your works to your online shop. Etsy artists sell anything from handmade clothing to vintage brooches to engraved bottle-openers: the possibilities are endless.
Left to right: Jessica Lin Photography, Coven by Sonia Kang
Don’t be intimidated by the professionals–a lot of Etsy artists started from the bottom, too. Jessica began her business about a year ago. Her line Feathers of Gold features a range of intricate jewelry that could be the perfect way to accessorize a simple outfit. Jessica mainly worked with beads at first, and gradually upgraded to more complicated crafts like metal-cutting.
Christina from Hatchet Made also started out small: her Etsy experience began two years ago. She emphasizes the importance of the Etsy world, especially when it comes to expositions like Made in Canada, which help artists showcase their works and grow their businesses.
Left to right: Hatchet Made, Said the King
The best part about Etsy? It’s a real community of artists. Events like Made in Canada (which have sprung up all across the country) not only give shop owners exposure into the art world–they also get to know each other and appreciate the work of their fellow artists.
Michelle from Kempton Jones loved the support she got from the Etsy community, and thanks to Etsy, her fabrics and linens shop is flourishing. Danielle from Dolorous, an edgy jewelry line, says that Etsy provided her with an easy platform to start her business.
Left to right: Kempton Jones, Haley the Maker
As for some advice for hopeful Etsy business owners? “Stay true to yourself and the work that you believe in,” Meghan from Sullied Designs says. According to her, if you stand by what you’re doing, your audience will really come to appreciate your art.
Owning an Etsy shop is a rewarding experience in more ways than one. Working for yourself is extremely fulfilling–and the fact that you get to express yourself and do what you love is a big bonus. If you’re an aspiring artist, check out Etsy for a fantastic potential means to your career’s success.