Create a signature jewelry style

Some of the best advice I can give to new artists is to create a style that is yours and yours alone. Set yourself apart from the crowd in some way. You don't want your work to be defined by being just like so and so's. You want your customers to know that the designs are yours. Start by creating a cohesive collection or several groupings of designs.

If you designs are created completely out of purchased mass produced beads it is quite difficult to create a look that has a signature style. If everyone can purchase the same beads it can often become muddy whether or not the design is completely yours. Think about things that can set you apart. A custom made clasp or even just a signature special bead at the clasp can add a unique touch.

A great idea to continue to "brand" your designs is to create tags for you designs. I often will compliment someone on the jewelry designs that they are wearing and ask if they know the artist's name. I will often get...."hmmm I met her at an art show, I can't remember her name" or "Oh I got it as a gift" Imagine this senario instead. Someone is complimented while wearing my designs...They flip over the charm and they say "Oh it's made by Amy Peters' Studio". So now I have thousands and thousands of walking advertisements out there for my jewelry company. And with a google search they can find my website. For tags visit Harper Mfg.

When I was first creating my collection years ago. I played around with a lot of different styles, but then I struck on my true style. I loved whimsical inspirational designs. And the rest is history. I have continued to expand on the style and now my line has a cohesive look. I have become know for my style.

Unfortunately....about once or twice a month I will get a call or an email from someone who has been so "inspired" by my story that they began to make jewelry. Often they will send me pictures or send me to their website or an item that they have created. Usually it looks an awful lot like my jewelry. Instead of being flattered by this admiration, I am frustrated. On one hand, because I have spent time and effort to be original in my designs, so I don't like to see "variations" of my designs. And on the other hand I'm frustrated for the artists themselves, the fact that they don't have their own ideas and need to copy someone for their own creativity. If it is a blatant copy....I go to my lawyer and have to start copyright infringement mediation. And of course my lawyer says that I have "made it". The first sign that you are successful is that people will copy your signature style. I read recently on the top of the Glitter forum web page. Imitation is not flattery. I just had to laugh...that says it all. Over the years this has happened on more occasions than I would have hoped for...... One such occurance is noted in my press release....
Making Lemonade

So spend some time creating your designs from your own unique perspective. Make sure that it speaks from your style and not someone elses. If you are insipred by someone really ask yourself if you were just inspired or you are just copying someone's style. Why follow in someone's footsteps when you can make your own!

Comments

[Martha Baerreis]

Well Said!

[Tammy Powley]

This is so true...hard to do but very important in such a competitive industry. BTW, I'm adding a link to your blog on my site at About.com (http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/jewelrybeadartblogs/) - You've got some great advice here. You should write a book!

[Patrícia]

You are so right!