Our makers have been helping to shape our early direction through a survey on their priorities. Below is a small sample of related thoughts that you all shared. We’ve picked responses that represent themes shared by multiple makers.
“I’m hoping for a place where algorithms don’t rule supreme. I feel like I always see the same things and its tedious and boring. I want to be inspired and to inspire as well as connect with serious buyers and people who actually appreciate craft and are willing to pay fair prices for all the work that goes into it.”
“Looking for a place where I can find inspiration and connect with other makers and appreciators in a space that isn’t trying to feed me content that is irrelevant to those goals.”
“Be seen and grow brand awareness”
“I would like to be part of a community that honors the handmade tradition. Curated with attention to detail and high quality.”
“A place to sell to retailers and a higher end clientele… A place to make clear that you are a person making handmade work, not a factory!”
“I am really keen for a platform that highlights photographs of makes just as much as videos.”
“An environment that fosters growth; support for beginners and hobbyists without gatekeeping.”
“Makers backstory, how they got to where they are. Ups and downs.”
“Working as a maker and running your own business can feel isolated sometimes, and it would be great to be able to share ideas and information about the skills needed for running a small business (for example the financial and marketing aspects).”
“Find local opportunities such as markets and fairs to share my work or attend as a spectator.”
“Build some kind of ethics/code of conduct and allow reporting for folks that break the code.”
“To be able to exchange ideas, talk to other like minded makers. To have discussions about techniques, experiences, failures and discoveries.”
“A place that offers [an] equal chance to all makers. A place where they don’t have to worry about SEO and algorithms just so they can be seen by a tiny fraction of people.”
“Easy to find by topic or area, easy to search, easy to reach out, and easy to connect, and stay connected. I would also love to see small stores that support these crafts and makers also have a place as I would love to shop local to gather supplies.”
“I’d love to be part of a unique platform with other skilled makers, where time can be taken to tell the stories of my works, and where there are people who value the long road and all its details .”
“In-depth understanding of other makers’ processes, including both their conceptual development and practical approach to the build”
“Maybe a mentorship program for people struggling to balance the fun stuff of the craft with the work of running a business. Classes in different disciplines, offered by members for members… For me, it’s less about sales than it is about connection and learning.”
What are your thoughts?
Whether you participated in the survey or not, what else would you add to this?
