Tools of the Trades Conference: Day Two

Our second annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This four-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define them. This conference delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event – to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and no question goes unanswered.

Tickets to the four-day interactive conference will give attendees access to:

• 20+ expert presenters drawing from their lived experience as makers and artists to break intimidating topics down into practical steps
• 14 interactive webinars and digital panel discussions with dedicated time and space to engage with presenters and audience members
• Virtual and in-person networking with a community of like-minded makers and crafters actively working in the field
• An invitation to promote your products, practice or small business in our Post-Event Directory shared among registrants and in CraftNOW and NextFab media
• Our Digital Tool Kit with discounts at suppliers and organizations, recommended resources from speakers, and registration links for one-on-one office hours
• All recordings of the sessions are made available only for ticket holders on the days that follow the conference.

Day Two Schedule:

9:00 AM – Daydream to Day Job: Mark Kuhn, Oat Foundry, and Nicole Haddad, Lobo Mau
As makers and creatives we are often faced with the realities of doing something that “makes money,” but how do you turn your passion into your career? Is it possible? In this talk, we will chat with two successful business owners who have turned creative practices into high-functioning and profitable businesses, while still staying true to their original dreams. By the end, attendees will have a better mindset on how to set their business goals while setting boundaries for their health and happiness.

10:30 AM – Creating Multiple Revenue Streams: Jessica Joy London, Project Joy Studio, and Alecia Dawn Young, YOGAMOTIF
How do you take your unique skillset and expand it into a range of products, services, and revenue opportunities? Hear from two makers who transformed their initial strengths into multiple revenue streams, while still staying focused on their original work. Jessica Joy London has been an active contemporary artist since 2001 and expanded that practice into Project Joy Studio to create art kits, making art accessible everywhere. Alecia Dawn Young is an artist and entrepreneur who diversified her initial art career into a successful yoga practice and creative studio. Both will define the framework of how they physically and mentally create new forms of revenue and discover what will resonate with your audience to be profitable.

12:00 PM – Collaboration as Commerce: Nick Vicente, Twice Measured and Maria Eife, Maria Eife Jewelry / JV Collective
Collaboration is an easy way to add value, but how do you create meaningful partnerships and leverage them to benefit all involved? In this discussion, Nick Vicente shares his practice and work with Twice Measured. which focuses on community development, diversity, and creating together. Maria Eife is a Philadelphia-based jewelry artist and co-founder of JV Collective, a network of locally-based artists who share studio, and exhibition opportunities, and support one another as career paths diverge. They will discuss how collaboration is the key to expanding their business, transforming product designs, and accessing new forms of commerce.

2:00 PM – Crowdfunding Strategy for Artisans: Katie Johnson, Bridgeway Capital, and Khai Van, Techarge
Crowdfunding isn’t just for prototypes anymore. It can be used for purchasing equipment, materials, marketing opportunities, and more. Katie Johnson is the current Director of Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator, which works to support artists, makers, and designers to sustain creative fulfillment while growing resilient businesses. She’ll provide an overview of crowdfunding, along with resource guidelines on how to crowdfund effectively.

Khai Van of Techarge, has raised over $700,000 on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter to fund the launch of his products and marketing. Khai will finish this discussion by sharing his story of how he set himself up for success, as well as tips for aspiring makers, small businesses, and those just diving into crowdfunding.