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What suggestions do you have that can involve my love of crafts ?

I love to do crafts, and I would like a career or job that involves crafting.

Thank you comment icon My company can help you do a career assessment and advise on which occupation is best Jabson Mutadzo

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Martha’s Answer

Hi Alexis, you have asked a terrific question. You didn't say a particular type of crafts, but it turns out that there are lots of opportunities. I put two links below with specific ideas (plus the last one with creatives' career journeys).
I see patterns that may help you:
- One path is making particular crafts that could be combined with other paths
- Another path is designing, which could be with the crafts or could be involving computers; this, too, could be combined with teaching
- Yet another path is working somewhere that sells crafts, which could be a commercial store but could also be a museum or arts council
- You could also be a curator in a museum / arts council or buyer of arts
- You could be a writer or editor of content about crafts
- You could teach crafts - combined with other paths - or on the side while doing something else
Even if crafts are not your main occupation, they could be an important part of your life and a way to connect with others in your community. Good luck!

Martha recommends the following next steps:

Monster - https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-great-jobs-people-love-doing-crafts-0323
Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/q-arts-crafts-l-new-york,-ny-jobs.html?vjk=ec75d4f1b987c222
Crafts Council personal stories - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/learning/craft-careers
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Alexis, you’ve got some fantastic advice already, but let’s dig a little deeper and explore even more ways to turn your love of crafts into a fulfilling career!

Martha Kramer laid out some great paths—designing, making, teaching, and even curating. She’s absolutely right that crafting can be a standalone career or part of a bigger role. If you’re drawn to making and selling your own creations, platforms like Etsy, local craft fairs, or even pop-up markets can help you get started. If you’re more interested in working with others, jobs in museums, arts councils, or creative retail spaces could be a great fit.

Annah Edmonds highlighted some awesome niche careers—textile design, bookbinding, and even working with Anthropologie’s window displays (which is such a cool job!). If you’re open to school, art programs can expose you to different techniques, but you don’t need a degree to make a living from crafts. Learning business and marketing skills is just as important—knowing how to price your work, promote yourself, and connect with the right audience is key.

Eva Svani made a great point about balancing passion with financial stability. While crafting is fulfilling, finding a sustainable way to earn from it is essential. One approach is to keep a stable job while building your craft business on the side. This way, you’re not stressed about money while refining your skills and growing your brand.

Jerry Bires brought up LinkedIn, which is an underrated tool for creatives! There are thousands of craft-related groups and professionals who’ve turned their hobbies into full-time businesses. Networking with other crafters can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.

Chinyere Okafor listed some fantastic career paths—prop making, fashion design, woodworking, and even tattoo artistry. The beauty of crafting is that it touches so many industries. If you enjoy working with fabric, you could go into upholstery or costume design. If you love working with resin, there’s a huge market for handmade jewelry and home décor. If you’re skilled with a brush, mural painting or sign making could be a fun, profitable path.

Alright now just A few more ideas to consider:

Set up a YouTube or TikTok channel – Teaching crafting online can turn into a career itself. DIY tutorials are huge, and creators make money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and selling their own products.

Subscription boxes – Many crafters are launching their own craft kits, sending out materials and instructions for people to create their own projects at home.

Freelance design work – Companies need creative people for pattern design, packaging, branding, and product development. If you love crafting, you might love designing for craft brands too!


If you’re unsure where to start, try experimenting. Sell a few items, take a class in a new craft medium, or shadow someone in a creative job. You don’t have to pick one thing and stick with it forever—crafting is all about evolving and exploring new possibilities!
All the best Alexis, good luck!
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eva’s Answer

Hi Alexis,

In a world where many young people are drawn to AI, gaming, and streaming, your choice to pursue something soulful and authentic is truly refreshing. While technology is essential, a career in crafting offers a sense of peace and fulfillment. However, it’s important to remember that crafting purely for fun may not be enough to sustain a comfortable life, financial security is crucial for overall well-being.
As humans, our nervous system; both parasympathetic and sympathetic is deeply affected by financial stress, which can lead to emotional and physical challenges. To balance passion and stability, find a craft that resonates with you and strive to master it. If you have strong family support, the journey becomes easier. If not, consider securing a job or earning a college degree that provides financial stability while you refine your craft.
Once you’ve honed your skills, focus on learning how to market and monetize your work. Over time, if your craft becomes a reliable source of income, you can transition into it fully. Remember, you have plenty of time to build a career you love, whether you're young or older. The key is to be strategic and wise in your approach.
Wishing you success in your crafting journey.

PS: I come from a medical background and never studied art in school or university, yet I can do pencil sketches, paintings, and metal crafting, all thanks to my artistic father. This proves that learning and persistence are essential in any creative pursuit.
Best of luck.
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Annah’s Answer

Alexis, I love that you have found something you really enjoy! As a creative person your options may depend upon your particular skillset. If you decide to attend art school you will have a plethora of opportunities to try out different mediums like textile design, photography, product design, bookbinding, pottery, and metalsmithing. Some of these can lead directly into a career; others may be less in demand. As a textile designer you might create patterns for a clothing or fabric company, as a photographer you could enter into commercial work or start a business taking portraits or doing wedding photography. Jewelry making is a field that has been shown to be a money-maker even during times of economic duress. You might look into production work- creating and finishing art for a professional artist based on their aesthetic. You could work for a company like Anthropologie building the sculptural art that shows up in their store windows. Even if you do not pursue art as a profession, you can continue to craft on your own- selling at craft fairs, online (Etsy is one example), or with a local-artist gallery. You might enter into a teaching role; most art professors are also working on their own art (and expected to do so). Gaining business skills will serve you well- how to market your work, price it, and build up a sustainable following. When I was in my twenties, I often found work assisting professional artists in their studios. This gave me an inside look at what it takes to keep a small business going. Other creative routes you may look at- museum design, architecture, scientific and medical illustration, art conservation, film/video production, wooden boat building (yes- it is a thing), costume/set or fashion design, and nonprofit arts management. Take into consideration all your tools- all the things you like to do. There are many ways to either directly or indirectly submerse yourself into a fulfilling career. I have not listed all the options by far! See what you are naturally drawn to doing and notice when you see someone successfully doing what you might want to learn more about. Finding a mentor (at some point) may also help guide you; this could be an artist, teacher, family member- anyone who inspires you. Seek groups or communities that support independent artists and see what you can learn. There are loads of books about how to sell crafts and also online resources. Dip your toe into some of these things! See if it helps you refine your own path, over time!
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Jerry’s Answer

Alexis,

One fine answer for you already posted, I see.
This is not a strength of mine, but I frequently use LinkedIn. On that site, I searched for the word crafts. I then narrowed the search just to find groups. Lo and behold there were 1,100 groups for you to explore/connect with/join. When I searched for people whose profiles contained the word crafts I found 503,000. This is where I would begin networking were I you. Good hunting.
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Patrick’s Answer

Alexis, if you have a passion for crafts and are seeking a career or job that allows you to merge your love for creativity with your professional aspirations, there are numerous paths you can explore. Crafting is a versatile and rich field, and with the right focus and strategy, you can turn your hobby into a fulfilling career. Here are some tailored suggestions that incorporate your love of crafts, offering both creative and professional avenues for you to pursue:

* One of the most direct paths is to turn your crafting into a business. Whether you enjoy making jewelry, pottery, knitted goods, candles, or any other form of craft, you can create your own brand and sell your work online or at local markets. Platforms like Etsy (www.etsy.com) are excellent for selling handmade items, and they allow you to reach a global audience. Additionally, setting up a shop on Instagram or Pinterest can help you showcase your creations and connect with potential customers. Craft fairs, local boutiques, or even pop-up shops can also serve as great venues to showcase your work and build a local customer base. Websites like Etsy (www.etsy.com) or Shopify (www.shopify.com) provide tools to create and manage an online store. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are essential for marketing and building a community around your crafts.

* If you enjoy teaching others, consider becoming an art or craft instructor. You could teach various crafting techniques such as knitting, scrapbooking, painting, or even pottery to people of all ages. This can be done both in-person or through online platforms. With the rise of online learning, websites like Skillshare (www.skillshare.com) and Udemy (www.udemy.com) allow you to create courses that can be sold to a broad audience. You could also teach locally at community centers, craft stores, or even start your own private lessons. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer opportunities to create and sell your courses. Local community centers or craft stores may also be looking for instructors to lead workshops.

* If you have a deep understanding of the materials you work with and an eye for design, you might want to consider a career as a product designer for the crafting industry. Many companies are constantly looking for innovative new products or tools that can enhance the crafting experience. This could range from designing unique knitting needles, specialized paper for scrapbooking, or even custom crafting kits. If you have an interest in working with manufacturers, you could collaborate with companies to bring new craft supplies to market. Explore opportunities with established crafting companies like Michaels (www.michaels.com), Joann Fabrics (www.joann.com), or Hobby Lobby (www.hobbylobby.com), who may value your unique ideas. Additionally, look into trade shows like the Craft & Hobby Association events for networking.

* Another excellent way to channel your love of crafting into a career is by becoming a content creator. Starting a craft blog or YouTube channel can allow you to share your knowledge and tutorials with a broad audience. You can create step-by-step guides, review craft supplies, and share your unique creations. Through these platforms, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and even selling your own products. Many successful bloggers and YouTubers in the crafting space have built lucrative careers while doing what they love. Platforms like YouTube and WordPress (www.wordpress.com) for blogging are great places to start. Consider joining affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale for monetization.

* If you’re interested in combining your craft skills with home design, you could explore a career in interior design or home décor. Crafting is an essential part of many interior design projects, particularly when it comes to creating custom-made items like throw pillows, wall hangings, or hand-painted furniture. As a home décor artist, you can also create your own line of crafted home goods, such as hand-painted vases, upcycled furniture, or handmade curtains. This career path would allow you to combine your creative abilities with design principles to transform spaces. Websites like Houzz (www.houzz.com) and Etsy can give you insight into the home décor market. Additionally, online courses from Skillshare or MasterClass (www.masterclass.com) can help you hone your design skills.

* If you have an interest in psychology and helping others, you may want to look into art therapy or craft therapy. This field uses creative expression to promote emotional healing and well-being. By guiding individuals through crafting exercises, you could help them process emotions and relieve stress. While becoming an art therapist may require additional qualifications (such as a degree in psychology or therapy), starting with craft-based workshops for stress relief or mindfulness can be a great way to integrate both crafting and helping others. The American Art Therapy Association (www.arttherapy.org) can provide information on how to pursue this career. Also, consider taking introductory psychology or art therapy courses to understand the therapeutic benefits of creative activities.

* Many organizations use crafting as a way to support local communities and individuals in need. You can consider working with NGOs that focus on sustainable development, women’s empowerment, or community-building through crafts. Whether it’s teaching a community how to create items to sell for income or working on projects that help with rehabilitation through art, crafting can play an important role in social good. Organizations like GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org) or Kiva (www.kiva.org) often look for creative ways to fund projects, and crafts can be a part of their initiatives. Websites like GlobalGiving and Kiva offer insights into how crafting can be incorporated into impactful initiatives. Consider reaching out to NGOs working on sustainable development or empowerment projects that may benefit from your crafting skills.

* Given the growing focus on sustainability, you could turn your passion for crafting into a career that centers around eco-friendly or upcycled crafts. Many consumers are looking for sustainable, handmade goods that use recycled materials or are ethically sourced. By specializing in sustainable crafts, such as making jewelry from recycled materials, upcycling old clothing into new items, or using natural dyes, you can tap into the eco-conscious market. Explore platforms like The Ethical Fashion Forum (www.ethicalfashionforum.com) or Sustainable Brands (www.sustainablebrands.com) to understand the market for sustainable crafting.

Alexis, your love of crafts can absolutely translate into a fulfilling career. Whether you choose to become an artisan entrepreneur, teach others, design products, or work in a therapeutic or socially impactful role, there are numerous avenues available to you. By leveraging platforms like Etsy, Skillshare, or YouTube, or exploring niches like sustainable crafts and art therapy, you can create a path that combines your passion with professional fulfillment. The key is to stay creative, stay committed, and take full advantage of the vast online resources available to help you build your craft-based career.
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hey Alexis,

The great Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." It’s awesome that you love crafts and want to turn that passion into a career! There are actually a lot of creative job paths that could let you work with your hands and express your creativity. Here are a few ideas, depending on what interests you most:

- Handmade Business Owner – If you love making unique items, you could sell them on Etsy, at craft fairs, or even open your own small business. Things like jewelry, candles, resin art, embroidery, or customized gifts are always in demand.

- Art Therapist – If you enjoy helping others, becoming an art therapist could be a meaningful way to use crafting to support mental health and well-being.

- Prop Maker or Set Designer – The film, theater, and entertainment industries always need people to create props, costumes, and stage designs.

- Textile or Fashion Designer – If you love working with fabrics, you could explore quilting, sewing, or even designing patterns for clothing or home decor.

- Woodworker or Furniture Maker – If you like working with wood, you could get into carpentry, furniture-making, or even restoration projects.

- Craft Instructor or Workshop Host – You could teach crafting classes online or in-person, sharing your skills with others who want to learn.

- Museum or Historical Craftsperson – Many museums and historical sites hire artisans to create and restore traditional crafts.

- Graphic Designer or Illustrator – If digital art interests you, learning graphic design could open doors to creating logos, packaging, or digital illustrations.

- Tattoo Artist – If you love drawing and design, becoming a tattoo artist could be a way to turn your creativity into a unique career.

It really depends on what type of crafting excites you the most. If you’re unsure, trying out different things through classes, side projects, or even a small online shop could help you figure out the best path. No matter what path you choose, your creativity will always be an asset. Keep experimenting and following what excites you most, you never know where it might lead!

Best wishes!
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