[Jewelry making - Article 00344] - Re: [Orchid] The first step to starting a jewelry business

[fuzzi shu]

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Hi Tania -

    I am so sorry to hear about your experiences, things can be tough for
    an art school trained jeweler. I am also in my mid-twenties and have
    been through a similar thing. I studied at an art school to get my
    BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. Although it was one of the premier
    schools in the country it does NOTHING to help prepare for future
    employment. After working a summer doing repairs at a local jewelry
    shop I was told generally stores like theirs don't hire art school
    grads, we have no skills. They would prefer someone who had done a
    year long intense technical program. I was told the same thing at
    another repair type place that works on speed. The only things we can
    do as 'art jewelers' is do production work for another art jeweler
    (which is also pretty soul crushing) or open our own businesses. But,
    oops! they don't teach (and actually won't allow) business courses at
    an art school. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. 

    I ended up working as a designer for a watch company in Switzerland
    and after two years was convinced that I couldn't design or make
    anything of any worth. Almost daily for a month, I too left work, got
    on the bus and started sobbing. That's when I knew something had to
    change. I quit and had an international move ahead of me, no health
    insurance, no steady income and no clue what to do. I am currently an
    artist in residence in a small town. My rent is manageable, I work in
    the gallery a few days a week and have the rest of the time to
    create. I have a few shows coming up next month and although my
    'salary' is non-existent I am so much happier, which counts for a
    lot. This was the right answer for me, I don't know what will work
    for you and no one can really tell you. But if you are as miserable
    as you say you will find your 'something' to change. Good luck and
    please stay in touch and let me know how things are going for you. 

Cheers
Rai
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