A list of useful resources to help new starters get going or for anyone looking for new tricks.
Please do recommend new resources to add. Just contact me with details on matthew@meet-thy-maker.co.uk
In no particular order:
Out at shows and wanting to get a phone signal? Use Lovemobiledata who can provide a data only sim for the period of your choice. It works on all 4 networks and bands 2G through to 5G. As a payment through sumup, for example, only takes about 5MB then I ordered a 1GB SIM for 9 months. That can be topped up at any time if needed. I added it to an old phone that can only be used with my card machine. Cost in 2025 was £9.36 including next day recorded delivery for the whole nine months. It worked for me where all around were struggling. Really worth having one as back up for this cost.
www.artistsunion.scot Find out the current hourly rate for the amount of experience, or artist union England Use it in the “Price your work” calculator below.
Pricing your work calculator www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Insurance for artists try Artquest
Phone coverage at fairs (constantly update by artists) excel spreadsheet Please help by letting me know what works for you.
www.engage.org Bringing people and art together.
craftscouncil.org get your name in the directory Crafts magazine available here
www.thedesigntrust.co.uk Resources and online training
heritagecrafts.org.uk safeguarding craft skills
Art Fair buddies (Facebook page) Chew the cud
Find a gallery (they are not all listed. I have a much better list after searching online and creating my own)
Design nation (Portfolio for designer-makers based in UK)
Curatorspace Project management for curators and artists
www.Artbusinessinfo.com All items business related.
Creative Boom Creative Boom is one of the UK’s leading platforms dedicated to the creative industries. Founded in 2009, we deliver inspiration, insight and advice to six million creative professionals each year.
The National Centre for Craft & Design at Sleaford