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The annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define it.
Tools of the Trades 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.
Wednesday, March 20th: Day One Program (Virtual-Only, Zoom) Virtual – Check Your Registration for the Zoom Link
9:00 AM – Defining Creative Success Today: Alicia Puig, PxP Contemporary, and Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly
10:30 AM – P&L and the Big Bad Spreadsheet (and Other Business Beasts): Lenin Agudo, Widener University SBDC
12:00 PM – From Passion Project to Production: Hiring and Scaling Your Businesses: Nate Mell, Felt+Fat
2:00 PM – Mind, Body, Studio: Emergency Planning and Business Insurance for a Sustainable Artistic Life: Cameron Baxter Lewis, CERF+
3:30 PM – Authenticity over Algorithms: Social Media Trends: Kim Robinson, 3pts (“three points”)
Presentation Descriptions 9:00 AM – Defining Creative Success Today: Alicia Puig, PxP Contemporary, and Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly
What has changed in 2024 for artists, makers, and small businesses? What does success look like today? And how in this chaotic world do you stay focused on why you started your creative journey in the first place?
2023 has been a year of both challenges and opportunities for artists, makers, and small businesses. From the evolving audience preferences to the digital adoption surge, to the supply chain disruptions and rising costs having a small business has widely changed. In this session, we’ll discuss what creative success can mean and how to attack 2024 as a creative entrepreneur, artist, or even curious maker. Success could be building a loyal community, embracing innovation and adaptability, financial sustainability, prioritizing well-being, making a positive impact, or even a combination of a bit of it all.
For creative entrepreneurs, turning your passion into a thriving business requires more than just talent and artistic vision. Understanding the foundations of business and deciphering the language of financial statements like Profit & Loss (P&L) statements is crucial for navigating the world of commerce and ensuring your creative endeavor sustains itself. In this discussion, we will cover business basics while focusing on financial tools and methodologies, to help track your business journey so you can focus on the making and let the profits roll in.
12:00 PM – From Passion Project to Production: Hiring and Scaling Your Business: Nate Mell, Felt+Fat
How do you scale your creative business beyond just you? Hear the story behind Nate Mell’s single venture to full-fledged production. Hear how he discovered a new vision for his business. Learn practical hiring strategies to attract and onboard your dream team, discover workflow hacks to boost your output, and define growth tactics that align with your unique vision. By the end of this discussion, you’ll be equipped with the right questions to ask yourself, helpful strategies, and a growth plan in place.
Join us for an interactive and informative session that offers a proactive and comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of artists, their workspaces, and their artistic practices. Cameron Baxter Lewis, the Director of Grants & Programs at the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+), will discuss the tools and questions any artist, small business owner, or dedicated maker should be asking themselves to protect not only their workspaces but themselves as well. He’ll cover the essentials of business insurance, how to make sure you’re taking care of your well-being, and define the next steps to protect yourself.
3:30 pm – Authenticity over Algorithms: Social Media Trends: Kim Robinson, 3pts (“three points”)
In the age of carefully curated feeds and virality-chasing algorithms, standing out as a creative entrepreneur or artist on social media can feel like a constant battle. The pressure to conform to trending hashtags and churn out formulaic content can be overwhelming, often leading to a sense of inauthenticity and disconnection with your audience.
In this session, we’ll crack the code on how to have meaningful growth on social media. We’ll discuss social media must-haves, how to track your success, and what reasonable growth looks like. We’ll dive deeper into how to apply these online strategies to your offline activity to have a consistent (and authentic!) brand.