Comments for Lauren Venell

Comment on Craftcation Recap by lauren

lauren — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:16:51 +0000

Aw, you make me blush.

I think you’re right that these sorts of things are best left for times when money-making endeavors are slowest, but my slow “seasons” seem to change every year, which makes it a little more difficult to plan out in advance.

What’s hardest for me, though, is deciding when to spend my time building connections or “maintaining my profile” and when to spend it practicing/improving my craft. Which of those ultimately has the better long-term ROI?

Comment on Craftcation Recap by Steph @ nerd JERK

Steph @ nerd JERK — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:02:35 +0000

Having been there and feeling similarly, I’ve gotta say that you did a fabulous job of teaching, networking & being awesome without making it look like you were exhausted! You always had a kind word, or something helpful to say to put things into perspective - which is just one of the reasons I admire you.

As far as you last question goes, I’ve gotta say that it’s a balance. I was talking to Diane Gillieand about how many classes she was offering at the beginning of the year and she said it was “teaching season!” I remember how struck I was with how smart that simple statement was at the time.

During the slow times, when you know you have a minute to do something that does not directly put money in your pocket that second, but has the potential to have long-term ROI, I think it’s okay to take time and invest in making those connections. Maybe not all of the time, but when you can.

Doing follow up Q & A’s in addition to wonderful blog posts just solidifies the fact that you’re an intelligent human being who has intelligence to share with the right people. I hope that you’re feeling that way, Lauren. I know you always make me feel smarter just by being around ya!

Comment on Epic How-To: Make a 3-D Plush Pattern from a 2-D Drawing (Starring Mitch from Neon Monster) by lauren

lauren — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:34:23 +0000

Thank you! So glad I could help!

Comment on Epic How-To: Make a 3-D Plush Pattern from a 2-D Drawing (Starring Mitch from Neon Monster) by Valerie

Valerie — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:55:23 +0000

This is seriously the most amazing tutorial I have ever seen. Hands down. I bow to you. /bow

I work almost entirely in 2D and its so hard for me to visualize 3D……..My family might not appreciate this tutorial though, because I have a feeling I’m going to be using it A LOT.

Comment on Travalin by lizzy

lizzy — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:41:52 +0000

I totally got that it was an airplane, although thinking of it as a shark in the ocean is hilarious.

Comment on U.S. Customs, or, How to Get Screwed and Pay for the Privilege by Frank

Frank — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:38:48 +0000

Not worth commenting, if you don’t know what your doing you have no business doing it! Since when does anyone go into business without a clear understanding of the business venture? Your better off buying a lottery ticket.

Comment on Craftcation Recap by lauren

lauren — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:10:16 +0000

Thanks, Carrie! I'm glad you found it useful. We hope to do another Q&A at the end of month. If you'd like be notified when it's scheduled, you can follow me on Twitter.

Comment on Craftcation Recap by Carrie

Carrie — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 02:54:36 +0000

I just watched your Etsy summit video and it was so articulate and full of great resources, thank you. Looking forward to attending the conference in 2013, sorry to have missed it this year.

Comment on Thoughts on Community by Heidi Rand

Heidi Rand — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:30:05 +0000

Lauren,
Great article. I think one reason we turn to online resources is to find people engaging in the same kind of artwork or processes - when you’re interested in innovative or obscure media there may not be many with similar interests near enough to meet in person. And social media gives unparalleled access to the experts in the field. But for a community that transcends specific media and joins for support and networking, or even to plan events on a local level - yes, you can’t beat getting together in person with some likeminded souls.

Comment on U.S. Customs, or, How to Get Screwed and Pay for the Privilege by Callum

Callum — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:38:11 +0000

Both this post and several comments seem to confuse a customs broker with US Customs. One is the government agency, the other is a professional who you pay to help you navigate through the red tape.

As for costing out your shipments, it is quite easy to do. The first step is to buy John Spiers’ excellent book, How Small Business Trades Worldwide.

Once properly educated, you will not encounter so many surprises as importing is, in fact, quite a routine and mundane matter.