I just happened accross yor blog. You have some interesting views and helpful points to make to people starting out or deciding weather to take up jewellery making.

I just wanted to say I couldn’t agree more on your training view point. I started creating beaded jewellery when I was about 12 years old. As I grew older my techniques and skills improved, although my jewellery was always just a hobby to me.

I trained at university in animation and film making, but after a couple of years of failing to find employment in that area I decided to make something of a skill that was already part way there and I enjoyed doing.

As I had already spent 3 years at uni I didn’t want to waste any more of my life and money training for something I was still not certain about so I took up evening classes in silversmithing and jewellery.

Now 4 years on I have set up my own business and I am selling my work through galleries and my website.

I have the fantastic experice gained from being self tought in bead & wirework and the enthusiasm to experiment and try new things with my metalwork.

Pairing a small amount of technical training with the confidence to learn from your mistakes and gain from your creations gives you the extra something that someone fresh out of university probably wont have.

However, as you have mentioned, setting up a business is not all about playing with things you love, its also about making money and getting people to see your work.

When I was ready to start selling to the public I contacted Business Link (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk) and they put me in touch with my local business advisory service.

I have now been on several free courses and I have a business advisor who has been invaluble to me with regard to offering advice on what to do when and how to go about things in a profesional manor.

University degree’s are good for young people who are probably lacking in confidence to go out there and try for themselves. They give you good technical knowledge and lots of life experience but they are not as you say a free pass into your chosen carrer, as I discovered.

I would suggest to anyone looking to take on a degree course in jewellery making with the outlook of running a business to carefully weigh up the pro’s and con’s.

If you are a school/college leaver I would definately reccommend it. I had a great time at uni and met some brilliant people and I even earnt one or two things while I was there too!

If however you are a working adult, I would definately suggest an evening class paired with business training, (I found my classes through Learn Direct).

The main thing that anyone wanting to run their own busness needs howvever, is lots of enthusiasm, a big bundle of creativity and determination. If you don’t have this it just wont work!

Thanks
Rachel

I have just come across your fascinating blog- it is very infromative, and also rings so many bells!
I can especially empathise with Rachel, who spent three years on a degree only to realise she may have to undergo further study- this is my story too.
I spent a year on an art foundation course after my ‘A’ levels, then three further years on an art and design degree. At the end, it was obvious that I would need to take further qualifications before I could gain employment, and I really couldn’t face any more study!
I started my family, and now nearly ten years later, I am returning to silversmithing, of which I had learned a little on my degree. I went on a one day course- but that was it- I don’t wish to be constantly on courses, so I have decided to teach myself.
It seems to be going quite well, but I may be making major mistakes! So I will probably have to ask for help from time to time.
Anyway, all the best to you, and thankyou for your blog!

It is so frustrating to put so much into something and not getting anywhere.
I think it’s brilliant you’ve started to teach yourself. I’d love to learn silversmithing myself, I think it’s fascinating. Have you visited the ArtJewelry forums or read the magazines at all? They all seem very knowledgeable.
Rachels kindly offered to do an interview with me and I’ve asked her lots of questions about silversmithing and her business.
Have you got a blog? I’d love to check in on it to see how you are getting on

This is a brilliant blog that you have done.
I am in my 50’s but would love to learn how to make jewellery with my duaghter, and start up and sell it. Could you tell us please how you came about having a shop of your own, and getting started.
Im sure I will never be able to rent or purchase a shop, so what could be the next best thing. Thanks for your time .

Wishing you all the best.

Rita and Louise