Hertfordshire Puddingstone support for artists, artisans, crafters and makers

For anyone who practices as an artist, artisan, crafter or maker

In any of these roles, or any adjacent role, you will need knowledge and skills across a great many different fields, including some or all of: sourcing materials, negotiation and buying, web managing, graphic design, social media, content generation, marketing, branding, sales, e-sales, post and dispatch, banking, accounting, insurance, tax, importing and exporting, governance, contract law, risk management, health and safety, environmental standards … and all this while you really want to focus on learning and mastering your chosen art, craft or process ... and all this while you still need to maintain a “normal” life of commitments and responsibilities involving family and friends and everything else … and all this while you need to look after yourself and find space to keep your creative “edge”.

The bad news

These are real challenges: there are no easy answers and no magic wands. Worse, our culture presents an unhelpful caricature of the “artist” as living outside the real world: wrestling with demons, driven by creative urges, unable to sustain normal relationships, incapable of engaging with bureaucracy or authority, etc.

The good news

We know the caricature of the artist is merely a cultural stereotype - as meaningless and flimsy as any other. We know we live in the real world - with the same financial, legal and moral responsibilities and obligations as anyone else. We are governed by the laws of nature - and we can plan and act accordingly.

The best news

Whatever problems you face, there is someone who has already faced the challenge, overcome the obstacle, and found a solution. Other people have survived and many have triumphed and thrived.

At Puddingstone ...

We believe your creativity makes the world a better place and we want to support you. We will:

• Create and share news and resources to help you deal with bureaucracy (see links from our top menu)
• Link artists together to share problems, skills and solutions (use our Forums to seek or offer help)
• Host a monthly online surgery or informal network so people can ask questions and share solutions (see the monthly Puddingstone Artists and Artisans Forums in our calendar of Events)
• Offer a (free, but limited) “research and resolve” service to find the solutions you need (come to one of our monthly Forums to discuss)