Diversify/Specialise

[CJ57]

I think there is probably a difference in how you approach this journey into jewellery and silversmithing in the way it started in your life. I went through the Art College route 4 decades ago so it was very disciplined in teaching you skills and processes. There was no room for diversication in those days in our Dept, you were being taught to be a silversmith/jeweller and that meant using metal, heat and tools. Things have changed now I believe but I still approach my work from the same starting point and with money and time have bought new equipment and learnt new skills. To be honest I've never had the money to buy whatever was in vogue or what everyone else was doing so you make do.
I can't say I've found my niche, my last collection of work for this years OS went off in all sorts of directions and people said it was my best yet, it was definitely the work that had given me the greatest sense of achievement .

[Tabby66]

I found that I focussed on what I enjoyed doing (which was intricate saw piercing), this is evident in a lot of my work and is still what I enjoy most. I think that there are three very basic techniques that are essential to master, piercing, filing and soldering......though, now I'm thinking of more!! But these help with progressing most other techniques.
I also love making my own settings, particularly for unusual stones (not trade standards). Layering & 3D pieces are also my thing and incorporating the piercing and gemstones is my heaven!! Lol.

I like hand making pieces and haven't gone down the CAD route, though I can appreciate it's cleverness and place.

[Lucie]

I've been making the same things for about 10 years now, so I'm incredibly boring compared to most of the people on here - there's some amazing diversity and talent! But I love dealing with my customers and it provides a healthy level of stress to keep my brain functioning

I fully intend on going back to college to learn some more skills when the kids are a little older and life has calmed down a bit. I find 3D printing fascinating!
But at the moment with 4 small people under 8 and a hubby whose at work for 14 hours a day, this suits me fine

[caroleallen]

I'm a bit eclectic too. I'm always wanting to try new things and am never happy with what I do. Some of the designs I sell today have been around for about 15 years and they're still good sellers, which in some ways is a shame because I'm so fed up with them, but they still make me money. I seldom make what I would really like to because of time constraints. Selling online means that I have to send things out within 2-3 days, so it's all quick and easy stuff. I have a couple of girls working for me and the idea was that they make the easy stuff while I work on new designs and more complex things. In reality though, I seem to spend most of my time dealing with paperwork and website stuff.