Reasons to Buy Handmade and Support Indie Artists
In our capitalist society, we are constantly being persuaded to purchase all sorts of products. Commercials, billboards, social media ads, and product placement influence our decisions on what to buy and what kind of products we value. The ease of purchase is another factor that determines our buying habits: stores like Target and Walmart or online shopping websites like Amazon rely on our tendency towards convenience. But this trend in our society has forgotten an important and historical tenet of our economy: the artists, artisans and skilled laborers that make up the bulk of small businesses in our country.
So, for my first ever blog post for Good Witch Quilts, I want to list out a few reasons why you should buy handmade items and support local and independent artists. Because you are a Good Witch, you probably already know most of these reasons, but it can be useful to be reminded why it is so important.
1. Each handmade item is unique (and often times, catered just to you)
Most handmade items are customizable because you are often working directly with the artist to get the exact result that works for you. At Good Witch Quilts, each quilt that I make has its own story that can never be separated from the product. Whether it is a memorial quilt or a custom quilt, the client is a part of the process every step of the way.
2. Buying handmade keeps each historical craft alive
When you support independent artisans, you are also supporting their craft. If people stop valuing art, it will cease to exist. Artists rely on people who believe in the importance of their craft in order to continue producing. It is a symbiotic system where you can not only feel happy with your product but satisfied with your contribution as well.
3. Handmade items are good for the environment
Work done by hand is green because it doesn’t require a factory, large labor force or extensive transportation. Handmade products are usually done in small studios or in peoples’ own homes. At Good Witch Quilts, I make everything in my home studio. Handmade products don’t need to travel thousands of miles back and forth to be completed. When you buy from Good Witch Quilts, you know that the quilt is made and shipped from Austin, TX straight to you.
4. You contribute to and become a part of the community when supporting artists and artisans
When you buy directly from an artist, not only are they very appreciative of your support, but they almost always tell you about it. Whether it is a thank you in person, a card sent with your purchase or a community (like the Good Witch family you are a part of here), your support is extremely appreciated. The newsletter from Good Witch Quilts is not spam mail: it is my attempt to reach out to each and every one of you and connect. If you ever want to reach out, just reply to the email!
5. Supporting indie artists is trendy and more popular than ever before!
As the world becomes increasingly more global, people are starting to look back to their own communities in a way they never have before. Instead of taking their local community for granted, people see how important each building block of our society is. When the pandemic hit a few years back, many people became aware of their disconnected relationship to their neighbors and sought to reengage with their community.
There are many more reasons why it is essential to support handmade artists in your community. If you have any other reasons that you think are too important to neglect, please reach out!
Speaking for myself and I’m sure a multitude of indie artists out there, thank you for your support!!