After I graduated from college twenty-two years ago, I decided to go into business for myself, creating utilitarian works of art for others. But, my seven years of college as an art major didn't really prepare me for the real world.
It was that school of hard knocks, however, and a cultured attitude that actually afforded my success in this field.
What are the reasons most of us go into professional woodworking - a demanding business - in the first place? I believe it's love for the work and the need to make your living at something you enjoy.
As I began to taste success during my third year of business, many people would ask me how they could learn my trade. These people had a genuine desire to do fine woodworking for a living. The technical part you learn by doing as much as you can. The way to get the work is never to be afraid of a challenge. It's not about money it's really about attitude. A willingness to be adaptable to your clients' tastes forces you to become very versatile, which opens more doors for the future.
The woodworking business is about pleasing people- producing exactly what they think they want. If you have an idea or concept you believe will work well, there's nothing wrong with selling your client on it. Just remember, your client must be happy when all is said and done.
Don't be discouraged by a lack of equipment. I started my business with a cheap 10" table saw, a band saw and a few hand tools. Not many of us have the privilege of outfitting a whole shop when we start. Part of the woodworking challenge is to get the most from your tools. It's incredible how many operations can be completed with the tools I just mentioned. You can expand your tools while you work by finding a job to pay for the new tool. As an example, I landed a big molding job that more than paid for my first shaper, which became an asset in my shop. I added every piece in my shop the very same way. It didn't take long before my shop was complete, and paid for.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so keep a portfolio of your best work even if it seems to cost a lot of money . The expense is peanuts compared to what you save by not having to prove yourself over and over to new clients.
When your clients see a photographic record of what you can do they will be more comfortable. A portfolio also helps our creative side by allowing us to reflect on the work we've done.
It's important to do as many commercial projects as possible. These jobs may be a little more stressful, but they make us more efficient and better organized. This will lead to an increase in production. The long term benefits far outweigh the short term headaches. Your private work will evolve from these "exposure type" projects. Always take things at your own pace in terms of workload, but always be willing to pick up speed and efficiency.
I'm a firm believer of following all leads - you never know what might come from that menial job. It becomes impossible to follow up on every lead, but you can learn a lot just in your initial phone conversation.
Try and find out the scope of the inquiry. Is it a new house that needs to be furnished? Am I speaking to a contractor in the business of building places that need to be furnished? I'm sure you get the idea. The bottom line is that it doesn't hurt to talk to people, and you can always politely say no.
A perfect business is one that has just enough work to keep you busy at your comfort level. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case for a custom furniture or sculpture shop. We need to make hay while the sun shines. Ask clients what their time table is even when you're busy. If you expect work to slow down in a month, find out if your schedule's convenient for them. Get the work, but be honest about the timing. If they're willing to wait you won't disappoint them.
Safety is an attitude in itself! I have always lived by the motto that power tools only bite one time. In other words, take no chances. Think safety while you're honing your skills. Think about what could go wrong before you begin any operation.
We need to take vacations from our work. I know this seems impossible when you work for yourself, but there's nothing better for a healthy attitude than taking a break. Visit museums and galleries. See what other people in our field are doing or have done. Follow the trends if only to be more aware. The key to a long and successful career is adaptability and a good attitude!
Sal Maccarone is a woodworker and artist with a degree in sculpture from San Jose State University in California. He's currently renovating a turn-of-the-century mansion in Port Townsend, Washington.
Sal Maccarone is a designer/craftsmen and wood sculptor from Port Townsend, Washington.
Back to The Woodworking Times