5 Practical Tips to Support Local Artisans in Your Community

Published on 21 July 2023 6 min read

Buy locally crafted products
Attend local artisan fairs and exhibitions
Promote local artisans on social media
Commission work from local artisans
Take classes or workshops offered by artisans

Supporting local artisans is more than a trendy hashtag—it's a meaningful way to invest in your community, stimulate the local economy, and discover unique, high-quality pieces that reflect the creativity and skill of talented individuals. In this blog, we will share five practical tips to help you support and benefit from local artisan services in your community.

Buy locally crafted products

One of the most direct ways to support local artisans is, quite simply, to buy their work. Local artisan services offer a wide array of unique products, from handmade jewelry and pottery to custom furniture and original artwork. By purchasing these items, you not only own a one-of-a-kind piece but also contribute to the livelihood of local creators.

Where to find locally crafted products

It's easier than you might think to find locally crafted products. Farmers’ markets, boutique shops, and even online platforms often showcase work from local artisans. Some cities have dedicated artisan markets, where you can explore a range of products and meet the creators face-to-face. Whether it's a hand-knit scarf from Clara's Craft Corner or a unique ceramic mug from Pottery by Pete, there's something special about knowing who made the item and how.

Benefits of buying local

When you buy locally crafted products, you're not just purchasing an item—you're supporting a dream. Local artisans pour their heart, soul, and talent into their work, and your purchase helps them continue to do what they love. Plus, buying local supports your community's economy. According to a study by the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 stays in the local economy—compared to only $43 when spending the same amount at a national chain.

Making it a habit

Set a budget: Allocate a portion of your monthly spending to support local artisans. It doesn’t have to be a large amount—even a small regular purchase can make a big difference.
Think gifts: When birthdays, holidays, or special occasions roll around, consider gifting locally crafted products. They offer a personal touch and often come with a story that mass-produced items can't match.
Spread the word: If you love a product, tell your friends and family about it. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for local artisan services.

Remember, every purchase from a local artisan is a vote for a vibrant, creative, and economically healthy community. So next time you're shopping, consider opting for the beautifully crafted, locally made option—you won't regret it.

Attend local artisan fairs and exhibitions

Another great way to support local artisan services in your community is to attend local artisan fairs and exhibitions. These events are not just shopping opportunities—they're a chance to directly engage with artisans, learn about their craft, and experience the vibrant creativity of your community.

Exploring the local artisan scene

Artisan fairs and exhibitions offer a treasure trove of local talent. From painters and potters to woodworkers and weavers, you'll find a variety of artisans showcasing their work. Go ahead and strike up a conversation with them. You'll learn fascinating details about their craft, their inspiration, and their journey. It's a great way to deepen your appreciation for their work and the value of local artisan services.

Artisan fairs aren't just for buying

While purchasing items at these events definitely supports local artisans, simply showing up is a form of support too. Your presence acknowledges the artisans’ talent and effort, and your interest can provide much-needed encouragement. Plus, the larger the crowd, the more likely the event will continue in future years—benefiting artisans and community members alike.

Bringing friends along

Why not make an outing of it? Invite friends or family to join you at the next artisan fair. It's a fun way to spend time together, and you'll be introducing others to the local artisan scene. Who knows? They might even find their new favorite artist or craftsman.

So, mark your calendar for the next local artisan fair or exhibition. It's a fantastic way to support local artisan services, gain a deeper appreciation for artisan crafts, and participate in your community's vibrant creative scene.

Local artisan services can greatly benefit from the power of social media. With a simple click, you can help spread the word about their work, reaching potentially thousands of people. Here are some ways you can leverage social media to support local artisans.

Did you pick up a beautiful handmade necklace at the local artisan fair? Or did you commission a custom piece of furniture from a local woodworker? Share it! Post pictures on your social media, tag the artisan if they have a presence there, and use relevant hashtags. You can share a brief story about the product and why you love it. This not only helps promote the artisan's work but also inspires others to support local artisan services.

Engage with artisans' posts

Another simple yet effective way to promote local artisans is to engage with their posts. Like, comment, share, or even save their posts. This increases the visibility of their content and can help them reach a wider audience. Plus, positive comments can be a real morale booster for artisans as they navigate the challenging world of self-promotion.

There's a good chance you're part of a local community group on social media. These groups often have discussions about where to find various services, and this can be an excellent opportunity to recommend your favorite local artisans. Not only will you be helping the artisan gain new customers, but you'll also be aiding your neighbors in discovering the rich array of local artisan services available in your community.

In summary, social media can be a powerful tool in promoting local artisans. So go ahead and snap, like, share, and recommend. Your online support can make a significant difference in the success and sustainability of local artisan services.

Commission work from local artisans

One of the most direct ways to support local artisan services is to commission work from them. This not only provides them with immediate income, but also gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills and expand their portfolio. Here are some ideas on how you can commission work from local artisans.

Personalize your home decor

Looking to spruce up your living space? Instead of heading to a large furniture store, consider commissioning a piece from a local artisan. Whether it's a handcrafted coffee table, a custom painting, or a unique ceramic vase, these items can add a personal and unique touch to your home. Plus, it's a great conversation starter when you have guests over.

Create unique gifts

Gift-giving occasions are perfect opportunities to commission work from local artisans. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or holiday season, a handmade gift carries a special significance. It's not just the item itself, but also the thought, time, and skill that goes into creating it that makes it special. Remember, when you commission a gift from a local artisan, you're also giving the gift of support to your local economy.

Support your business needs

If you run a business, there are numerous ways to incorporate local artisan services. Need a new sign for your storefront? Commission a local metalworker or woodworker. Looking for unique employee rewards? Consider custom-made items from a local craftsperson. By doing this, you're not only getting a unique, quality product but also contributing to the sustainability of local artisan services.

To sum up, commissioning work from local artisans is a win-win situation. You get a one-of-a-kind piece, and the artisan gets the support they need to continue their craft. The next time you need a product or service, consider reaching out to a local artisan.

Take classes or workshops offered by artisans

Another practical way to support local artisan services is by enrolling in classes or workshops they offer. This not only helps you learn a new skill, but it also provides the artisans with a steady income source. Let's explore some reasons why taking classes from local artisans can be a rewarding experience.

Explore your creative side

Ever wanted to try your hand at pottery, painting, or maybe even glass blowing? This is your chance! Taking classes from local artisans can unleash your inner artist and let you explore a range of creative activities. Plus, you never know — you might just discover a new hobby or passion.

Understand the craft

Participating in workshops gives you a firsthand experience of the time, effort, and skill that goes into each product. This appreciation for the craft can make you more likely to purchase local artisan services in the future. Understanding the process behind the product can make each piece you buy even more meaningful.

Meet like-minded people

Classes and workshops are also a great place to meet others in your community who share your interest in supporting local artisans. This can lead to new friendships and can even strengthen the sense of community in your area.

In conclusion, taking classes or workshops offered by artisans is more than just a way to support local artisan services. It's a chance to learn, grow, and connect with your community. So why not give it a go? You might surprise yourself.

If you're passionate about supporting local artisans and want to help them thrive in the digital age, check out the workshop 'Utilising Social Media As A Freelance Artist' by Voodoo Salad. This workshop will teach you how to effectively use social media to promote and support local artists, allowing their work to reach a wider audience and contribute to the growth of your community's creative scene.