Creating a logo can be an exciting time when launching your business.  It's a chance for you to show your audience what you're all about with one quick visual cue.  There's a whole lot of pressure that goes into creating something that's relevant to you and timeless to represent your brand as your business continues to grow. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating your logo!

Introducing Your Brand

This is your chance to introduce your brand to the world.  Your logo should speak to your target audience, and when designing, you must keep this in mind.  A good way to start planning this is to write down what comes to mind when you think of your brand.  Come up with some visual elements that you think represent what your brand means.

Be Unique

Your logo is your quickest chance to set yourself apart from competitors.  It's important that you stand out from the rest.

Fonts

Selecting a font can be a daunting task, with an every-expanding array of choices. Remember to choose fonts that have a timeless quality to them, and really speak to what your brand is. Don't be afraid to use rare and unique fonts to enhance your branding.

Colors

The color palette that you choose to work with can mean a lot about your overall brand.  Do you want to be bright and showy?  Or muted and sophisticated?  You want the colors you work with to represent your brand's message.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438749188683435550/ 

Keep It Concise

While you want your logo to be interesting, you don't want your audience to have to spend too much time analyzing subtle nuances in order to understand it. If you have a tagline, make sure that doesn't take away from your logo by adding too much wording, your logo needs to be visually appealing. 

Meet Stanley the Jackalope!

How did we choose our logo? We wanted the Jackalope to stand out and make a statement that was easily remembered. We also wanted to choose a font that was a bit edgy and colors that would reflect our brand and would carry into our remaining graphics and marketing materials. We worked with Ventura CA artist, Jonathan Blackburn, to create our logo. Stanley is with us throughout all of our event posters and promotions materials to help with brand recognition.

Customized products personalized for your customer can be a huge draw. However, they can also be hard to sell.  Here are some tips our Jackalope team has outlined to help you turn your custom work into sales.

Keep it simple

This might sound counterintuitive at first, but less custom options = less decisions to be made by the customer before ordering.  This can really help you retain interest for a larger base.  So many people can get overwhelmed with options, that they just give up entirely.  Don't let your products be so personalized, that your customer can't make a decision quickly and easily.

Provide Examples

People are visual. If you offer different font or color options, show them.  That way people can see what the color will actually look like. Are you an illustrator with customizations of different subject matters? Show a range of subjects in your examples so potential buyers can know what to expect.

Take your custom options into consideration when setting up your online shop. Make it easy for people to navigate. You can provide drop down boxes, and try to think ahead of any mistakes someone may make when inputting their order.  Sometimes you need to be specific. It can also help to create a few different listings instead of one listing with a million options.

The Navigator Handmade created a separate listing for each different jewelry piece and then it's customizable from there. 

Promote  

Make sure people are aware that they can customize a piece from you. A lot of times people are too shy to ask and because of this you may miss out on a possible opportunity. If you are doing a fair, make sure you have signage letting shoppers know that this is an option! When promoting use the word custom, personalized, or made to order in your product title, it also adds an element of exclusivity to your product. 

Folding Hands Art at Jackalope Denver

Set Expectations 

Does going custom increase the price? Notate that. How do returns or exchanges work? Also make sure you outline your timeline.  How long will it take for someone to receive their purchase? Make sure you are communicating with your customer throughout the process.  Sending them an image or sketch of the product before it is finalized can help with any possible issues and makes them feel that they are being included in the process! 

Peyote Coyote offers custom pet portrait necklaces and she clearly outlines her process: "This is a collaborative process— we begin with a sketch and will communicate with you throughout to ensure you are in love with your portrait. Please allow 4—6 weeks for delivery (holidays may require additional time). Need it faster? Send us a note with your order. We are happy to accommodate rush orders ♥️.

Going custom can be a lot of fun.  Just make sure it doesn't negatively impact your sales by making ordering too confusing or cumbersome. We hope these tips help to drive you forward in this new route. 

Surely you've heard the expression to treat your booth as a pop up brick and mortar when preparing and creating a successful booth display. If you haven't, we invite you to read The Perfect Booth Display up on our blog.  In a sea of booths, it is important to find a way to stand out.  

Your booth display is your first impression to shoppers. However, your impression doesn't stop building there.  Just as you would expect from walking into a retail store, shoppers expect certain behaviors and experiences.   You would not want to find trash laying around, or to not be greeted or offered help. For reference, we have put together a list of some common mistakes that can be made and things that you should keep in mind when selling at events. 

1. Keep your booth tidy.  As we mentioned above, it is not attractive to have trash or clutter while shoppers are trying to get a feel for your product. Your booth should reflect your brand in both how it looks and feels.  Make sure you take pride in your work. Have a cohesive display and signage, price tags marked, sufficient product on hand etc. 

Amanda, owner of Mindfulnest and Jackalope Pasadena juror notes; "For me, having a vision with a complete story, your shop will evolve, but your passion needs to tell a story, retail is sight, smell and sound. People remember experiences more than things."

Great booth display by League of Crafty Canines at Jackalope Pasadena. 

2. Acknowledge your customer.  No ones likes to be ignored. In fact, in a survey by Sunshine Artist, when asked if the artist talks to you, does that make you more likely to buy something?  83% answered that they like to be talked to...so speak up! It does not mean you have to be obsessive about it but be attentive and anticipate questions. 

3. Put your phone down! it is not professional nor polite to be on your phone when someone is shopping at your booth. 

Yes Cocktail Co serving up great customer service at Jackalope Summer Nights

4. Don't Whine. Having a horrible day, or did your significant other do something to really make you angry? Keep it to yourself.  Shoppers do not want to hear your complaining while shopping. Especially if you are having a bad sales day, do not let that affect your ability to sell your product. There is nothing worse than hearing someone complain how slow it is, while there are customers shopping your booth and being ignored. 

5. Have business cards.  This helps to build up your client base post show. It's also super helpful when someone likes your work but can't commit to purchasing it right away.  This way they have a way to get in touch with you and hopefully buy later. Or, if the purchase was a gift, the receiver should have a way of knowing who made their gift. Furthermore, make sure your contact information is correct and current.  Shoppers shouldn't go home to a website that isn't working if they want to browse your site at home.

Sweets Indeed rocking it at Jackalope Pasadena

6. Take Credit Cards and have Change. In today's age, it is best to have a way to accept credit cards since many shoppers do not carry a lot of cash. On the other hand, If you have someone that wants to pay with cash, make sure you have change so you don't have to turn them away. 

7. Do not pack up early!!  This not only effects your ability to make sales but also your booth neighbors. Having you pack up early (even a half hour early) gives the impression that the fair is over and shoppers will begin to leave. Some of the best sales have happened with 5 minutes left. Target or Nordstroms don't close early, so why should you? 

We hope these tips help as you prepare for your next fair. And if you want to read more vendor tips we have more tips and tricks up on our blog!

Thinking about taking the plunge into wholesale but do not know where to start? We did some research and we hope what we found will help guide you to see if wholesale is a good fit for you.

To begin, let's establish what wholesale means. Wholesale is the selling of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others. One of the awesome benefits in doing wholesale is that you gain broader exposure than you would by just selling on your own. Does a storefront want to sell your soaps, or jewelry?  Just think of that extra foot traffic and exposure that will generate. It can also mean more consistent paychecks. If the store is a great fit, they will want to come back and reorder from you again and again.

Jojo's Sriracha for sale at Period Six Studio in Golden, Colorado 

However, offering wholesale can take a lot of time and effort, so there are some things you should look into before taking the plunge. When you think of wholesale pricing, you think of producing more product and offering it at a lower price. Stores will want to buy your product at a lower cost then you would directly sell it to a consumer, because they also need to make a profit in return. Helen Rice, owner of “Willow; an artisan's boutique” in Littleton, Colorado offers the following piece of advice:

"The first and foremost issue artists should think about is pricing.  Depending on your product, there is a tricky balance between getting paid adequately for your time and materials, and calculating the potential retail price that the market will bear.  Most retailers will look to double their wholesale cost (or more if they are trying to cover their freight expense to get the product). If they feel the market in their area cannot support the calculated retail price, they will not take the chance.  If you are looking for that 'pricing' sweet spot, you might consider starting a little lower on your wholesale pricing, and pushing it up until you reach that optimum price point. You'll quickly know if you've pushed it too far. If your creation is too labor intensive, you might want to considers ways to reduce the labor without compromising the end result."

Helen Rice, owner of "Willow, an artisans boutique" in Littleton Colorado

To see if a lower price point is doable, you can start by making a list of all of your expenses. Some things you can look into to possibly cut costs in addition to reducing your labor, is to see if you can source better priced materials or decide if there is a different way you can be packaging your product to save time and energy.

When looking into pricing you will want to consider your minimum quantities. You will need to set a minimum opening order and then your minimum reorder when working with your buyers. Your minimum reorder is usually lower than your opening order.  Is there a certain amount you need to make in order to turn profit or for it to be worth your time? Also consider how your items will be displayed. How many pieces would you prefer to have on display at a given time to create an impression? Consider doing a mock setup to get an idea of a potential product display.

HumanTreeRobot for sale at Mindfulnest, Highland Park

Cheltenham Road for sale at Mindfulnest

Two Ravens Soap for sale at Willow, an artisans boutique in Littleton, Colorado

Once you have set your pricing, you will need to create a line sheet. This is a document that provides buyers all the information needed to make a purchase. You should include the name of your product, item number, wholesale price, maybe a suggested retail price, and any order minimums or size/color limitations. To go along with your line sheet, think about your product photography and product catalog. Clear product photos on a white background is industry standard. Your catalog can be more in depth then your line sheet with product descriptions. This is a great first impression on your products and your brand. See below for some line sheet examples.

Finally, you will want to establish policies. Take into account how these products will get to the store. Are you mailing them?  Who pays for shipping? Think about your turnaround time. You want to be reasonable but also respect your buyer. What happens if something breaks? Create policies to support your product and make sure they are clear on your line sheet. Ideally you want to create a lasting relationship to help make ordering, billing, and shipping an easy process with all involved parties.

Offering wholesale is a great way to increase revenue if done right and if all of this appeals to you, then wholesale could be for you! If you think you are there, start by reaching out to stores that you think appeal to your customer base. Remember, you want your potential buyer to be happy and to successfully sell your product, so make sure they are a fit for yourself and your brand.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 
As a young girl, growing up in Los Angeles, I found influence in my family trips to Mexico. I have distinct memories of cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops of many flavors. My cross-cultural background blessed me with a tasteful fusion for crafts. From then on, handmade artisan work became my mission and my passion. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?
My father is a superhero. Manuel endured more than my naivety could handle at the time. He ventured from Mexico to America, with no knowledge of English, and eventually came to own his own body shop in Culver City. I thank him and my mom for supporting my decisions to conquer the risks that I took to get me to where I am today. 

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
Roughly 25 years ago I owned a shop in Old Town Pasadena, before the resurgence, when it was primarily mom and pop. Dusk lasted about 9 years. After that I worked for my dad, raised three dorky boys, and opened my treasure, Belle’s Nest. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Soozee Woods and Tracy Chamberlin from Ramona Paloma Tiles are an all time favorite. They are both an absolute joy to work with—their tiles reflect the warmth in their personalities.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
I love that social media and wonderful events, like Jackalope, allow a myriad of creatives to expose their work. For me, connecting with my customers is the best feeling ever. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
I need to make sure that my vision stays on track.  Above all, I look for well made, original and unique creations. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
It's such a pleasure to be part of something that helps the handmade community. It's gratifying in so many ways for me because I've had experience in all aspects of this process. 

 Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
You can visit me on Instagram and my brick and mortar shop in Sierra Madre, or you can visit me online as well.

Belle's Nest: 55 N Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Web: https://bellesnest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellesnest/ 

Bring some handmade style to your back to school routine.

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Natural Backpack

Olivo
Price: $225

Who needs a Jansport backpack anyway?  It's time to add some sophisticated style to your back to school basics.  Just throw on your back and go.
 

https://www.byraquelolivo.com

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The Apprentice Collection, Leather Sketchbook

Sincerely Creative Co
Price: $50+

These handmade leather journals are stitched using genuine leather, waxed linen thread, and finely textured paper in a creamy natural white finish. Use the unlined pages to write, sketch and journal all of those important thoughts! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/sincerelycreativeco 

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Modern Mini Cement Planter: Various Color

Unneeded Home Goods
Price: $7

It has been proven that having plants indoors is good for your health, but in a small space (like a dorm room!) it is hard to fit them in, so these mini planters are a perfect solution! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnneededCo

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Cosmic Stationary

PLOP Cartoons Art & Press
Price: $6

Keep in touch with friends and family with these handmade cosmic stationary sets.  
 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePlopSh

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Best Friends Morse Code Friendship Bracelets

Vi Ling
Price: $56

Keep connected with your best friend with these morse code “friendship bracelets” of sterling silver beads & tubes that dictate “BEST | FRIENDS”.  

https://vilingdesigns.com

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Bon Voyage Card

Green Chicken Art & Design
Price: $4.50

Going away to school or know someone who is?!  This bon voyage card has a classic retro style, with a personal touch to let your loved ones know you'll be thinking about them.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenChickenArt

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Santa Monica Series: Blue Pier

HumanTreeRobot
Price: $20

Leaving Southern California for school but want to take a bit of it with you? How about this wood panel print of the infamous Santa Monica Pier. Brighten up those dorm walls with some memories and iconic imagery!

http://humantreerobot.bigcartel.com

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DIY Detox Mask- "Matcha Mint"

HoneyBelle
Price: $16

With the stress of school, it's easy to let your skincare routine fall by the wayside.  Keep your face happy with this Bentonite Clay and Organic Matcha Powder mask to rid your face of deep rooted toxins and keep you feeling fresh.  The special matcha ingredient is packed with antioxidants, which will stop and reverse the signs of aging, renew skin with poor upkeep, and soothe acne-irritated skin.

https://honeybelleshop.com

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Summer Nights: Pasadena artisans in person this August!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

The best nights are usually spontaneous, unplanned, and random. Cheers to Summer Nights, here are our picks to light up your summer evenings! 

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Elephant String Art With Faux Succulents Wall Hanging

Happi*ness Handcrafted
Price: $90

If you don't have a green thumb but still like to play gardener, faux succulents are a great alternative! This string art comes complete with battery powered lights so you can even use it as a night light or a cute patio piece. 

www.etsy.com/shop/NessaHandcrafted

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Ode to the Moon Collection

Eagle Rock Werkshop
Price: $88

Cooler temps and having the moon as your backdrop makes summer evening yoga sessions the best! So quiet your mind and free your body in these ode to the moon leggings. 

https://www.werkshop.com

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Havaleena Modern LED Light

Tayo Design
Price: $59

Summer parties do not have to end once it gets dark. Add some funk and light up your backyard with these Havaleena LED Lights! 

https://havaleena.myshopify.com

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I Stay Lit Coffee Mug

Nerdpins
Price: $10

Not a summer cocktail person, no problem. Pour yourself a cup of joy in this "I Stay Lit" coffee mug and skip the hangover in the morning. 

https://nerdpins.patternbyetsy.com

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Dark Cosmos Placemat

Haunted Ladies Co
Price: $20

Your never to old to wish upon a star. Dress up your patio table with these dark cosmo placemats and let the star gazing commence! 

https://hauntedladies.com

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Spicy Pickle Spears with Habanero

Propers Pickle
Price: $12

Add some spice to any backyard grill sesh with these habanero pickles! The perfect summer snack by themselves or as a topping, keeping your taste buds alive! 

http://properspickle.com

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Galaxy Tie Top

1138 Clothing
Price: $70

"Everything in the universe is within you, ask all from yourself," Rumi. Rock this galaxy tie top to light up any backyard bash. 

www.etsy.com/shop/1138Clothing

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Magic the Moon Blanket

Lil Be
Price: $49

I love you to the moon and back. Keep your little one comfy with this cozy blanket, if you are lucky maybe they will share!

https://lilbeshop.com/

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Summer Nights: Pasadena artisans in person this August!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

Summertime is a great season for exploring the outdoors.  From hiking, to beach days, to spending time in your own backyard, it's a wonderful time of year to be outside and soak up the beauty around.  We've compiled some perfect go-to outdoor enthusiast items made by our Jackalope Summer Nights Pasadena Artisans.  

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Everything Balm

Birdbath
Price: $18

Perfect, easy, on-the-go treatment. Use it for everything whether it's on your elbows, knees, hands, feet. With its infused essential oils, this balm is great for healing dry skin, something we can be familiar with this time of year.

https://birdbathbodytreats.com

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Off Grid Perfect Tee

Neoclassics
Price: $32

A reminder to stay connected with the present moment and to block out society's white noise. Enjoy the summer and spend a moment OFF GRID in this cozy perfect T.

https://neoclassics.org

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California Native Wildflower Mix Seed Bark

Altadena Maid
Price: $10

Looking to brighten up your own garden? See what these handmade sun-dried California wildflower seeds can create. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AltadenaMaid

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Mt Rosemary Trailmix

BearClaw Kitchen Company
Price: $6

The perfect snack for a morning hike up in the mountains. Fragrant rosemary from a local herb garden to give you a refreshing feel throughout your path.  

http://www.bearclawkitchen.com

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The Spirit World

Am Rompage Art
Price: $32

Bring your love of the outdoors into your home with this photograph of the Arizona sky. Remain inspired even if you are sitting on the couch and remind yourself of the natural beauty in nature.

https://www.instagram.com/amrompageart

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Carico Lake Diamond Cuff

Winthrops Daughter
Price: $175

Make any outfit a statement with this cuff! Carico Lake turquoise comes from a mine in Landers County, Nevada where an ancient lake once existed! Mother Nature's beauty is the best :)

https://www.winthropsdaughter.com

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Pine Tree Cup

Rachel Baydian
Price: $56

Enjoy nature at its finest.  Treasure your morning cup of coffee with this beautiful handmade Pine Tree cup.  Remind yourself of that trip you took up to the mountains to see these beauties in person each time you take a sip.

https://www.rachelbaydian.com

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Poppy and Lupine Wildflowers Flameless Candles

Leaf Motif
Price: $55

Decorate your home or patio with these wonderful candles. Creating a captivating spring and summer motif with some of California's most treasured flowers.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeafMotif

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Summer Nights: Pasadena artisans in person this April!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

4th of July.  A holiday that brings everyone together when all the fireworks come out. Looking for some festive wear or something to spike up this 4th of July!? Check out some of our suggestions, all created by our Jackalope Summer Nights artisans.

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USA Flag Shoelaces

Cute Laces
Price: $7.99

A simple yet super cute item to celebrate this 4th of July!  Jazz up your ordinary laces with flare.

https://cutelaces.com

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Svetlana Filigree Golden Tiara

Loschy Designs
Price: $78

Celebrate with style. Add some spark to your outfit with this one of a kind tiara!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Loschy

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Denim Red Patchwork Jacket

Wee Monster
Price: $84

Looking for something to style the little one with this 4th of July? How about a rad jacket that they will never want to take off!? A quintessential piece for firework watching and also perfect for summer cool nights or winter mornings.

https://www.weemonster.net

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Cucumber Jalapeno Cocktail Mixer

Yes Cocktail Company
Price: $15

Cool off this holiday and celebrate with friends! Great for bbq's, get togethers, or even as a gift for those who like to spice things up. 

https://yescocktailco.com

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Bug Repellent

Surf Scripts
Price: $14

No one invited bugs to the party. Party into the night without worrying about getting bit!  All natural, so you can feel good, while keeping those unwanted critters away.

http://www.surfscripts.org

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Star Bow Scarf

Melissa Velia
Price: $16

"O! Say, does that Star-Spangled Banner...", is what this reminds us of. Need something festive? Well, we got something for you! Style it up with a simple white dress and it's a party! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Melissavelia

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Starlight

LuLu B Designs
Price: $119

Starlight, star bright.  Cascading stars fill the night. Wear this everywhere and show off your star quality.  

https://www.lulubdesign.com

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Red Wine Velvet

Drunken Cake Pops
Price: $3.50

Spike up this 4th of July with some red wine velvet cake pops. Great for adult parties and for those with a sweet tooth who like to live a little on the edge. 

https://www.drunkencakepops.com

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Summer Nights: Pasadena artisans in person this April!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

Summer brings barbecues and pool days and that means time out in the sun! Here are our picks to turn up your next BBQ party from some of our Jackalope Summer Nights artisans! 

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Hank Floor Pillow

Wallflower
Price: $125

Have too many guests to fit around your patio table? No worries...turn any backyard into a lounge with these large floor pillows!

https://www.wallflowershop.com

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El Watermelon Tee

my.loteria.t's by JDN73
Price: $15.99

Watermelon is one of the summer time BBQ staples, so have your little one represent the season with this adorable tee.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JDN73

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Hot Italian Sausages

Zeiglers Sausages
Price: $10.99

Sausage + Grilling = Perfect BBQ meal! Throw on these hot Italian sausages and heat up any party. 

http://eatzeiglers.com

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BBQ Soy Candle

Four Points Trading Co
Price: $11.95

Can't have a physical BBQ but want the yummy smells wafting in your vicinity? Try out this BBQ Candle, the best part is that there is no clean up involved!

https://fourpointstradingco.com

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Sandra Tote

Pour Favor
Price: $48

A stylish carry all for all of your party supplies! Don't miss a beat and have everything you may need right by your side.

https://www.pourfavor.org

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Black and Grey Dog Teepee

Clothes Companion
Price: $85

Make sure your furry companion can join you in the Summer fun, but that they are protected from the powerful rays with this awesome dog teepee! Easy to transport and setup this can go with you from party to party or beach to mountains. 

https://clothescompanion.com

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Hydrating Aloe Spray

Silba Body and Skincare
Price: $9.50

We all know that sunshine can wreak havoc on your skin! Hydrate your skin after being outside all day with this aloe spray, perfect for on the go application. 

https://silbabodyandskincare.com

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Beer Stein

Mayware Ceramics
Price: $40

Make a statement and complete any BBQ setup with these stunning ceramic beer steins. Holds 20-22 ounces of craft beer delight!

https://www.maywareceramics.com

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Summer Nights: Pasadena artisans in person this April!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!