As you may or may not know, Mayday Underground Crafts + Art is a special breed of craft show. It’s an indie craft show. What does this mean? This article from CraftCritique.com does a decent rundown of the whole idea behind indie craft shows, what makes them different, and why they’re important.
Indie Craft and the DIY movement
Reported by Shannon Schafer
To quote Wikepedia ” The indie design movement is made up of independent designers, artists and craftspeople who design and make a wide array of products without being part of large, industrialized businesses.
They are supported by a growing number of indie shoppers who are seeking niche and often handmade products as opposed to those mass-produced by corporations. Such products may include jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, art, paintings, metal work and much more.
Indie designers often sell their items directly to buyers by way of their own online shops, craft fairs, street markets and a variety of online marketplaces, such as Dawanda, Etsy, Mintd, and Lov.li. However, they may also engage in consignment and/or wholesale relationships with retail outlets, both online and offline.
The indie design movement can be seen as being an aspect of the general indie movement and DIY culture.”
From the DIY movement has brought together several networking groups like craftster, craft mafias, indiepublic and Street teams formed through ETSY. I happen to lead an ETSY street team Florida that chats weekly to share ideas, craft shows, marketing ideas etc.
Over 28,600 individuals have joined in the DIY movement and pledged to buy handmade. I encourage you to take the pledge this holiday season.
Indie Artists do not follow any rules or guidelines in their art yet are very professional with their business.
Indie Craft and the DIY movement have spawned several incredible shows including Renegade Craft Fairs, Bazaar Bizaare, Atomic Holiday Bazaar and other hometown smaller shows.
Some designers will say that Indie craft is not your grandma’s crafts while others will say it’s grandma’s AWESOME crafts brought back and tweaked to rock today. However you describe it embrace it , find some of your favorite artists and support them and the movement this holiday season. In today’s economic crisis don’t forget the artists and the feeling of giving and receiving a gift that is handmade.
Mayday! Underground Crafts & Art 