What is Craft skill? Essential Tips and Techniques

Craft skills, once considered niche or traditional, are now gaining prominence in today's competitive job market. As a fresh graduate or a young professional, honing your craft skills can open up numerous career opportunities and help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we will provide you with a list of valuable tips and techniques to help you improve your craft skills.

1. Learning from Books and Tutorials

To master your craft skills, it is important to invest time in learning from books and tutorials.

• "The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting" by Suzanne Brooker is highly recommended for painters. If you are passionate about pottery, "The Complete Potter's Companion" by Tony Birks is a great resource.
• Websites like Skillshare and YouTube have numerous video tutorials that cater to a wide range of craft skills.
• Learning from experienced professionals can greatly enhance your understanding of the craft industry. Consider attending workshops or joining local communities.

2. Regular Practice for Skill Enhancement

While learning from books and tutorials is crucial, consistent practice is equally important for honing your craft skills. Set aside dedicated time for regular practice sessions to ensure steady improvement. Here are some tips on building a routine:

• Allocate a specific time each day or week for practising your craft.
• Set up a designated space where you can focus solely on your craft without distractions.
• Rather than overwhelming yourself with long practice sessions, break them into shorter intervals throughout the day or week.

3. Exploring New Techniques

Trying out different approaches not only keeps your work fresh but also opens up new creative possibilities. Here are a few ways to discover emerging trends and techniques:

• Online communities: Join forums, Facebook groups, or other online communities focused on your craft. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts can lead to valuable discussions and exposure to new ideas.
• Workshops and classes: Look for workshops or classes conducted by experienced professionals or institutions specialising in your craft. These provide hands-on learning opportunities and introduce you to innovative techniques.
• Trade shows and exhibitions: Attend local or national trade shows and exhibitions related to your craft. These events often showcase the latest tools, materials, and techniques used by experts in the industry.

4. Upskilling Through Specialisation Courses

Skills in craft-making can open up a world of opportunities for professionals looking to enhance their careers. By upskilling, you can not only refine your existing skills but also learn new techniques and gain a deeper understanding of your craft.

Here are some specialised courses that can help you take your craft-making skills to the next level:

1. Diploma in Textile Design: This course focuses on various aspects of textile design, including weaving, printing, and dyeing.
2. Certificate Course in Pottery: Explore the art of pottery making and learn techniques such as wheel throwing and clay sculpting.
3. Jewellery Making Workshop: Enhance your skills in designing and crafting jewellery pieces through hands-on workshops.
4. Woodworking Certification Programme: Learn woodworking techniques like joinery and carving through certification programmes that last for about 6–12 months.
5. Leather Craft Course: Master the art of working with leather by enrolling in a comprehensive course that covers pattern-making, stitching, and finishing techniques.

Most of these courses take a few months to a year to complete and cost anywhere between ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh.

5. Finding Inspiration From Accomplished Artists

Studying the works of established artists in your craft field is an excellent way to find inspiration and learn from their techniques. Here are some online platforms and galleries you can explore:

1. Instagram: Follow hashtags related to your craft or search for popular artists in your field. Many artists showcase their work on Instagram, providing a wealth of inspiration.
2. Pinterest: Create boards dedicated to your craft and explore pins showcasing the works of accomplished artists.
3. Online galleries: Visit websites like Behance, DeviantArt, or ArtStation that feature portfolios of talented artists across various crafts.

6. Understanding Artistic Styles

Within specific craft disciplines, various artistic styles can influence and shape your work. Here are some examples of different styles within specific crafts:

1. Woodworking: Traditional woodworking styles include Shaker, Arts and Crafts, and Scandinavian designs.
2. Painting: Styles such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Realism offer distinct approaches to creating visual art.
3. Textile Design: From the floral patterns of Chintz to the geometric motifs of Art Deco, understanding different textile design styles helps you diversify your creations.

7. Exploring Career Growth and Opportunities

Craft-making has traditionally been seen as a personal business venture where artisans work independently or within small communities to produce unique handmade products.

However, there is an increasing demand for skilled craftspeople in various industries, such as institutes, curated workshops, museums, and events. A few popular job options include:

1. Crafts Designer: ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year
2. Craft Entrepreneur: Earnings can vary significantly based on the success of your venture.
3. Craft Teacher: ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh per year
4. Craft Curator: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per year
5. Craft Event Manager: Earnings vary based on the scale of the event and its success.

8. Focus on Reskilling

When it comes to honing your craft skills, there may come a time when you need to reskill. This could be due to evolving industry trends, technological advancements, or simply the desire to enhance your expertise.

There are several ways you can reskill in crafting, such as:

• Pursuing a degree or diploma programme in a related field
• Enrolling in skilling programmes
• Attending workshops and seminars conducted by industry experts

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Kickstart Your Journey in a Thriving Industry!

The craft industry in India is witnessing significant growth with a surge in demand for handmade products and unique craftsmanship. Current trends shaping the future of the craft industry include sustainability and ethical practices, as consumers increasingly prioritise eco-friendly products made by skilled artisans. There is also a growing interest in preserving traditional crafts through modern adaptations, combining heritage techniques with contemporary designs.

With advancements in e-commerce platforms and social media marketing, craftspersons now have better access to national and international markets, allowing them to showcase their products to a wider audience.

Remember, upskilling or reskilling is crucial to enhancing your career prospects. Reach out to our experts on WIZR today for guidance on a wide range of courses and financial assistance.

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FAQs

1. Are there any government schemes or programmes for craft skill development?

Yes, the Government of India has various initiatives, like the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), to promote skill development and provide financial support to artisans.

2. Which craft skills are in most demand?

Craft skills like pottery, textile design, jewellery making, wood carving, and leatherwork are currently in high demand.

3. Where can I find a market for my products?

You can explore online platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Flipkart Marketplace, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to showcase and sell your craft products.

4. Who should I contact for guidance on financial assistance for upskilling or reskilling programmes?

For guidance on financial assistance options for upskilling or reskilling programmes, you can reach out to WIZR's experienced career counsellors, who can help you explore financing options tailored to your specific needs.