In this modern era where everything is mechanized, we, as a society of consumers and creators are fast seen placing a great value on handmade, original and one of kind goods. Post the great recession of 2008, there has been a new wave in the economy with ‘craft’ as a forerunner. This new economy is dominated by an artistic lifestyle that stems from a need for self expression, networking, socio – economical independence and finally fame.
“Craft has become an important 21st century industry”
People are increasingly buying glo-cal, supporting artists all over the world, consuming consciously and taking the time to acknowledge that real things are made by real people in the real world. Craft is officially cool and not something restricted to traditional artisans or grandmothers. Farmers’ markets are “in” with designers and artists of high end merchandise opting to sell there in order to establish a direct connect with their local audience as opposed to doing gallery shows.
Being Crafty, Virtually
Post 2012, the craft movement, carefully supported by the design and IT industry has become virtual for a more effective reach. Burgeoning craft marketplaces like Etsy where people sell not just goods but their manufacturing methods and process as tutorials are creating educational pedagogies that are craft specific, focused and more affordable. This has compelled educationists to reevaluate education, with focus on providing craft intrinsic creativity oriented training.
With relationships mushrooming virtually through social networking sites, it is only natural that Social media now has become an e-commerce channel providing direct and indirect leads to artists and normal business owners who otherwise have to depend on brick and mortar stores or distributors for their sustenance.
Online marketplaces for craft
Surveying the changing nature of the craft and design marketplace in this digital age when a store is a just a Facebook page and shopping is a virtual-social experience that can be shared with others at the click of the button, it is apparent that Social media has transmutated the way, business is being transacted. Having to pay, almost nothing for selling (online) to a wide audience has led to a plethora of normal or home based craft business opening up and competing with big commercial brands in a way that was considered improbable until a few years back. This has revolutionized the way how items are designed, made, stored, sold and even used.
So what does this mean for the design community?
With craft becoming the proverbial golden goose that takes away ambiguous futures and aids self-sustenance, we are looking at opportunities bringing in liberation, strength and empowerment. Collaborations will be the order of the day with cross pollination of ideas at the epicenter of this movement. To keep up with this wave, Design education, will have to become more fluid, flexible and skill based. Educationists will have to practice several crafts. Artisans must instruct to sustain this phenomenon. Otherwise, this craft renaissance of sorts’ or else it will be just another fad that fades into the backgrounds as the cycle passes.
Craft, presents us with a pathway, a bridge that connects our glorious pasts with our uncertain futures; furbishing a route for going back to our roots to reclaim our identities. It is up to us to strengthen, sustain and build on it.
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
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