To Market, To Market!

I’m a big believer in business helping business. In today’s economy, shifting our focus to support the small business community is what’s going to help things get back on track. This is no different when talking about the design community; and even more specifically, the textile design community. Whether designing a garment, a pillow, a rug, or wallpaper, textile design is one of the integral aspects of a successful and marketable product. So why not do your homework and purchase your designs from those people whose livelihood and passion is based in the art of fabric design? Wouldn’t it be great if there was this one central location where textile designers could come together to display their work, teach you about their business, and provide purchasing information? Well, guess what, there is. Actually, there are several. Where? In New York City, of course. In April and May of this year three shows, Print Source, Directions , and SURTEX, the marketplace for original art and design, will be holding events to display hundreds of artists, designers, and studios who are licensing and selling their work to the public.
From offering conferences and networking opportunities to promoting and exposing beautiful and purchasable design, I’m thinking these events should prove to be an excellent resource and inspiration for everyone in the industry. However, why assume, right? It’s not the first year that these shows have been going on. Has anyone attended in the past? I’m sure our readers would love to hear your thoughts. I know I would!