How to Become a Professional Scrapbooker
Scrapbooking is a popular hobby that generates more than $3 billion a year in revenue. Becoming a professional scrapbooker lets you dip into this hefty revenue pool while creating memorable keepsakes for your clients. Several career opportunities are available for professional scrapbookers, giving you the flexibility to have a fulltime job or to set your scrapbooking business according to your schedule. Combining your talents as a scrapbooker with the necessary determination will allow you to convert your hobby into a profession.
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Instructions
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Determine the type of professional scrapbooker you want to be. Several professional positions are available as a scrapbooker. You can make scrapbooks using your client's images, teach classes on how to scrapbook, post videos on scrapbooking, design products, run a scrapbook store, set up a scrapbooking blog or write articles for craft and scrapbook magazines that feature your scrapbook layouts. All of these professions involve you making layouts and continuing your scrapbook hobby.
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Determine your services. Make a list of services that you want to offer your clients. For example, if you want to make instructional videos to post online, make a list of different skills you want to demonstrate. Create a list of class topics if you plan to teach scrapbooking classes. Jot down different types of albums you want to make as a professional scrapbooker. Some possibilities include making heritage albums, baby memory books and scrapbooks for all occasions.
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Attend to legal matters. Register your business name and acquire a business license if required by your state. If you plan on doing business at your home, you may need to clear it with the local zoning authority.
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Market your services. Order business cards and distribute them to everyone you know. Attend craft fairs and network with other vendors and customers. Send flyers to schools and retirement communities. Create a website that features your services and example work.
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Meet with potential clients. Talk to the events coordinator at a local community college to ask about starting a class there. Discuss potential community scrapbooking events with your local community center or library. Talk to friends, family and church members about your services.
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Set prices. Research what other professionals are charging for their workshops or the per-page cost. Make sure that the prices you charge take into consideration your overhead costs, such as advertising and materials. You don't want to set too low of a price when you're first getting started and then have to raise rates to accomodate for your deficit.
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Acquire supplies. The supplies you need will vary by the type of scrapbooking work you choose to do. You may need a new webcam if you plan to base your business around online Web instructional videos. Purchase specific products to correspond with the type of album you choose, such as antique accents for heritage scrapbooks.
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References
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