Any full-time woodworkers/carvers?

[Dan Hunter]

I have been reading the boards a lot lately and I started to wonder--Is there anyone out there on the boards who do woodcarvings or woodworking as their full-time job (or primary source of income)? How did you make the transition? Do you do commissioned pieces, or carve then sell? And last but not least, is it what you expected it would be? Any other information you would like to offer is appreciated. Tell me your story!

[susieq]

Hi Dan,
There are quite a few of us who supplement our income from carving...and one member in particular, who makes his living carving. I took up carving because my mother was a carver late in life. She was always artistic and started carving at age 40. That's about when I took it up also. I found a carving group that met weekly through the season down here. The man that led the group, suggested we do santas one fall, looking ahead to the up coming Christmas season. I had enjoyed carving but when I did a santa, it was a light bulb moment in my life. There are almost no limitations to what you can do with a santa. You have total artistic license and the freedom of whimsy. I had no idea that they were so popular until I had been doing them for a while. I started selling them at our local carving shows and after a few years, a gallery found me. It's been a fun ride, totally unplanned.... I couldn't live off of what I make. Not even close. But it helps out and I'm having fun.

Many people who try to make a living at carving, have to struggle a bit, to do other things related to carving, like teaching carving classes, writing books on the subject...etc... or they carve but also have a gallery and sell their own work as well as the art work of others. There are as many stories out there as there are members of this forum.

Mark Yundt is the member who makes a solid living from woodcarving and his work is outrageously wonderful. He does work for high end clients who want carved furniture or fireplace surrounds/mantels, he does a lot of work for churches, cathedrals, etc.... I think he stays very busy. If you can look his work up here on the forum, you will be very impressed.

[telecarver]

I am a full time woodcarver. Woodcarving has been my only source of income for the last 39 years. My grandfather was a woodcarver, so I got my initiation at an early age. My former father-in-law was a full time professional carver who took me on as an apprentice to learn the business. I wanted to be a ski bum and I thought that carving would be a good profession to practice in mountain resort areas. It worked great. I was able to make more money than resort workers and I could set my own schedule and not have to miss out on those powder days or fight the weekend crowds. I was able to work in many different ski areas in the US and Europe. I skied Monday through Thursday and worked Friday through Sunday. As I got older and started a family, I skied less and carved more. I still enjoy the opportunity to set my own schedule. I often work 6 to 7 days a week for a month or six weeks and then take off two or three weeks straight. It also allows me time to volunteer at the local food bank. I carve mostly doors, mantels and architectural carvings of nature and wildlife scenes. I stay busy with commissions and usually have a backlog of orders of anywhere from 3 to 8 months. I don't make a lot of money but I have been able to buy land and build a house and studio. I LOVE my life and feel very fortunate to be able to make a living with my art.

[Donsexton]

I only wish I could, I have an up tight hard job it sucks 80 hours a week doing what I hate.

[Grimnir]

Hi there

I have just gone self employed, selling carvings, woodwork and leatherwork. I have a part time job house sitting for a lady who needs someone to look after her house and pets while she works away during the week, this is giving me a small income to keep me going and still gives me time to carve.

[Dan Hunter]

Telecarver, did you sell your carvings in local shops, or did you ship them out to people, or galleries, or business, etc? Did you have any trouble getting material?

[Dileon]

First not this is just my opinion. This is a very hard question as there is so many all depends on what.I have not sold anything in years, other then commission work. I just start carving wood... but I can answer some of your questions. I was a full time artist for a period of 22 years, left to get a "real job" ha. ha... that was more secure and paid bills for my living style which was traveling. My experience honestly says it is hard to make income off any craft or art... It major depends on where you live, what kind of work you do, and the people that have made what (I call a good living is on mass reproduction of their work)...that means hitting tourist areas with with China made items of your work. I think the worst part of selling your work is it is not secure.... one month I will sell everything, next three I hardly sell nothing. I had two managers, galleries and shops....things went overseas and I lost my copy right and work to major business. I had a asian business come over, bought all my stuff...that was good, bad was it was gone and sold again at outrageous cost totally out of my control. I got nothing but my time and hard work.... by the time I paid PR, gallery cost (they ask 50 to 75% commission), and manager fees. I was lucky to get 8%. One of biggest problems is that your place of living is small in cost.... and you can produce volume of work. Hawaii has the worst cost of living in the states and it has forced most artist out to other states to Art and Craft selling areas. A good amount of people who sell their work, are like Don, ....they work their rear ends off at one and even two jobs and... I hated my job too and we want to be in the studio. there are so many pro and cons .... but I say if you can sell your work in stable enviroment and make enough money to pay the bills...and that is all off them, then you switch over. Or you can be like me.... I do not care if have eat cat food and turn off the electric...I am going to live where I live and I am going to carve til I kick....roots planted and no questions. Di

[telecarver]

Originally Posted by Dan Hunter

Telecarver, did you sell your carvings in local shops, or did you ship them out to people, or galleries, or business, etc? Did you have any trouble getting material?

Hi Dan,
I do mostly commissions. After my apprenticeship, I started out on my own by doing signs for homes and businesses. I would visit shops and restaurants until I got some orders. As time went on, I began to get more requests for doors, mantels, sculpture and relief carvings. These types of carvings have become my main source of income. Lake Tahoe is a good market for the type of work I do. I still do some signs, but by being diverse, I can stay busy. I can do just about any kind of carving. The internet has also been a good source of commission sales. I ship carvings all over the USA and Canada. I have sold in shops and galleries with limited success. With my commissions, I rarely have time to do spec pieces so I don't have a lot of experience on the potential. I find that people are more willing to part with their money for a custom piece for their home.

Getting material is not a problem. There are many hardwood suppliers not far from where I live as well as several local mills where I can get custom sizes cut. I have most of my mantel beams custom cut and I stack them to dry for three years or more before I carve them.

[telecarver]

I think it takes a certain kind of person to be a success at making and selling art or crafts. I live in an artist community and there are many who do quite well, so I know it can be done. Plan on spending at least half, if not more of your time, promoting yourself and your work. I used to think that galleries that take 50% were gouging artists but my experience has taught me that it's actually a pretty good deal. You have to be comfortable meeting people and talking up your work in a humble way. I have seen artists, far more talented than me, who, either through low self esteem, or arrogance, have not been able to make a living with their art. It also takes self discipline. You have to be able to set a schedule of a certain number of hours in the office and in the studio and stick with it. Some people need a boss to motivate them. These folks would not do well as self employed artists.

[pallin]

I once advised others, "If you love your hobby, don't make it your profession!" The content of your work will be determined by others and your time will not be your own. Do not let selling your carvings be the confirmation of your talent.
With that bit of advice, I'll stop. Only YOU can decide whether or not carving should be your full time occupation.