The Institute for American Indian Arts Continuing Education program in partnership with the IDRS Acorn Project is hosting a free live online workshop for artists and craftsmen who are interested in learning how to sell their goods through Etsy.  Etsy is the leading global marketplace for selling handmade and vintage goods to more than 40 million customers. IDRS has created the Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship Workshop for Native artists/crafters that are looking to expand their customer base beyond the boundaries of their own community and sell to consumers world-wide.

The course is taught by award-winning Cherokee artist, MaryBeth Timothy.  MaryBeth and her husband operate MoonHawk Art LLC, an art business located in Muskogee Oklahoma which specializes in Native American and wildlife art.

MaryBeth creates new original art and through sublimation printing, offers her and her husband’s images on a variety of items, such as ceramic decorative tiles, coffee mugs,  cuff bracelets and t-shirts.  While MaryBeth primarily sells through venues such as gift shops and art markets, she has been able to expand and reach a worldwide market through her Esty store.

The Etsy class will take place over four 2-hour sessions.  The first session will be on Tuesday, February 19th at 11:00 am Mountain.  There will be a session at the same time on Friday, February 26th; Friday, March 5th; and Friday, March 19th.

This workshop will be delivered online utilizing the Zoom platform. The workshop can be taken on computers and smartphones.

Course Agenda

Day 1
Introductions
Break
Course overview
Why sell on Etsy?

Day 2
Recap of session 1
Homework discussion
How to stand out on Etsy
What you need to do before opening your Etsy store
Break
Taking great product photos

Day 3
Recap of session 2
Homework discussion
How to list your items on Etsy
Break
Etsy search engine optimization
Indian Arts & Crafts Act
Pricing & fees
Etsy payment
Developing your store policies

Day 4
Recap of session 3
Homework discussion
Creating your store profile
Sales strategies
Break
Communicating with customers
Shipping products
Collecting sales tax
Promoting your store on Social media
How to set up coupons and special offers
Where to get help.

This workshop is being sponsored by the IAIA Office of Continuing Education.

Please contact the Institute’s Continuing Education Program for registration details: https://iaia.edu/outreach/continuing-education/