September 23, 2013

The Design & Merchandising Program has partnered with the Knights Foundation and the Corzo Center at the University of the Arts to develop a workshop series that will help independent, local product makers establish their brands, and identify and target new customer markets. The Maker-Seller Series, co-directed by D&M Program Director and independent craft marketing expert Anne Cecil, is open to all interested local product makers and begins with a branding workshop Oct. 10 at the University of the Arts. The workshops are divided into three tiers focusing on branding, business-to-business and business-to-consumer selling models, and visual strategies. Cecil explains that upon completion of the first and second tiers, participants may declare interest to enter their work into a jury for inclusion in the d&mShop pop up for the 2014 holiday season.  

“The third tier will focus on preparing for the holiday selling season, applying to the d&mShop and participating in other venues,” says Cecil. “The idea is to make sure we prepare the maker to aggressively sell in the holiday season through a variety of channels.” Cecil hopes the Maker-Seller Series workshops strengthen Philadelphia’s network of creative product makers by providing them with the business tools to grow and sustain their operation.

D&M faculty members Nick Cassway and Kristen Ainscoe also will be directing workshops. “My hope for this venture is to promote Drexel and our program as Philadelphia’s leading experts in retail preparation,” says Cecil. “We want to engage students and alumni from all area institutions, as well as those from the general public in preparing to sell product and develop relationships with quality, local makers.” 

Click here for more information on the workshop series.