Etsy will be choosing an artist each month to create press kits/gift packs. Extras will be sold in the Etsylabs shop. From this blog post:
Every month, we commission an Etsy seller to design custom kits. We send these kits out as Etsy handmade press packs, in promos, and as gifties for Etsy contest winners and the like. We make everything in limited edition here at the Labs and at the artist’s studio.
[snip]
We choose the Artist-of-the-Month based on what we see as their clear, unique style and ability to make a high quality product. The seller may be new to Etsy or relatively seasoned. We are just starting with this program, but we’re hoping to represent the many different types of art and craft on Etsy. So far, the response has been great.
April 21st, 2007 at 4:43 pm
This sounds like it is mostly geared towards pictorial artists, either in the art or paper categories. Artists who make prints, stickers, buttons, magnets, cards, t-shirts, etc with their original pictorial art on it. I don’t think this would work for people making pottery or handspun yarn, etc.
April 21st, 2007 at 5:09 pm
yeah that’s what i was thinking JB…i think it’s awesome for those people involved tho.
April 21st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Agreed, unfortunately (I knit). Even if they picked me (right!), I wouldn’t be too excited to spend hours and hours knitting samples, even if it would be great advertising…
April 21st, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Yes it will be very exciting for those picked. And it’s a cool concept too. Some items just aren’t as suitable as others for press packs, but that’s life. I’m not going to change what I make just to have a million in one shot at being chosen for it. Promoting etsy helps us all, whether we are the artist of the month or not. I just hope this doesn’t turn into another “But it’s not FAAAAIIIR” complaint on etsy. I’m getting a little weary of that F-word.
April 21st, 2007 at 6:53 pm
It is a pretty cool concept. I wonder what the marketing material from Etsy itself that goes with it will look like…
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:35 am
If you got picked how would you keep up with making samples for the kits? I make pouches and making samples would be kind of hard. I would love to try and do it, but what if you spend all that money on the press kits and make no money back? I guess the idea is you are selling your stuff through mass promo?
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Lisa-itybity,
It sounds like the artist designs the kits, not produces them. I don’t think they’re commissioning someone to hand print, cut, score and fold hundreds of packs. I think they’re just commissioning someone to create the design. That’s usually how these things are done.