Agnes Duerrschnabel

MEET THE MAKER

The atelier creates artistic objects / furnishing accessories in stoneware and porcelain, often inspired by the territory (Lake Como); vases for plants and flowers, personalized favors; porcelain jewelry; sculpture. Techniques used: plate processing, casting, lathe. Training: I offer ceramic courses and workshops for adults and children, also in collaboration with schools.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART OF CRAFTING BUSINESS PROGRAMME?

I have to develop better marketing skills and understand how to better promote myself on social media, learn more about the possibilities and limits of the market, even in light of the difficult Covid situation. In a very short time the world has changed irreversibly and quickly, and I have the feeling of not being ready.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACK?

The individual courses were well organized and interesting for the different aspects covered. Also excellent is the possibility of being able to review them on YouTube.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• The need for concreteness and realism in the continuous definition of one’s purpose / work objectives.
• The “handmade” remains competitive – without losing its artisan qualities – only if it is helped by innovative technologies in the production process. Technology as a tool to emphasize the handmade product, not to transform it into an industrial product (as one might sometimes fear).
• Falling too much in love with your project runs the risk of neglecting important product aspects. So work on the project / in a design and not an emotional way.
• “If the customer enters the site and stops for two minutes without buying it is not a problem of the site but of the product ….” “Not every social network is suitable for the promotion of all products”
• “Without knowing the culture of the potential foreign buyer it is difficult to define the targeting, the type of offer, etc.” “In order to sell at higher prices, you need to create greater customer value / satisfaction, be better at this than your competitors”