Peter, Janet. Interview about Janet's business Designs by Janet.

• Main Author: Jarvis, Dale
• Other Authors: Peter, Janet.
• Format: Audio
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Work; Knitting; Businesses; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/ich_crafts/id/1794

Dale Jarvis of the Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador interviews Christine Legrow about how she started knitting, starting her business, developing knitting patterns, and selling finished products. Introduction; how Janet started and expanded her business; use of paper mache and needle felting; 2:22 - start as a maker-artist; explosion of mummerabilia; pushback against imports and a trend towards buying local and handmade; 3:40 - evolution of techniques while using paper mache; assistance from Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador; jurying process; 6:45 - marketing her work; consumer base; 8:58 - folklore as inspiration; Cruel Yule exhibit; cultural motifs; 11:20 - old hag as a cultural motif and inspiration for a doll; tourists vs. local consumption of Janet’s work; 14:13 - researching folklore before starting a new product; interviewing people for background information; test marketing product; 16:02 - creating a armature or skeleton for individual pieces for sculpture; needle felting process; sourcing material locally; 19:35 - initial challenges with business; issues developing prices; measuring success of her business; 23:04 - best selling products; Cruel Yule exhibit at the Craft Council Gallery; previous exhibit on local folklore in 2001, and on female form; 26:01 - question whether craft fairs are still relevant with online shopping today; production work; online sales and social media marketing; part time job as an anamateur with The Rooms; weekly schedule; print making; need for a social interaction; 32:05 - ideas like the Plantation; mentorship in the craft industry; mid-career craftspeople; 35:05 - secured income as a way to increase creativity; funding and grants; use of social media for branding and feedback; difference between Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook; advice to new craftspeople.