I Have A Problem Where I Try To Do Too Much

[zikman]

I don't really know if this is even worth posting or if it's something that others experience. It may just be me. But I've realized that I don't specialize in any one thing. I see new designs or product ideas and get enticed by them and want to try my hand at making something new. I'm always coming up with new designs and pulling them off to various degrees. I'm great at making one offs... But I hate it. It's labor intensive. It's mentally draining. But once I've done it, I think "what's next". It's a terrible problem, especially when trying to establish my leatherwork as a business.

I don't know if anybody else has dealt with this. It may be unique to my personality and something that I need to work on. It's incredibly frustrating because I feel like I'm never happy with anything that I put out.

[MonicaJacobson]

I know what you mean. I get bored pretty fast and tend to move from project to project quickly. My idea of hell is making ten of the same thing in a row. Of course, if you like repetition, more power to you.

While skipping around has made me learn slower, I do think you still learn. And maybe not even slower. You learn one thing from one project, and it gets applied to the next thing you make.

I'm not sure if there's an answer to your question.

[zikman]

Exactly! Making the same identical piece over and over again is almost unbearably tedious to me. It's always so hard to stock up inventory for shows and other events.

Edited December 17, 2014 by zikman

[raysouth]

WOW, Zikman !!!! And I have been thinking that I was the only person around, that functioned in that manner. lol. It is a bit frustrating at times but then again, the pleasure of being able to create something eliminates any frustration for me.

Keep at it and smile each time you create a work of art. Now the secret is out and I had better make some changes. lol.

God Bless.

Ray

[MonicaJacobson]

You could use your "problem" as a selling point.... just a thought. You could say that you don't mass produce in any way, shape, or form, and each item you make is unique to itself. Charge more, and charge by the hour for your creativity. You'll still get faster, the more things you make.

Ha, I wasn't even able to stock up for Christmas. Granted, I was a bit busy with custom orders based on my one-offs that people liked. But I see your problem; it works fine if it's a hobby, but if you're actually trying to make a living at it, you really want to conserve time.

Do you have a webpage? I'd be interested to see some things you make.

[Ingrid H]

I'm that way too... I haven't tried it, but if I wanted to get some inventory going I think I'd try bringing 5-10 identical items along at the same time. That way, each step is more efficient. It doesn't take a whole lot longer to lay out 5 pieces than it does 1 if the process is already started and all the right tools are already on the bench.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Ingrid H you nailed it. That's exactly what I do, between 5 and 10 items at the same time. And often times if I make a custom item, I might make another or two or three similar if I think it's something that will sell. And I do like one-offs, and go through phases of creativity where I have some great ideas. Other times, I couldn't come up with a new idea to save my life. Through the years, I've learned to go with my gut; if I hit a creative phase and feel a need to make something different, I do it because more often than not, it doesn't sit around very long before it either sells or generates an order of a like item. If I try to come up with these creative ideas, it don't happen. They have to come on their own, and when they do, I better go with it. Sounds kind of hoaky, but it's true.

[snubbyfan]

I do mostly one offs. Holsters, knife sheaths and belts. I make some simple soft sided pouches that seem to sell well at area fairs and festivals. I have ideas for some stuff.

Right now I'm working on a pattern for a holster for a S&W 686, 7 shot, snubby. When I find some extra time, I plan on stocking some stuff in my neglected Etsy store.

I've worked in warehouses and factories most of my life and can handle tedious repetition rather well.

[DANDTON]

OK, then you must need help from me

[zikman]

DANDTON: Yes!