Publications

Art of survival

By: Victoria Callen

Victoria Callen describes the pressures faced by rural crafts businesses and suggests key strategies for survival.

Myself and my partner, John left the rat race and relocated to rural west Wales in search of our 'dream' – we would move our jewellery-making business to where there was peace, inspirational surroundings and a sense of space. Property would be cheaper, stress would melt away and our quality of life would improve. Twenty years on we are still here, our business thriving. However living and working in the remote countryside has problems of its own and to stay you have to learn the art of survival. The need to plan beyond the setting-up phase soon becomes apparent. The isolation which first attracts you presents its own problems. Carrying on a business in your rural idyll means new rules and if you have a young family then you have to consider their needs too. The isolation can cause emotional distress, being distanced from friends and colleagues, in an area where no obvious support network is in operation. Crises of confidence which many artists and craftspeople suffer at some point in their career can be harder to overcome in isolated living. Premises may be cheaper to acquire initially but there are hidden costs involved. Older buildings cost more to upkeep, conversion costs...

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