Mumsnet Talk

Hi everyone,

I'm a young Illustrator, currently studying part-time, and I've just started making these illustrated children's name prints. I never really intended on getting in to children's illustration but I made one for my Nephew's 1st birthday and people just seemed to really like them.

Since then I've sold a few to family, friends, friends of family, but I'd really like to get them noticed by more people and hopefully set up a steady stream of business to help me get by whilst I finish my MA and maybe even grow in to something bigger.

So basically what I'm asking is if people know of anywhere that's a good place to start when selling children's gifts. Any trade fairs (though I'm not quite ready for trade fairs yet I don't think), websites, shops?

I've tried Etsy but haven't sold anything on there, I think because there's just SO much on that website it's hard to get noticed. Has anyone had any luck with Etsy/Folky? And if so how did you achieve this?

Sorry for such a long post! But any advice would be massively appreciated!

K xx

What about Not on the High St or other similar websites?

Would you consider a market stall at Spitalfields or wherever?

Sorry in advance, I know MN hates Facebook, but do you have a page on there? In know a few people who have done great starting on FB, expanding to their own website etc..

Contact a university tha does creative writing courses with a slant towards children's books (writing for children! and ask them to note your details.

I have a facebook, I don't think I'm quite ready for not on the high street yet. I'd considered a market stall and have been looking in to them, but I don't have much time I can dedicate to it at the moment (I'm in the final months of my MA) maybe after that though.

Thank you everyone for responding!

Craft fairs would be a good place, as you can pick and choose them - not as onerous as a weekly market. Try Stallfinder.co.uk and you can find fairs in your area.