The Thriving Maker – Details, episodes & analysis

Can top-notch product photos really transform your handmade business? Join me on The Thriving Maker podcast to uncover the secrets of product photography that can elevate your work and your brand. Learn to craft images that not only showcase the quality and personality of your products but also tell your unique story. This episode is packed with practical tips for capturing your designs and craft pieces and the essential product and brand images you need to effectively market your work. 

Building your confidence in product photography comes from experimentation, play, and practice. In this episode, I encourage you to try new techniques and continuously refine your skills to present your designs with clarity and creativity. Whether you're a maker, crafter, or artist, this episode is full of insights to help you enhance your photography. 

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

How do you know when your creative piece is truly complete? 
In this episode of The Thriving Maker I discuss my insights and experiences behind the finishing stages of the production process.  How as a maker you need to instinctively assess your designs and ensure they embody the story you first envisioned. I discuss the importance of listening to your intuition and heart, reflecting back on your original inspiration, and making sure that every detail aligns with your creative vision. Whether you prefer to show your handmade maker's marks or achieve a flawless finish, I'll share my thoughts on taking your time at this final stage and the savouring the moment your piece is complete. 

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

What if turning your creative passion into a thriving business was simpler than you thought? Join me as I recount my journey from crafting beaded jewellery at a  dining room  table to mastering fine jewellery and building a successful business from the ground up. This very first episode of the Thriving Maker podcast is essentially an interview with myself as a as a handmade artist and asks the questions I would have wanted to know when I first started out, and lays the foundation for aspiring makers and artists, offering actionable advice on daily practice. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments that shaped my career and how you can apply these lessons to your own creative business.

I share insights on balancing the creative process with essential business skills, and the rewards of community and collaboration among fellow creatives. Hear about my proudest achievement and how it confirmed the potential of my business. This episode is your invitation to a journey of inspiration, education, and practical steps toward achieving the time and financial freedom you've always dreamed of through your craft.

 Follow along and join our community as we build thriving creative businesses together.

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

Ever find yourself stuck staring at your materials, unsure of how to bring your design to life? In this episode of The Thriving Maker podcast, I share my tried-and-true strategies to help you transform your designs into tangible pieces. From  planning your production steps to overcoming the dreaded procrastination, and recording your process for the future. This episode arms you with some practical techniques and tips, that I use and swear by, to streamline your design production workflow. 

Tune in, get inspired, and let's bring your designs to life.

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

It's here! We're kicking off the first week of the August Design Challenge with a week of inspiration and nailing down your design. Step out of your usual workspace and get inspired? In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, hosted by me, Sarah Kavanagh, we kick off the August Design Challenge with a deep dive into finding creative sparks and crafting unique pieces of work.  Capture those fleeting moments of inspiration by keeping a journal handy to sketch and jot down ideas without any limitations. We also explore revisiting old sketches for fresh perspectives and thinking about the story you want your piece to tell. This week is all about honing in on your creativity and meticulously planning your design to ensure you're fully prepared for the next stages of our four-week challenge.

Keeping a detailed record of your design process is crucial, even if you aren't ready to share your work just yet. This habit will not only allow you to reflect on your journey but also share it once your project is completed. For those catching up post-August, there's a wealth of tips and insights to aid in your future design endeavors. Don't forget to stay connected by following the hashtag #AugustDesignChallenge on Instagram and keeping us updated on your progress. Next week's episode will see us moving into the production phase, so prepare to bring your creative visions to life. Join us on this exciting journey and push your creative boundaries to craft something truly extraordinary!

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

Getting ready for summer and getting your business ready for the holidays so you can take time out and still have your business moving forward so you don't come back working harder than ever! In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, we talk through essential strategies to manage work amidst the chaos of summer vacations. I'll share practical tips for meticulous planning and preparation that ensure productivity even with a packed schedule. From setting clear boundaries between work and holiday periods to leveraging social media scheduling tools and arranging childcare, we cover it all. Plus, find out how taking a break can actually become a source of creative inspiration for your business.

Excited about personal growth this summer? Join our August Design Challenge! This free challenge is the perfect opportunity to break free from routine and explore new creative avenues without the pressure of competition. Check below for more details and make the most of your summer while staying connected to your creative pursuits.

Sign up to the FREE August Design Challenge here to receive all the details:
https://designermakercoach.com/designchallenge

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

Could you and should you transform your craft hobby into a thriving business? This episode of The Thriving Maker podcast promises to provide you with the insights needed to make this crucial decision. I'll break down the allure and practicalities of monetising your passion, from setting achievable goals to developing essential business skills. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or already running a side hustle, you'll find actionable advice on aligning your business direction with your personal goals and planning for sustainable growth.

Trying to balance creativity with business demands is no small feat I discuss the importance of knowing when to keep your craft as a hobby versus scaling it into a full-time venture. Plus, get a sneak peek into upcoming courses from Designer Maker Coach, aimed at helping you transition smoothly. Tune in for valuable advice and encouragement to support your crafting journey, whether you're ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options.

Sign up to the FREE August Design Challenge here to receive all the details:
https://designermakercoach.com/designchallenge

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

Stepping outside your comfort zone isn't just a cliché; it's also a journey of growth that can spark your creativity and grow your skills. In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, I share my stories of taking bold steps and how these experiences have profoundly boosted my confidence and craft. Discover the tangible benefits of exploring new design techniques and business practices, and learn the invaluable lesson that discomfort is often a precursor to growth.

In the latter part of the episode, we dive into an exciting creative challenge — the August Design Challenge. If you've been looking for a reason to stretch your creative muscles, this challenge could be your catalyst. I'll guide you through the steps to participate, which you can find detailed in the show notes. The aim is to inspire you to create a new piece of work and to have  by the end of August a new piece designed, made, priced and photographed ready to market and sell. Just in time for the Christmas selling period! Join me in embracing this challenge, and let's see where stepping out of our comfort zones can take us.

Sign up to the FREE August Design Challenge here to receive all the details:
https://designermakercoach.com/designchallenge

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

In this episode I share actionable strategies to make your handmade business more sustainable and profitable. From recycling materials to repurposing packaging, we'll explore practical methods to reduce your environmental footprint. Find out more about the importance of knowing your supply chain and make choices that not only benefit the planet but also attract a loyal customer base. You'll walk away with insights on how adopting these sustainable practices can lead to increased profitability and a stronger connection with your customers.

I draw from personal experiences to offer tips on setting up eco-conscious studios and workflows. This episode focuses on the importance of the natural world as an inspiration and how our craft can honour it. Tune in to gain valuable insights and motivation to enhance the environmental value of your work, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach

Ever wondered how small habits can make a big difference in your creative business? Join me, as I share insights from my journey and explain how understanding and forming effective habits can transform your life and work. This episode will help up with the strategies needed to turn your creative passions into profitable ventures. I go into the science behind habits, exploring the habit loop of cue, routine, and reward, and how stacking new habits onto existing ones can reinforce them. I'll be sharing  practical tips to help you establish and maintain beneficial habits and help you free up head space for other tasks.
Consistency is key to personal development, and habit tracking is your secret weapon.
To support you on this journey, download the habit tracker below and start building better habits today.

DOWNLOADS: Habit Tracker

Thanks for listening, please follow the podcast if you enjoyed this episode and share with a friend.

🚨 QUIZ: Your Creative Business Growth Type

Shop the Year To Thrive Planner:
➡ Year To Thrive Planner 2025

Connect with Sarah:
➡ ONLINE | https://designermakercoach.com
➡ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/designermakercoach