want to start this career out right

[MRoyse]

I have been engraving a little over a year. last spring I attended a few classes with a master engraver and have been attentively practicing the scrolls and projects he laid out for me to cut over and over. Im at a point where I want to gather info on starting this as a vocation and want to start on the right foot! So I ask for valued suggestion on you experiences. I plan to attend a gun and knife show to just have a look around and get ideas.
Thank you all in advance for any and all suggestions!!

 

[monk]

with all the needed skills, there may be one missing. that would be running and operating a business. you must charge for all the time spent on drawing, tool sharpening, time talking to clients, engraving time, phone expense, heating, rent, and bla, bla, bla ! failure to charge all this involved, means you're giving away yer time. you don't want to do that. a hobby is one thing, a business is just that--- money. do not give money away. once you figger out what you are worth, based on yer skill level, charge accordingly. daunting perhaps, but one must do this. best of luck to you

 

[MRoyse]

with all the needed skills, there may be one missing. that would be running and operating a business. you must charge for all the time spent on drawing, tool sharpening, time talking to clients, engraving time, phone expense, heating, rent, and bla, bla, bla ! failure to charge all this involved, means you're giving away yer time. you don't want to do that. a hobby is one thing, a business is just that--- money. do not give money away. once you figger out what you are worth, based on yer skill level, charge accordingly. daunting perhaps, but one must do this. best of luck to you

These skills I learned the hard way , I owned a tattoo studio for several years and you are very correct, all the time surrounding the actual work to be done takes more time by far! and yes putting a price tag on your work is a very daunting task for sure! I thank you for the advice for sure!