January is quiet for most makers, but for the ones who want to sell more at spring markets, it’s the perfect time to get ready.
Spring fairs, craft shows, and markets are just around the corner, and the makers who plan now often see the best results. How? By investing in branding, quality photos, and storytelling before the busy season begins.
Your work deserves to be seen, understood, and valued, and the right visuals can make all the difference.
Why Branding Is More Than Just a Logo
Your branding is more than a logo, a color palette, or a font choice. It’s how people feel about your work the moment they see it.
When a buyer scrolls your Instagram, visits your website, or walks past your booth, your branding answers questions they may not even realize they’re asking:
- Is this maker professional and trustworthy?
- Does this product feel high-quality?
- Is this style right for me?
- Is it worth the price?
Strong branding communicates these answers clearly, and makes your audience confident enough to buy.
A clear brand also helps you stand out in a crowded market, making your booth, website, and social media instantly recognizable. By being active on social media accounts and bringing people into your creative space throughout the year really sets a maker up for success when it comes time to sell online or in-person. Showcasing your process, the thought and craftsmanship that you pour into your craft goes a long way to support your business and overall brand strategy.
I recently captured both photo and video of my client Kelly Rossetti’s painting process and her latest collection at her art studio. You will see the website header video created and supportive branding images to share the story behind her latest collection.
How Quality Photos Build Trust and Boost Sales
Photography is your silent salesperson. Before anyone touches your product, your images have already made an impression. That is why it’s important that you show yourself, your creative process and the final products in your photography. Your future customers want to know how is behind the business or who they are investing in. This is also why storytelling on social media is so important today, people want to connect and these images and video builds that connection and trust when buying from you.
Good brand photography tells buyers:
- This is high-quality and worth the price
- Who is behind the business
- This piece is unique and thoughtful
- I can see how it fits into my life
Poor or inconsistent photos can make your work feel undervalued, even if it’s amazing in person.
For spring markets, photos aren’t just for online marketing, they also help you plan:
- Booth signage that feels professional
- Printed lookbooks or cards to show variety
- Social media posts that attract visitors to your booth
If you’re ready to refresh your visuals before market season, my free product photography tips are a great place to start.
I recently capture both product and lifestyle images of a candle maker pouring her various candles in her studio and then final product shots that she can use on her website, shop, print marketing and social media.
Storytelling Video: A Secret Weapon for Your Booth
Here’s where many makers miss an easy opportunity: short videos in your booth.
A simple looping video on a small screen, like an iPad or TV, can show:
- Your hands working
- Materials being shaped
- The care and detail behind your pieces
This type of storytelling video:
- Slows people down in your booth
- Builds trust in your work
- Starts conversations with customers
- Explains value without you having to say a word
Even better? That same video can live on your website, social media, and email marketing. One piece of content can work harder and smarter for you.
Plan Now, Sell More in Spring: January Prep Tips for Makers
January is the time to prepare, not panic. Use these steps to get ready for spring markets:
- Evaluate your branding: Does your booth, packaging, and online presence feel cohesive?
- Update your photography: Take clear product shots and lifestyle images showing your work in context. Also have updated portraits of yourself and/or team, and some lifestyle images of you creating your products.
- Consider a short video: Even 20–30 seconds of process or detail can elevate your booth experience.
- Organize your content: Make sure everything is easy to share online and offline.
By putting in this work now, you’ll enter the spring season with confidence, clarity, and a professional look that attracts buyers, and keeps them coming back.
Ready to Take Control of Your Product Photography?
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about photographing your work? You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to capture images that sell.
Step inside a real maker’s home studio with me in my iPhone Product Photography Class ($19).
In just one hour, you’ll:
- Walk through setting up a simple, clean backdrop using inexpensive items from a local craft store
- Learn how to frame, light, and style your shots so your handmade products shine
- See exactly how I guide the maker to shoot and edit photos on her phone, step by step
- Gain hands-on confidence so your photos are shop-ready and portfolio-ready
- Receive the Product Photography Toolkit pdf seen in the video.
Imagine: You, in a cozy studio, learning as we photograph a real piece of jewelry together. I guide you through every step, from positioning the product to editing the final image, so you leave knowing exactly how to do it yourself.
This class is perfect for makers who want to feel confident and in control of their visuals, whether it’s for spring markets, online shops, or social media.
👉 Enroll in the iPhone Product Photography Class for $19 and start creating photos that make your work shine.
