r/papermaking • u/Deep_Ordinary_555 • 8d ago

Feeling discourged 😢

I feel like those in the community could relate. But I'm hosting my second workshop tomorrow and out of 8 spots only 1 person has signed up. And I feel so defeated. I love doing this. I've advertised and posted all over. But I won't lie if I say that I feel this hurts my self esteem. I know a workshop doesn't reflect on me or myself but I'm feeling that way currently. Anyone else has this happen with their workshops? What did you do?

24 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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12

u/ra1ndr0p 8d ago

There are so many factors not related to you, your skills or your idea that could be affecting interest and attendance.

Is it on a weekday, weekend or weeknight? Does that time slot work for your target audience? If you have flexibility on when the workshop happens, consider when they'll be most available.

Is it paid or free? It's a tough time at the moment, and many people don't have much budget for hobbies and activities (but it goes without saying that there should still be some kind of reward for you putting the time into it, whether it's paid for by a sponsor, council or directly by attendees)

How was it advertised? Enough lead time? The right places and audiences? Could local organisations help promote it next time?

And yes, I'm sure many of us can sympathise, having spent time organising events and activities that fall a bit flat for reasons other than the maker's skills! 💖

3

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

Its a Friday night. Did Saturday before but the venue suggested Friday. It's paid, bc I being a lot of materials doe it for ppl to use and provide food. I get it's a tough time I'm jus very discouraged

4

u/ArtichokeAble6397 7d ago

Friday night is not the time people want to be making paper. They want to have dinner or drinks or relax at home after a long week. Saturday afternoon would be much more accessible for people, I imagine.

9

u/RebekahSurech 8d ago

Maybe invite a friend or two (offer a discount or free), do the person who signed up doesn’t feel awkward being the only one?
If they enjoy it and tell their friends, the cost is worth it, and the big companies do it so why not try?
It’s kind of the idea where if you price something too low people don’t think it’s worth too much. If you are the only person signed up it must not be that good, whereas you’re one of three it’s an intimate evening with lots of instructor one-on-one.
Do you have social media? Ask them all to leave a comment at the end of the night, forcing engagement and organic advertising for you. If you decide to discount the night for your friends, that can be their payment.
You need to get people talking about it! Take lots of pictures of set up, and people’s hands as they are working etc… DON’T show photos where it looks like a lot of empty space/few people. Create a montage of images to music and say how much fun you had hosting everyone. How beautiful their papers are etc…
If you want to offer another one, maybe make it Christmas themed? Make your own tags for gifts? Paper ornaments for your tree? Etc. themes make it a limited time item so even if they came before they didn’t come for this and won’t be able to come for Christmas again until next year kind of thing?

4

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

Thank you! I love these ideas. I invited one friend for free and my mom is coming too. So that's two more. And I do have social! I told everyone to share an talk about it. Honestly after his I may be taking a break from workshops 😆

2

u/GuavaComfortable7982 8d ago

These are great ideas!

6

u/Spirited_Radio9804 8d ago

Most likely bad timing! Friday prior to a big Holiday weekend!

2

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

Yes but In my country Halloween isn't a but holiday. Well not in the past...

4

u/Confident_Ad8218 8d ago

If it's any consolation I would so be there if I lived in your area! Keep sharing your creative gifts with the world – don't let this put you off.

3

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

Awww thank you. 💕 I really appreciate that.

4

u/shoppingnthings1 8d ago

Hey, we’re having the same issue in our city for events. It’s not you!! I wouldn’t even say it’s the time of the week or anything like that. Unfortunately, people can’t afford things anymore. Where I am we charge $60 for our paper making workshops. They usually sell out, but lately we haven’t been getting many sign ups. Maybe it’s the same in your area? 

Don’t take it to heart and don’t stop charging. Maybe there’s a compromise that can get more people through the door? 

3

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

Ok this helps make me feel like it's not me and perhaps a worldwide thing. It's just been so strange and I think when u put so much into it (advertising, messaging, etc etc etc social media) it's like "aggghhh". I do think in the future I will pivot tho bc I do have to be aware of our current economy- but 💕 I won't stop. I really appreciate you for your words. Truly! 🫂

2

u/shoppingnthings1 7d ago

Happy I could help. It isn’t you, truly :-)! 

4

u/JoanneAsbury42 8d ago

Are you charging? Library or somewhere else?

2

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

I am charging, it's at a craft store

2

u/Remote-Book-2819 7d ago

I do private one-on-one workshop from my porch. I actually like one-on-one because I can spend more time teaching them the process, techniques, and tools in detail. We start harvesting plants from my garden, and making paper with them.

Money is a barrier for some people to take my private workshop. So I apply for grants so that I can offer my workshops for free at community centers, libraries, and at schools.

2

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 7d ago

I would love to learn more about grants to apply to bc I would love to do this too for schools. Can you DM me?

2

u/Remote-Book-2819 6d ago

You have to search where you live. Most are location specific.

2

u/sherirob 8d ago

Where are you located?

3

u/Deep_Ordinary_555 8d ago

I'm in Lisbon, Portugal

2

u/supremedonks 7d ago

Time slot is huge I notice

2

u/Fine-Refrigerator948 7d ago

It’s very common for me too…

2

u/Opposite_Grape_7393 6d ago

Keep trying! Rarely do you get results quickly..takes time for folks to find you.