I have a childhood friend who's incredibly skilled at woodworking, particularly with hand-sculpting roots from dead trees. He's made a variety of items like toys, bowls, and kitchen utensils, and is now focused on creating canes. Sadly, he's facing tough financial times, is nearly homeless, and struggles with ADHD, which makes job stability difficult. We want to help him channel his passion into a profitable woodworking business but aren't sure where to start. What are some trending areas in woodworking he can focus on, and what practical steps can he take to market himself and build a portfolio with limited tools?
2 Answers
Selling online could be key for your friend since face-to-face selling might not be viable for him. He might also find success at local events or fairs, such as renaissance fairs, where the crowd could appreciate his craft.
Building a strong social media presence is crucial nowadays for showcasing his work and attracting customers—it's difficult to find traction in woodworking without leveraging that platform. With a good online presence, he could connect with potential buyers and build a loyal following.
To make money in woodworking, your friend has solid options like cabinetry or high-end custom work, though the latter requires a dedicated client base and good connections. Also, creating items like cutting boards can be profitable but only if he can produce them in bulk. Unique pieces like his canes or toys could be appealing, but they usually won't pay the bills unless marketed well.
It's important to acknowledge that woodworking isn't cheap—there are significant tool and workspace costs. Plus, getting to a point where he can make substantial hourly rates may take time. Diversifying into areas like renovations, sawmilling, or bulk production could also help. I know from experience that keeping busy with various tasks can manage ADHD effectively, but just sticking to woodworking doodads won't cut it financially.