Thinking of hiring Philip Marlowe for answers
I think that "line sheets" may be the most closely guarded secret on the internet. Though referred to constantly on jewelry designer and independent artisan websites, I have yet to get my hands on an example of a line sheet, or at the very least a thorough description of what one is supposed to look like. I know I'm not alone, as I get numerous emails from other jewelry designers with exactly the same questions I have.
Everyone I speak to knows the basics of what a line sheet should include: pictures of your pieces with all the information a buyer would need to know--price, description, materials used, and so on. What mystifies me are the details, for example: whether there is a specific standard layout that is expected; how big and detailed the pictures should be; what kind of product description is appropriate; how many pieces should appear on each page, and so forth.
I wonder if maybe there is no special secret. Maybe a line sheet can take any form, as long as it provides the right kind of information in a form that is easily readable and readily accessible to buyers. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Anna 10:31 PM ::
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4 Comments:
I agree! If I ever figure it out, I'll be sure to share. Your blog is great and it has really inspired me. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Try contacting a store directly and asking them for a line sheet sample. That's what I did, and they were very helpful. It's best if you call a small store b/c they're more flexible.
I completely agree with you! I can't find any information about line sheets beyond what is already known. I saw a few from the LA Mart, and it looked very informal. Just pictures of the clothes, with names and descriptions. Some pages have 5 pictures, some have more, or less.
My question is how "attractive" and representative of the designer does it have to be, or is it purely informational where there's just 20 pictures. Should we be looking at this line sheet as more of our "portfolio"?
Anyway, good luck and let me know if you find out more!
anna,
i hope you are still at it making jewelry! i too am starting a jewelry (and bead) business. i just sortof jumped in and started going to shows and picked up retail customers that way. luckily i live in los angeles so there are many wholesale shows here. it is surprisingly easy to get in. try not to let yourself get tangled up in the specifics. the important thing is that you are creating. i have slowed my own business' progress down so much by worrying about little things like what a line-sheet looks like. although it is important, don't worry too much about it. just make one with all of the pertinent info. (all the things listed above).
in fact, your website IS a line-sheet. if you want it to have any personality, include a little bio of yourself, use an interesting font (though still very legible) use color. but mainly, have strong work! let the work speak for itself! good luck!
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