So many complain of the challenge of getting the next generation of makers interested. At every event, on every webinar and even just during conversations with older friends, there is always someone complaining about my generation's lack of interest in craft. But are their opinions accurate to what we’re actually feeling? What if they misinterpret lack of confidence for lack of interest?

From my experience, having a craft career is often idolised in your twenties but laughed at in your teens. Moreover, it’s a common misconception that enjoying a hobby means that you will enjoy it as your career. To break away, follow a passion and make so many sacrifices is scary. But does anyone ever acknowledge that in a speech? And if so, is that reassuring to young people in any way? Instead of support, it might come across as criticism. People don’t want to scare the youth off with realities so they find scapegoats and that’s often the very audience they are talking to. 

So how can we change this narrative? How can we convert people to craft, you may ask? That’s the thing - we don’t. Instead of pushing those who aren’t suited for craft as a career, we should encourage those with genuine interest.

Something I have found when talking with students at schools is that they will come to you when they are ready. Talk openly about craft, provide information about finding communities, stress the importance of building up a support system. Don’t introduce craft as a career but as a hobby. There’s no point going into craft so young with the expectation of it being a career immediately because their value of craft will be based on how much money they are earning, not their enjoyment or passion. You only need two things to be successful - effort and desire. But you need enjoyment first to develop those skills. Showcase the beauty in the downs and the challenges that shaped the ups. Be available for questions when they’re ready - provide a way of reaching out after the talk or demonstration. Most importantly, let it be okay for things to not work out, to want to try new crafts and explore micro passions with no expectation of it flourishing into an immediate career. 

To have a creative career is a battle in itself but every battle can be won if given the right foundations and training beforehand with space for recovery along the way. As Casey McQuiston wrote, “Sometimes you just jump and hope it’s not a cliff”. That’s how it can feel to break away from traditional careers. Let young people know it’s okay to reach out. If you help them find their effort and desire by showing them they’re not alone, then they are more likely to succeed. You should help them find the confidence, they already have the interest.