I am one of a very few woman in this world who pick up a chainsaw everyday when they go to work. I can think of less than ten that I have heard of or found on the internet. I have to say, this does give me allot of satisfaction. Chainsaw carving is something I never ment to do, but it has turned out to be an interesting carreer none the less.
I have allot of fun with the different reactions I get when I tell people what I do. The most common is the wide eyed "Really, wow, that's different!" The feminist say, "You go girl!" and some of the old guys and gals just give me a disapproving glare and change the conversation. But, for the most part, people are very impressed and interested.
Anyhow, the point of this post is to begin sharing my plan. I have been carving for eight years now and although I've done okay for myself, I think it's time to take things up to a new level. I can sometimes be kind of a shy person and I'm not used to having the spotlight on me, but I think it's time for me to start marketing not only my carvings, but myself as well. Let's face it, there are hundreds of chainsaw carvers out there, some of them better than me, most of them older men with suspenders and beards. What can I do to make people want to come watch me carve, to buy my carvings? What do I have that allot of carvers don't? Dare I say sex appeal? Dare I say most people would rather stand and watch a good looking, well toned woman wielding a chainsaw than some guy with a beer belly? I know I would!
So, that is the beginning of the plan. I am working on getting into a fair that would put me in front of 8-10,000 people every weekend. Whatever scruples I have about "showing off" in public I'm sure I will quickly get over when the orders start coming in! For now, I'm going to hit the gym, tone those arms and abs and buy some killer tank tops to get ready for the summer.
I have allot of fun with the different reactions I get when I tell people what I do. The most common is the wide eyed "Really, wow, that's different!" The feminist say, "You go girl!" and some of the old guys and gals just give me a disapproving glare and change the conversation. But, for the most part, people are very impressed and interested.
Anyhow, the point of this post is to begin sharing my plan. I have been carving for eight years now and although I've done okay for myself, I think it's time to take things up to a new level. I can sometimes be kind of a shy person and I'm not used to having the spotlight on me, but I think it's time for me to start marketing not only my carvings, but myself as well. Let's face it, there are hundreds of chainsaw carvers out there, some of them better than me, most of them older men with suspenders and beards. What can I do to make people want to come watch me carve, to buy my carvings? What do I have that allot of carvers don't? Dare I say sex appeal? Dare I say most people would rather stand and watch a good looking, well toned woman wielding a chainsaw than some guy with a beer belly? I know I would!
So, that is the beginning of the plan. I am working on getting into a fair that would put me in front of 8-10,000 people every weekend. Whatever scruples I have about "showing off" in public I'm sure I will quickly get over when the orders start coming in! For now, I'm going to hit the gym, tone those arms and abs and buy some killer tank tops to get ready for the summer.
You already look good when you're carving! ;) I do think that your gender has a tremendously positive effect on your business. As you said, it's almost expected to see ole country boy with a chainsaw, but not a beautiful, young woman. You always attract audiences where ever you carve, and your work speaks for itself. I know you can (and will) bring yourself to the next level, and then some! Just keep working, spreading the word, using as many resources (i. e., this blog) and be determined to be the best damn chainsaw carving artist you can! :)
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