The term “artisan made goods” is often used in a non-technical way to describe the products of contemporary artists, crafters, and other artistic individuals who are not directly involved with the production process. While many traditional craftsmen still produce such products, the artisan-made goods category includes all artistic creations sold to the public.
Groups of Artisan Made Goods, there are two distinct groups of artisan-made goods. The first group is those crafted by traditional craftsmen and artisans (also known as worker-owned cooperatives). These artisan goods include furniture, jewelry, pottery, metalwork, automobiles, musical instruments, architectural pieces, and other objects created by artisans in a community that has organized to support the artists.
The second group is artisan-made goods owned by large galleries, companies, or owners who are not artisans. These products are produced by corporations, which do not engage in any kind of production process. However, some large companies with factories in China and other countries have been accused of sweatshops where employees have been forced to work long hours for little pay. This type of exploitation of workers is apparent in the ethical dilemma faced by many modern businesses. Artisanal goods produced by such large companies are almost always bought in large quantities, making them profitable even for the company that owns them, but not so profitable for the workers who labor to produce them.
Ethical Manufacturing Practices
Ethical manufacturing practices in artisan-owned businesses are thus somewhat different from the ones practiced by small artisan groups. While large artisan groups engage in trade with one another, setting up direct contact between producers and consumers, artisan entrepreneurs do not establish mutually profitable business relationships with their customers. And because the costs of starting such an enterprise are relatively low, it is often easier for an artisan to establish a line of business without involving a middleman.
The Market for Ethical Artists Today
Today, artisan communities ranging from Gypsy women to street vendors are using the internet to expand their markets. The internet has given these artisans the opportunity to sell their crafts to people across the country or even around the world. Through online directories and online marketplaces, artisans have increased their access to potential buyers by allowing them to expand their client base when previously unavailable. Ethical small artisan groups have also developed website directories that enable consumers to search for local craftsmen based on the artisan offers. These websites allow customers to read detailed descriptions of each craft, view photographs of the craftsmen, and make purchases online.