In the other thread regarding making money woodturning, Donna offered a very astute observation:
“The wood art side is entirely different. You need to find a niche, that isn't anything close to what others are making. Something that most have never seen before.”
I have no doubt this is true. My question is: If you came up with a new woodturning concept that was highly original and invented by your own creativity, would you be willing to share your “secret formula?”
Some woodturners share their knowledge of techniques openly… Others want to keep their cards secret…. If Donna teaches step by step how to do her marvelous painting/embellishing or John Beaver gives his recipe for creating those curves, could that possibly “devalue” their work if other people can then reproduce it? (Even if the follower’s attempts will never be as good as the original.) Is there any concern that a bunch of “wannabe” clones could come along and try to sell similar works?
Having experts share their techniques is incredibly important for all of us, but how important is it for great woodturners to keep at least some of their “creative secrets” to themselves?
Is there a consensus within the community on this? Thanks for any thoughts on the matter…
“The wood art side is entirely different. You need to find a niche, that isn't anything close to what others are making. Something that most have never seen before.”
I have no doubt this is true. My question is: If you came up with a new woodturning concept that was highly original and invented by your own creativity, would you be willing to share your “secret formula?”
Some woodturners share their knowledge of techniques openly… Others want to keep their cards secret…. If Donna teaches step by step how to do her marvelous painting/embellishing or John Beaver gives his recipe for creating those curves, could that possibly “devalue” their work if other people can then reproduce it? (Even if the follower’s attempts will never be as good as the original.) Is there any concern that a bunch of “wannabe” clones could come along and try to sell similar works?
Having experts share their techniques is incredibly important for all of us, but how important is it for great woodturners to keep at least some of their “creative secrets” to themselves?
Is there a consensus within the community on this? Thanks for any thoughts on the matter…