So who’s behind all this craft? This unique gallery-quality artwork that fills Artisans’ World Marketplace? Think about traveling the world. Literally. The craft is imported from Bali, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Phillippines, Sri Lanka and the United States….you get where I’m going with this. When Sandy says you can rebuild a village with your shopping dollars, she means just that. Additionally, all the cooperatives that she works with are part of Fair Trade. What does that mean? Fair trade is better than aid. “These are people who desperately need a bag of rice, but once the bag of rice is gone the problem is still there. If we can teach them to market their product and get paid fairly, that is an ongoing solution.” Artisans’ World Marketplace is dedicated to this association and the organization’s credo and we wanted to get this message out in a subtle manner. Consequently, the ad campaign I designed led with this headline — The Many Faces of Fair Trade. Subhead — Your purchase feeds families, save villages. Not only are we boldly stating what your shopping dollars do, we back that up with the artisan, the artisan’s product and name. We’re not just shooting from the hip here….we are talking about making a difference for individuals and families all over the world. And if you don’t think that doesn’t create a powerful, uplifting, positive effect, think again.
As I discuss the campaign, not only will I be sharing a series of ads, but how we inexpensively pulled these together. I shot several of the products, enhanced and modified the images in Photoshop, and added the image of the artisan. How’s it working? Some customers walk into the store with the ad in hand and ask for that product. And even in a slow economy, Artisans’ continues to make big differences for people all over the world. What will you see when you walk into the store? Quality products utilizing simple resources like wire, stone, and fabrics made with natural dyes become woven bowls, graceful forms, and vibrant clothing. We invite you to meet some of our gifted artisans, through their work, where you will unravel talent, determination, and an artisans’ desire to connect with others. Keep on looking around, Lynne
