Get Industry info on the Bolt fabric market!
The bolt fabric market is great for artists, and it’s one that art agent Lilla takes you on a deep dive into in her career-making course, Hot Markets for Your Art Part A. But what does an industry insider think about it?
We caught up with Evie Ashworth of Robert Kaufman Fabrics to get the lowdown on the bolt fabric market, including what she’s looking for, the one thing she wishes artists would change when they pitch to her, and her predictions for the year ahead.
About Evie
An established member of the textile industry for over 40 years, Evie has traveled the world to all production points from Europe to Asia and in between.
She brought her expertise to Robert Kaufman in 2000 to establish a whole category of product specifically for quilt fabric retailers. She merchandised the line, introducing the concept of coordinated samples and print basics, including the trademarked Fusions(TM) brand, and today continues to ensure Robert Kaufman brand’s association with only the highest quality standards.
Evie currently directs a large internal design team as well as several art studios abroad, to produce Robert Kaufman’s signature in-house Luxe and Gallery looks, as well as a broad range with external licensed artists and brands. Evie has also been one of the esteemed judges on the Global Talent Search judging panel.
The inside scoop on the bolt fabric market
What is your primary bolt fabric market?
Fabric by the yard and for manufacturers of fabric related products globally. Our main buyer selects fabrics that will work for beautiful quilts primarily, secondarily clothing and accessories. Our customers come to our company for top quality products, service and design. The licensing of artwork has given us the opportunity to have many wonderful relationships with our designers. It’s always fun to see what they’re up to! Our artists keep our products in demand.
How can the bolt fabric market be lucrative for an artist?
For us, the more artwork you have, the larger stable of designs you will get placed. We select hoping the designs will stay in the line as long as possible. The more diverse your work is makes you available for multiple categories in our line. We need to fill themes from sports, infant, kids, florals, novelty, holiday, and many more.
Fabric collection by Clairice Gifford, agented by Lilla Rogers.
What is going to be hot in the bolt fabric market in 2015?
We’re looking at texture for our new basics. Color continues to be bright for us, but used in interesting ways, mixed with gray, taupe and peach to soften the look. Handrawn or painted geometrics feel right to us, metallics used as well.
What kinds of products/offerings are a growth sector for your company?
Basics are our best sellers and we’re expanding this area. This includes lots of classic geometrics done in a new fresh approach.
What do you look for when buying new art for the bolt fabric market?
Is the artist easy to work with? Flexibility is key. We know what’s best for our market. Something special in technique or theme, and a built out collection is a real hook. We’re always hoping to connect with an artist that we can brand and have a long term working relationship with. Our customers look for their favorite artists.
Is there any rhyme or reason to why some products sell well and why others don’t?
Interesting question. Many times it can just be well timed or poorly timed launches. Less competition on an item, well priced, not too much in a niche. Grabbing a trend early and enjoying the ride, and knowing when to slow it down. An appealing new color palette can grab our buyers.
Fabric designs created for Hot Markets for Your Art Part A by Make Art That Sells students Kristina Neuman and Anne Lehman.
What is the one thing you wish artists would do differently when pitching art to you for the bolt fabric market? Or what do you love that they do when they pitch to you?
Keep your emails brief – no long stories please! Have a workable website. Don’t include a link to your site with a presentation if there isn’t much more there than what you’re pitching. Don’t get discouraged if we pass on a group – your next one could be just what we want. Don’t give up! We need fresh art continually. We may have passed because the art duplicates another’s work. I have a hard time critiquing work and am frequently asked to do so if we pass. I really wish I had the time to go there.
What one piece of advice do you have for artists trying to sell their first piece of art in the bolt fabric market?
Do your homework – are you offering something different in our market? Show a lot of art. Have a good sized portfolio. Ask what timing is best for submission. Don’t give up!
Thanks Evie! Do you want to make gorgeous bolt fabric you can sell to companies like Robert Kaufman Fabrics or via sites like Spoonflower? Explore this dreamy art market with Hot Markets for Your Art Part A – it’s a self-paced course, so you get INSTANT access as soon as you sign up!
Explore this and all of art agent Lilla’s raved-about online courses here.
