The difference between an amateur and a professional is that an amateur does not get paid for their work where a professional does. This has changed slightly in recent years, while amateurs are people who are happy to create pieces to give as gifts or even to sell to help recoup some of their costs a professional must sell their pieces so that they can cover their expenses as well as make a profit.

The good part in respects to most crafts is that to go from hobby to professional does not need to be a difficult process. Many artisans are lucky in the respect that they can go from fun into mastering their art and advancing to a level of a serious amateur with the final step of putting their experience and knowledge into earning decent money.

Part Time vs. Full Time

Unless you are lucky enough to give up your day job the regular artisan begins working art their craft on a part time basis and then gradually grow their business into a full time operation. Starting your business on a part time basis can offer many advantages here are some points to consider when you do:

- You are able to obtain a feel for the possibility of your business and markets before dedicating all your time.

- You can still keep your full time job and have a steady income while working on your part time job at home.

- If you are not currently working but need the extra cash to operate your part-time business then you can work a part time job to make ends meet.

- Build a cash reserve that's that will enable you to finance your first year's full-time operation.

- Attend classes to increase your skills; this will be more difficult time wise when you have a full time business operating.

- Establish adequate business facilities in your spare time without financial hardship.

- Start looking at the of numerous business related details like creating a logo, business cards, letterhead, brochures, and a Yellow Pages listing.

- Set up files and establish customer accounts, vendor accounts, and bank accounts.

- Let your business grow until it's making your projected or required full-time income.

If you're a part time home based artisan you can do all of this and more until you feel that you are ready to take the business on full time basis. It is a good way to start establishing the funds you will require in your business while gaining valuable experience in other related fields.