Why the long wait?

I have along waiting list because there are very few people in this profession. This is because:

• Making and fixing things to the highest level of quality and on a small scale has never been financially rewarding.

• There is very long learning process necessary for gaining manual dexterity, problem solving skills and artistic/design finesse.

• There is large financial investment in studio space, tools, machinery and supplies that does not correlate with the financial return a craftsperson can expect.

• It's difficult to borrow startup capital because the failure rate of businesses like this is high. The failure rate is high because there is so little profit. It's a snake that bites its own tail.

Advice for craftspeople/conservators just starting out:

Most craftspeople go into this profession because of a creative passion. The first humans were natural makers of things and I believe this is in our DNA. The reward in any "hands-on" profession is learning and applying useful skills and seeing immediate results. I also believe that part of my 'compensation package' is having to deal with less stress than folks with other kinds of jobs. I think few people think of this as a benefit which is perhaps another reason why there are few people in this trade. It's human nature to want more of everything and I have to remind myself of this everyday. If you are not comfortable with less, consider another profession.

Growing a business with employees and lots of work can increase profits, but it can also increase headaches. Again, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what you really want.

Success comes with willing to work long hours that are often unpaid. A few lucky breaks don't hurt either. (I've been very lucky)

Whenever I get worried about my waiting list, I remind myself it takes months (sometimes a year) to get an appointment with a doctor and they outnumber craftspeople perhaps 1000 to 1.

Be careful of the advice you are given (including mine).