August 30, 2016
Facture Goods
Maker Spotlight
Missouri-based maker, Aron Fischer, is the creator behind Facture Goods, a design-centric brand focused on the raw making process from start to finish. Aron’s work is roughly constructed yet refined, showcasing the underlying elegance that each object holds. We’re always thrilled to meet new makers and develop growing relationships with small businesses, and Facture Goods has our utmost admiration!
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting history behind it?
Facture Goods came from a conversation I had with my husband, John. We were sitting on our couch throwing out different names and ideas for my brand, when John said, “Why not call it Facture?” The funny thing was that my favorite professor used the word ALL THE TIME during figure drawing critiques in order to get her students to understand the power of making something by hand. It seemed serendipitous that two important people in my life had used the word around me.
Have you always been passionate about design?
I have always been interested in objects, tools and things that can fit in your hand. As a kid, I would work in my father’s shop constructing imaginative objects that had ridiculous purposes. I took this love into both my undergraduate and graduate degrees (I hold a BFA in Drawing and an MFA in Sculpture) where my research was about functionality and uselessness. Immediately after completing my BFA, I began working for Anthropologie as a Display Coordinator in the Chicagoland area. Working in their stores meant that I was always surrounded by amazing home products, creative people, and an enthusiastic customer. At the time I didn’t realize how influential that would be, but looking back, I see a direct connection between my past and what I am currently doing.
Why did you start working in this particular craft?
A friend and I started a project that was based off of the hashtag #100daysofhappy called #100daysofhandmade in 2014. We were going to try to make at least one handmade object each day for 100 days and post it on Instagram. I focused on wooden utensils and cutting boards, not realizing at the time just how powerful Instagram can be as a marketing tool. A lot of people started commenting about how they would love to purchase the spoons and boards that I was making, so I thought why not give it a shot! I haven’t stopped since.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I love to combine different materials in interesting and unexpected ways. I work with domestic hardwoods, clay and brass to create small batch kitchenwares, utensils and provisions with a “primitive modern” aesthetic. By creating work that is somewhat rough, even crude, I am able to get my voice and touch into the work easily.
Are there any moments of failure you can think of that brought insight to your business?
I recently shipped an enormous order to Anthropologie and did so many things wrong! As a company, they are such a great example of efficiency and professionalism. They have a fantastic, thorough manual to help you through every single step of the process; from packing the work, tagging it, and processing it through shipping. All of my mistakes were minimal, and completely fixable, but it taught me to slow down and re-read the information you are given. Sometimes you have to adjust your own process and understand that that is ok!
Have you sacrificed anything to create your business?
I don’t know one small business owner that doesn’t sacrifice something at least weekly! My biggest sacrifice is that I don’t get enough time to cook as much as I use to. Cooking and baking were always a huge passion of mine – and I totally regret it! God, I love food.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?
My Assistant/PR Guru/Graphic Designer, Alex, and I were having a conversation about editorial requests and emails when I said, “All of these requests are great and all, but we drop EVERYTHING when Vogue emails…” as a joke. The next day they did.
How does your city influence your work?
My studio is located in a very small river town about 20 miles from the city John and I live in. My drive to the studio has become a huge part of my studio practice, much more than I ever would have thought! I usually drink a coffee, listen to the radio, mentally prepare myself for the day and try to brainstorm new forms or utensils that I haven’t created yet.
What valuable experience did you have before starting your business?
Working in a retail environment taught me how to interact with a customer, how important presentation and packaging can be for your work, and how to pack and ship correctly (when you ship ceramics around the world, this is priceless knowledge)!
What are some inspirations for your work?
I have always been inspired by the utilitarian aesthetics of the Shakers, the work of artists/sculptors Martin Puryear & David Hicks, and Antique German Meissen Utensils.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Understand how powerful social media can be for your business, invest in the software Shipstation (seriously it saves me HOURS everyday), know that the way we network has changed with the advancement of digital technology (but it is still crucial), interact with your customers as much as you can, and once you find a style of photography that you like stick with it!
