Don't be off-colour.

One of the major mistakes artisanal producers can make is to design their craft products in styles or colours that are no longer appealing to their target markets. In fact, the style and appearance of products can change very rapidly and the export marketplace requires new products on a regular basis because consumers become bored with old products.

Where can artisanal producers find information on the latest trends in styles and colours? Advice panels such as those assembled by Canadian businesswoman Barbara Mowat (see page 13) are one good source. However, relatively