Artisan Collaborative

PA WILDS ARTISAN COLLABORATIVE

Investing in rural entrepreneurs and local manufacturers through the development of new branded products that inspire pride and create new economic opportunities for local communities

PROGRAM GOALS + OUTCOMES

  • Strengthen + invest in creative entrepreneurship in the PA Wilds
  • Expand PA Wilds branded goods
  • Grow PA Wilds business-to-business (B2B) connections by connecting PA Wilds entrepreneurs to PA Wilds manufacturers
  • Keep up with product demand, by having the goods produced by larger manufacturers
  • Track investments from the start and establish metrics for the region
  • Inspire the next generation of creative producers in our region and create opportunities for them to learn from entrepreneurs directly
  • Support the PA Wilds regional strategy as royalty payments from branded merchandise support the PA Wilds Center’s non-profit mission

HOW IT WORKS

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Visual artisans and graphic designers apply. Selected through a juried process, artisans will be paid for design work and professional development.

Selected artisans are matched with manufacturers to collaborate and design a PA Wilds branded product that will be available for retail and wholesale.

Final licensed designs are owned by the artist; PA Wilds Center will have use of them. As licensed products, royalty fees will be collected on sold goods.

Initial runs of inventory are purchased directly from the manufacturers by the PA Wilds Center and will be sold on PA Wilds commerce platforms.

Third party logistics (3PL) services, such as storage and shipping, will be handled through a contract with ELCAM and paid for by the PA Wilds Center.

The program and products are marketed by the PA Wilds Center. Partners will also be encouraged to uplift the program on their own channels.

ELIGIBILITY, EVALUATION, BENEFITS & RESPONSIBILITIES

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ARTISAN ELIGIBLITY

  • Current member of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania value chain network


    (If you’re not yet a member, learn more here and join us to be sure you can take advantage of future opportunities!)

  • Professional Level Juried Artisan who specializes in Visual Art or Graphic Design

ARTISAN BENEFITS

  • Focus on designing an amazing product, and get help producing it and bringing it to market
  • Get paid for services and products
  • Leverage PA Wilds brand + advertising to sell more products
  • Professional development opportunities
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ARTISAN EVALUATION

  • Readiness to participate in the program and demonstration of capabilities to meet deadlines
  • Ability to become a PA Wilds Merchandising Licensee
  • Alignment with identified partner manufacturers
  • Experience developing product lines or collaborative product designs
  • Excitement for program and innovative ideas for new branded products
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ARTISAN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborate with identified manufacturer and PA Wilds Center staff to produce a design or new product line
  • Become a PA Wilds Merchandising Licensee and pay royalties on products sold to third parties
  • Meet deadlines and agreed upon deliverables for the project

MANUFACTURING PARTNERS

PA Wilds Marketplace style guide cover

ORGANIC Climbing / Nittany Mountain Works

ORGANIC Climbing LLC / Nittany Mountain Works produces gear that is hand made. Each product is designed to be functional, durable, and unique.

Laughing Owl Press Co.

Laughing Owl Press Co. is a letterpress printer company that relishes in perfect inking, level impression, and outstanding quality. The creative team creates printing that inspires.

Marketplace seller quick links preview

XtremeWear

XtremeWear is a screen printing and embroidery shop located in DuBois, Pennsylvania, with over 25 years of experience in designing and decorating apparel.

Marketplace seller quick links preview

Saint Marys Box Co.

For more than 55 years, the St. Marys Box Company of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, has served as a family-owned business that manufactures a full line of corrugated products.

INSPIRATION & RESOURCES

The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team

The Declaration of Principles for the PA Wilds Team is a document that provides a heartfelt look at the guiding values of the regional strategy. The document was initiated nearly 20 years ago, and the words still ring true today! The outlined principles are central to the work and provide a unique lens through which artisans can look at the region and potentially develop new products! 

The Landscapes of the Pennsylvania Wilds Region

Landscapes are thematic sub-regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences. Landscapes are woven together by unifying characteristics of the Pennsylvania Wilds region, but each landscape has its own remarkable assets and identity.

The PA Wilds Licensing Program

The PA Wilds Licensing Program provides a unique opportunity for artisans in the Pennsylvania Wilds region to leverage the iconic trademarked logo for their own products! The logo has true brand power and can help create new customers for artisans who are using it on their products. Learn more about the Licensing Program and licensed products to get inspired by the possibilities!

Questions? Contact us at WildsCoPA@PAWildsCenter.org

SPECIAL THANKS TO PROGRAM FUNDERS

Sell Even More: License the PA Wilds logo

Did you know that members of the WCO can license the PA Wilds logo?
This means that you could be using the PA Wilds logo in your marketing materials OR on your merchandise!
And we know that shoppers are looking for branded products.

READY TO EXPLORE MORE?

ABOUT US

Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.

BENEFITS

Take advantage of opportunities to leverage the PA Wilds brand and grow your business.

TOOLS

Find more tools and resources related to WCO membership and growing your business.