Crafts Council Business Skills Join the directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Make the most of your directory membership

Directory member and willow-artist, Julia Clarke

The Crafts Council Directory is home to over 800 UK craftspeople and our community continues to grow! Whether you’re an emerging artist setting up your account, an established professional needing support with project uploads, or a non-member considering if this is the right platform for your work — we’re here to help.

On this page you'll find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) compiled by our Business Skills team. Sections include:

Account set-up
Profile management
Project upload

If you can’t find the topic you’re looking for, please email directory@craftscouncil.org.uk

Account set-up

What criteria must I meet for approval?

To publish a profile on the directory, your work and practice must demonstrate the following:

Original concept and design
High-quality images that clearly showcase your work
A craft skill (you can find a list of accepted craft disciplines within the ‘Topics’ drop-down section on the directory landing page)
UK based location

Please note we do not support 2D printed works, 2D paintings or bronze sculptures at this time.

I’m having problems with my log in, what can I do?

In the first instance please try resetting your password. If you still receive an error message stating “account not found" please email directory@craftscouncil.org.uk and we will investigate your account and share new login information.

My payment hasn’t been processed / I need to update my payment information - what do I do?

Choose from two options:

Enter your account via the directory dashboard to set up a 'trailing payment'. This will replace your previous subscription. Your old subscription will be cancelled by one of the team within 5 working days.
Call 020 7806 2542 to update your payment details over the phone with a member of the directory team.

How can I contact the directory team?

You can get in touch online or over the phone and a member of the Business Skills team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Email: directory@craftscouncil.org.uk
Phone: 020 7806 2542

If we don’t pick up right away, please leave a message and we will return your call.

Abstract white willow by Directory member, Julia Clarke

Profile management

What do I need to prepare in advance of setting up my directory profile?

Once payment has been processed, please help us to publish your profile quickly by preparing the following information in advance:

At least 5 images for your portfolio (all images need to be a minimum of 1001 pixels width by height and 72dpi, under 2MB file size, and GIF, JPEG, PNG, or WEBP format).
A portrait image of you (website visitors love to meet the maker, a face-front photo of you or a shot of your work in action will help bring your profile to life).
A listing image that represents your practice (i.e. lead thumbnail image on the directory database so make it count! Consider this your digital 'shop window') Please note images must be photo-based, without text, logo or watermark overlays.
Artist description (up to 200 words about your business).
Please have your credit/debit card ready for payment.
Voucher code if applicable.

I struggle with computers, can I still set up a profile?

Yes absolutely! The team is happy to help with your profile, just email directory@craftscouncil.org.uk or call 020 7806 2542 if you would prefer to have a chat over the phone.

Can I update my profile once approved?

Yes, whilst your membership is live you can update your projects, images, information, and links at any time as you see fit.

What is a ‘listing image’?

The listing image is one of the most important images on your profile as this is the first image seen on the directory home and search pages. See this image as your shop window to entice visitors into your directory profile. It should accurately represent your work and be clear of any text, logo or watermarks. See examples by browsing the directory landing page.

Can I change the order of my portfolio projects?

Yes, you can send an email to directory@craftscouncil.org.uk with your preferred project order and we will rearrange the content on your behalf.

How can I replace the image on my profile with a specific image from a project?

To change the order of images on your directory profile's main landing page, please detail your preferred order in an email to directory@craftscouncil.org.uk. We will rearrange the content on your behalf.

Random Weave Woven Heart by Directory member, Julia Clarke

Project uploads

Why won't my images save when I submit a project?

Check that all your images are over 1001 pixels each side and under 2MB. If one image is too small, this will impact the whole project upload. If the issue continues, please email directory@craftscouncil.org.uk for assistance.

I need help improving my images, where should I start?

We recommend that you watch our free webinar How to get noticed with good photography.

You can also access beginner-friendly free software such as Adobe Photoshop Express or Canva.

If you'd rather trust the professionals, it's a good idea to reach out to your network for local recommendations. Why not post a call-out on your social media or research local photography networks and courses that can connect you with students and recent graduates looking to build their portfolios.

How can I optimise my profile for search engines?

The directory lives on the Crafts Council website, which is search-engine-optimised (SEO) using meta-data and keywords to attract web traffic. The directory also has its own in-built search system, which allows users to filter profiles by craft specialism.

When writing your description text, it is important to include related terms, for example ‘luxury’, ‘glassware’ or ‘sustainable’. Don’t worry if this is fresh territory for your business, we’ve produced a free video tutorial on the subject. Watch our SEO webinar with Toyin Laketu for more information.