Why working with artisans is not charity | A deep dive featuring MATTER Prints

Hey readers, today I'm doing what may be my first hybrid post - a deep dive and brand feature all rolled into one! I've partnered up with MATTER Prints, a company that partners with artisans to create their stunning articles of clothing (like the Sideswept Dhoti + Chambray Denim pants you see featured), to dissect and explore the idea that working with artisans is not charity. This idea can get a little confusing, so I've flexed my Communications Student muscles a bit to make it super simple. Also, before we dive into the meaty stuff, can we just take a second to admire these wrap pants? I love the colour (there are a lot more to choose from if blue isn't your thing) and the solo side pocket is so fun! Plus the cut instantly puts your curves in all the "right" places - major bonus if you ask me. Ok, let's dive in!

Ethically made Blue Chambray pants from MATTER Prints.

First, let’s define what artisan and charity each mean.

Artisan

I love the way MATTER Prints defines an artisan: as someone having ‘skill in a craft acquired through generational transfer.’ While an artisan doesn't necessarily have to learn their skill from their ancestors, this is often how it happens. Something artisan-made will usually be of high quality, produced in small batches, unique, and is often reflective of the culture, beliefs, traditions, etc of the person/company that made it. Artisans can exist literally anywhere - from a custom woodwork shop in Canada to a garment producer in India who works with natural dyes and traditional techniques, to a small-batch shoemaker in Italy. Working with an artisan would normally involve commissioning the person to create something for you, or purchasing from a company that employs several artisans.

Charity

Charity is generally defined as providing help, often in the form of money, free food or free services (example: free haircuts), to those who are considered to be "in need." There are thousands of charities worldwide, which are organizations that usually raise money for or provide services for people who need help in one way or another. This can look different depending on the region, but working with or giving to a charity is meant to provide something to another person that they cannot at this time provide for themselves, without expecting anything of equal, or even similar value, in return. As you can see by these definitions, there are some pretty big differences between working with artisans or giving to charity.

However, in my mind, there is one main point that easily sets the two apart from each other: charity is a one-way gift, where purchasing from artisans is a two-way, profitable exchange.

With charity, there is generally no exchange of goods or services, or at least an exchange of goods or services is not the primary reason for a charitable act. Though charities may give out "swag" like magnets or t-shirts, this exchange is not the point of you engaging with the charity and the value of the swag you receive will usually be far below the value of money given.

Purchasing an artisan-made item is pretty simple in purpose. Someone hands money to the artisan, and the artisan hands back a product. It is a clear exchange of goods and services, intended to benefit and/or profit both parties fairly equally. Especially with companies like MATTER Prints that take their supply chain and sourcing seriously, commissioning and employing artisans in meaningful work that celebrates their heritage is a long-term, empowering thing.

Now, to be fair, there can be a bit of crossover. Some charities certainly do work with artisans to create sustainable income methods, set up avenues for sale, develop skills further, etc. and that's fantastic! However, there are thousands of charities that have other purposes entirely (ex: soup kitchens, respite programs). So while a charity can be geared towards working with artisans, it's important to remember that this may or may not be their goal.

The other thing to remember is that companies like MATTER Prints often come alongside artisans or artisan groups that are already in business and are likely already making money from their craft. The company may or may not have to provide assistance and training on business practices. Artisans are often self-sufficient businesses or business people who do not need outside assistance. Also, choosing to purchase from artisans typically has a few positive by-products: supporting slow production and quality over quantity, and helping to keep a "sunset industry" (an industry that seems to be in decline) alive. Maybe you're like me and you really value things that are hard to do by hand and get a strange joy in seeing the skill that some people possess, and value keeping that alive. If that's you, artisan-made items might be a way to indulge a bit.

I hope this post was informative and helped make the distinction between working with artisans and giving to charity a little more clear. Or maybe you already knew that working with artisans is not charity. Let me know your thoughts below, and don't forget to check out MATTER Prints!