Happy New Year to the Artisan Obscura Tribe!

I have no doubt that 2020 will be read about in history books for centuries. In the face of difficulty, all of us buckled down and made adjustments in our lives and businesses. Artisan Obscura included! I adapted to this “new normal” and used this time to imagine new opportunities to connect and serve the AO Tribe. If you haven’t already, check out the blog post called “Seven Photography Project Ideas to Practice while Social Distancing.” Or if you’re new here, read more about our beginnings in The Artisan Obscura Tribe .

Below, you’ll find some of the projects I’ve taken on in 2020. I’ve expanded product offerings and community engagement. I’m so excited to see Artisan Obscura’s following grow. Photographers like you are the reason I continue creating new camera products, photography resources, and new ways to inspire your craft. I believe in artists. I believe in beauty. Thank you so much for your support in 2020. I’m looking forward to serving you in 2021.

Shop Updates& New MACHINES

Self-Sufficiency… There have been two major changes for Artisan Obscura this year.

The first, bringing things to a home-based workshop, allowing more efficiency and control over daily production, and most importantly a safe work space. This shift has given AO the ability to better serve and connect with the tribe, and provided the best foundation that will allow it to grow in the coming years.

The second update is really exciting— I have purchased two machines! A laser engraver to create customizations on your buttons and hot shoe covers and a CNC machine to help grow product lines. The possibilities for growth are endless and I can’t wait to show you what’s up AO’s sleeves.

Over 25 new PRODUCT offerings

This year I added over 20 new engraving designs that are now available to you! All of these new designs (and the OG ones) are available on 6 different wood types (bloodwood, chakte viga, ivorywood, peltogyne, ebony, walnut). Oh the possibilities. 😏 You can see and shop our newest offerings on our home page.

In addition, I’ve added 4 new skate deck varieties. Check them out in our Soft Release and Hot Shoe Cover pages.

AND opened things up for custom designs, allowing people to personalize their cameras in unique ways.

CAMERA ACCESSORY PARTNERSHIPS

This year, I partnered with Hawkesmill to offer leather camera straps through Artisan Obscura. I’ve used Hawkesmill straps for years, and I am absolutely thrilled to have their offerings available through AO.

Based in England, Hawkesmill, the small team of craftspeople promise to provide the very best in camera accessories. They say, “We have a very simple goal: we want to create the finest camera bags and leather camera straps available today, regardless of cost.”

More accessory partnerships are to come in 2021!

Artisan Obscura Apparel

At the beginning of 2020, I sent a survey to all Tribe members. I received dozens of responses asking for Artisan Obscura clothing options. You spoke. I listened. In 2020, I designed t-shirts for the true Artisan Obscura fans. It’s a simple design – the name printed in the company font. Available in black or white.

Camera Compatibility Guide

Artisan Obscura also upped its blog game this year. We posted a blog every two months. The goal was to deliver value beyond discounts and sale announcements. I wanted to create practical, educational, and community content. Topics ranged from camera compatibility guides to third-party reviews of Artisan Obscura products.

You can find all blog posts here.

What’s Next for 2021?

In the coming year, I plan to serve the AO community in a deeper and more meaningful way. Get ready for new allotments of engraving designs, additional accessory partnerships, and new AO offerings. Be ready to connect with one another through community showcases and Tribe spotlights.

And be ready to lean into our never-ending goal to Inspiring Your Craft.

Thank you for all of your support. 🙏🏻 Without each and every one of you, this would not be possible.

All the best,

Drew