The Second Craft series

Talent is the first craft. Building the business that protects it is the second craft.

I’m Stuart Smith, director of Fiscal Artisans. For years I’ve sat across the table from composers, designers, makers, performers and tradespeople who are very good at what they do and quietly unsure about the business side. Structures, records, cash, tax, what to ask an adviser. These books are what I would tell you if we had the time to go through it properly.

They’re written in plain English, built around real-world situations, and every chapter ends with something to do.

Two books. Two workbooks. One path.

Step 1: understand your structure

• The Second Craft – a creative accountant’s guide to the business behind your talent. A5 paperback and ebook.
• The Second Craft – Companion Tools – a practical tool for each chapter. A4 paperback and PDF.

Step 2: know your numbers

• The Numbers Behind Your Business – how to read your figures, manage cash and make better decisions. A5 paperback and ebook.
• The Numbers – Companion Workbook – worksheets and checks to put the numbers to work. A4 paperback and PDF.

Where to start

• Setting up, or wondering if your structure still fits? Start with The Second Craft.
• Already trading and want to understand your figures? Start with The Numbers Behind Your Business.
• Want to do the work, not just read about it? Add the workbook that goes with your book.

The two books stand on their own, but they’re written to be read in order.

Already have the book?

Reader resources has the tool downloads, current tax rates and thresholds, any corrections, and a monthly email with one practical idea from the books.

Want help applying it to your business?

Bring your completed tools to a Second Craft Review. We’ll go through them with you and leave you with a one-page action list.

How to order

• Printed books and PDFs: from our bookstore. Each paperback is printed in Australia when you order and posted to you. Prices are in US dollars, with a flat US$5 postage per order however many books are in it.
• Kindle: The Second Craft and The Numbers Behind Your Business are on Amazon (A$15.99 each).
• Teams, courses, associations, bookshops and libraries: for 10 or more copies, or to use the books in a workshop, contact us.

About the author

Stuart C. Smith is the director of Fiscal Artisans, an accounting and advisory practice in Melbourne. He has spent four decades advising business owners, creatives and skilled trades. He plays and builds guitars, which is why he has never believed the creative and the numerical are opposites.

The books and this page provide general information only. They are not tax, financial or legal advice for your situation. Talk to a qualified adviser before acting.