Tariffs imposed by President Trump continue to be the subject of court fights, months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his first effort to impose taxes on global imports. Before the ruling, the tariffs were in place for months, affecting businesses of all types, including artists and creatives.

Over the course of the past year, small businesses have been financially stretched thin to accommodate rising shipping costs. David Calvo, a woodcarver from Gloucester, believes he may have to forge his own set of tools in order to offset the rising prices. Similarly, jeweler and metal smith Yoni Rogoff is purchasing used tools to create his pieces. ​

The tariffs not only affect shipping, but also the cost of materials. Prices of gold, gems, and other valuable metals have caused lapidary Allie Keast to ask customers to melt their old gold pieces to make new jewelry. Riley Halliday found that the overseas craft stores that sell her preferred foam and rug tufting materials have stopped selling to U.S. customers in favor of reducing potential costs. 

These artists all understand that craftsmanship and buying custom art is a luxury to consumers, but to them, their craft is their main source of income, passion and livelihood.