Artist.LoveBugDesigns.us is being built to solve a familiar problem: discovering an amazing handmade item at a craft show, then having no way to find that artist again when the perfect occasion comes along. Our solution is a permanent online craft show—a place where handmade creators can be found year-round and shoppers can easily reconnect with the artists they love. We encourage local connections whenever possible. Shoppers will be able to search by distance using zip codes, making it easy to find nearby creators. Vendors may choose to offer shipping, online payments, or in-person transactions. For those in the Iron Mountain, Michigan area, our physical store can be used as a safe meeting or pickup location. A small transaction fee will apply only to payments processed through our platform; off-site transactions will remain fee-free. The platform will launch initially in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with plans to expand nationwide once all development phases are complete. Platform Development Phases Phase 1: Marketplace Foundation This phase establishes the core functionality needed for vendors to sell and for customers to shop with confidence. Multi-vendor website framework Individual storefronts with full shopping carts Vendor application and submission system Product galleries for each shop Vendor update posts (similar to social media updates) Platform-wide rating and review system Goal: Create a simple, reliable, and welcoming online craft show that is easy to use from day one. Phase 2: Community & Social Features This phase focuses on helping customers and vendors build lasting connections beyond a single purchase. User profiles for vendors and customers Social media integration Automatic posting of vendor items to selected social platforms Ability for customers to follow favorite vendors Groups and saved connections to easily find artists again Private notes (visible only to the user) to remember past conversations or preferences Importing profile images and social details Personalized activity feeds based on interests Friends, followers, and private messaging Goal: Turn casual shoppers into long-term supporters and help artists grow loyal audiences. Phase 3: Smart Tools & AI Assistance This phase introduces advanced tools designed to save time, improve presentation, and enhance discovery.
Platform Development Phases
For Vendors:
For Vendors: Assistance writing clear, engaging product listings Image enhancements (backgrounds, lighting, color balance) Help creating social media content AI-assisted product videos and visual showcases For Customers: Personalized alerts for new vendors or items Custom search preferences (acting like a personal shopper) Goal: Make selling easier for creators and discovering handmade goods more enjoyable for customers.
Phase 1: Marketplace Foundation
This phase establishes the core functionality needed for vendors to sell and for customers to shop with confidence. Multi-vendor website framework Individual storefronts with full shopping carts Vendor application and submission system Product galleries for each shop Vendor update posts (similar to social media updates) Platform-wide rating and review system Goal: Create a simple, reliable, and welcoming online craft show that is easy to use from day one.
Phase 2: Community & Social Features
This phase focuses on helping customers and vendors build lasting connections beyond a single purchase. User profiles for vendors and customers Social media integration Automatic posting of vendor items to selected social platforms Ability for customers to follow favorite vendors Groups and saved connections to easily find artists again Private notes (visible only to the user) to remember past conversations or preferences Importing profile images and social details Personalized activity feeds based on interests Friends, followers, and private messaging Goal: Turn casual shoppers into long-term supporters and help artists grow loyal audiences.
Phase 3: Smart Tools & AI Assistance
This phase introduces advanced tools designed to save time, improve presentation, and enhance discovery.