Miniature World - What Do All Those Letters Mean?

Do you ever find yourself wandering through your favorite miniature web site or magazine wondering what on earth all those letters stand for? Here's a short run down:

CIMTA is the Cottage Industry Miniaturists Trade Association. Membership in this organization is by application and payment of fees. There are two types of membership: Regular Members are individuals who handcraft miniatures as a cottage industry, and have been selling wholesale for a minimum of six months; Supporting Members are retail shops, retailers, publishers and wholesalers of handcrafted miniatures.

HIA is the Hobby Industry Association. This organization is open to companies in the craft and hobby trade, and once a company joins, all its employees are considered members. Membership is by application.

IGMA is the International Guild of Miniture Artisans. All qualified applicants start as General Members; after six months of membership, those who wish my apply and submit their work to a selection committee to be considered for Guild Artisan status. After two and a half years as a Guild Artisan, applications and work may be submitted to be considered for Guild Fellow status.

MIAA is the Miniatures Industry Association of America. This organization is comprised of manufacturers, artisans, sales reps, publishers, retailers, and distributors of minitures. Membership is by application.

MinTA is the Miniaturists' Trade Association. This organization represents miniture makers, retailers, publishers, and show promoters in the UK. Membership is by application and payment of fees, and all members must abide by the association's cod of practice.

NAME is the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts. Membership is by application and payment of fees, and is open to all collectors and makers of miniatures worldwide.