Open AccessThis article aims to analyze the social representations of small-scale artisans working for associated Association of Artisans and food producers Homemade of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State-Brazil (Adapac). To this end we have tried to identify and analyse the trajectory of the craftsmen and the reasons for becoming involved with crafts and renditions of the craft for craftsmen linked to this Association. The methodological strategy adopted for the research consisted in case study. As an instrument of data collection, were used to survey participant and application of semi-structured interviews. The method of "content analysis" was used in the Organization and analysis of data. For discussion of the results were defined two categories: (i) motivations for the craft and (ii) representations of the craft. The results show that this type of work associates itself as the premier opportunity to occupation and income generation found by some members and another as vocation and manual skills. For women the social representations of craft relate the condition of personal satisfaction and possibility of reconciliation with the domestic activities, while for men representations indicate the enhancement of the economic dimension of the craft, distinguishing it from domestic activities.