As in I'm ready to boost sales....I'm a total newbie. I've done a few small farmers markets here on the island but I am ready to take it up a level and travel the mainland and hopefully do some art fairs. I'm a fiber artists. I hand dye fabric in small batches and make unique garments and assesories. I also do machine embroidery, and crochet (I don't plan on selling my crochet at fairs).
I also have a large floor loom and plan on learning to weave in the near future. As well as spinning yarn from hemp that a friend plans on growing for textiles (not smoking).
I have 5 children and the unpredictable income of an artist on an island has left me strapped. I am hoping that I am good enough for some art fairs.
I look forward to getting to know people here and sharing stories and advice.
Mahalo,
Amor
Replies
Hello and welcome to AFI, Amor! Thank you for sharing your story with us...it sounds like you've got a pretty good plan, where are you headed exactly? Have you ever applied to any art fairs here on the mainland? There are some folks on this site that could point you in the right direction once we know what states you're looking at...in any event, good luck and welcome to the art fair community!
I am thinking of traveling to shows. There are a few art shows here, most are on the other islands, which is a huge overhead to travel to as well. My plan is to go to shows near my friends and family on the mainland so I can stay with them, and use their car, to save on some expenses. I also only plan on taking one or two of my children and rotating them each year. The plan is to go in the early spring and return to the island in August. I'm not sure if this is the best plan or if I should instead focus on Christmas and Holiday fairs.
I have never applied to art fairs before, but I think that I have a unique product that will do well. I would love feedback.
Amor
Generally speaking when you come would depend on where the relatives live, as of course, the art fairs move with the seasons.
But, how much fun to travel with your children!
Have you ever thought of starting an art show where you live or getting a local arts group to plan a show? I'm just trying to save you money here --
Barbara Poole is a member here and she does felting, teaches felting workshops and participates in the shows. You might find her and see what you can learn also from her.
Welcome. We're so glad to have you here. Talking about adventures ...
Wow, that is a lot of great fiber background, Amor. Are there shows in Hawaii? are you planning to travel here to do shows? That is a LOT of overhead. Please don't think that because we are all on here talking about making money and the shows we are doing that our lives are any more predictable.
Tell me more about your plans to join us.