Artist's Etiquette?

I was reading the Children or Dogs topic and wanted to post my experience this weekend.

We were at Mayfest in New Jersey, it went well for us sales wise, it was my neighbors that have me dumbfounded. The lady next to me sold jewelry and dog beds. I should say one dog bed that she took orders for. This one dog bed had her precious chihuahua on all day, Out front of her booth so all the customers would oh and ah over. So there was spill over into my booth of the spectators looking at the " cute little dog in the bed", OK I can deal with this. Then she propped Gramma out front in a chair. That's when I drew the line and told her nicely that they were spilling over into my booth. Nothing changed. Sigh, I least I tried.

Now the other side of me has candles. The three children of the crafter were there all day running back and forth, of course, to see the "cut little doggie" Never once did the candle person say anything to his children about running into customers or don't stand in some elses booth. They even took a lawn chair plopped an it down in front of my racks(can't block mom and dads stuff) When they got up and left I pushed it in front of their booth (they got the hint)

What is wrong with other crafters? Doesn't anyone have any consideration for others? My kids never went into another booth or ran in front of customers(mine or others) My dogs when they come are in the back and quiet.

I just wanted to see if anyone has any crafter etiquette they want to share.Thing you do that considers the effect you have on others. Maybe if its written down others will see it and think..

Deb

Hi Deb,

Here's my "fix" for these people. I have two extra 2 ft wide by 6 foot high display panels. When neighbors start encroaching in my area, I just place the panels out in front of my booth at the corners. I'll place them parrallel to the sides so they will stick out the two feet. The backs are not finished, so the "neighbors" see the ugly sides. Usually they get the message.

But once I did a show where my neighbor was placing her stock out front of my booth. So out came the panels. She then placed her stock further out, so I got my spare slatted panel out. We were both out in the aisle about four feet. She then came into my booth and berated me for blocking her display!

The promoter came by and asked what was going on. I calmly said my neighbor was encroaching in front of my booth and I merely placed walls up. All the time looking as innocent as I can look! I told the promoter I would gladly remove the walls if neighbor would also stay within her booth.

For the rest of the weekend I was known as "Mr McNasty".

Heading to Flemington tomorrow, wish me luck!

Chris

Replies

Chris Hoyt May 20, 2010 at 6:53am

Hi Deb,

Here's my "fix" for these people. I have two extra 2 ft wide by 6 foot high display panels. When neighbors start encroaching in my area, I just place the panels out in front of my booth at the corners. I'll place them parrallel to the sides so they will stick out the two feet. The backs are not finished, so the "neighbors" see the ugly sides. Usually they get the message.

But once I did a show where my neighbor was placing her stock out front of my booth. So out came the panels. She then placed her stock further out, so I got my spare slatted panel out. We were both out in the aisle about four feet. She then came into my booth and berated me for blocking her display!

The promoter came by and asked what was going on. I calmly said my neighbor was encroaching in front of my booth and I merely placed walls up. All the time looking as innocent as I can look! I told the promoter I would gladly remove the walls if neighbor would also stay within her booth.

For the rest of the weekend I was known as "Mr McNasty".

Heading to Flemington tomorrow, wish me luck!

Chris
Diane Wright May 19, 2010 at 1:01pm

I think some forget that this is a workplace - especially weekend crafters. When I worked for someone else, I would never have thought of bring my child to work and the same goes if you are vending at a craft show. What happens is that all of us end up entertaining the child who is of course bored sitting at a craft fair all day. It is enough that we do have to deal with the customers children and pets. I probably am offending some who will say that they have no one to care for them. But again, would it be alright to take them to a 9-5 job? I for one am out there trying to make a living.

This reply was deleted.