I am bummed out today because I just got a rejection for a show that I have done for the last two years. It's a nice show, but a mostly local show. In addition I got rejected (again!) from another local show that I did two years ago and now have been rejected from twice in a row. Although, I have come to the conclusion that the second show likes old-fashioned looking stuff and mine is not.
On the other hand, I got on the waitlist for Leeper Park, which I was rejected from for the last two years.
At this rate, I don't know if I will have any shows to do this season, so I better start some more applications. The more rejections I get, I guess the more likely it is I will get into something!
How many rejections should a person expect? (Although, you guys are probably applying to more popular shows than I am.)
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Well, since I originally posted this, I have received two acceptances and zero rejections, so now I'm 2-2 with one waitlist. I think it really is a numbers game. Unfortunately that adds up to a lot of money on jury fees!
Congrats, Roxanne!
I get rejections on and off also. I just recently go accepted to two shows I have been applying to for years after I changed my tent shot, and I hope that was the reason, but it might not be.
Then after getting accepted into shows that had been rejecting me, I was wait listed on a show I normally get into.. go figure.
I don't remember reading many really bad and negative reviews written by anyone that had really good sales at a show.
I've had shows that weren't all that great and shows that were far better than I thought possible...and the outcome of the sales at the show most certainly determines how you feel inside and how much, if any, of a "Grin On My Chin" ...
Having great sales at a show that far exceeds expectations does not guarantee jury acceptance into that show the following year...we've all been there.
All artists like to believe that their work is absolutely wonderful and the greatest thing since sliced bread...and why-O-why anyone would not line up to buy it is just beyond comprehension.
I don't like when I am not accepted by a jury..no one does...but the only person in this world that I have complete and total control over is myself...so there is no point for me to worry about it I just need to completely focus on what I can do to continually grow in a positive and creative direction.
I am new to the art fair world and this year so far has been... frustrating. So thank you for this, especially that last paragraph.
I've always wondered if the decisions of the Jurors are the absolute final decision carved in stone and how much say-so the show producers have in abiding by or how much influence they have for changing the juror decisions.
Does anyone have any thoughts or comments?
There can always be director's prerogative. The classic example is Long's Park when the Faulkner's ran the show. A perfect jury score could easily get a rejection notice if the director didn't want you in his show.
Larry Berman
What's even more likely, is if anyone writes a scathing review of "any" show... Show directors must be aware that if they invite this artist to their show, they may get a full public write up of how awful the show is. So, if I was a show director, I wouldn't even risk putting me or my show in that light, and reject that vocal artist from coming, even if he had never shown here before.
It is just plain logic, whether all show directors admit it or not. Yes, I've heard Nels and others say they tell it like it is and have never been black balled from future shows, but of course look at the source. How would you ever know that?
This is a tangent but as far as reviews go, the main thing is to be fair in the review. Was it a crappy show for me or was everyone doing lousy? I've read reviews of shows I've done quite well at and wonder if maybe the show just wasn't that particular exhibitor's market.
I've read reviews that get downright personal about the promoter. Totally uncalled for.
I see reviews blasting buy/sell. Or what many erroneously think is buy/sell.
I have a friend who is a tinker. He sees the catalogs of stuff from China and decides he can make the same thing, only much better. And he's accused of being a B/S merchant by other exhibitors who don't know what they're talking about. One artist went to the promoter and demanded he be removed. Thankfully the promoter had the files of all the applicants and showed the offended artist the photos of him actually cutting the material and making a sconce. How do I know? The promoter told him about it.
I see reviews blasting the promoter because the people aren't buying. How it that the promoter's fault when the customers don't want what you're selling? I learned a long time ago we're at these shows/fairs selling things nobody needs.
Don't complain because you are at the end of the row. Somebody has to be there and it was just your turn, that's all.
Lastly, it's not the promoter's fault that it's too hot, too cold, too windy, it's raining, it's snowing, etc.
Amen. There are shows that are poorly managed and promoted where artists have legitimate gripes. On the other hand, some artists don't do well simple because the public does not like their work - period. Location, B/S, and all of the other excuses don't matter - period.
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