Rex, you need to find the shows that are good for you, not Larry, or me, or anybody else. Some people rock at shows where there's something for everybody, and others only do shows that don't allow crafts.
I can rattle off shows where I did 5 figures in 3 days, but others here wouldn't touch them. Those were good shows for me.
You also must remember times are tough. The shows are nowhere near what they were in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. People had money. but today people are holding on to their wallets, so as was stated earlier, if you're in this for lots of money, with some exceptions, you will be disappointed.
In this days a good show is any show that cover your bills and you can put money into saving account. What works for me it may not work for you. Also is about expectations. Even with the all information you still need to try it.
In the art fair buss you need to travel and move around. You paid for a space according in your budget. If can do a couple big shows with good return it will make that choice easier.
Forums are for sharing information. What have you contributed that would make other artists think your question actually deserves an answer.
You don't say what kind of photography you specialize in or what shows you've tried and whether or not they've worked for you. If you've been doing this for more than a few years, you might have developed a body of work that markets well, which is crucial to understanding if you can sell at any given show.
I can throw out a list of my best shows. But it won't apply to most other photographers. It's based on what I said in the last paragraph and also understanding the jury system that seems to be like shooting at a moving target.
It's not only about the money. if it were, most artists would have moved on and gotten a real job years ago. It's more about creating something tangible and being able to market it, and the life style associated with it. But yes, a good show is defined as one that money is made at.
Why are you so hostile Larry. Just wanted to know if any shows were better for Photography that other. Some shows have more crafts or combined shows that there are people but not buyers.
The "What have you done for me" is not helpful. Is this your main sales page?
Rex. Larry isn't being hostile. Your question is so open ended as to be virtually meaningless. Many factors lead to success on a show by show an d artist by artist basis. That's what we are telling you. More info from you would be helpful in order to provide a more helpful answer. Knowing the kind of work you do, the style, your price points, whether you make traditional darkroom prints or canvas wraps -- all of this has some bearing on whether you will be right for each market.
Sedona, Lincoln, NE and Sioux City are all fairly different markets. What sells in Sedona probably won't in Sioux City and vice versa.
There are lots of resources to help you pick shows, from Sunshine Artist to ArtFair Sourcebook, word of mouth and FaceBook to sites like ArtFairInsiders. Defining what YOU see as success may help to answer your question, open-ended as it is.
That said, here's my personal bucket list Of the top shows. Of them, I've done about 20 out of the 25, and would replace a few with others now that my definition of success has changed.
Wasn't that the one in Myrtle Beach, the one they hold every weekend? I heard that a good photographer could just do that one every weekend and not have to leave town.
Replies
Rex, you need to find the shows that are good for you, not Larry, or me, or anybody else. Some people rock at shows where there's something for everybody, and others only do shows that don't allow crafts.
I can rattle off shows where I did 5 figures in 3 days, but others here wouldn't touch them. Those were good shows for me.
You also must remember times are tough. The shows are nowhere near what they were in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. People had money. but today people are holding on to their wallets, so as was stated earlier, if you're in this for lots of money, with some exceptions, you will be disappointed.
Your question is not clear.
In this days a good show is any show that cover your bills and you can put money into saving account. What works for me it may not work for you. Also is about expectations. Even with the all information you still need to try it.
Money:
Some exhibitors are thrilled when they make $500 and others won't get out of bed for a show with sales under $2,000.
The events with generally great sales cost more. How much are you willing to pay for a space?
The "good" shows will probably not be in your area, so how far are you willing to travel? 10 miles? 1,000 miles?
Thank you for your info. I travel all over the US. I am going to Souix, City, Lincoln NE, Sadona, AZ. Distance is not an object.
Thanks again
Rex.
In the art fair buss you need to travel and move around. You paid for a space according in your budget. If can do a couple big shows with good return it will make that choice easier.
Lets start over.
Everything on the internet is free - NOT.
Forums are for sharing information. What have you contributed that would make other artists think your question actually deserves an answer.
You don't say what kind of photography you specialize in or what shows you've tried and whether or not they've worked for you. If you've been doing this for more than a few years, you might have developed a body of work that markets well, which is crucial to understanding if you can sell at any given show.
I can throw out a list of my best shows. But it won't apply to most other photographers. It's based on what I said in the last paragraph and also understanding the jury system that seems to be like shooting at a moving target.
It's not only about the money. if it were, most artists would have moved on and gotten a real job years ago. It's more about creating something tangible and being able to market it, and the life style associated with it. But yes, a good show is defined as one that money is made at.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Why are you so hostile Larry. Just wanted to know if any shows were better for Photography that other. Some shows have more crafts or combined shows that there are people but not buyers.
The "What have you done for me" is not helpful. Is this your main sales page?
Sorry I have wasted your time reading my request.
Sedona, Lincoln, NE and Sioux City are all fairly different markets. What sells in Sedona probably won't in Sioux City and vice versa.
There are lots of resources to help you pick shows, from Sunshine Artist to ArtFair Sourcebook, word of mouth and FaceBook to sites like ArtFairInsiders. Defining what YOU see as success may help to answer your question, open-ended as it is.
That said, here's my personal bucket list Of the top shows. Of them, I've done about 20 out of the 25, and would replace a few with others now that my definition of success has changed.
Top 25 Art Shows...
http://www.parkerparker.info/studio/blog/?p=282
Wasn't that the one in Myrtle Beach, the one they hold every weekend? I heard that a good photographer could just do that one every weekend and not have to leave town.
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