OK, perhaps my bad attitude is showing again.
The discussion title is directed at the jurrors who want everyones booths to look so similar.
I know I haven't gotten into shows because I use - Oh the Horror!- Table cloths and tables. I'm sorry I like my raised tables and custom table cloths. They are easy and people can lean on them and they look fine. But since we have to go with that "gallery" look I am reworking things.
So I am trying a hybrid approach. I will probably reshoot this again at my first show but we had 15 minutes of nice weather today and I took the pic. There are several things I would do different but would like some feedback anyway. I'm having some banners made. That's not done yet.
I'm going to have to make my pedestals again. These are too light weight.
Oh that's the really funny thing. These are made from U haul lamp boxes! Really, can I fake it or what? I cut off the top and bottom and made some from scrap wood and painted everything black. But they are too light and someone will knock these over. People walk into my corner posts at almost every show.
I love this group! Thanks for letting me vent and give me your 2 cents worth. It means much more to me! You guys have the best ideas and it's great that you share them.
Replies
Booth shots are hard. I had to get rid of tables and build pedestals... Unfortunately it leaves me with smaller cases and less room than my draped tables and larger cases... It also left me with less room for people to see everything....I have a choice,wither larger display cases on legs (heavy) or pedestals with Crown cases...
This is "before". at Winter Park Fl.
Next incarnation,I use this for nearby shows since these cases are HEAVY.
This is what I use for long distance shows,they take up less room since the pedestals break down and we can fit valises and other travel stuff.
I add little extras when I get up, to jazz it up and make it fun. Hang starfish and shells and a few extra interesting things on the curtains... Also added a extra design for the from of my cases.. I always get compliments from people,even the judges,funny I can't get past "jury" but the people and the judges like it... Go figure!
Hi Michelle,
What are your glass (or acrylic) cases in the photo with the three wood pedestals. I like them.
Thanks,
Delpfine
Crowne Display, they set up and break down in no time and take up little space. Acrylic or plexi I believe.. If you buy some, tel them I sent you..maybe I will get a credit for a future purchase... don't know if he does that...
I do know he was going to quit making them, he's making more money on selling jewellery, mass cast in pewter at shows...
http://www.crowndisplays.com/
Thanks! The site doesn't give the size of the cases. Do you know offhand?
I'd have to dig them out... I can't say off hand. maybe 24x18x16 ish.. Some where in that ballpark.. I'd call. They're really nice to work with...
I'd call them up with any questions. They are jewelers that do art shows. I met them at Three Rivers either last year or the year before.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thanks guys, Once David explained it to me I get it. And he is going to save me a ton of money because I'm not going to apply to shows I won't get into. And I don't mean it like sour grapes. It just became clear to me that I am loud and tacky and will probably have more fun at smaller shows. If next year I decide to go higher end I know how now.
It was the frustration of not knowing what I was doing wrong. Now that I know... well it's a choice.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Hi Robin,
Not going to pile on to what's already been said, or to your decision to go another direction. All that is fine!
I just wanted to address your comment that the pedestals are too lightweight.
Rather than get some new ones, you might be able to weight them on the inside, where they wouldn't show. Two low-tech ways to do this are to look in the hardware store for some small lead weights that perhaps you can tape to the inside of each pedestal. You could even use fishing tackle.
David said it well.
You want to create a booth image that doesn't ask any questions. It should be glanced at and dismissed within seconds as looking non distractive and professional. Let the jurors concentrate on your individual images, which is what you really want to be juried on anyway.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
From a different perspective---I looked at the photos of your jewelry and there were pieces that i liked. However, your booth looks very feminine and unless your banners are going to have pictures of your work on them, I would continue past your booth, thinking that your style was not what i was looking for.
I have no problem with your not having cases, I like to touch and try on jewelry and your booth would encourage that. It does, based on so many other jewelry booths, give the impression that your work is not costly-a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.