Hi everyone. I'm a newbie to art fairs but I've got a whole pile of applications ready to go out soon for the year and am looking for some feedback on my booth photo. I already got some great feedback on a facebook group, but most of the advice was really specific to US-based shows and the jury process involved with them.
In reading through the show reviews and jury stories on this site it's pretty clear to me that there is a difference between art/craft shows in Canada versus the US (no such thing as jury fees here as far as I've seen for example). I'm hoping there are some Canadian members around who could comment.
One last thing, the table in my picture will actually hold a couple of black fabric print bins, but they looked horrible in the photo so I replaced them with some small framed prints. Should I have left them in?
Thanks in advance,
Harry
Replies
I can see you've made a very serious attempt at this set up. In addition to the advice Larry is providing I'd like to add one or two thoughts. Your lighting cords are hanging down and create a distraction. I'd take some small pieces of velcro and attach the cords to the brace so that they are camouflaged behind the brace. And make sure your propanels' labels are facing the back of the walls. These bits of minutiae are important even though it might sound a bit picky.
I never worry about stuff like that during an initial critique. For jurying the booth needs to be set up in a white canopy and I've always found adding lighting hurts the picture. It creates hot spots on the artwork making the image very difficult to color correct. I always recommend not using artificial lighting for booth pictures, even indoor pictures. If you're set up at an indoor show take the picture without lights just using the hall or arena overhead lighting. Using a tripod compensates for the longer exposure necessary and the picture will be much easier to correct afterwards in Photoshop.
Larry Berman
Hi Paula, please start a new thread in the booth example forum. That way everyone will be notified of your initial post.
But an initial critique is to always make sure the sides of the canopy are attached so it minimizes the hot spots under the panels. And overall, the interior of the booth is too dark. And if you take out the internal short wall, you might be able to use it in the front right side to complete the ten foot wall. The best booth pictures are set up using three ten foot walls which keeps it simple. Your booth is too cluttered. Arrange the pieces more symmetrically.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Because a lot of shows say no tables with table cloths. Specifically Howard Alan who has close to 100 shows. Instead of tables, look into using desks or pedestals from Pro Panels or Armstrong Display. But in general, you can do whatever you want. The advice I'm giving is to make the booth picture more competitive for jurying.
Here's an example. At the Shadyside show here in Pittsburgh, the street is very narrow and the booths are back to back and side to side. So most artists sit on the sidewalk about six feet in front of their booth. It's the only way it works.
And of course, some artists design their booths with a personal area for sitting and stock within their 10x10. That's how I set up my photography booth. I have a seven foot wall three feet in from the back and sit in the opening and have room for inventory behind the wall. It doesn't take away from the visual look because I designed it that way.
Larry Berman
I understand we are doing different shows in different parts of the countries and that may be where some of our different advice is coming from. I have never been to a HA show as a shopper or to have a booth. I go by what the requirements are for the shows we do. And actually they have never given particulars about booth shots, even the couple I have filled out on Zapp.
I have never done a show that said no tables or tablecloths. If that were a requirement for a show I would not apply. I need tables for displaying my product. A few pedestals placed throughout the booth would not do me any good. I could not display enough of my product to make the show worthwhile.
Also, almost all show apps that I have filled out have stated that everything must fit within the 10x10. This also includes any displays, banners, and chairs for the artist/crafter. So sitting outside the booth is prohibited in almost every show we have done.
Occasionally we end up with a booth that has some extra space behind it that we did not expect or ask for. It is lagniappe when we get it. In those rare cases we have used that backside for putting some extra equipment because it was allowed. But we don't usually get that space.
I am sure I have given any number of useless tips here at AFI. Sometimes I think throwing out a lot of "do this" or "don't do that" without regard to what a person NEEDS or what the show requires is fruitless without getting more information first. I am preaching to myself here. Shows have their own requirements due to available space, local laws, how the venue is designed, personal preferences of the organizers, etc.
So let me ask this question ... if a person's booth is set up for a good booth shot but the actual booth set up at the time of the show, how likely is it that he/she would be kicked out? Or not invited back? Do the organizers go around with booth photos checking against actual set up?
The booth shot should be representative of the actual booth at the show. That's a big gray area. As for shows checking on your booth and comparing it to the picture, I've not heard of that specifically happening. On the other hand, if artists are mixing styles in their booth, I recommend having a mixed style booth picture and carry an 8x10 or 11x14 print when they do shows so they can prove what they applied with.
They always say you have to stay within the 10x10 space and your booth picture should reflect that. But most shows have a little extra space behind the booths depending on whether the row behind is backed up to the backs of the booth. Some shows have a three foot rule meaning they give you three feet behind the booth to sit or store inventory.
Like I posted earlier. I never critique a booth picture from a sales point of view but will when asked to. My critiques are always from a jury point of view. What you need to do to make your booth picture competitive.
Larry Berman
I remember critiquing this booth picture on Facebook.
Get rid of the table and raise the center piece up to the same height as the pieces on either side of it. Look into getting a Pro Panels desk and sit behind it. If you're at an outdoor show you might be able to open one third of the back wall and sit behind the booth.
Larry Berman
Hi Larry,
I appreciate your review both here and on my facebook posting. I've read through a lot of booth reviews on this site now and you always have excellent comments!
In regards to the table, I'm just not sure I can get rid of it. I plan to order a propanel desk, or at least the mini desk, but at the same time I don't see that providing near enough storage for me. One of the shows I'm hoping to get into has a requirement to have a cash register as well, which nearly mandates the table alone. For packing material, bags, and extra stock I just don't see an alternative to the table.
All the shows I'm applying for will be indoors with the exception of one. It's rare to have an outdoor show in my part of Canada. It's nice knowing I won't have to deal with weather issues, but it also means I'll be very far away from my vehicle as well.
Cheers,
Harry
Larry,
I am not understanding why some on here say no tables, even when covered to the ground as in this shot. What makes it so "wrong"? All of our pieces are small (coasters and trivets, primarily) and are meant to be used on a table top or counter. Also table cloth helps us because it provides space under the table for back stock.
We have been at outdoor shows, as many of you have, where we are strictly limited to our 10x10 and *no extra space* behind or beside our booth to store *anything*, nor sit there. Based on that circumstance we would not be able to sit behind our booth as you suggested in your critique or store anything there (unless you meant something else?). Based on the "no tables" recommendation, I am not sure how we would display. Also we would have to store extra stock in our truck which could easily be parked 1/2 mile (or more) away. Not convenient for restocking since one ore more of us would have to leave to retrieve more stock.
Would you give the same advice under these circumstances? I am not trying to be rude, I just really don't understand some of the recommendations.
I work in a totally different medium but all I can say is "Wow!"
I like the booth. To me it looks professional. I know some here would say kill the table. However, I am one of those who needs a table (well, several) for back stock. I use the same format ... a table with a professional table skirt to the floor, in black like yours.
Personally I like the way you've got the art arranged. What medium is that anyway?
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