I didn’t sell anything, which I am completely fine with as it was more for the experience. But I noticed that hardly anyone looked through my prints or even stopped to look at my bigger pieces. I’m wondering if it is because of the type of event it was. It was advertised as a craft show and not many people were there. The ones who were seemed more interested in the homemade candles and jewelry type stuff. Before I get too discouraged, I’m wondering if it would have been different if it were an art festival instead.
Has anyone had very little interest at craft shows but done alright at art festivals? I’m wondering if it’s just a different type of clientele. (Please remember I’m new to this!)
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I would add: research the demographics of the area before you apply. Can the people there afford your work or do you expect people who can to travel there to buy art? If you walk the show before you apply, look at the art and the people attending. Is that your market? How many other artist in your medium are there? Talk to artists about the show? Read the reviews especially from artists in your medium? Can you compete? Research pays off and saves money.
Yes, yes, yes. The type of event where you show your work definitely matters. Events presented as craft shows, art shows, art fairs, art festivals, arts and crafts fairs all have different meanings and are somewhat regional. In the northeast of the country "art fair" means not very special -- church basement, high school gym, small fundraisers. Whereas craft show means quality, museum maybe, highly juried. In the Midwest craft show means what "art fair" means in the Northeast. Florida (where I assume you were exhibiting) follows the Midwest terminology, in general. A craft show means "loving hands", inexpensive, low booth fees, not much promotion and generally avoided by exhibitors who fall into the more fine art categories such as painting, sculpture, photography.
This is not to say you can't find some cool things to buy at craft shows, but usually the prices are lower and shoppers looking for something easy to buy. I believe you were invited to meet with a fellow artist at ArtiGras, but were unable to make it. The very best advice I can give you, Kristen, is to attend as many "art festivals" as possible for research to find your niche. Compare them to the craft show you attended. Take a look at our website ArtFairCalendar.com and see how many you can find near you. AND if at all possible visit one of the top shows in Florida to see the competition (even if it costs you money. You just spent time at an event that didn't work for you, except for good lessons learned. If you want to learn fast, get thee to a good show). Talk to other photographers at the shows. This is a very congenial group of people who are willing to share experience to help you.
Anyone else have anything to say?