I was a member some years ago and I wandered off for awhile. I allowed other things to distract me.
My friend Sue and I do shows together. A lot of the jewelry is collaborative, especially in the designing of it. Each of us have areas that we are better at or enjoy more. She loves torch work, and while she can do seed bead work, it is hard for her to see to do it. Right now my work area is too small for torch work. Both of us have been making jewelry for many years.
We both make copper enamel beads and I also do some scrimshaw, and jewelry carvings in bone, horn, amber, antler, jet and soft stones. The carving is an area I do not do a lot in because I do not feel that the time I spend is rewarded well for it
One of the big problems we are both having is age. It is hard to do shows when you are over 60. I am pushing for fewer, but better shows and trying to improve internet sales also.
I do feel that doing some shows is important, because you meet your clients there, and the feedback is valuable.
We have been concentrating on jewelry because we both like making it and because it is easier to carry and set up . Both of us have also been juried in show with our clay work. She does some delicate handbuilt vases and bowls in porcelain, whereas my work was sculptures and raku boxes.
I have also sold my costuming, fabric art, weaving, leather work and paintings.
I live in Dallas, Tx. I know this has been sort of a rambling introduction.
Right now I have some of my work on line at TheHowlingArtist on FB
Replies
Welcome back, Cairenn. I agree with you that is important to do a few shows, for feedback, enlarging your buyer pool, staying on trend and seeing what else is out there. I truly believe that time spent on improving your website and online marketing is the best money spent. The overhead is SO much lower than going out to do shows. It might be helpful for you to listen to a few of our podcasts, especially the ones about using websites to make money. Here is a link: www.ArtFairRadio.com.
Stay in touch!
I will check it out. I am about to start what will be a 3 week run of shows. A local Animefest, then major shows in Midland,TX and Wichita,KN. So I will be off line much of the time.
I want to use the down time for some planning and practice blog writing.
Cairenn, Nice to have you back. There are many of us over 60 doing shows, but I know what you mean. It is very physical and gets a little more difficult each year. I look for shows that have day before setup. That way we can take our time. Also it is mandatory that we can drive to our booth for unload and load. Dollying is out of the question. :)
Hello Cairenn and welcome back. You sound like a busy lady!
Do you try to stay in Texas for most of your shows. If you would like to review any Texas shows for us go to www.artshowreviews.com. That is also a very helpful site if you need information about a show to help you decide if you would like to apply to it.
We hope to see you in our forums. That is where we get to know each other better and help each other out with advice and information. See you there.