My name is Denise Cassidy and I am delighted to find a place where I can share and learn from other artists. I will be doing my very first art fair this summer. In fact, I have two lined up. I will begin with Northville Art In The Sun in June then Plymouth Art In The Park in July. I am both excited and extremely nervous.
I am a painter specializing in painting big, bold flowers using acrylic on canvas. I have dabbled in art for most of my life, but only began seriously painting a few years ago. I enjoy it so much that people began encouraging me to share it and try to sell it. I have sold several pieces since my first exhibit in February, so I thought I should try working the art fairs.
Any tips, suggestions or first-time experiences that I can learn from would be greatly appreciated! If any one will be at the shows that I mentioned, please let me know...I would love to meet you!
Looking forward to making new friends!
Denise Cassidy
Replies
Chris Hoyt said:
Go to "helen's" "bio" and you'll see s/he is a troll trying to get us to watch free movies, that's all. This person has nothing to do with art at all. You can click on his/her website and see for yourself.
Just a troll.
I agree with everything Phil said- this site is loaded with great info for new people! This my second year doing shows, and most of my helpful hints and info came from here! This a very informative, friendly group, with vast experience. And we don't mind sharing! I am still "new" to this myself, but I have found that if you use the search box, it will take you right to what you need info or help with!This is my best source of information, so far! Enjoy!
Helen K said:
Yes, I accept Credit cards. Not through my phone, though. I use a knuckle buster, and an online interface. That was the most cost effective option for me at this time. A lot of my events are outside, with no electric or wireless access. Next year, after I do my research on either a card swiper, or phone, I plan to upgrade. Where you are just starting out, I would look into a manual knuckle buster. Because no matter what the situation, that will work. I went through Merchant Warehouse. I have a small monthly fee, and if I have electricity and wireless at a show I just drag the laptop, and log into my merchant account. It tells me if the card has the funds before I actually do a transaction. If I don't have access to elec and wireless I just run all the slips through when I get back to the studio or hotel. For now this works.
Denise Cassidy said:
I have another question. Do you accept credit? And if so, how did you go about setting up? I'm not sure if I want to invest in an elaborate machine since this is my first time doing fairs. I've heard that you can run credit cards through your mobile phone. Any thoughts?
Karole Bowlds said:
I'm Karole, in Maine, and I do Jewelry. Your flowers are lovely! We have a helpful, informative group here, if you have any questions, just ask!
Nerves are normal- I still get them, at least til the first person comes in to the booth, but once I greet them, it all fades away. Good luck with your shows! Bring a buddy to help, at least the first couple of shows- it will help with the nerves, too. Make a checklist well before the show of what you will need. Then when its time to pack it all up- you won't forget anything. ( I forgot the calculator once- hmmm, what was I thinking?) Don't forget to pack yourself somethings- first aid, sunscreen, bug spray, and keep a bucket of baby wipes handy. Hands get soo dirty during set-up, and they are just the best thing to have. Have a min-cooler handy with frozen water bottles- they thaw throughout the day and help keep you cool. Practice setting up and taking down your tent, tables etc.
Figure out the best set up BEFORE the show- then snap a reference pic- blow it up to full size and use it to help you. If you can, pack everything the day before- that will make it less likely you will overlook something. But most of all-ENJOY. Shows are work, but they are great fun too! Nothing beats the feeling of having some stranger just love your work. Wear comfortable shoes!