Hello everyone.
I am very interested in taking part in shows and festivals. We have several local shows that I want to begin with and since I know very little about fairs and festivals, I messaged an artist I like on Facebook. She recommend this website.
Now the learning begins.
I have NEVER participated in any festivals and am completely lost on how someone new begins. There is a lot of money that has to be shelled out just to begin, isn't there? The amount of shows and the differences in them seem endless.
I joined this website hoping to get some insight and knowledge on how a person starts.
HELP!!! LOL
M. Scott Phifer
Replies
Thank you some things to think about.
I was new last year and I had nothing but my work. If you can find a show nearby that has an emerging artist category, that may be the way to go. I did Westport Art Fair last year as an emerging artist, which meant I didn't have to provide a booth space, they did that. All I had to do was bring my artwork and a way to accept $$$. Oh and lighting, which I rented from a friend. You are unfortunately too far away for Westport in KCMO, which is only for artists within a 40 mile radius of the Kansas City Post Office.
Another idea is if you have any artists friends that have a tent you could borrow, to try out a local art fair before you jump in feet first. I did so well at Westport that after that show I was all in. I have done one small, one day show in Lawrence (Art in the Park) since then and that paid for my tent/walls/etc. I now have four more decent to good shows lined up for the rest of the year.
That is my 2 cents, for what it is worth.
Welcome to the forum. Besides getting all the items to sell at a show there is all the work you need to do just to send in an application. You need good photos of your work and a booth shot. If you can find someone willing to lend you a tent for a day or you can do a mock setup for the booth shot photo. A 10 x 10 space and be small or large depending on how you set up your display.
As others have said there is a lot of information here to read through. Another thing I would suggest is if know when a show in your area will be happening, go and check it out the afternoon, night before to see if anyone is setting up. Same thing early the next morning, first day of the show, this will give you a good idea of all the work that goes into getting ready for that first day of the show. If you can go back at the end of the show and watch the pack up, or as my husband says… “and the circus moves on!” I have also walked shows very early in the morning and talked to other Artist to see how they like the show and ask about ease of setup.
Good luck!
I had never thought of showing up early and talking to people and checking things out. I will do that next time there is a show around here. There is a craft festival here in September called Apple Cider Days. I will make sure I do that. Thanx.
Hi Scott! Great to have you here. I sold my old Lite Dome on Craig's List a couple years ago. So you could check there too. Or maybe you know someone who can borrow you a tent. You need a tent, display panels of some sort and art to fill your tent. Try to keep your investment under control and upgrade later. Good luck as you move ahead.
Thanx Pat.
Hi Scott and welcome aboard :) Well the artist you asked was right, this is the best place for information and questions!!! First off, trawl this site, use the search bar about tents, displays, set ups and any facet of shows you have questions about - there is a wealth of information here.
Have you been to any of your local shows and seen the sort of thing that is required for a set up? It appears you have 2D work (which is gorgeous by the way!), so at the minimum you are going to need somewhere to hang them and a tent. There may be hire companies nearby that you could hire a tent and panels of some sort from, or if there is an artist association nearby they or one of their members may be willing to rent you a set up for a first show or you may be able to buy some preloved panels and even a tent.
We also have a classifieds section here, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain :)
Thanx Annette.
I previously have been going to art shows just to enjoy the art. Recently I have started to pay attention to how things are set up. I will look into renting stuff for my first couple of shows. Never thought of that. I have been looking at the classified ads on here too.
Thank you for the compliment for my artwork too.
Echoing Connie, visit as many Art Shows as you can and study what people are doing. Talk to the other artists. If there are art associations in your area, join them.
You can go out and invest in top of the line tents, displays, etc., or you can spend a lot less and get something that works, but doesn't empty your bank account. Don't go too cheap, but you don't have to spend thousands. When I started I invested about $500 in my tent and display racks. That was 7 years ago and I'm still using the same tent frame (Caravan).
Also, try to see what sells and what doesn't - although that's always a guessing game. See how others have displayed their work. Ask local artists about good starter shows.
Above all, have fun and don't get discouraged if you don't sell everything at the first show.
Until recently I have been going to the Art Shows to just to enjoy the art, but lately I have been going and looking at the set ups and stuff. I don't talk too much to the artist because I am don't know how many are going to be receptive to my questions.
I am looking at eBay for my tent and looking to make my own display panels. Hoping that will save me some money.
Thanx for the advice.
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