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I'm new here & I already have questions.

Posted by Deanna Davoli on April 17, 2012 at 11:00am in Welcome to Art Fair Insiders!

Hello Everyone

It has taken me a while to introduce myself here so I apologize for that. When I signed up I was working 7 weekends straight at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, plus I have another part time job and I am a full time stay at home mom, so my internet time is usually short. hehe 

I am 34 years old and I love to paint and draw fantasy themed artwork. I wish I had more time to create, but I am grateful that even with a 10 month old baby girl, I have still had time to make some art...its FREE therapy as far as I am concerned. lol I sell my work online via my website and Etsy store. I also sell my artwork at local Renaissance Fairs and sci/fi fantasy conventions. you can check out my artwork and gifts on my website:  www.deannadavoli.com

My other part time job is called support coordination. I work out of the house and coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities. It is a very rewarding job, but working for the state of FL can be agrivating.

I have some questions regarding general art shows/fairs. Since my subject matter is fantasy art, I have only sold/shown my artwork at Renaissance fairs and sci-fi/fantasy conventions. I am starting to feel like I am selling myself short because I am missing a whole other audience. I have not tried out for any art shows for 2 reasons.....1. they typically require artists to have propanels, and I only have grid walls. I would hate to make such a huge investment on propanels for booth photos, only to find out I have been rejected. 2. I sometimes wonder if fantasy based art is looked down upon for some reason at main stream art shows. (I think this is my issue)

So my question is, based on the type of artwork I create, does anyone see a reason why I should or should not try for a regular art show?

I have been torn about getting propanels too. I have been searching craigslist to see if I can find used ones, but there are none. I could use them for my indoor conventions so they would not be a total waste, but it is hard to stomach their cost. Does anyone have any advise? or creative way to make my own?

thanks ahead for any advise!

Deanna

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Replies

  • Diane Wright April 17, 2012 at 7:16pm
    Deanna, I did several shows with my grid walls before I bought my Armstrong panels. I agonized over the purchase but I am so glad I made the switch. They are so much lighter are easier to set up than the grid walls I got the knockdown. I like the look better also.
    • Deanna Davoli > Diane Wright April 17, 2012 at 9:30pm

      Hi Diane...that is very good to know, thank you. I think I just need to suck it up and go for it. I have been considering buying them for a few years and I know I will use them even if I do not get through juries at the art shows, I will still use them for my indoor conventions. 

  • Connie Mettler April 17, 2012 at 5:41pm

    Deanna, one of the reasons people love art fairs is the interesting things they can find there. Variety and creativity bring people back time and again. Do what Dave said and visit as many shows as possible (can't imagine how you can do this with the little one, the job and the Ren fairs, but who am I to discourage you?)

    Go for it! Follow your instincts. You do not need ProPanels!! There are lots of booth images all over this site with people who are not using them. Here is a blog I did last summer about a show I juried where you can see some other options: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/how-do-you-like-this-...

    While you are visiting the shows check out the displays also.

  • Robert Wallis April 17, 2012 at 12:27pm

    Regarding the Propanels; would fabric covers for your grids be acceptable?

     

    I've seen a few artists with fantasy themed work around. Not many, but they are out there.

    • Deanna Davoli > Robert Wallis April 17, 2012 at 12:39pm

      that is good to know. thanks Robert

      • Janet Miller > Deanna Davoli April 17, 2012 at 5:19pm

        Deanna- The Propanel website also has a section for used panels for sale.  Good luck!

  • Dave Hinde April 17, 2012 at 11:52am

    One suggestion I'd make is to check out several shows in your area to see if you'd be a good fit, and what price points to use.  I've seen artists get discouraged too quickly when they don't sell, so selecting just the right show is important.  You need to know what type of crowd is drawn to each show to see if there are potential customers. 

    • Deanna Davoli > Dave Hinde April 17, 2012 at 11:55am

      ok. thanks Dave. I have been looking into that a bit. that is why I started selling at Ren Fairs and sci-fi/fantasy conventions because I knew that crowd was into the type of art I do. Maybe standing out as the odd ball in a regular art show would be a good thing?! lol

  • Larry Berman April 17, 2012 at 11:17am

    By all means try. You can upgrade your display picture by borrowing a set of Pro Panels for the picture. Then if accepted, you can make the move to purchasing a set or trying to find a set used.

    Larry Berman
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    412-401-8100

    • Deanna Davoli > Larry Berman April 17, 2012 at 11:27am

      thanks for the advise Larry. it seems finding used ones are impossible!  I don't know if there are better places to look other than craigslist??...

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