I need help

Hi, I am new to the Art Fair Insiders and would like some advice and help from some artists who have been attending art shows for a while. I am a jewelry artist(metalsmith and enamelist) and have been doing a few juried art shows in my area for about 6 years, but decided I would like to apply to some bigger shows this year. I tried to improve my pictures and added an artist bio, etc., but have been getting a lot of rejections. One show stated they like to have a new mix each year and this year they had 250 applicants with 49 in the jewelry category. I was one of the rejections. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have included pictures I have used in the applications. Thank you

Replies

Lydia Morrison February 18, 2010 at 4:39pm

Thanks, Larry, I just sent you my pics.
Lydia

Larry Berman said:
Hi Lynda,

E-mail me your images and I'll do an evaluation of the digital formatting presentation. Preferable to send e the actual images that have been uploaded for jurying so I can check the color information also.
http://zapphelp.com/evaluation.htm

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Larry Berman February 18, 2010 at 4:06pm

Hi Lynda,

E-mail me your images and I'll do an evaluation of the digital formatting presentation. Preferable to send e the actual images that have been uploaded for jurying so I can check the color information also.
http://zapphelp.com/evaluation.htm

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Lydia Morrison February 18, 2010 at 3:47pm

Thanks, Paula
You did not hurt my feelings. I'm looking for honest, constructive criticism. I'm looking into replacing my table covers.

Purse Stuff - Paula said:
Hi Lydia,
I am not a jeweler. I am not a photographer. I do have an opinion, if you'll pardon the intrusion on your discussion.

Regarding your booth shot:
Your table drapes do not match and they do not fit your tables. They drag on the ground and someone, somewhere, someday will get their feet tangled up in them. You need to fix this as soon as possible. Make sure they match and make sure they fit.

Consider elevated tables to provide comfort for your shoppers.

Shoot booth pics with the sidewall down. The setting of this shot is beautiful, but distracting. I keep looking at that lush green grass, sparkling water and beautiful trees. That is not what you want me to see when I look at your booth shots.

Get rid of the straw on the booth floor.

Some of your items are elevated so high, it appears they are touching the ceiling of your canopy. Most people do not look straight up to see products.

I would recommend that for the sake of a booth pic, you eliminate the tall grid at the entrance of your booth.

OK - That is all I am going to say. I hope I did not hurt your feelings. That is not my intention. Now I will bow out of your conversation. We have many fine jewelry artists and photo artists who will be in shortly to give you some really good advice.

Wishing you All the best in your upcoming shows!
Purse Stuff - Paula
Rose Monzyk February 18, 2010 at 3:47pm

Hi Lydia,
You have beautiful work. I don't do jewelry but I feel like the larger shows advertise heavily to attract many applicants. Of course, there will be many rejections. But remember, they still get the jury fees. I've heard that for some of the good shows, you may need to apply several years before you get in. Keep trying. It seems that for the purpose of jury, they want to see a similar body of work. Don't try to show the range of everything you do, but rather a collection that is similar in color or theme. I'm sure there are others out there far more skilled at this than I. I agree with all that Paula mentioned.