Hi All, I'm Windy Kai in Dallas Ft. Worth TX and I've been doing art fairs for only a year now and I just love the site. I'm still learning and have a long way to go so I'm thrilled to be here. I'm at www.windykai.wordpress.com or just www.windykai.com .... blogging and online sales has always been the easy part but getting out there in the trenches at the festivals has proven to be both the most fun my husband and I have ever had and the most WORK we've ever done as well! (as you all know)
I work mainly through Zapplication right now but am wondering if there are other sources that anyone might recommend to find shows in the area.
I'm thrilled to be here and can't wait to dive in and do some learning.
Peace and Light,
Windy Kai
Replies
Hi Windy and welcome aboard :)
Glad to have you here, Wendy. From what I hear the best place in the country to make money is Texas, so you are living in the right place. Definitely check out the online listings at Sunshine Artists, they are pretty extensive and if you don't think you're ready for the top shows yet, an excellent source for events.
Also, take advantage of all the shows in the next month near you -- visit them, take copious notes on everything you see: tents, display, others in your media, lighting, credit card machines, where the people are looking and pick up as much information as you can without spending a booth fee! This is the absolutely best way to get solid details on what to expect and how to improve your chances of success when you are at the shows.
Great info...thanks so much! Will definitely take it all in....WK
Hello Windy!
Welcome to the site! Loads of info here to be plumbed, the Veterans are very informative and fun,. Troll thru the forums...been here for three or four years now, and I am still reading the posts. The search function is great for finding something quickly, and all the discussions can be found by clicking the All Discussions link at the top left of the page! Have fun exploring and I look forward to your posts!
Thank so much Karole!
It's interesting that you worded your request that way. The Artfair SourceBook and Sunshine Artist Magazine used to be the ways to find shows. The Artfair SourceBook only the top 500 in the country and Sunshine Artist listed most everything. But ZAPP has changed how artists find shows to apply to.
Have you tried networking with other artists from your area? Juried Art Services is another online application system as is EntryThingy. But neither does as good a job at promoting the shows that use them as ZAPP does. If you're not looking for the top shows, try picking up a copy (or subscription) of Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thank you so much Larry for the info. I've looked at the Artfair Sourcebook and it's so so expensive, if it's the same one I'm thinking of, but I'm told it's worth it. I should look into it. I'll definitely pick up the magazine you suggested! Thanks for taking the time.....