I need a tent and stuff. I need a tent for 2d works. I was wondering if there was something in between the expansive trimline, light dome or craft hut lines and the cheap ez pop up tents. Also was wondering can a 10 by 10 foot tent be extended to become a 15x 10 or 20x 10. Or can a 20x10 or 15x10 be turned into a 10x10. I think that's about it for now but may think of more to say.
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Thanks for all of your comments. I will have to check out AFI. You all give good advice. I think my artwork perhaps is more for younger people but I did have a sort of art show this week. I made a frame out of pvc pipes, spray painted them and sort of hung paintings with ropes. It did not look pretty but it did the job. It was in a local mall, a 3 day Arts/crafts type thing. Would that be considered a Art fair ? I did bad the fist day. Saturday 2 works are probably going to sell, She is at lest buying one. So I sold about 4 works or so on saturday. Sunday has not happened yet. The person who may buy 2 works is young. But the other work that is to be commissioned are middle age. Also Some older people told me they liked my stuff. So I don't know were I fall but I am glade I did it, 100$ for fri,sat,sun. I think its a good price. I asked about a keyask or however you say that one time and was told 4000$ a month... how can anyone afford that,And that was the slow season price.
Oh and if this is considered a Art Fair it would be my fist.. if its considered one although it was not outside and was not a normal art fair.. If you know what I mean.
Hi Donald!
Those Mall shows are considered Craft fairs....there are differences. Generally Art fairs are the ones you jury into. There are MANY and varied venues out there. I myself, have never done an Art fair. We don't have very many here, in my Northeast corner of the US. I am in Maine. We do have some, and they are the traditional Art Fair- no craft allowed, only Painters, sculptors and Photographers allowed. I do Jewelry, which is considered more of a craft, at least here. I can think of only three shows here, that are Art Fairs. The rest fall into Fine Art & Craft, and craft. Then you have the other shows...more events really. Mall shows,Street fairs, Festivals and Agricultural Fairs. I do more festivals, craft shows, and agricultural fairs, because we have so few Art or Fine Arts & Crafts shows.
But, that all being said...getting your feet wet doing the smaller shows, and earning monies to get yourself situated to do the bigger shows is a good idea. There is a lot to learn before attempting to jury into a huge show....and the people here can help. There is a search bar, and if you have a question about something, just type in some key words......say weights for booth, into that, and you will be directed to the convos and discussions concerning that issue. There are also groups here you can join, that are specific to the different mediums....as each one has it's own unique aspects. Seeking advise in your particular medium is very helpful in certain situations! The blog section is a good place to find specific info on shows... Have you been to what we call newbies central....I've been here on the site for going on 5 years, and still pop in there, to see who is new, what questions need are being asked...etc. I am still a newbie myself...lots to learn!! My shows for this season haven't started yet, we still have snow and freezing temps here. May will be the start of outdoor season here. My festivals will start!!
We all do the basics here...travel to shows, set up our booths, and sell what we create to the public. But we each have our own preferred venues, set-up and display issues and style, niche markets, and the others variables and what not. And we all started out at the beginning. On a shoestring budget, with no experience. It's not easy, but it is definitely worth it to those of us who are willing to make the sacrifices, put in the effort, and live the life of gypsies for part of the year!!
You'll want to keep the day job for a while. I still have mine and a partner, who is understanding and 100% behind what I am & do.
If you have any specific questions you need help with, just ask! Good luck today, and have a good show.
Donald, check out our classifieds here at AFI. People sell used equipment all the time. Maybe there is a reasonably priced tent there that would be good to used when just starting out.
Good suggestion Jacki!!
Chris and Richard have both been doing this for longer than I, and both have very good advise. Make no major purchasing decisions, without much planning, forethought, and consideration. But may I interject here, when you are selling your ART at an Art Fair, you are working in retail. The only difference is, you are selling what you the artist, created. Those retail skills you are getting are necessary. And guess what? Not only do you have to create it, market it, sell it, you also get to be the stevedore, too. Not to mention, book keeper, Business planner, scheduler..It's not just pitching a tent and selling the Art. It's a lifestyle, a BUSINESS. You live, breathe, eat, and sometimes get to sleep....the first few years in any new venture are ROUGH. I am 8 years in and still learning.
Karole, we never stop learning.
You mention sleep. Sometimes the hotels can be so expensive (or bad) we learn to sleep in the truck too.
Or get lucky and have friends or relatives near a show.
Done that too! Nice to visit with friends and family, and do the shows!!
Or a campers tent on the fairgrounds for a solid week, while everyone else is partying til all hours!I That we do!! For love of our art & craft!! We make sacrifices, but you know, I wouldn't have it any other way!! We hardy souls....
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