My family has finally gotten me to try art fairs. I haven't attempted a fair yet, but I'm working up the nerve. They think I have the talent and now they have me convinced, too. Is 55 too old to start?
I have always loved the process of doing watercolors. I enjoy how I feel on the inside when I do a good piece, but I fear the comments of strangers-you know the what ifs... I like creating art, but the business of selling art is a very scary thing.
I don't mean to rattle on and on... I just wanted to introduce myself to the Art Fair Insiders community.
Hi everyone! I'm Sue.
Replies
I'm a photographer living in Fort Myers year-round. I'll be happy to brainstorm what I know about local shows down here with you, and can introduce you by email to several local jewelers who may be helpful contacts. You can send me an email through the AF Insiders site to get started.
You didn't say when you're planning to come to Florida, but in general the show season kicks off in November, after the end of rainy season. There are a few craft shows run by Howard Alan's "American Craft Endeavors" (ACE) before that, but they are hot and uncomfortable for artists and patrons alike. He runs both craft shows and fine art shows throughout the "high season" (November through April). Although Howard's shows are not everyone's cup of tea, they are generally well-organized and there are a LOT of them (one fine art, one craft show per week). You can also apply to multiple shows with a single application, which will simplify the process for you. You can find information about his shows at www.artfestival.com.
As for the rest: I'd suggest that you subscribe to Art Fair Sourcebook and Sunshine Artist and begin scanning Florida show listings and advertisements now. Many late fall shows are already jurying; however, you're not too late if you begin now.
Good luck, and let me know if I can help further.
Susan Williamson said:
Regarding comments about your art. Realize that you will hear some people "pick apart" your work. Just forget those people. There always going to be these type of people no matter how good you are.
I sell sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry.
Good luck.
I guess I need to start thinking about next summer in the north. My scheduling needs to improve, I didn't realize that I needed to apply that far in advance. Live and learn.
A friend is going to loan me their canopy and you are right they are not as expensive as I thought.
Sue
Paule Galle said:
Why are you planning on a show so far from home as your first one? You'd be adding the work and cost of shipping everything to what is already a significant amount of work. You might want to think of getting you feet wet closer to home before you travel that far.
If it's a large juried show you're thinking of doing they probably are well into the organizational aspects now. You should be able to find a web site that will have info for artists that includes info about applications and the jury process. A lot of smaller Holiday shows are already in the planning stages. You can often find information on the internet 6 - 12 months ahead of time.
As far as a booth photo goes, maybe you can borrow a canopy from someone to set up in your yard. If not, they really are not that expensive. If you plan to do any "outside" shows you'll need one anyway. I looked into renting one here in Vermont rather than buying. It cost about the same to rent as to buy. Check Costco or Sam's club. I got mine on Ebay and it came with walls. Make sure you get a white one. Some shows require white. Also, don't be fooled by a lower price on one that does not include walls. When you get it you can set it up in your yard as a "dress rehearsal" to get your booth photo. That way you won't be under pressure to get it done in a certain amount of time and you'll have plenty of time to "tweak" things. When you submit the photo let the people know the booth is set up in your yard and that it's your first time. Tell them about any changes you plan to make. You'll probably think of some the minute you take the canopy down.
Good luck,
Paula
Then one day 2 friends wanted the same painting and they started to bid for it. At that moment I knew I might have talent. Now, it's 20 years later and I still love it and I would like to do something I love for a living and not hate to going to work.
I gave up the thought of doing a show this summer and am looking to do a show in southwest Florida (I'm from Michigan)for the Christmas season. I just don't know how early I need to register for most of this stuff. And they say I need pics of my non-existent canopy. I do have tables and vertical surfaces and some lights.
I was thinking of volunteering to help someone to get a real taste of it. Anyone need a volunteer?
Sue
Paule Galle said:
Paula
Diane Wright said:
I also sell jewelry and my first year I did not make any money - nice tax write off. I don't know what kind of jewelry you make but here was my experience. I started off with all strung jewelry. I bought really nice semi-preciouse stones, lampwork glass, and sterling findings. I thought my designs were interesting and different. My mark-up reasonable. But - I sold little more than enough to cover booth rent and expenses. Why? I asked myself. Economy? Venues? Well, I started looking around and found that everyone and their sister was making somewhat similar jewelry ( designs not nearly as interesting and materials not as nice as mine IMHO) I decided to look around to see what I didn't see. To find my niche - still working on it. At most craft shows, I find customers want cheap, inexpensive pieces (under $20). At art shows, customers want something truly interesting that they can't find anywhere else - they would prefer it inexpensive but will pay if it grabs them. I still do some strung pieces, but most of my work now is beadweaving or metalsmithing. I am still trying to find that unique low-end item that looks high-end and is artsy and wearable. Just my thoughts.
It's Paula again, to answer your questions. I covered my expenses (2 tables & booth fee) and a little more on my first show. It was an early December show last year. I think my jewelry was priced high for that show. There were a lot of jewelry artists there and many were priced below me. Also, many artists were commenting that people in general were slow to part with their money and that they were looking for small ticket items. That show may have not been the best fit for me.
This year I have scheduled 6 shows. All of them are in state. All of them are one day within driving distance from home except one. One of the shows is a juried 2 day show that will require an overnight. Needless to say I'm very nervous about that one. I've invested about $1500 - $1600 into additional display items (canopy, lights etc.) and booth fees. I would really like to make enough to cecoup my investment, and then some. I'd like to come out of this at the end of the year knowing that I can make money in this business. For me, right now, I'm trying to justify doing this as a business; so I have to be able to make some profit. Otherwise it goes back to being a hobby and I can't justify the amount of time I spend on it or the amount of money I have tied up in inventory.
I probably am as nervous as you are. I know I won't have trouble talking to the public. I'm really concerned about my display being conducive to making sales. From what I've read that's really important, especially with jewelry. No one needs jewelry, you have to make them want it to the point that they feel they can't live without it. I'll give it a go and see what happens.
What is your medium and when is your show?
Remember, smile and have a good time. Your prospective customers will react to that.
Paula
How did you do on your first show? How many shows are you scheduling? Are you going to travel out of state?
Just curious.
Sue
Paule Galle said:
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