Hello! I am new to the site, new to participating in Art Fairs, but not new to attending Art Fairs. :)
I've been an artist/creator my entire life, but for some reason I've always felt like my art wasn't good enough to sell. I've been successful with my only Etsy shop for the past 6 months and I am really eager to sell my pieces in person. I've applied to vend at my local Farmers Market as well as participate in a Sidewalk Sale alongside local businesses.
I think I have the right idea, starting small, but I am worried my items won't be good enough for a juried show. I don't yet have a booth shot, that will come once I actually do my first market, but I just have this feeling while looking at other artists booths, that mine will never look polished enough.
I really do love my craft and I've made and sold over 30 pieces. I really want to take it to the next level next summer and try my luck at some juried shows.
What do you think? Would my work fit in to a traditional juried art show? What category would you put me in? I often see categories for fiber and leather, both of which I could qualify for.
Replies
I agree with Christina...these are the most elegant dreamcatchers I have ever seen. Beautifully constructed. I would also say fiber...but I think I would send the director of the show these photo's and ask if she agrees. Good luck to you and keep up the fine work.
Thank you! Well, we shall see how the farmers market goes this weekend!
I think these could jury under fiber. it doesn't matter that you have a twig or two in there.
You would prob have less competition in that category as your work would be different.
Thanks! Fiber is what I am leaning toward :) Are there generally not a lot of artists in the Fiber Category?
Hi, These are the nicest dream catchers I've ever seen...really beautiful workmanship. I guess I'd agree with Jennifer about the mixed media category but someone here should know for sure what would be the best fit for you. You could even ask when applying, perhaps? In any event, welcome and best of luck as you move forward.
Thank you!! I don't think the photos do them justice. :)
Good idea. I will definitely ask when I apply!
Thanks so much!
I think these are beautifully constructed. I haven't done many art fairs, but I have been selling from my own studio/gallery since 2012, so I have some experience with selling.
Have you ever made a larger dreamcatcher? I am not sure looking at these what size they are, but a larger one to catch people's eye for your back of booth and then some smaller ones would provide some nice variety.
I've learned a lot from customer comments. I used to be afraid of critiques, but I've started to realize that by and large I get positive comments. And often what you hear over and over again is valuable information, or what piece a large number of customers gravitates towards. I've heard a lot when people look at my work 'this would be great in a beach house' or 'bright colors', and it helps to tell me what demographic my work would be likely to sell better at. For me that means oceanside shows, farther south--for now in my area, but eventually in Florida.
Your work has a distinctive Southwestern flair to it. What area of the country are you in?
Bottom line--I wouldn't hesitate to start submitting for art fairs based on the quality of your work.
I'm not really an expert with show categories. I would probably say mixed media or fiber.
It's worth going and looking at some of your local fairs, or researching online reviews, or both.
Thanks for your reply, Jennifer!
I suppose it is hard to tell from the photos, but most of these are quite large. My smallest ones are usually around 30" long with a 6" diameter, and the biggest ones are up to 48" long with a 12" diameter. The big ones are quite popular, but I usually make a smaller one to showcase new designs as they don't use nearly as much material. That is a great suggestion though! I wasn't really planning on making any larger ones just to have on hand, but I started 3 of the larger ones this weekend.
I think I definitely know my demographic. It is mainly young and middle aged women, or people looking for gifts for young/middle aged women or infants. So far, 90% of my customers have been female. :)
I am actually in the Midwest - Chicago area. I don't know that I would be willing to travel to the southwest for a fair just yet, but maybe in the future :). I think right now my goal is to get into one really good juried art fair for next summer and see how it goes.
Thank you! The pictures really don't do these justice. All of my customers agree that these look far better in person. I am hoping that by having a tent setup, I can get some better photos of my work. It is very difficult now because I don't have the opportunity to take photos in natural light very often.
Mixed Media or Fiber sound like the right idea. I can always check with the show organizers.
I was planning on going to the Old Town Art Fair this weekend to see what its like, but I injured my foot very badly and walking has been difficult. :(
Bummer for your foot! I'm sure there will be other opportunities to look at fairs. Good for understanding who is buying your work.
Sounds like you're on the right track to make more of the larger ones. I'm curious, why can't you take photos in natural light?
Also, some of those stones your have embedded look like they might have some translucency. If so, might be nice to put a diffuse light behind that area when photographing.
I've got my first outdoor art fair next weekend; wish me luck!
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