Thought it was best to stop in and at least introduce myself before I barge into any discussions. A little about myself- I'm a professional/freelance photographer and I concentrate most of my efforts towards Fine Art, and stock photography/publications as secondary. Currently 95% of my "sales" are generated via my website(s). Sales are steady. Other income generated from both publications and Stock use. Unfortunately web sales/commercial stock do little to meet with clients face to face and further expand the customer base and buying audience. It also excludes the buying public that likes to attend art shows and meet with the artist in person.
My urge to become much more involved with art shows led me to research-Sunshine Artist Magazine and this great looking website :) I started sloooooowly @ 5 yrs ago testing the waters at small, local arts&crafts things. No researching the shows beforehand, so of course not to sound funny but here I am selling framed/matted fine art prints for $500.00 + next to a lady who's blowing up baloons on my right and another woman selling figures made from pipe cleaners for .50 ea. on my left. You can guess how many $500.00 sales I made that day! Yep, lots has changed with my outlook on art fairs the last 5 years. Recently sold my entire booth setup except for the X pensive EZ-UP to load up for bear with a much more classy display to hang enlargments. Considered the pro-panels, but jeesh $2300.00 for what I needed is kinda steep...despite the fact I love the look of them. Storage space another issue as well. K, thats about it for now, most likely will be looking for feedback from artist on art shows up here in the northeast/New England region.
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Hi Thomas and welcome aboard :) This site is all about learning from others, often by our or their mistakes, so you're well qualified to barge in to some discussions! See you around the site!
Thanks Annette and Connie. I've already decided to commit with the mesh panel kit and stabilizer bars that are designed for the artist tent I own. (Flourish) Had an opportunity to take a good hard look at another pro photographers booth just this past week and they are really a good design. Also only 1/3rd the cost of the pro panels.
I doubt I'll be ready for any shows this summer, my photoshoots are a priority for new gallery work (Acadia NP, Cape Cod, a few select Vt.- NH.- and Maine autumn waterfalls and a Colorado alpine lakes backpacking shoot late September) and I'll miss most deadlines anyhow as its already mid June.
If anyone is interested in perusing my homepage website, the link is http://www.ThomasSchoellerPhotography.com
AHHH a fellow New Englander!!
Hi and Welcome Thomas!!
Glad to see you here. Annette and Connie are correct...you are definitely qualified to jump into discussions and start a few too! I live in Maine and medium is jewelry. We have some good shows up here, especially in the summer, (We fest anything and everything- from Moose to Moxie to Whoopie Pies) and you can definitely find some great photo ops here. I know I have! Any questions on the circuit up here, just drop me message, I usually check in daily! Check into Castleberry Fairs...Maine, NH, VT, MA shows....great reputation as a promoter. I plan on working with them 2013, myself! Again, Welcome, and good luck!!
Welcome, Thomas. Sounds like you've already learned a bunch of lessons in your first events. This is a good place to learn from "the mistakes of others," which I think is the best way to learn!
Search on the site for info about displays and setups that go beyond and before Pro Panels. There are lots of other options. I did a post last summer about the Krasl Art Fair that has a bunch of photos of different booth styles.
I look forward to your participation here.