I have been doing shows as my full time job since 1991. I have my BFA in metals, painting and minor in Art History. I have been so passionate about my job and Art for years and years.
Upon doing my taxes this year...looking at my gross income....I just didn't think it could get any worse. Last year I remember thinking. "Okay...this is the LAST time I will see that number!" " Next year WILL be better...on my way BACK to the good ole days." But...this year is even worse. I am bearly making it. I have no other skills..This is what I do.
I am really down and concerned about starting another year. Yet, I have no other options for jobs! I have been doing this WAY to long...The idea of working in some office sounds like hell...So...I sit here and complain..whine, yes. And will I get up today and work? Yes.
These last 5 years have really gotten to me. I have seen many talented Artists get "real" jobs. Go back to school and get nursing degrees. Work at Starbucks, take office jobs. I am shocked when I see how many people are going out and STARTING in the Art Fair biz! Are you nuts!? I can't think of a worse time to start in this biz. I really think the perception of the public is really different from reality. For instance....not long ago I was in the Doctor's office,...a young Doctor and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him. He asked me if I did Ann ARbor . (I live there) I said 'Yes." He says...."Wow...you guys must RAKE IT IN!!!!" I couldn't help myself....I started to laugh. If people truly knew how much work this is....and how little we are really paid. All they see is crowds of people at a show and it looks so easy......
I guess what I am saying is that it is really hard for me right now to look at my bench and torches and feel inspired. I feel pretty defeated. I hope my van makes it for 6 more months. i am in the market for a used mini van if anyone has any leads.
I head to FLorida for a few shows in 2 weeks. I was rejected from 8 shows out of 13. That was a blow too. Ugh.
Is anyone else as concerned as I am?
Replies
Yep-concerned and kind of gave up. Can't sustain the costs and lack of profit-or just break even money.
I had a good time and gave it a try but just to tired and old to keep up the effort. Time to just do what I like in art and not worry about the sales. See my discussion in the "Business of Art Fairs."
Hang in there-the economy will recover just not as fast as we would like.
I liked the art fairs of the 80's. Cheap-easy and not a "trade show" type of thing. Much more fun. and of course I was much younger.
Jurors seemed to like my work but they are not the buying public.Tried the creating art to please the buying crowd and that did not suit me. Just could not do it.
I found that doing fairs now, I had to spend too much time on display-bookwork-applying-travel-maintenance etc. and not creating my art.
Good Luck
I sent in all my scrap silver a few month ago and got over $2000 half i got in cash half i reinvested into material.
Like phillp said, you are not alone. I think the holidays dont help either, at least in my case, I like routine and now that school started and the house is almost back to normal I seem to get some energy back.
I do a moderate amount of shows and am member in two artist run co ops in new orleans
business has been down for me, first the storm, hate to even spell the name anymore, private mishaps, then economy and the oil,
What I did though,was adding more and or different venues, I went from 1 co op to 2 added a consignment place, and started to doing shows again the past 3 years Somehow it works, when I dont do well in one place I do okay in another. I manage my earnings well putting aside when possible to have when I need some, I dont think I will be rich anytime soon, but I dont want any other job.
In short, do what you have to do, add different or more venues and if you have to get a part time job. I truly believe though, that things will get better soon for everyone one way or another.
Let's work backwards on your note.
Congratulations on the shows you did get into in Florida this year. I suggest you do not ever, ever, ever judge your work by the standards set forth by any show. Most of them don't have any standards to speak of anyway. Do not accept what a shows says about your work to be an accurate observation. It's not worth your time and worry and concern. What matters is your customers and you as an artist. You need to make what you want to express while bearing in mind your market. The secret is how to make it work for you.
Vans will come and go. Lots of people are going out of business. Grab a used van. I got mine for 2k a couple of years ago from an under- or unemployed carpenter. $100 worth of tires from Wal-Mart and keep it tuned up and you will be good to go at least for the season. Pay for AAA, it's worth it.
Walk away from your bench and get out your sketchbook. Go somewhere neutral or new, and make yourself come up with new ideas and directions. Don't give me that inspiration nonsense - sit down and get to work. Come up with your new designs and ideas whether you feel like it or not and - then go to your studio and start making prototypes. Make something that no one has seen before and make it at a fair price for you and your patrons.
Get online and get in touch with your customers. Let them know what you are doing. You have the whole internet at your fingers to help you figure out how to do it.
Who cares what some doctor or anyone else thinks? You are in charge of your career.
Get inspired, creative, innovative, assertive, and flexible - no matter whether you have been in the past or not. There's nothing wrong with getting a job if needed - but sleep less and create your art and your art career more. Most people secretly hate you because you are doing what you want to do and they don't have that luxury.
Get to work - your patrons are counting on you to overcome this slump. Even in recessions there are people with money and people do want nice things. Others will chime in here with suggestions, but nothing will happen until you make it happen.
Finally please bear this in mind - there are so-called artists out there shouldn't even be in this business. It's time to as my wife says: "bitch slap the hell out of them so the wish they never even thought of competing with you in the first place.". That's a quote. You might think it's rude, but I have to live here.
Good luck. Please do not forget - a show is not a measure of your success or ability. Get to work.
Thanks! A good swift kick in the ass is needed. I am working now...feeling a bit better just having vented here about it...I would like to feel like a winner again. My customers love me...come back over and over. I KNOW I'm good at what I do. I would like to make some money....I hate being so poor. Worrying about paying the electric bill or even gas money to get to a show!
I'm going into the cave to start stirring my pot....
Its nice in theory...and I'm trying. its just down to
I can't pay for supplies and I owe suppliers
I have no money for applications
I am driving an unsafe vehicle and I am a single woman
The price of silver is soaring.
I can't pay myself.
I have an awesome mission statement for myself and have no doubt Im doing what I should be doing. But I need money to survive. Single mom with 4 kids, two in college.