I am looking into doing art shows. I would like some basic details to prepare myself for an art show.
Where are the best places to sell in FL?
How do I find out the fees of each event?
Do I rent a tent or purchase?
What are the first things I should do to make this happen?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
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Replies
Their are several web sites that offer show listings by state. I have used the following and found them to be helpfull: http://www.wheretheshowsare.net/ and http://www.festivalnet.com/
Bob Stuart - AKA Old Man Carvings
Welcome to the art show world. You will be on a new adventure a lot of ups and downs.
There is really no good answers to what are the best shows. it is different for everyone. I can have a great show and the person selling next to me can have a terrible show.
Where to start would be to see if Florida Arts Council has a book or online site that list shows in the state. I know in Illinois they have one and its free. I use a site called Festival net online. You can search for free shows in your area. The only bad thing about the free access is they only give you 2 months of shows usually and the deadlines for applying has usually expired if they are juried shows. I think I pay $40 a year and you get all the contact info and you can search by states or distance from your zip code they have juried non juried indoor and outdoor categories. For me it has been well worth the money. There are other sites also out there to search for shows but most have fees with them as well. usually one of the big topics with other artist at shows is about shows they have done recently and how they feel about it, meaning whether they will go back or not.
I have only done shows for five years and I am still learning more about what shows not to do then which to do.
Buy a tent, most start out with a cheap tent to see if they are up to the art show circuit. There are good days and bad days out there and the weather has alot to do with it. I think I had 5 shows which were heavily affected last year with rain all day long.
Tom
Tom's Foolery
www.picturetrail.com/tomsfoolery
1. buy my e-books advertised on this site, the Secrets of Success at Art Fairs
2. Get yourself out to at least one art fair every weekend and do your homework...talk to artists (when they are not talking to customers), take notes on tents, inventory, display, etc. If you are in Florida you should be mighty busy the rest of the fair season.
3. Figure out what your "product" will be
4. Fees vary from event to event, but generally speaking the most expensive ones are where you make the most money. Expect fees ranging from $75 (a not too big a deal show) to over $1000.
5. You might rent a tent to start with, but that is pretty much money down the drain and you can get decent start-up tents from KD for just about the price of a rental.
Fees are listed in an event's 'Call for Artists'. Look for number of expected visitors, how many years the event has been in existence, where will it be advertised.
If you plan to do a lot of shows, I would purchase a tent. Look to other discussions on this site abou the type. Get the best you can afford at this time.
Get good photos of your product. Don't underestimate the value of a good photo. Lighting and display are important. Maybe you can get someone nearby to help with that.
Keep in mind that shows vary from year to year based on weather and other events in the area. You'll do some and wonder why you wasted your time. Others will be great and you'll think, I should do this more often. There is something to learn at every show. So, even if my sales are poor, I make the best if it in talking with other artists and learning all I can. Exchange cards so you can network.
NEVER GIVE UP! Follow your dream
Good luck,
Rose (Pleasant Interlude Designs)