Hello all, I am new to this site and new to exhibiting at big art fairs (I have done several small, one-day street fairs) and would love all the advice I can get. I have already read all the existing posts I could find about this festival, but have some specific questions.
In case it is helpful as you are considering my questions, here is my work and my prices will range from $200 to $2,000+ (sizes are 12"x12" to 48"x60").
- I've figured that I will need 16 paintings to fill my display, but I have no idea how many I should "expect" to sell, so how many additional ones I should have to ensure I'm able to maintain a full display.
- Have you noticed any sales trends at this show? Popular price points or sizes?
- Do prints do well? Do you sell them in your booth in addition to in the reproduction tent? It is my understanding that prints for sale in your booth can't be on a wall and have to be presented elsewhere.
- How many business cards, or other printed collateral like postcards, do you give out?
- Where do you keep all your supplies for packaging paintings? I attended the show last year and don't remember artists having tables or desks under which to store things.
- Have you been able to park close to your booth?
- Any tips for surviving the six days?
Thank you so much for any help you are able to provide. I truly appreciate it.
Replies
Hardly anyone brings plastic anymore. Most people just close up the front and unzip the middle half way and fold the front back.
The tents are not the same as they were 20 years ago.
Not a whole lot of people show up for the presale anymore. I'd be willing to bet that nothing is the same as it was 20 years ago.
Larry Berman
Couple more things to consider. If you have older work that you no longer can sell, they have a kid's area for work under $5. They handle the sales and it gets added to your gross that they take a percentage out of. Not sure if things have changed since I did the show but there was a reproduction tent that they also handled the sales for/take their percentage from.
Bring lots of clear plastic. Pick up a roll or two 10x50 or 10x100 feet from Lowes or Home Depot. And bring a lot of spring clamps. If it rains, you want to use the clear plastic to protect your work and still be able to sell. When I did the show, the only protection was their blue vinyl sides that you would put up for overnight. I did better with the clear sides from my Craft Hut so I was able to stay open in any weather.
You won't be using your own canopy but the sides will come in handy. Also, if you have display panels, bring them so you can hang your work your own way instead of using their display which may not work for you. Also bring lights, extension cords and light bulbs. Don't count on the lights they provide.
I checked my records and the last time I did OKC, was twenty years ago. I've heard they changed their display and moved the show but up until then, things were the same year after year. Booths were set up in square quads with a triangular shaped space for each artist. That's why your own display panels can work well. Also I remember traditional work did well.
Monday is set up day and they bring around the people or companies that pledge money early Tuesday morning for the purchase awards. Be there early ready to sell. They promote the artists at art center functions all year leading up to the show so a lot of sponsors know in advance who they will be purchasing from. For those artists, Tuesday is the best day for sales.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Larry Berman
Thanks so much for all this, Larry. I saw Barry said people don't often use the clear plastic anymore, but it seems like a fantastic idea to me, so I'll probably come prepared with some. Good to know regarding extension cords and lights. Have a good weekend!
Hello Catherine,
I don't know a thing about this show but I just wanted to say "hi" and welcome you to AFI. We're delighted to have you as a new member of our community and I'm confident that you'll get some great advice here as well as a real sense of camaraderie...thanks and best of luck to you as you move forward.
Christina, thanks so much for the kind welcome. I'm excited to be here too.
Here's my advice:
If someone wants to buy a piece from your website, take the money. There are no guarantees.
Being a potter, I think there should never be reproductions until I can have my work reproduced cheaply in China and sell them. Absolutely do not have repo's in your booth. There is a place for that.
Free parking will be provided. Read the info in your packet.
Bring clothing for every occasion. It can be 90 degrees every day or 35 and raining. There hasn't been any snow, yet. There hasn't been any tornadoes during the show but there has been tornadoes the week after, twice, in the last few years.
Don't eat the donuts unless you want to gain 10 pounds in a week. OKC is sugar crazy. You may need a week to detox from the sugar buzz.
There is no telling what will happen at this show because it is in a new location.
Make friends with your neighbors.
There should be an artist lounge with bathrooms. Make sure you know where they are.
What happens at this show is dependent on how well Devon Energy is doing. I don't know what the effects of $1.60 gas will be on the psyche of the patrons.
Thank you for taking the time to respond and for your advice, Barry!