Hi... I have been doing shows for 3 years now and I have always had space behind the booth to do business, store my stock and put my chair if I need to sit for a while. Now, I'm been invited to some bigger shows in bigger cities and they don't have space behind the booth like I'm used to....
Where do I put my stock and other things I need to do business? I have 2 big rolling boxes that I keep my 2D art in, I have my briefcase, cooler, chair, etc. Where do I put it all?
Not having done any shows like this before, I could really use some advice from others who have.
By the way, the shows I'm concerned about are:
The Chicago Tribune Magnificent Mile art show and
The Promenade of art, Arlington Heights Chicago show
Thanks for your help,
Chip
Battle Creek, Michigan
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Make sure you read the application in full before you apply. If you are an artist who needs this extra bonus space and a show says that you will only be given a 10x10 space then don't apply to it. My last show had pod storage available for artists who needed the extra space and this was stated on the application.
Even if a show does not have an artist feedback form, send them an email anyway with your feedback, esp. in this case.
As Larry mentioned - you get what you pay for - ie; 10x10.
Other than getting two booths, you could apply for a corner and use the outside walls, giving you more space inside. We tend keep our "business supplies" to a minimum. Most shows have nearby parking and booth sitters available. We keep our replacement stock and larger cooler in the van or trailer, taking a smaller lunch type cooler that holds only a few water bottles. We use a Propanel desk that has two shelves in the back for money box, briefcase, small lunch cooler, and our box of misc. emergency supplies. We also hang a few choice items on the propanel desk. The chair takes up minimal space in the back corner. If it's a great selling show, a walk to retrieve replacements isn't too bad - in fact, I rather enjoy the little break - gets the blood flowing. Less clutter is best for a good presentation. Once you get used to not dragging everything you may possibly need, you'll love the simplicity of it all. Another bonus - if the weather turns ugly, everything is within the protection of the tent.
JORGE CALIGIURI said:
ok, but whrt happend when the dimention works are large (I work in 40 0r more inches), you can't take space of your booth for storage.
Most artists with very large work always apply requesting two spaces. Like I previously answered, you can't count on getting more space than you pay for.
Your display should always be designed to fit within the space you've paid for which is usually 10x10. Any more space than 10x10 is considered a bonus and can't be depended on as you've found out. My booth has a 38 inch square storage in the back corner if I need it. That's the space contained within the area of one ProPanel squared. And I sit behind my desk within my booth. Prior to going with ProPanels, I always set up in a 6x10 and kept the back 4 feet as my personal space to sit and store inventory.
Replies
Even if a show does not have an artist feedback form, send them an email anyway with your feedback, esp. in this case.
Other than getting two booths, you could apply for a corner and use the outside walls, giving you more space inside. We tend keep our "business supplies" to a minimum. Most shows have nearby parking and booth sitters available. We keep our replacement stock and larger cooler in the van or trailer, taking a smaller lunch type cooler that holds only a few water bottles. We use a Propanel desk that has two shelves in the back for money box, briefcase, small lunch cooler, and our box of misc. emergency supplies. We also hang a few choice items on the propanel desk. The chair takes up minimal space in the back corner. If it's a great selling show, a walk to retrieve replacements isn't too bad - in fact, I rather enjoy the little break - gets the blood flowing. Less clutter is best for a good presentation. Once you get used to not dragging everything you may possibly need, you'll love the simplicity of it all. Another bonus - if the weather turns ugly, everything is within the protection of the tent.
JORGE CALIGIURI said:
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Art Show Tips Blog
http://ArtShowTips.com
412-767-8644
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Art Show Tips Blog
http://ArtShowTips.com
412-767-8644