Please help

I am very new to the Art Fair...I just decided to do it this past month. I know most of the dead lines are past but since I do not have any experience I am taking things slowly and will do one or the most two shows this year.In my efforts to get the application going I am running into a problem....I see one request that I cant fulfill since I never done this before:"Booth Photo should show your outdoor booth, fully loaded, as it would look at our festivals." What does one do if they had never had a both before? Anyone can help to clarify this for me ? What do you do ? You do not send the photo with the shot? I do not see anywhere in the applications an option where to specify "first show" or something similar where they will know you are a beginner...I appreciate any from those of you with experience and thank you in advance.

Replies

Art on the Lawn: Barbara Berney March 27, 2010 at 9:32am

As a show director, I get lots of inquiries about the booth shot. One of my shows requires them, one does not. For the one that does, I suggest what I said before, that they set up and photograph as best they can. HOWEVER, different shows do handle this differently, so by all means, check with the show director. Most of us have policies for first timers and some of us will even offer tips and tricks to help you get started. :)
Barbara

Jan Raven said:
I agree with Diane (and Barbara and Larry). Since you are just "testing the waters", plan on two or three small, local shows. Doing just one show may not give you a very good idea of how successful you might be. My first year I did little community festivals with very low booth fees and deadlines only a month or so before the actual show, so it is not too late at all! As far as what kind of photo to send in lieu of an actual booth shot, I would strongly advise that you just contact the show directly. Organizers are generally helpful (in my experience) and can tell you what they would like to see. Don't try to guess what a show wants; just ask them!

Good luck!
Jan Raven March 27, 2010 at 9:17am

I agree with Diane (and Barbara and Larry). Since you are just "testing the waters", plan on two or three small, local shows. Doing just one show may not give you a very good idea of how successful you might be. My first year I did little community festivals with very low booth fees and deadlines only a month or so before the actual show, so it is not too late at all! As far as what kind of photo to send in lieu of an actual booth shot, I would strongly advise that you just contact the show directly. Organizers are generally helpful (in my experience) and can tell you what they would like to see. Don't try to guess what a show wants; just ask them!

Good luck!
Diane Wright March 26, 2010 at 5:20pm

In addition to what others have said, I would also suggest you start with local shows and not the big shows where the competition is enormous.
Connie Mettler March 26, 2010 at 4:08pm

I came to "help" but after reading Barbara and Larry's replies see that they have covered all the important things. Whatever, do NOT send a photo of an empty tent...follow their suggestions because they cover all the exigencies.

Welcome to the art fair business.
Cornelia Haymes March 26, 2010 at 12:42pm

Thank you so much for your prompt response ...WOW ..I consider myself lucky to run into this side... I see there are a lot of people ready to share their knowledge and expertise here... Yesterday I felt so helpless and didn't know where to start... today I feel there is hope and a lot of good people out there left !!!! Thank you Barbara and thank you Larry !
Larry Berman March 26, 2010 at 12:27pm

You need to contact the show and ask them what you should do.

Some shows have alternate plans for new first time exhibitors. Some ask for a grouping of work spread out and photographed. Some just ask for an additional art image. Some shows on ZAPP have what's called the Emerging Artist category where you submit an additional art image and they provide the display if you get accepted.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Art on the Lawn: Barbara Berney March 26, 2010 at 12:24pm

Hi Cornelia,

What I, and most other artists do, is set up in the back yard, with a canopy and everything set up as you would at a show. For first timers, this is a guess, but just try to make it as attractive as possible. In the winter, set up indoors and do the same. It's a hassle, but it helps the show directors to know whether an artist might be a good match for the show.

Best wishes for your ventures.
Barbara