Forum

Problem with Application

Posted by Dawn Waters Baker on December 15, 2009 at 1:50pm in Jurying for Art Fairs & Craft Shows

Hey all! I have been busy applying to some of my favorite shows for the Spring here in Dallas, TX. I just got my first rejection from a show that seemed like such a good fit for my work. I walked the show several times to see if I was "out of my league" or not. It's not that I think I'm some great artist it's just I'm wondering if my Zapp images are bad. I put together 3 of my best works and a corner image of my booth. I'm wondering if my booth slide was the clincher, i.e. I should have shown the whole thing. I know it's been discussed til the cows come home but could you all give me some advice on what works and what doesn't? It's frustrating to work so long on paintings, get a top of the line booth and then not get into shows that seem a good fit. I know it's my fault I just don't know where. Thanks in advance for your time.

White Lightning.jpg

Red Cirrus 01.jpg

Lightning in the Storm.jpg

You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!

Join Art Fair Insiders

Zapp, bad, booth, images, shot

★

Votes: 0

Email me when people reply –

Replies

Connie Mettler December 17, 2009 at 12:11am

That was smart to have Larry look at your images, especially the booth shot. The images attached above are pretty spectacular and it seems a wonder they didn't get you in the show...and yet, learning the ropes of this business helps a lot for the future. It is never going to always work. Some people have the knack more than others, but getting advice is always helpful.

Maybe we should have a booth slide clinic here.
Bonnie Eastwood December 16, 2009 at 11:36pm

Remember that 100's of folks can push that button and apply with Zapp, folks that did shows for years are not getting in to those same shows with Zapp. I have been doing shows for 30 years, apply to a show every weekend and jump for joy when I get rejected. I feel I have done all that I can do. My work is one of a kind and I win many,awards, 2 best of shows among others this year. Actually got me through the year financially.
Dawn Waters Baker December 16, 2009 at 11:58am

O.k. Larry doesn't know me at all and he kindly HELPED me so much on my booth slide. I cannot thank you enough Larry for such a kindness. It looks so much better.

Also, I just want to also say thanks to Art Fair Insiders for having this place to ask the advice of experts and those that have done shows. It's a great help to me Connie. God bless you all.

Larry Berman said:
E-mail me your ZAPP images and I'll do a free evaluation. Make sure to include your phone number in the e-mail. It must be today because I'm leaving for Denver tomorrow morning to consult with the ZAPP people on ways to improve and make the system and web site more logical for artists.

You can also use my http://juryimages.com web site to test different image orders.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Dawn Waters Baker December 16, 2009 at 11:56am

Hey Dave, you know that is a good thought. I know sometimes it's important to a show not to have too much of the same stuff. Although last year it didn't seem like to much of the same. I do know that the ones that get in tend to reapply and reapply so it's hard to find an opening and I'm in one of the bigger pools, Painting.

Dave Hinde said:
I'm a photographer, but my only thought was that your paintings all had a similar theme. If there were other artists with similar types of work, then it's possible they wanted more variety. I've been in a couple shows where I wish I'd been turned away because there were several photographers all favoring shore birds! I'm doing at least one those shows again in 2010, but I'll bring more of a variety of work.

Those were just my first impression thoughts. I haven't done any shows big enough to use ZAPP, so I'm not a good judge.
Dawn Waters Baker December 16, 2009 at 11:54am

Karin, your right. I don't need to look at just one rejection. It's been three years that I've tried this show and I walk it every year just to see if my work is not a good fit. Larry helped alot so maybe I'll have a better chance. But perhaps if I get rejected again it's just not for me. :)

Karin Neuvirth said:
Having Larry look at your images is a good idea - but If I were you, I wouldn't get all bent out of shape from one rejection - wait until you've got 10 - 20 of them under you belt atleast.
Dave Hinde December 15, 2009 at 5:49pm

I'm a photographer, but my only thought was that your paintings all had a similar theme. If there were other artists with similar types of work, then it's possible they wanted more variety. I've been in a couple shows where I wish I'd been turned away because there were several photographers all favoring shore birds! I'm doing at least one those shows again in 2010, but I'll bring more of a variety of work.

Those were just my first impression thoughts. I haven't done any shows big enough to use ZAPP, so I'm not a good judge.
Karin Neuvirth December 15, 2009 at 4:32pm

Having Larry look at your images is a good idea - but If I were you, I wouldn't get all bent out of shape from one rejection - wait until you've got 10 - 20 of them under you belt atleast.
Larry Berman December 15, 2009 at 1:57pm

E-mail me your ZAPP images and I'll do a free evaluation. Make sure to include your phone number in the e-mail. It must be today because I'm leaving for Denver tomorrow morning to consult with the ZAPP people on ways to improve and make the system and web site more logical for artists.

You can also use my http://juryimages.com web site to test different image orders.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100