Ok, I know this year isn't over, but I have to think about what I plan on doing next year, now. I have been wanting to go after the Renaissance Festival circut since last year, but haven't gotten up enough guts to do so. I have worked at the Maryland Ren-fest from 1991 - 2001 and loved every minute of it - as I worked with friends and the managers and other staff members treated you like family. I did everything at the ren-fest, but sell art - so I know nearly everything that goes into making them run, being a manager of a booth, about the food, customer service, the history, etc. And yes I own several ren-fest costumes (complete with bodices).
My question is does anyone here do any Renaissance Festivals? If so, which ones do you like, have thought about doing, etc. I have several friends who own booths/stores at the fair and that is all they do - ren-fest - or just do one or two mixed with more high end shows. I also feel the potpourri and other products I make (which leans towards the herbalist medium) would make for a great fit with many ren-fests.
Any tips, ideas, and feed back would be awesome! Thanks in advance!!!
Michelle
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Bad news. I didn't get into the MD Ren. Festival. However, the soft blow is that no one, who newly applied, got in as they had 100% return on all vendors. Not bad as the reason is a positive one if you look at it. There is a very small chance some of us applicants could be considered if there is an issue with one of the returning artists, however there is no waiting list. This is cool as there are 2 other ren-fests I would like to apply to during the time of the MD one as well as countless other weekend events during Sept. - Oct. I would be happy to get into too. So, don't be sorry - be happy and hope to be even more ready for 2011!
I am still crossing my fingers. I won't know for another month or two if I am accepted. With MD, for instance, when you apply (to get juried) your just check off what you are interested in doing. While some can't do every weekend there is the option of being a guest artist with a temp. booth. I am lucky that I am available to do all 9 weekends and very willing to take on the responsibilities there. I have had 10 years of experience working closely with show management (who is still there today) giving me an advantage - not because I know them, but because I do know the ropes (taking ownership of a building for instance) and not some newbie. I had some luck talking to several artists this - although I talk to them every year - and this was probably the best year to date - aside from two very rainy weekends they have GREAT crowds with even better sales than past years. I also saw quite a few new artists this year there which gives me hope knowing that are really looking at talent and newer (yet still traditional) art forms and not just seniority.
Patty, can you say which ren-faires you have done or at least the regions you have done? I am only curious. Thanks for the input! Michelle
I have done ren faires for 19 years- in several capacities... I also do art shows with my beads- my suggestion is to work the fairs you might be interested in doing and do research through networking while you do. I make more money per day at art shows as it is only a few days, and less per day at ren fest, generally, but by the end of several weeks, it's a respectable living once you average it out. Early weekends can be very slow and discouraging. Many have temporary guest spots you can try before investing. Owning a booth is a big investment- you should test the waters first if you can. Some shows are more tightly juried than others, others will accept anyone who wants to hand them money. Getting the Maryland show as a temporary guest for a weekend is your only hope there- there aren't many shops for sale, and they don't have tent spots except for the guest tents.
The reason many artists look askance at renfaires is that they aren't always an individual artist venue, per se- there are plenty of shops that are one person's work, but most are not. They are below artist standards because of the need to sell a lot of items of many price levels, and it's beyond the physical ability of one person, even though the work may be very cool and you can't buy it in normal stores and you don't often see it in galleries as "art". There's always exceptions, of course.
Then again, after the last few art shows I've visited, I can't say the " art" at some art shows is much different. Good luck!
Michelle, Just saw your post and thought I would reply. I have been doing Ren fair for 25 years, and I mix it with more high end shows. Your product does sell very well at ren fairs. Maryland is one of the best ones on the circuit, so you have a very good start! Since you say you have friends already doing the fairs I would start there looking for workers. It really is a small community with people who if they can't answer your question will probably know someone who can help you.
Since you have little one, I would suggest sticking close to home. Driving back and forth every weekend gets old really fast! New York, Sterling is a nice fair, too - just before MD. Perhaps you could do a few weekends there as a temp?
As far as the elitist's who look down their nose at Ren Fair- that is their karma. My Ren Fair money helped to put my child through college - I make no apologies for making money. And it is really tough to beat a 10 minute set up and break down! Because I have a solid booth (not a tent) weather is a smaller factor for me than a regular art show. Any more questions?
Debbi
No questions, just want to clarify that I don't have any kids, yet I do have 3 dogs :-)
I have been contemplating New York too - know of some exhibitors there too, just never been to that ren-faire.
Pauline Ross > Michelle SholundOctober 29, 2009 at 7:43pm
Sterling Forest Renfest was my favorite place to have fun when I lived in NY. In 1985 I set up a photo booth under a crazy looking patchwork looking canopy to look festive, to shoot patrons in costumes with a beautiful lake and bridge backgound. We loved it. They loved it. It was always crowded all day. People returned, in their personal costumes, year in and year out. Do it.
Thanks Hugo! Blush blush... I have quite a wardrobe that is just sitting in the closet - enough for 4 days of work at a ren-fest. I have decided to apply to the MD one (close to home, has a good price and it is what I know and possibly one in VA. I am limited in my travel distance as I can't afford the hotel/camping, travel, paying for workers, etc. and try to make a profit on top of that - especially if I am just testing the waters. If 2010 goes well then maybe I will rent an RV or something and do more which then would make it worth my while. So far I am still checking out other ren-fests - the ones in NY sound pretty tempting as I know a few have a GREAT rep as well as GA and TX. However I have 3 dogs and a husband who is very much happy with his job - a secured clearance job working with computers to also think about. Not to mention I am no where near retirement age to think about throwing caution to the wind. lol But thank you for your words of reassurance and always looking for more info/tips other can offer like the best way to find employees (use a bulletin board, advertise in local high school newspapers, craigslist???) . Michelle
Jeanie Schlegel > Michelle SholundSeptember 26, 2009 at 11:07am
Hi Michelle,
Great to see another ren-faire person here! We had one up here for a while and I had a shop for 5 yrs there (Ontario Renaissance Festival, 2000-2004). As an artist I loved it - had a blast for seven weekends every summer! I put a lot of love into my little shop, and it was truly a very "magical" time of year for many of us.
Now, years later, re-entering the faires as a single mother with a 6 yr old in tow will be a whole different ballgame.
As far as finding employees at faires,there are lots of eager rennies and students who show up in garb looking for work, and many merchants I know simply post a "hiring" sign at their booth or in the faire office.
Jeanie - nice pic! I went to the Ontario Ren-fest I think it was 1998 or 99. They are sister faires to the MD one - The Smiths started it and I think??? turned it over to someone else or perhaps they still run it. That part is all unclear to me. Anyway, I LOVED the Ontario faire - great location, great buildings, great acts.... It was very similar to the MD one, only 2 months earlier. The MD one is still going on until Oct. 25th . I will be going back again to catch a truly amazing group - Albernach - can't spell it, but are coming directly from Scotland and they are HUGE there - and they make a one time appearance in the states at the MD ren-faire. Sorry, I am getting a little excited.
I will keep your ideas/suggestions in mind IF I get into the faire. It is tough to get past the jury (they only accept maybe 10 newbies each year) and to get a permanent structure is even harder. I could use all the luck - so thanks for wishing me luck and of course back at you. A young one sounds like it might be tough, but dress him/her up and they'll get so much attention, it will be worth it. You'll look back on it and cherish those memories - especially the good ones. Later.
Amy Schulz > Michelle SholundSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:11am
Renaissance Festivals are where I make the most money and have the most fun. If you have worked them before, then you know how to work the crowd. It is different from selling at a traditional art show and so much more fun. You can get away with just about anything if you use the right manner.
Now for a great looking temporary booth check out my friends site for instructions on making a popup Renaissance Faire worthy. http://members.cox.net/randwhit/popup/ I have a beautiful cover for my tent. I hired him to make it since I do not sew, but he does not normally do that. I then use the ceiling cover like what Paula had posted on this forum and I wrap my tent legs with matching fabric and use nice tassled ropes to make them appear as curtains. I use wood shelves, so they fit in just fine. You will need to make a banner that is not of vinyl. I bought some canvas to make a new one. Keep meaning to get to that as well. I have a large faire in Las Vegas in 2 weeks. Since I am on the western side of the country, I can't tell you about faires on your side, but I hope some of this helps. Always feel free to contact me if you want to discuss anything. You have my email- right? If not, go through my website www.happymagpie.com/etching
I actually do not do the faires that run more than 1 weekend due to having a 5 & 7 year old that need me at home. They have severe ADHD and there is no way at this time that they are coming to shows with me. I would suggest the small faires as well as the big ones for you. There is less merchant competition and they are just as wonderful. It also can help you get your booth the way you want it. You will also have to tweak your merchandise to fit with the theme of course. Not sure if they will allow in your plastic spray bottles. Or if you do, put those towards the back and not as many out to be seen.
Jeanie- I know that we merchants are like a family and could help keep an eye on your little one, but I hope you can hire help that can assist in keeping an eye on your child. You know how the gypsies are...
Replies
I am still crossing my fingers. I won't know for another month or two if I am accepted. With MD, for instance, when you apply (to get juried) your just check off what you are interested in doing. While some can't do every weekend there is the option of being a guest artist with a temp. booth. I am lucky that I am available to do all 9 weekends and very willing to take on the responsibilities there. I have had 10 years of experience working closely with show management (who is still there today) giving me an advantage - not because I know them, but because I do know the ropes (taking ownership of a building for instance) and not some newbie. I had some luck talking to several artists this - although I talk to them every year - and this was probably the best year to date - aside from two very rainy weekends they have GREAT crowds with even better sales than past years. I also saw quite a few new artists this year there which gives me hope knowing that are really looking at talent and newer (yet still traditional) art forms and not just seniority.
Patty, can you say which ren-faires you have done or at least the regions you have done? I am only curious. Thanks for the input! Michelle
The reason many artists look askance at renfaires is that they aren't always an individual artist venue, per se- there are plenty of shops that are one person's work, but most are not. They are below artist standards because of the need to sell a lot of items of many price levels, and it's beyond the physical ability of one person, even though the work may be very cool and you can't buy it in normal stores and you don't often see it in galleries as "art". There's always exceptions, of course.
Then again, after the last few art shows I've visited, I can't say the " art" at some art shows is much different. Good luck!
Since you have little one, I would suggest sticking close to home. Driving back and forth every weekend gets old really fast! New York, Sterling is a nice fair, too - just before MD. Perhaps you could do a few weekends there as a temp?
As far as the elitist's who look down their nose at Ren Fair- that is their karma. My Ren Fair money helped to put my child through college - I make no apologies for making money. And it is really tough to beat a 10 minute set up and break down! Because I have a solid booth (not a tent) weather is a smaller factor for me than a regular art show. Any more questions?
Debbi
I have been contemplating New York too - know of some exhibitors there too, just never been to that ren-faire.
Great to see another ren-faire person here! We had one up here for a while and I had a shop for 5 yrs there (Ontario Renaissance Festival, 2000-2004). As an artist I loved it - had a blast for seven weekends every summer! I put a lot of love into my little shop, and it was truly a very "magical" time of year for many of us.
Now, years later, re-entering the faires as a single mother with a 6 yr old in tow will be a whole different ballgame.
As far as finding employees at faires,there are lots of eager rennies and students who show up in garb looking for work, and many merchants I know simply post a "hiring" sign at their booth or in the faire office.
Best of luck!
Cheers,
Jeanie
Renshop1.jpg
I will keep your ideas/suggestions in mind IF I get into the faire. It is tough to get past the jury (they only accept maybe 10 newbies each year) and to get a permanent structure is even harder. I could use all the luck - so thanks for wishing me luck and of course back at you. A young one sounds like it might be tough, but dress him/her up and they'll get so much attention, it will be worth it. You'll look back on it and cherish those memories - especially the good ones. Later.
Now for a great looking temporary booth check out my friends site for instructions on making a popup Renaissance Faire worthy. http://members.cox.net/randwhit/popup/ I have a beautiful cover for my tent. I hired him to make it since I do not sew, but he does not normally do that. I then use the ceiling cover like what Paula had posted on this forum and I wrap my tent legs with matching fabric and use nice tassled ropes to make them appear as curtains. I use wood shelves, so they fit in just fine. You will need to make a banner that is not of vinyl. I bought some canvas to make a new one. Keep meaning to get to that as well. I have a large faire in Las Vegas in 2 weeks. Since I am on the western side of the country, I can't tell you about faires on your side, but I hope some of this helps. Always feel free to contact me if you want to discuss anything. You have my email- right? If not, go through my website www.happymagpie.com/etching
I actually do not do the faires that run more than 1 weekend due to having a 5 & 7 year old that need me at home. They have severe ADHD and there is no way at this time that they are coming to shows with me. I would suggest the small faires as well as the big ones for you. There is less merchant competition and they are just as wonderful. It also can help you get your booth the way you want it. You will also have to tweak your merchandise to fit with the theme of course. Not sure if they will allow in your plastic spray bottles. Or if you do, put those towards the back and not as many out to be seen.
Jeanie- I know that we merchants are like a family and could help keep an eye on your little one, but I hope you can hire help that can assist in keeping an eye on your child. You know how the gypsies are...
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