I've seen a number of these craft fair listing web sites.
I've been to some shows because I saw them on there, but I was wondering if there is a "goto" reference?
Also, is it worth buying the premium membership to glean more insights?
Thank you.
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Replies
Is Connie selling a premium membership now?
I just found a post I made in May 2012 where I answered the same question.
The original thread:
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/show-rankings
My post within the thread:
For artists that go back far enough, it was Sunshine Artist Magazine and then the Harris Rhoades (spelling?) Report, which listed only the top shows. Next came the Art Fair Sourcebook put together by Greg Lawler, who was someone actually able to get accepted into the top art shows. Exit the Harris Rhoades (spelling?) Report which wasn't heard from for about fifteen years and came back a few years ago as the Harris List and I think faded out again.
So for years it was Sunshine Artist Magazine and the Art Fair Sourcebook. Artists used the Art Fair Sourcebook for the best shows to apply to. Their statistics and reviews seemed to be the most accurate. Artists used Sunshine Artist for their show listing for mostly filler shows or non A level shows. Few paid much attention to the reviews or articles.
And then the internet and social media happened and everything was shaken up. All of a sudden it became much easier to get show reviews, though I don't think they are as accurate as the old Art Fair Sourcebook. A lot of long time artists don't pay much, if any, attention to show reviews because a show review from a single person is only one person's point of view of a show that might have had between 100 and 300 exhibitors.
The best resource is to network with fellow artists. Speak to your neighbor when you do a show to share experiences. Make sure to take into account the differences in your work and your market. Don't be afraid to try shows that have potential.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Spot on, Larry, still after a couple of years.
Bobby, there are several good discussions in here where artists talk about how they choose their shows. Richard Sherer did a long and detailed one a while back. This has been a recurring topic for years here. If people would only fill in the "tags" it would be easier to find them.
Furthermore, as Chris said, you just never know how its going to turn out until you do it.
No, Larry. I am not selling premium memberships now.
Thanks for the replies.
The reason I ask, in particular, is because some of the shows I go to are definitely for more of a buy and sell type of arrangement. But I don't buy sell, but at the same time, I don't have 1,000 paintings. So I feel like some of the advanced discussion on this site for art shows is beyond me at this juncture. But then again, I'm always learning!
So in the mean time, I don't mind going to a shows that I believe many on this particular forum would never consider!
Just a comment, but I don't think you are an art fair type of exhibitor. You have a craft, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Sadly, a lot of people look down their nose at crafts, not realizing a good craft fair is not someone sitting behind a table making something from popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners.
I've never done an art fair, and never will. I'm a craftsman, not an artist. Art is to be admired, and crafts have a function. Your pens have a function. Jewelry has a function. Tiffany lamps have a function. Know what I mean?
But it makes no difference whether you're an artist with all original oils, or a craftsman making funky lawn sprinklers, or the lady behind that table with the $1 plastic canvas, shows are shows, and we all do them the same way. We have our work, set it up in an attractive, well lit booth, dress nicely, and wait for the promoters to do their job, which is only to bring people past our display. Nothing else.
As far as Sunshine Artist magazine goes, I stopped subscribing probably 15+ years ago. But for you, it would be a good idea to get it. Articles about promoters, show advice and show listings in your area. Shows you can do to find your market. Shows where you get that much needed experience. Shows where you will make the same mistakes we all made when starting out.
Good luck.
The biggest problem with looking for that 'go to' site is, there really isn't one. Sure, there's festivalnet.com and others, but the listings are there only if the promoter lists with them. There's no clearing house site that will list all the shows. Also, many of the sites are regional, so if you see a show you like, maybe it's just too far away.
Other things to consider are how far you're willing to travel, how much you're willing to pay for a booth, and what kind of money you expect from a show.
Also, always think about whether a particular show that got great reviews is your target customer. And that may be through trial and error. I just came home from a show that had great exhibitors, plenty of customers, and I just made expenses. It wasn't my market. One would say that after doing over 1,200 shows I would have that figured out by now. Nope.
Hey Chris, can you list some of the 'and others'. I personally don't mind if I have to check several places but would love to know the ones that other artist deem to be good lists. I currently use festivalnet and like it fine just want to make sure there are not other shows in my target area.