Greetings to everyone and Happy (belated) Halloween! When I was thinking about Halloween one of the most frequent asked questions I hear is “what are you dressing up for on Halloween”, right? Well, it made me want to revisit a topic I talk about often (just not lately) and thought about it until just this week. I am referring to the topic of dressing for success – at an art fair, not so much for Halloween. :-) I do believe the way you carry and present yourself certainly reflects how people perceive your artwork. Today I am going to talk about what I think is and is not appropriate to wear for an art fair and why. (Note: The photo is one I took of my pekingese dog named Hayley while I had some down time at my part time job).
Question # How should I dress for success at an art fair?
First and foremost, dress comfortably. That doesn't mean you should dress “frumpy” in your old college sweatshirt with holes or stained t-shirt you just can't part with. This means wear comfy shoes (for starters) to prevent injury and aches and pains. Depending on the weather forecast, dress for the weather – if it is going to be rainy, bring an umbrella or better yet a durable raincoat. In hot weather dress in loose fitting airy materials like rayons, silks, or cotton blends that allow for “personal air-condition”. During colder months, dress in layers this way you can peel off one layer at a time if it gets warm (like some indoor shows I have participated in where it is freezing in the morning yet like a sauna come close down time). I can't tell you how many times people think it is far more important to dress in their “Sunday's Best” yet quickly find they are making customers feel intimidated or uncomfortable. I often see art sellers irritated because they are uncomfortable in their suit or dress, and their feet hurt and often do not see this affects the attitude of buyers. I guess some just have to learn the hard way – you don't have to!
I also find coordinating your clothing with your artwork could help benefit you in the long run. For instance if you sell tropical photographs or paintings wearing a tasteful Aloha shirt this could add to the ambiance and show you have a very laid back easy person to talk to. If you sell metalsmith jewelry, think about dressing in black with silver/gray accents or browns if you work in copper. If you demonstrate wear a smock/apron, this can show you aren't afraid to get down and dirty yet at the same time can take it off and start selling being clean and presentable. If you sell dog art/craft, perhaps a t-shirt or sweatshirt of your favorite breed would be ideal to not just advertise yourself but could be an ice breaker too. Another idea is to wear what you make like scarves, jewelry, hats, belts, etc. If you are proud of what you make, wear it proudly.
For an added professional look think about getting some professional shirts made with your business name and /or logo on it. I have done this in the past and not only does it work as a badge at shows as well as walking advertisement, it makes you look sharp and professional. This could be a simple personalized apron, polo shirt, button down blue jean shirt, or even a jacket. There are tons of companies, especially local businesses, that specialize in this sort of thing and often a lot more cheaper than shopping for regular clothing that you may find you will want to wear it all the time – outside of doing art fairs.
Lastly, whatever you choose to wear for a show at the very least make it clean. Some people do work up a sweat setting up – especially on those hotter than Hades days, so bring an extra shirt or pair of shorts/pants. Also, this goes for those who just can't avoid dripping ketchup or mustard on your clothing during a quick lunch break. There is nothing more distasteful than seeing a person with arm pit stains or holes in their shirt or pants, yet selling nice artwork. It leaves a bad taste in peoples mouths and if their first impression is you, before they see your booth, you will forever loose them as a customer. Wouldn't you think twice if you saw this at a show? Share with me and others how you dress for success and if it has helped in making sales by using the comment button. The next question will tackle good and bad spending habits artists are faced with when wanting to take your busienss to the next level. Until next time, hope you had a great Halloween! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com
Comments
Bananas are good, tasty, and full of vitamins and minerals, plus potassium. However, it can take a banana up to a full day to metabolize in your system and rid you of those leg cramps.
Why non-sugar? Because sugar in a drink on a hot day plays havoc with your insulin levels and can cause headaches, plus you get the sugar high and then the crash. Not good for a long day at the show!
Last summer, a bunch of women exhibitors got together after a day of set-up (we all came in from out-of-town) and before having dinner together, went out for manicure-pedicures. You can usually get a manicure for less than $10 and it helps transition from "set-up day" when we're all just day laborers and pack mules to the "show days" when we are prima donna artists.
This comes from a jewelry person, mind you. I don't know about potters and such. I'm not sure I'd trust a potter with manicured nails...
When someone walks into my booth and is looking at my photography, I want them to feel comfortable with what I'm wearing. Maybe it's classism - I'm appealing to folks who have some money to spend (hopefully!). Case in point - a friend of mine wore black tank tops, cutoff jeans and really dirty sneakers when doing art shows. One time, he complained to me that the only people who really walked into his booth to look at his splendid paintings were bikers and others of that ilk. When I mentioned (my wife added her excellent opinion, too) that you dress for your audience, by the next show, he had a nice shirt and good slacks (he is bowlegged and short pants only make that condition more obvious). His sales shot up!
One time I did dress in a t-shirt and shorts - it was a hot day and could only think of comfort. The t-shirt I had was one of the Life is Good shirts only the opposite - Life Sucks and it is all about how everything Made in China sucks with images of recalled items like a kids dolly and toothpaste. While it might not be the most dressy of shirts, it got a huge reaction from people talking about how they really have a hard time finding made in America stuff and so on. It ended up being a great ice breaker. Thought I would share that with you all...
I always dress in "set-up" clothes and change into my business attire for the duration of the selling hours. You can't go wrong with black. Women - Black pants, nice skirts or capris complemented with a nice top. Skip the shorts regardless of the temperature. Athletic shoes are great for setting up, and tearing down but change them for the show. You will be able to find comfortable and supportive shoes without being ready for a jog.
I also agree with dressing to compliment your wares and don't be afraid to display them proudly on your person. I have literally sold pieces off my body.
I specialize in holiday themed art with Halloween being my absolute favorite. Come October don't be surprised to find me "in costume". Part of being successful is to work your booth. Simply being freindly, smiling and starting minor conversations honestly helps to boost your sales.
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