I've been reading so much on this site about people staying away from first year shows. In a way I can't blame them, you obviously want to go where the money is. But, how are new shows suppose to get started if quality artists don't participate? There are lots of artists out there and new ones starting every day. When the economy gets better these current shows are going to attract more artists and become more competitive. Whats going to happen years from now if there aren't any new shows being created? Just curious what people's thoughts are on this.
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i guess my question would be those of you who did first time shows and then took a break from show does the promoter remember you years later when you apply again. I did a few first timers and some promoters forget you even went thru the hard times with them.
Well larry wrong you are, I applied to Cherry Creek the first year and got rejected, then i figured let us try one more year. so i did and i got my second rejection. So i figured the heck with them and i have stopped applying and i have never rejected it. Had a friend apply the first year and he got in, ended up burning his transmission up going to show he did real well, that was the first and last time he ever got into the show. I try to stay away from first time shows and i been in this business for over 20 years and i have no regrets.
Just to clarify, the three-day show was NOT the Leesburg show, which was a two-day show.
I had a terrible, zero-sales time at a first-year three-day (ouch) show, though my expenses were minimal. I just came back from the Paragon show in Leesburg, VA, and while I didn't have a stellar show, it was a fabulous show in a very cool and very enthusiastic town. People near me had some of their best days ever, and there was lots of interest. The show was well managed and strongly marketed, and as a first-year exhibitor, I was told that I have an edge in this show in the future.
I with you now too Sam. Did the " New Buffalo" show Lost our butt as with most of the Artist that attened.
The booth fee was pretty high for a first time show. I believe the show is trying to make a dent into the Krsal market. Time well tell.
Brian,
Thanks for this post. I'm the founding monkey of the Guerrilla Artists Group. We are holding our second Fine Arts Festival in Mooresville NC. We are not able to do enormous promotion for the event, as we are a grass roots, 501(c)3 organization. However, bringing art to our community is our goal. Thank you to all the artists who took a chance on our event!
www.guerrillaartistsgroup.org
Hooray for ART!
There is enough blame to go around on why shows work or don't work for everybody. For one thing allot of artists are in the wrong venues with the wrong price points or products and then there are issues of what people want in there homes.. I am a recovering exhibitor on a 10 step program to accept that this a different world than before with no guarantees and allot more risks. We all have to do our homework and except the consequences of trying any show, it's a jungle out there ... But we can't help ourselves .. It's what we do
I just got back to the hotel after day one at ARTsarben, a first year show by the same folks who do the Omaha Summer Arts Festival. I was a little nervous about it, based on all of the wonderful insight about first year shows from AI members, but decided to take a chance. And it paid off. Day one for me was stellar! The flow of patrons was constant - to the point where I felt guilty about needing to leave my booth with a volunteer booth sitter so I could get something to eat (among other necessary things!). Great sales, some really amazing artists, and perfect weather. Can't wait to see what day 2 brings :)
Thanks for all the great advice! One thing I'm learning on this site about all shows and probably the most important thing, is to research the show & area and make sure travel costs won't break you if you don't do well. Glad the experienced is willing to share their advice on this site and make it a little easier for us newbies.
I agree with Sam, I also recently got burned at a 1st show, by a good promoter. I have to look at my financial situation and can't afford losing that kind of money
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