I have been making jewelry for a long time and just starting to do shows. From research and visiting the shows I want to do, I made some changes to my booth to make it more professional. However, I lost something in the translation! It needs something on the walls and some signage. I also have a problem with my tent...how do you get the sides to be nice and taut? Or do you just cover them? help/input/comments would be greatly appreciated. Be honest, I can take it!
Comments
A progress report for everyone who was gracious enough to give me some advice...I have purchased draping for my tent walls and have some beaded fringe I'm adding to my table cover. I also spotted a wrought iron decorative wall hanging that is compatible with my wirework. I now need to get some nice poster photos of a few pieces and a nice wall mirror, then I'm going to set it all up in the backyard and play around with arrangements. I can see it in my head, but you know how it is when you try to get it out and tangible!
Thanks, everyone, for the great ideas. I think some colorful drapery, a mirror, and some large mounted photos of my work are next on my list. I also saw a nice wrought iron decorative wall hanging that caught my eye. I'm particularly interested, too, in the comments about theft. I've been very luck so far, but I've heard stories from others. Maybe cases, maybe rearranging my tables. Thanks!
Carol, looking at your booth shot made me think of thieves. If you help someone on one side people on the other side will have their backs to you and may walk off with a piece or two of your work. I think most jewelry booths are set up so that the jeweler can look out and help people without having to turn their back to anybody. We live in that type of world and you work to hard to make it easy for a thief. (Can you tell I grew up under Detroit?) So, when you look at other jeweler's booths check to see if their booths are set up so that they stand in the back of the booth with a clear eye looking out at the customers. You never know when your booth will get packed with people and one person will ask for help keeping you from watching quick hands.
Carol, there is another booth discussion going on and we are looking at Renee Sullivan's booth image. You might check that -- also have you googled on this site to see some other examples. Here's my favorite one (written by me, of course) http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/how-do-you-like-this-...
Carol, think of a gallery when designing your booth. You want to be comfy and inviting. Add a splash of color here and there. Maybe a nice mirrow on one side with some nice draperies. Also what catches the eye is exactly that - items at eye level making it easy for a customer just strolling by to stop in. If you do use tables or racks make sure the legs are not showing. They need to be completely covered so your "underwear" is not hanging out. You may want to look on Craig's list for jewelry display cases. I found 2 really nice ones that are wood and glass for 1/8 the cost newfrom a boutique that went out of business. Once I took new booth shots using those cases, I got into two fine art shows.
If you have your name in the booth, the shows will either reject you or give you a lower jury score or even kick back your application asking you to remove it. The jury process is supposed to be blind. Also, if you have other information hanging in your booth, it's a distraction to the jurors.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thanks, Larry. I wouldn't have thought of that. Why not?
Make sure there is no signage in your display picture.
Larry Berman
Thanks, Larry. I'll check out your tips. I simply walked out in the aisle at a show and took a picture of my display, but it makes more sense to set up specifically to take the picture. Regarding ProPanels, when I started I used card tables with a tight-fitting black stretch fabric over the base, and cloths overtop. When I visited shows to see what people were using I did see the type of display you're talking about, but when I researched I didn't find anything that wasn't going to be a couple of thousand dollars. I'm not in a position to spend that at this point, so I found some heavy wire racks that break down for packing and have a fitted fabric base that attaches with Velcro, then the silky fabric laid over the top (which doesn't show up that way in the photo). Much less expensive but comparable to some that I saw at the shows Maybe when I get something on the walls and some signage, plus take a better photo, it will look better. Note, my comments are not meant to be defensive since I agree with you...just the financial facts. :) Attached is my "old" display.
Your camera is over exposing because the camera is trying to compensate for the darker table cover. That's why you have no detail in the jewelry.
If you want your booth to look more professional, consider something other than tables and table covers. Pro Panels makes very professional looking carpeted desks that look better as a base for your jewelry. Or consider using pedestals.
It's best to set the booth up for the photo. That way you have control on the lighting, wind, sun and all other aspects of what needs to be considered. Read these tips on my web site on how to photograph your booth:
http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/photograph-booth.htm
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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