I am a mixed media jewelry artist whose main ingredient is the dried acrylic paint pulled from the artist palette. After years of doing shows, my booth has evolved to what you see here. It is simple, colorful, lightweight, and it all fits in my car.
Recently I mentioned to my jewelry photographer that I have never been accepted to a show from Zapplication. He looked at my jury slides and then assured me it was because of my booth shot, not because of the jewelry . He went on to say that jurors look at the type of tent in the booth shot, and if it is an EZ Up they are more likely to disqualify you.
Here's my question: What do you think? Is it the tent or the display, or both, or neither? What can I do differently that could give me a better shot at being accepted into shows?
Thanks!
Comments
I am very happy with all of your input. It has helped me see clearly what is right in front of me yet I couldn't see. I am now in upgrade and simplify mode, and will post a before and after shot once I pull it together. Thanks again for your opinions and advice. I definitely asked the right group!!
Sandy- putting your booth shot here was very brave...thank you for doing that...honest comments from other artists willing to share their expertise helps those willing to learn. I learned a few new things, too!
I know that you have worked hard on this but, look at your booth with and artists eye. Like doing a critique of a painting. What is your point of interest, I assume your jewelery? , Then that is what you want to showcase. Have a clean lined display and let the Jewelery take center stage. Also your booth is weighted to one side. use your 10 x 10 space. I think the signs are a distraction as well as them painted on a palette, that is a bit trite. Best thing you can do for yourself is to go to a high end show and look at the jewelers booths, take notes as I don't think they would appreciate you taking pictures but you can make little drawing with notes. NOW, I don't mean copy someones display but use it as a jumping off point. I know a critique is hard to take but I do think everyone is trying to help you out. It was nice of everyone to take the time thus showing they care and that they want to see you be successful
I've seen a lot of jewelers doing extremely well at art shows - they all have a display case up front rather than at the back of the booth, and have an understated color scheme. I noticed on one show application that jewelers didn't have to provide a full booth shot, they just had to show the display portion.
I took my booth photos standing on a stepladder. Those couple of steps allowed me to shoot my booth so the canopy showed but the metal frame (other than the legs) did not.
If you eliminate the canopy, some show will kick your application back and request a new booth picture showing the canopy. Showing a three walled white canopy (with some of the top showing) is required for most applications. Having the top in the picture differentiates an outdoor booth from an indoor booth.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Many art show applications ask for a booth picture showing your work. It took me too long to decide there was some jewelry in the booth. The customer walking by or a juror with limited time will not stop to figure out that you aren't selling tie-died clothes. The booth is pretty but too distracting. rearrange your booth so your product is the focal point at a glance. the booth is better used as a contrasting background and not as additional decorating. I would definitely move in to eliminate the other distractions such as the tent and the scenery. Many jurors are not smart enough to know that the folding canopy is the best style is the best one for a traveling artist and by itself has very little to do with cost or weather resistance. That is a whole different discussion. Good luck with your pursuit of acceptance .
I think I understand the purpose of the palette as it relates to how you create your jewelry. Since it seems unique (at least to me) I suggest that you have some large poster photos of yourself creating your jewelry to hang on the sides of the booth,Don't use the dressed mannequin for display. If you can, invest in a few of the clear plastic jewelry displays that allow you to display a necklace, one of your best pieces of course.
I agree with the others, more muted colors in your table covers and walls would focus more on your product. Can't wait for the after pictures but I know booth design is a evolution, not an overnight transformation
Thanks again, everyone, for your input. I look forward to posting my "after" photo soon!
PS, please share a before and after with us : )
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