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Working as an artist or crafter allows you to use your creativity to create works of art and crafts that people want to have. But how they want to buy can sometimes be an issue.

Like many other professions where creativity and skill are needed to do the job, artists and crafters occasionally have to deal with people that don’t always seem to understand how the buying process works. Sometimes it is a friend who just wants the product for free because...well, because you’re friends. Sometimes it is someone who offers to pay you with another product or service. Perhaps the most odd is when someone offers to “buy” your art or crafts in exchange for “publicity.”

“I can’t give you money,” a customer might say, “but I have something better. I have a gazillion followers on FaceTwitLinkPlus and I’ll be sure to recommend you and your art (or crafts) to all of my followers.”

Is it ever ok to give away your art or crafts for free? Should you accept other products or services as payment? Is free publicity a good form of payment? The following are some helpful tips when it comes to accepting payment for your art or crafts.

1. It is ok to occasionally give your art or crafts away for free.

   Is a customer a non-profit organization that you would like to help out? Is it a loyal and reliable customer who has already purchased from you many times? Is it your mom? All of these situations are ones where giving away your product for free might be a good idea. It’s up to you to decide whether, for example, the trauma and hardship of laboring for eight or 22 hours in order to bring you into the world and then feeding, clothing, sheltering, and in all other ways taking care of you (in the case of your mom), is worth the cost of giving one of your products away for free. In the case of your friends, they might want free art or crafts, but if you give away all your products away for free, you won’t be in business too long. Think wisely about who to give your products free to.

2. Think very hard before you accept other products or services as payment.

   If the product or service is something you really need or it would save you money in other ways, it might be worth it. For example, if a customer wants to purchase a painting and offers you free food at their store, daycare for your kids, or other types of useful products or services, you can at least consider it. That doesn’t mean that you should always accept it - it just means it is an option for you to consider. However, if they offer you 40 hula hoops or the book they wrote about the political economy of some nation you’ve never even heard of, it’s probably not a good idea. In those cases, money is the best option every time.

3. It is rarely (if ever) a good idea to accept “publicity” as payment.

   Try this experiment (ok, don’t really, but just imagine what would happen if you did): The next time you go to the dentist or the doctor, tell them that you don’t have the money to pay them, but if they will give you that root canal or perform that surgery for free, you will let all of your many followers on social media know about them. Think that will work? We don’t either. So, why should that work for you? You are a professional, and you deserve to be treated as a professional and that means you deserve to be paid money for your products. Here’s the other problem: You can’t buy groceries, pay the rent or mortgage, send the kids to school, or do very many other things with “publicity.” In some cases, people use publicity compensation simply as a way to get a free product. We’re not saying you should never accept publicity as payment, but you need to be very careful about it, and it should only be done if you are absolutely sure that the benefits outweigh all the costs.

Do you have an experience about compensation for your products you’d like to share? Have other tips for artists and crafters about compensation? Please comment below.

Need a boost? We’ve created a list of 13 reasons making crafts makes your life better. We recommend sharing them with your crafting friends.

1. Crafting satisfies the need to create.
2. Crafting offers the satisfaction of seeing other people appreciate your products.
3. Crafting gives you the knowledge that at any moment, people all over the country might be enjoying your work. You never know how far the crafts you sell might travel.
4. Working on your crafts is an opportunity to relax, forget your daily worries, and focus entirely on one task.
5. Crafting allows you a level of self-sufficiency that is rare in our time.
6. Crafting connects generations as parents teach children and grandparents teach grandchildren.
7. Crafters who attend fairs and festivals become a part of a community of other crafty, creative, and delightful people.
8. Crafters can run their own business, set their own hours, and be their own boss.
9. Crafters surround themselves with handmade, one-of-a-kind goods rather than mass-produced, low-quality products.
10. Crafters are more observant, more mindful, and more inspired.
11. Crafters make better friends. Well, they at least make better gifts to give their friends.
12. Crafters develop an eye for detail and patience to accomplish stunning work.
13. At the end of the day, a crafter can look back on their work and see exactly what they have accomplished, which is usually a lot.

What would you add to this list? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Love the ACT blog? Click here to learn more about the artists, crafters, and tradesmen insurance program.

In Our Time of Mass-Produced Art and Overwhelming Advertising, We Should Celebrate Artists Who Push Back

Independent artists at art events and craft fairs are believers. They believe that handmade, unique, and locally produced work is worth fighting for. They believe that their designs and crafts can have meaning to other people as well as to themselves. They believe that corporate manufacturers don’t make art. People make art.

So what does all of this have to do with graffiti? Well, I would argue that some graffiti artists ( not all but many) make their art because they are believers too.

They believe that in a world plastered with billboards and advertising, it is good for artists to speak back. They believe that in a world where we can’t turn our heads without seeing an ad, there should be some spaces that have been taken back and filled with work that is free, truthful, and elegant.

Rebellion or Blessing?

“I, for one, would also rather see the creative outpouring of our youth on the walls instead of the billboards and advertising inflicted upon us around every corner,” Lady Pink, an artist and muralist from New York City who got her start as a graffiti artist, wrote in the New York Times.

“A bit of rebellion is something we should champion as a society. Somebody has to question the status quo—or we'll grow stagnant,” she said.

Others will argue that it is never right to tag someone else’s property without permission—that graffiti is first and foremost a crime. One solution for this problem is to create legal spaces for graffiti. This solution is positive in many ways, but it is not perfect.

Is Art More Compelling If Creating It Was Dangerous?

Eric Felisbret, author of Graffiti in New York wrote in the New York Times that while legal graffiti can be impressive and important, it might not be as powerful as traditional graffiti.

He writes, “A well-executed painting, rendered under adverse conditions and time constraints, is far more impressive than one undertaken without risk.”

No matter how you feel about the morality of graffiti, there is something compelling about an artist willing to risk freedom and well-being for self-expression.

When we talk about graffiti, it's important to make a distinction. We aren't talking about gang signs. We aren't talking about work that threatens harm to other people. We are talking about work that attempts to be beautiful.

What Does This Mean for You?

So why write about graffiti on a blog dedicated to artists and crafters?

Well, it’s because I think we should recognize their spirit, and even if we don’t think that graffiti is always good, we should all acknowledge that creativity is always better than its opposite.

We should feel inspired to continue our efforts to bring handmade, local art back into the daily lives of Americans.

Last year, August Martin High School in New York City was graffitied. The freshly painted, white walls of the school were flooded with color, and not only was this graffiti legal, it was requested.

The students at the high school complained that the white walls were sterile and uninspiring, so some of the most famous graffiti artists in the country were brought in to disrupt the white walls with stunning and inspiring graffiti.

This is the kind of thing that makes high school students proud of their school. This is the kind of good work art unleashed can do. Check out some of the art at the school here.

So we at ACT are curious to know what you all think of graffiti—whether you see it as a blessing or a menace. But no matter where you come down on this issue, we want you to know we admire you.

We admire artists who work because they love what they do. We admire artists who bring meaning to their own lives and to the lives of others by creating work that asks for nothing else but to be seen.

So carry on artists and craftsman! And thank you for what you do.

Construction workers have their hammers, hard hats, and gloves. Police have their handcuffs, flashlight, and gun. Doctors have stethoscopes, tongue depressors, and syringes. You get the idea. Every profession has certain equipment and supplies that come with the territory. Artists are no exception, so we asked our Facebook followers and did a little research to find the ten things that you will find in almost every artist’s bag.

10 Things You’ll Find in an Artist’s Bag

1. Sharpie, Pencils, Pens, Paint Brushes: Okay, technically these are four different items and should take up almost half the list, but this is my list and I make the rules, so I’m counting them as one.
2. Zip and Velcro Ties: I have absolutely no idea why an artist would need these. Can someone enlighten me?
3. Tablets, and/or Laptop: For taking notes and keeping track of measurements. These are never used for games, Internet browsing, or Facebook updates that would distract the artist. Never, ever. Yep....What?!...Don’t look at me like that.
4. Tape Measure or Ruler: Good for measuring. No, really!
5. Sketch Pad: Makes sense. No explanation needed.
6. Pencil Sharpener: Just in case.
7. Camera: This isn’t for everyone, but sometimes it’s nice to capture images and use them later for inspiration.
8. Water Bottle: To, you know, carry water for cleaning brushes. I guess you could drink it too, but maybe do that before you actually start to clean your paint brushes.
9. Snacks: Also not for everybody, but taking a little food break once in a while is good for creativity. At least that’s what the little devil on my left shoulder tells me.
10. Phone: Yes, the phone can be helpful for artists, as long as it’s not being used just for texts and phone calls.

Do you have anything in your bag that we didn’t include here? What If you could only have one item in your artist bag? What would you choose? Please comment below.

As new technologies continue to push our entire world forward, they begin to intersect more and more with the artistic and creative worlds.

One such intersection is the craft of jewelry-making and 3D printing.

Does 3D Printing Unlock Creativity or Stifle It?

As with every new technology, there are always those who worry about the loss of the "human touch."

This is a valid concern.

The art of hand-crafting jewelry is well respected for the effort, knowledge, and skill it takes. By replacing parts of this process with technology-generated designs and manufacturing, you can argue that the imperfections that make each piece unique are lost.

Yet it also enables increased opportunities for greater creativity.

In a recent interview by WonderLuk, one of the leaders in the 3D printed jewelry movement, the designers they were interviewing, a duo called Kezner, said, "3D printing allows never before seen geometric freedom."

Designs not achievable by traditional methods are now free to be conceived—and, more importantly, fabricated—because of 3D printing.

From designs that mimic the complex network of blood vessels or bone to the intricate and delicate textures of lace and interlocking spirals, 3D printing has blown wide the door of what is possible in jewelry making, not just on a large scale, but for individual designers and jewelry crafters.

Scaling Business Operations for Small-Scale Jewelry Designers

While it is, in some ways, a sad truth, art for art's sake is not a viable business model. For those looking to make a living off of their jewelry designs, it's important to be both creative and pragmatic.

Technology has always been a way to help achieve this. 3D printing in particular offers incredible opportunities for jewelry crafters to see their work realized in an increasingly affordable and scalable way.

In the same WonderLuk interview with Keznr, one of the designers said, "3D printing makes things simpler. Manufacturing, handling orders and moving products to resellers and stores is easier. Eventually, easier means more affordable."

At ACT, we believe in supporting independent artists and crafters. As 3D printing technologies continue to become more affordable, we can see how this technology can benefit them, both creatively and financially for their business.

Is 3D Printed Jewelry Still Art?

One of the common misconceptions about 3D printed jewelry is that it completely removes the human element.

However, any jewelry design must begin with the creative mind of a person.

Do the exact tools they use to implement it—whether it be a wax bur set or a 3D printer—really matter?

What do you think? Is 3D printing the next big thing for jewelry crafters or is it the end of this time-treasured skill? Leave your comments below to let us know what you think!

Attending art shows, craft fairs, farmers markets, and other festivals and celebrations to sell your art can be a fun and profitable experience. There is nothing like directly selling to customers. They are excited to meet you, and you should be excited to meet them because they are not only the ones that bring in the money to pay the bills, but they are also those people who can become loyal fans who seek out your arts or crafts.

As important as greeting customers is at events, the way you have set up your booth is just as important. After all, if your booth isn’t attractive, people are going to keep walking by and you won’t have any customers to meet, let alone get money from. Your booth says a lot about you and gives potential customers a reason to give you a chance.

The following are some tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your booth.

1. If the event is outside, invest in a tent. Having a tent allows customers to either get out of the rain or the hot sun (depending on the weather) and they will be grateful for it. If the event is inside, you obviously won’t need a tent, but it might be a good idea to hang something on either side of your booth to differentiate you from the other exhibitors around you, especially if the event is popular and booths are packed tightly together.
2. Whether you are inside or outside, your best work should be displayed prominently at your booth. Let customers see the amazing art or crafts you have and they will want to enter your area to meet you and purchase your products.
3. Make sure everything in your booth is secure. The second worst thing that can happen at an event is to have your one-of-a-kind art damaged or a craft you worked so hard on ruined because it wasn’t stored securely. The absolute worst thing that can happen is to have your product fall and injure a potential customer or to have your booth collapse and damage the merchandise (or people) in the booth next to you. In this instance, you are probably responsible for the damages, which not only means you likely won’t be making money at the event, but you might even have to dip into your personal funds. It might be a good idea to purchase insurance for the event, just in case.
4. Include a sign. A sign is important because it lets people know who you are and allows customers who might even be far away to notice you and want to check out your area. It also shows that you take the event seriously and want people to know who you are.
5. Give something to customers. Giving something to customers, even if it is just a business card, helps them remember you even after the encounter. Even if they didn’t purchase anything at the event, the next time they need a product you make, they will think of you.
6. Have a sign-up sheet for people to put their names and email address. This gives you the opportunity to send them newsletters, advance notice on products you are selling, and occasional emails that help them keep you in mind. The key is not to send them so much stuff that they get sick of you, but that they simply remember who you are.
7. Be courteous to everyone. Whether you are interacting with customers, event directors, or the artists and crafters with booths next to you, treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. After all, even your competitors might be interested in your work, but if you are rude, if you treat them as competitors, or if you act like they are beneath you, not only will they respond to you in the same way, but you might have lost business or referrals.

Do you have other tips to make attending festivals a great experience? Want to share some tips you use to make the most of your booth at events? Please comment below.

ACT provides business insurance for artists and crafters who sell their wares at fairs, shows, and other events. In the past years, as we have worked with professional artists and crafters, we have learned that there are many things that artists and crafters know about the art world that most people aren’t aware of.

For one thing, many people are surprised when they hear the term “artist insurance” because they do not know how the art world works for independent artists. They don’t realize that artists, like any other small business owners, need to insure their business.

So, to celebrate artists and crafters and help everyone become more aware of the art world, we’ve put together this list of nine things artists and crafters know that other people should know too.

1. Most artists are not reclusive. They can be found meeting and greeting the public and other artists at fairs and shows across the country. Many people don't realize that they don't have to go to New York or Chicago to see impressive, creative work. There might be an art event just down their street.

2. Artists don’t have to be famous to have successful careers and businesses. The internet has made it more possible than ever for artists to sell their wares, and art events across the country are thriving as well.

3. Artists and crafters can stimulate local economies. By purchasing goods from local, independent artists, consumers keep money in their own community.

4. Artists are not snobs. At least, they are not all snobs. Most artists fit right in with everyone else. In fact, you are probably surrounded by more artists and crafters than you think you are.

5. Art fairs and craft shows, are brimming with creative work that you don’t have to be a wealthy collector to purchase.

 

6. Art does not have to be obscure or inaccessible. Many artists would be happy to talk to you about their work, what it means to them, and what they hope it means to you. You don’t have to have a PhD to be lifted and inspired by their work.

7. Artists know how to produce wares with their hands, something that most people would not have the patience and care to learn.

8. There are a few things you should not say to artists and crafters at fairs. Don't comment on their prices being too high or try to haggle away their profits. Don't ask them how much revenue they bring in from their business. Don't joke about their work. Be respectful, and show appreciation for their efforts. 

9. There are a few things you should say to artists and crafters. For example, if you see something you admire, compliment them or ask them about their process. Ask them why they enjoy their work. 

Share this post to tell everyone what they should know about independent artists and crafters.

If you like this post and would like to know more about this program, visit our website here.

The holiday season is upon us once again, and the time has come to buy presents for your friends and loved ones. Yet, it always seems like there’s that one person who is next to impossible to shop for. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to find that perfect gift for them.

If you are looking for a present for an artist or crafter, this can be even more difficult. Sometimes it seems like no matter what you get them, there’s always the thought that they could make the same thing just as nice. Don’t fret! We have compiled a list of 10 gifts that you can get for your artist or crafter this season.

1. Magazine Subscriptions: There are many arts and craft magazines to choose from, some of which include “Arts and Crafts Homes and the Revival” or “Elle Decor.” You can also get them magazine subscriptions to other things they may be interested in (sports, nature, history, etc.).

2. Gift Cards: Hold on! We’re not just talking a generic gift card here. And before you say gift cards aren’t personal, consider this: your crafters go to some place like Michaels all the time anyway and spend their own money, so why not get them a gift card and help them save a little cash this season.

3. Craft Jewelry: Scissor necklaces, tape measure bracelets, and other unique and fun jewelry can be a fun gift to give and receive.

4. “Creative Doodling and Beyond”: Really any doodle book will do, but this particular book is full of fun prompts and exercises to help spark the creativity of the artist in your life.

5. “Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts”: I know, I know. Not everyone is a fan of Martha Stewart, so this gift might not work in your case, but this book is full of step-by-step guides to create some exciting projects that your crafter will enjoy.

6. Moleskine Notebooks: These were the go-to notebooks for artist legends like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, and writing legend Ernest Hemingway, as well as many artists and writers today. These notebooks are great for sketching and doodling as well as taking notes.

7. Self-Healing Cutting Mats: These mats are great for crafters who are constantly cutting paper, fabrics, and other items because the mat “heals” itself after the crafter cuts on it. No more scratches on the dining room table or workbenches.

8. Craft of the Month Club: These clubs can be fun for both adults and children. Each month the person who received the gift will get a kit with a new craft for them to do. This is a gift that keeps on giving all year long.

   NOTE: Pay close attention to the details before you buy. Some clubs start with an introductory rate and then charge more after the first month. This isn’t necessarily bad, just know what you are buying before you charge your card so you aren’t surprised later on.

9. Art and Craft Supplies: Paint, sketching pencils, scissors, fabric - the list could go on and on. After all, artists and crafters need supplies. You can ask the person’s significant other if the person has specific brands or supplies that they prefer.

10. A Gift Unrelated to Arts and Crafts: Artists and crafters have other interests besides just arts and crafts. Maybe they love shoes, or are a die-hard fan of football. Finding the other interests of the person is a great way to find a present they will love.

Do you agree with our list? What other presents would you like to see come your way this year? Please comment below.

Note: The links above are provided with the understanding that we do not endorse or stand behind any product mentioned, and we are not affiliated with the brands or stores in any way. The links are simply to help you see the product and get an idea for what the gift could look like.

Fall is currently in full swing and will soon turn into the frigid winter we all know. With the change in season (more abrupt in many places) comes a change in your ability to attend markets and festivals. Depending on where you are, many opportunities simply disappear for an entire season leaving you to find other avenues for sales.

ACT Insurance is here to help you in these instances with 3 tips to boost winter sales. Plus, we’ll tell you about one-day event insurance and how it could greatly benefit you during any upcoming markets you have on your calendar, or even that event you have coming up in the new year.

Ready to boost your winter sales?

Tip #1: Focus Your Efforts Online

With temperatures dropping soon, you’ll need a solid place you can make consistent sales. You might even already be selling online, but if you are not you should really focus on using the internet to boost sales.

Many exhibitors have online accounts with Etsy or Depop, or are even just making sales via Facebook Marketplace. If this doesn’t sound like you, then what better time to get started than now?

Etsy or Depop will take a deduction of your sale, so if you don’t think that’s viable then we suggest you sell on your own website where you control the costs of shipping and handling. If you already have a website then Facebook and Instagram are great places to start posting since it’ll allow many others to see what you’ve created and are selling.

Tip #2: Start a Blog

Blogs are all the hype these days. If you don’t have one for your business then you are really missing out on an opportunity to brand yourself and your craft or trade. This is also an excellent opportunity to create more content for your website (assuming you already have one) that can help you rank better when people search for the category of craft or artwork you create.

Take a dive into marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) to help you build your blog into the business driver it can truly be.

Tip #3: Find a Winter Market

Not all is lost in the winter! Winter brings with it many holidays and what better place to try to make a sale than at a holiday market? Hundreds of people peruse these markets looking for a unique treasure or the best last-minute gift.

Do a quick Google or Facebook search for holiday market events in your area, or even farther away if you’re willing to make the drive, and find a way to take part in them. You’ll never know what you’re missing out on until you are there as an exhibitor experiencing it all.

Bonus: Carry One Day Event Insurance

If you do happen to find that hidden gem of an exhibitor opportunity, you’ll need to have the proper insurance coverage in place. One day event insurance from ACT Insurance is designed to meet show requirements and protect you against general liability claims against you.

This means that if someone were injured during a show as a result of your booth’s sign falling over and onto them, then you could be protected against any arising lawsuit.

One day event insurance from ACT starts at just $49 and gives you 1–3 days of consecutive coverage. Days can be added to your policy for $10 each additional day. Our application is completely online and you can access proof of coverage documents in 10 minutes or less.

Don’t leave your business vulnerable and carry one-day event insurance for the holiday market you find this season.

Fairs, festivals, shows, and other community arts and crafts events offer an ideal experience for everyone to see and learn more about art. However, as with many public events, there are a few common rules of etiquette that often get overlooked. As a result, the enriching experience of an art event is ruined for those who want to get the most out of it.

Having been to a few art fairs ourselves, we’ve noticed this lack of etiquette and want to share our findings in the form of a quick go-to guide. Listed here are some basic etiquette rules that we believe everyone should follow while attending an art-related community event, comprised into simple do’s and don’ts.

1. DON'T have your group occupy a high-traffic spot or viewing space needlessly.

   With nearly every large public event, there will inevitably be groups of people who will stop to chat with each other in places where people need to be able to walk freely on. If you plan to attend an art fair with a group of friends, we highly encourage you to be courteous to your fellow fair attendees by not blocking high-traffic walking areas. This also includes viewing spaces in booths where the artist is trying to display their products to passing viewers.

2. DON'T touch any of the products without the artist’s permission.

   Artists appreciate it when you show interest in their work, but that doesn’t always mean it’s okay to touch it. Artists would like to keep their products in mint condition for all potential customers, so some may not want you to handle their products. Even if you’re considering purchasing the item, be courteous to first ask before touching products.

   Keep this rule in mind especially when you view or are around items like these:

   • Fragile items like glass or pottery
   • Paintings, which includes the frame
   • Any kind of furniture: tables, drawers, couches, etc.

3. DO be mindful of the food and drink you carry with you to a booth.

   Foods and drinks are not only messy when handled carelessly in a booth, but they can also very easily ruin fine pieces of art. If possible, try to finish or put away your foods and drinks before entering a booth. But if you feel you cannot do this and you have to carry them, be sure you have complete control over its contents so as not to accidentally spill on the artist’s products.

   Additionally, be mindful to not purposely set any of your food or drinks on their tables, especially drinks. Even a small water ring from your cold drink can stain furniture or make a booth table look unappealing. And lastly, out of courtesy, take care of your own garbage. Do not ask the artist of the booth to throw it away for you.

4. DO be extra mindful of children.

   Children can be enriched by an art fair as much as an adult. However, they naturally tend to move around more actively and be curious enough to want to pick things up. Keep your children close by and under control as you view booths—and better yet, take the experience as an opportunity to teach them to look, not touch.

5. DON'T visit an art fair simply to critique the art.

   Artists are very unappreciative of people who come to view their products just to tell them that their work is amateur, or that you are able to do better, or other such criticism of the like. One of the purposes of a community art event is to learn about other people’s art, and going around criticizing other people’s work does not meet this purpose. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

6. DO make an effort to communicate with the artist, but to also be brief and specific.

   While criticism is frowned upon, artists do appreciate any questions you may have about their work. Feel free to ask them engaging and honest questions about their art, such as their technique, their tools of the trade, how many hours they put into it, etc.

   Understandably, there’s a chance you may end up connecting with the artist and want to talk to them about other topics. Out of courtesy of their business and other shoppers, try to keep your discussion brief and only on their art. The artist is still trying to work, and it would be impolite to keep them from communicating with other shoppers.

7. DON'T treat the fair like a flea market.

   An art fair isn’t meant to be an opportunity for you to haggle a cheap price on someone’s art. Artists work hard on all of their products, and though they’re aware of what prices people look for, they will do their best to match the price with the amount of work they put into it.

   A small exception to this would be to kindly (and perhaps indirectly) suggest a grouped price for purchasing multiple pieces of their work. It will still earn the artist good business to try and compromise a bargain price for a bundle of their work.

8. DO be decisive on your purchasing decisions.

   Artists like that you’re interested in their products, but it’s discouraging to hear from someone that they’re not considering buying right away. If you really like their product and can honestly afford it, we encourage you to make that crucial decision to purchase it. The transaction will not just provide profit to the artist, but it will also encourage them to continue their work.

   Similarly, only ask the artist to put a product on hold when you are serious about purchasing it. It’s also discouraging to hold a product for a customer who may or may not return when they can also try to sell it to someone else. Again, if you can afford it, go ahead and buy it.

In short: always be polite, mindful, courteous, and respectful of others and their work. Remember that there are other people wanting to enjoy the event as much as you, and that artists want to do their best to both market their products and engage with all of their customers. By following these etiquette rules, you’ll be able to enhance your experience of a community art event as well as keep it enjoyable for everyone else.

August 19 & 20 
Duluth, Minnesota 
Bayfront Park on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior 
150 Artists
Deadline: March 16

Application Fee: $30  Booth Fee: Single 10' x 12' $300, Corner single $400, Double 10' x 25' $600, Double corner $70

The 8th annual Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair located on the beautiful   Duluth lakefront. Work includes jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more.

There is significant advertising, promotion in the North Shore communities and tourist audiences. Website and social media opportunities for artists.

New this year: This show is now produced by the Stone Arch Bridge Festival (Mpls) team.

Learn more & apply:  http://www.artinbayfrontpark.com

Application Fee: $35  
Booth Fee:  Arts Council Members $225; Non-Members  $250

Show promoters- Puleeeeze stop calling for "vendors" in your prospectuses and advertising. It drives me nuts!

After retiring from teaching art for 32 years i have had the chance to get back into the studio. Last year I did three shows. Two were inside and the one outdoor show provided a tent for "emerging artists". So this June will be the first outdoor show on my own.  I purchased an eze up 10x10 tent last fall when eCanopy had some great sales. Used it Winterfair Columbus, an indoor show, worked great.  But I have not yet purchased/made weights that I will need for the June show.  This show is on parking lot surface so the tent can not be staked, just weights. I need some advice on weights to secure the tent. How many pounds? How to best tie to the tent? do I purchase the weights? Do I make something of my own? Would appreciate any advice.

As some of you may remember, I won the full pass to the ZAPP Art Festival Conference from this year's pledge drive.  Well, it's been a long time coming, but I'm finally able to sit down and write about my experience there.

I flew from Oakland to Portland on Thursday morning and got to the Benson Hotel about ten minutes into the first session and quickly jumped from one session to the next, hoping to find topics that would help me learn how to make my art festival experience great and professional.

To be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed at first to find out that the main sessions were geared more toward art fair promoters.  I think I had been expecting this conference to be more like a convention; where art fair promoters and advertisers had booths where would-be artists could learn all the ins and outs of art fairs, have some questions answered, and learn how to improve their business.  But thankfully there were some afternoon break out sessions at the conference that focused on the artists and how we could improve our experiences.

One of the break out sessions that I found incredibly helpful was the Public Portfolio Critique.  My husband and I submitted our art and mock booth photo in the hopes of getting some feedback on our stuff, and YAY, we were one of the artists they chose to judge!  But I also learned a great deal from their comments on the other artists' images.  It was very cool to be sitting in on a mock jury, to get an idea of where they're coming from, what they're looking for, and how to improve my chances to be selected for a show.

And then there were the lunches.  I normally find a spot out of the way to sit and eat (whether from fear or a need for solitude, I'm not sure), but on both days people came to join me and I'm so glad they did!  I met some wonderful people during those lunches, and have some good contacts now; some fellow artists and a couple promoters, one even in my local area!

I also got to meet Connie!  While sitting in the back of the room at Eve Connell's session about effective interpersonal communication, I got introduced to Kelly Smith Cassidy who was also sitting in the back row.  When Kelly heard my name, she said that Connie had been looking for me.  That was a nice feeling, and I made sure to go meet her after the session.  She's just as warm and friendly in person as she seems on her podcasts and in the comments and blogs she writes here on AFI.

I was unable to stay for the festival afterward--as I had to get home and spend the weekend with my husband and his daughter--but I know I'll be looking at the festivals I walk very differently now.

Thank you, again, Connie and AFI for this wonderful opportunity!  And hopefully I'll see you all around at art fairs very soon.

Perfect festival weather brought out the crowds and buyers for the 48th annual Lewiston Art Festival, held on August 9th-10th in the quaint village of Lewiston, NY. Both days were sun-filled with temps in the upper 70's to mid-80's with a slight breeze at times. Direct sunlight overhead brought patrons into tree-shaded booths. All artists' booths, with the exception of the emerging "College Alley" participants, were lined up on both sides of the closed-to-traffic Center Street, facing towards the street. Most of the public walked up one side and down the other. With 165 artist booths, this was fairly easy to do, especially since there were many decent food booths and specialty foods peppered in between with simple, outdoor dining tents at a few cross-streets. Strolling musicians and artist demos were also interspersed throughout the street.

Sponsored by the Arts Council, there were two sets of awards: one for the street chalk competition and one for the participating artists with $5000 being awarded at an artists' breakfast at a local restaurant on Sunday morning. The judges awarded 4 awards in eight categories, though only for specific works at the artist's discretion, which were brought to a judging hall. In addition, one award for overall booth design was given.

This was a fun, casual show with easy set-up and breakdown (no advance check-in as all artists are "pre-registered" and cars were ready to come onto the street just five minutes after the show closed). The people who visited the show are regional (Lewiston, Niagara, Buffalo, Rochester with a fair amount of Canadian visitors) and seem devoted. I juried into two categories, exhibiting my line of porcelain jewelry and decorative porcelain wares. I enjoyed brisk sales all day on Saturday and almost equally on Sunday, with many of my "be-backs" actually returning to purchase. Overwhelmingly, the sales were of the jewelry (about 80%) to that of my claywork, though I was awarded a Third Place award for a sculptural vessel. The photographer next to me had been there for three years consecutively and was pleased with his sales and the airbrush artist with animal portraits was almost giddy regarding her sales. I witnessed many large paintings being walked down the street. Though most of my sales were single sales under $50, I did have several decent multi-purchases and the largest, single item was just under $200, so I do believe that the patrons are a tad price-conscious. Overall, I thought the balance of media was very good with a lot of diversity and the quality was good (7 on a scale from 1-10), though some of the art was outstanding.

I was very pleasantly surprised by many things. I had only participated in this show once before and that was about nine years ago. THIS was not that show. It was staged differently, no vintage cars, the street was closed to traffic, it was so much larger and far better attended. If there hadn't been the poutine fries and the French artichokes, I wouldn't have thought I was at the same show. I thought that the Arts Council did a fine job and I will be delighted to return next year.

Hi. Does anyone have a minute to tell us about Yorkfest? My husband does contemporary, funky, primitive, whimsical, stained glass-and-brass mixed media sculptures - 1-foot high to 7-feet high or long. We welcome recommendations about festivals open to funky stuff as well. We're in the Chattanooga, TN area, and would like to travel out of the South, especially DC area, Ohio, Mid-Atlantic generally. All the best to y'all - enjoying the blogs, they're so helpful! Kathy and Charlie