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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.

Sometimes people, even well-meaning people, say just the wrong thing to artists and crafters, especially at shows and festivals. So we asked our Facebook followers to tell us the top things not to say to an artist or crafter, and we got some great responses!

10 Things Not to Say to an Artist or Craftsman:

1. “I’ll just get my friend to make me one of those.”
2. “You know what you should make…”
3. “Do I get a price break if I buy two?”
4. “I can make that myself.”
5. “Why does it cost so much?”
6. “How do you make this?”
7. “Will you donate your artwork to our event? We can’t pay you, but it will be great exposure.”
8. “My nine-year-old makes this kind of stuff too.”
9. “Kids, this is what happens if you don’t go to college.”
10. “I can buy that at Walmart for $3.99.”

I want to thank all those who contributed with your feedback. We hope all of you have a great day doing, you know, whatever artists and craftsmen do with all their time…

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.

Here are a few reasons that craft fairs are so important to the crafters, the customers, and the community.

1. Craft fairs save dying arts by giving leatherworkers, woodworkers, textile weavers, and other artisans a venue to show their wares.
2. Crafts sold at craft fairs are made with love (not underpaid labor).
3. By purchasing goods at a craft fair, you are supporting people rather than corporations.
4. When you purchase from a craft fair, you can know that the product you are buying is unique.
5. Visiting a craft fair is a chance to meet local artists and appreciate their creativity rather than visiting a mall filled with the mass-produced merchandise.
6. Handcrafted items will usually last longer; in fact, they may become heirlooms.
7. By purchasing crafts at an art fair, you are fostering creativity in your hometown.
8. Crafts sold at craft fairs celebrate the diversity and culture of the community.
9. Purchasing from craft fairs supports local entrepreneurs and the local economy. By buying at home, you keep that money at home.
10. Buying goods at local fairs supports local art events and encourages your community to host more events like it in the future.

Share this list with friends and other crafters to encourage others to buy and sell local.

Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of ACT Insurance, its employees, or any of the companies affiliated with it.

In light of recent events, it seemed a good time to write a blog post about something that many artists and other creative people have faced for thousands of years and that some of them are still facing today. When, if ever, is it ok to censor art or books, and how much freedom of expression should creative people be allowed to have?

These are difficult questions that can’t be fully answered with this simple blog post. So why bring it up? Why bother even writing about it? Because having the conversation is just as important as answering the question.

As with most everything, people have differing opinions on the issue. There are those who believe that some images and words are not appropriate and should be censored every time. Other people believe that nothing should be censored - under any circumstances. There are also those who take a middle ground.

Sometimes the reasons art is censored changes over the years. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain has been censored numerous times over the years. While today it is usually banned because of its racist language and stereotypes, it was first banned one month after its publication by a Massachusetts library in 1885, according to a Huck Finn teacher’s guide provided by PBS. Why was it banned? Because of the “very low grade of morality...couched in the language of a rough dialect [with] a systemic use of bad grammar and an employment of rough, coarse, inelegant expressions. It is also very irreverent…”

Ouch! What artist or author would want to hear that about their work? Mark Twain didn’t mind. His response: “They have expelled Huck from their library...this will sell us another 25,000 copies for sure.”

There are good reasons that people give for why censorship is needed (usually for the sake of children), whether you agree with them or not. There are good reasons that people give for why censorship is not needed, whether you agree with them or not.

Still, it seems odd to call for art to be censored simply because I don’t like what I’m seeing. Who am I to censor something that I consider “offensive” when someone else may have the opposite feelings as I do? My feelings about this “indecent” thing may be very strong. The other person may have feelings just as strong as mine. A piece of art that I consider “immoral” could be a beautiful work of art to someone else.

And here’s the great thing: If I am offended by some piece of art, I have options. I can be my own censor.

If I find a passage in a book that is offensive to me, I can stop reading and close the book.

If I’m at a museum and I see something “indecent,” I can walk away.

If I see art I consider offensive about someone or something that I consider sacred (or that I feel at least deserves reverential treatment), I can ignore it.

What I do know, and I think the majority of people in the world would agree with me, is that there is NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON LIVING ON THIS EARTH who has the right to kill someone else because they were offended by an image, word, or another piece of art. Ever. No exceptions.

Artists, authors, sculptors, and other creative individuals should have the right to create whatever art they want. I have the right to personally decide whether that art is something I want to look at or not. In essence, it really is that simple.

Do you agree with the post? Want to express your opinion about censorship? Please comment below.

Art fairs can be a great way for you to greet potential customers and to show off your work. Not all of these shows are the same, however. Some fairs allow any artist or crafter to get venue space, as long as they can pay the required fee. These fairs may also be more general and include everyone from painters, jewelers, and leathercrafters. Other fairs, however, are juried and tend to be more specific in who they want. These fairs include a judge coming around and reviewing your art to see if you are allowed to be in the show.

Getting accepted to these fairs or shows is a great way for your work to be given exposure and for you as an artist to be taken seriously. There are a few guidelines to follow that can increase the chances that you will be accepted to the fair:

1. Understand the rules. The number one reason artists are not accepted into juried art shows is because they didn’t read or understand the rules, according to John R. Math in his "How to Get Accepted to More Juried Art Shows" article. If you study the rules carefully, you are giving yourself a much greater chance of being selected.

2. Don’t Ignore the rules. Understanding the rules is one thing. Actually following them is quite another. You might think that trying to go “above and beyond” is a good idea in order to try and impress the judges, or that neglecting one small aspect won’t matter. Doing these things almost guarantees rejection. What impresses the judges most is that you followed their instructions to the letter.

3. Know what you’re getting into. Your art may be beautiful and may even be in high demand, but if it doesn’t fit the theme or the look of the fair, odds are your work will not be accepted. And even if it is, you might not be able to make enough of a profit to make the fair worthwhile. Know before you sign up what the theme of the show is and whether or not your art fits.

4. Think about the business aspect. While it may not have any bearing on whether you are accepted to an art show or not, it is important that you ask yourself if it makes financial and business sense for you to be there. Consider the extra costs you may incur, including travel, booth rentals, and possibly even needing to purchase art fair liability insurance. Are the extra costs worth the self-confidence boost you would get by being accepted?

5. Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up. This may be the most important guideline to follow. If you are not accepted into an art fair, do not get discouraged. Do not put yourself or your work down. There are any numbers of reasons why the judges decided not to accept your work, and odds are good that it is not because they didn’t like it. Keep trying and keep submitting. If you persevere, you give yourself a much greater chance that your art will be accepted.

Once you have been accepted, the preparation begins. Part of that preparation includes taking into account the expenses discussed earlier. Travel and booth rental costs are pretty straightforward, but insurance coverage can be tricky.

If the venue site does require you to have insurance, you should consider an Artists, Crafters, and Tradesmen (ACT) Insurance. An ACT policy gives you the option of choosing liability coverage for only one or two shows or having coverage for an entire year. Both options are affordable and meet most venue requirements. To learn more about which option is right for you, please visit ACT’s Compare Policies page. Having insurance also gives you one less thing to worry about as you get ready to showcase your work.

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.

Art encompasses a lot of different trades, techniques, and tools. The entire history of the human race has involved art in some way or another. From cave drawings, hieroglyphics, paintings, sculptures and writing of long gone geniuses worth millions of dollars to modern day artists, writers, crafters, and other creative people, art, for some people, is more than just a way to enjoy life. For some people, art IS life. These people have a lot to say about imagination, creativity, and, of course, art as demonstrated by the following 10 quotes:

1. “The painter has the universe in his mind and hands.” - Leonardo da Vinci
2. “Everything you can imagine is real.” - Pablo Picasso
3. “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” - Bob Ross
4. “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” Salvador Dali
5. “In the haunted house of life, art is the only stair that doesn’t creak.” - Tom Robbins
6. “Self-consciousness is the enemy of all art, be it acting, writing, painting, or living itself, which is the greatest art of all.” - Ray Bradbury
7. “All worthy work is open to interpretations the author did not intend. Art isn’t your pet - it’s your kid. It grows up and talks back to you.” - Joss Whedon
8. “It is through art, and through art only, that we can realize our perfection.” - Oscar Wilde
9. “I just do art because I’m ugly and there’s nothing else for me to do.” - Andy Warhol
10. “Make good art.” - Neil Gaiman

Have other quotes from artists and other creative people you want to share? Want to discuss some of the quotes mentioned in the post? Please comment below.

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.

A variety of people come to art events and everyone may be looking for something different and they’re all in different phases. Some people come just to browse and other come with cash in hand itching to buy.

As an exhibitor at events, knowing what these phases are and how to treat people in different phases is crucial to succeeding in any business. The sales funnel that we are going to go over is not our invention. It’s been used for years with great success and this post should be used as a starting point to launch you into understanding more about what your consumers go through before they buy your product.

AWARENESS

At every event or art festival hundreds, if not thousands, of people come by your booth and look at your art.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD PEOPLE COMPLIMENT YOUR ART AND NOT BUY ANYTHING? A LOT, RIGHT?

It’s not that they don’t want to buy your art. It’s that before they saw your booth, they didn’t even know you existed and had no time to go through the sales funnel. Now that they know you exist, they enter the awareness phase.

The awareness phase of the funnel is easy to enter and leave very quickly. They just found out who you are and what kind of art you do and now, most likely, they move on and forget about you. So, how do you get that festival-goer to move down the funnel into purchasing from you?

Moving people from the awareness phase into the interest phase is all about presentation. This is when all that booth design comes into play. If they don’t come in to look at your arts or crafts, they definitely won’t be buying.

We won’t go much more into booth design because of how much material is already written on the subject on the web. Just make sure you do your research and be constantly improving. The sales funnel works like a real funnel, the more you have at the top, the more people trickle down and purchase.

INTEREST

This is the phase where the potential customer knows who you are and likes your product. They haven’t yet thought about buying but at least they like your stuff!

They are now ready to do some product research on their own. How much everything costs is the most obvious part of this phase. The consumer may also want to know what the piece is made of, what inspired it, etc. If it is a craft that has a function what is that function? How long will it last? Where in their house would it go?

This doesn’t mean they don’t want to buy! Just not today. If you don’t help them progress down the funnel then they may never buy. So in this step, it’s crucial to get their contact info! Their name and email at least. Giveaways work great for this.

Here are some ideas:

Put one of your pieces as a prize for a giveaway. To enter, they have to give you their name and email. You can easily do this with a tablet.

Another idea is to offer a 10% coupon if they give you their info. At the very least offer them some candy or a bottle of water in return for following you on Instagram.

This way you can email market to them when you have new art. Of course, this requires you to have an email marketing plan which is free if you use MailChimp. That way you can push them to your website or Etsy page when they are ready to buy down the road.

EVALUATION

Let’s say you have a newer type of art, whether it’s a unique painting or piece of jewelry, people passing by your booth have never seen it before. They leave without buying from you and they are very interested in your product. Now, they are at home figuring out where your piece would go or when they would wear it. On top of that, they are now researching artists like you to see who else makes what they want.

They are researching prices, quality, shipping times, etc. If you make an amazing seashell necklace and sell it for $150. A consumer will go online and see if they can find something similar to what you sell, but less expensive.

This is why getting their email is so important, so you can tell them what makes your product unique and worth every penny of that $150. Whether it’s because you handmake each one or they are all from the same local beach to which the consumer may have an emotional attachment. Or maybe you flew to Fiji because you can only find a specific shell there.

Without telling them this info how would they know? The traffic levels of many art festivals make it impossible to tell everyone all the details that you’d like.

DECISION

The consumer has now decided to purchase. At this point, people will start negotiating with you. Many talented artists fall short on the business sides of things and learning to skillfully negotiate will serve you in all parts of your business.

PURCHASE

In this phase the purchase is made; however, the customer journey is not over. You want thrilled customers that talk you up on social media and tell all their friends about how you are the next Michelangelo.

In order to delight your customers think about the following aspects of the purchase process:

How do you pack up your art?

Think of the best packaging you've seen. One reason it was so great was that the packaging was specifically chosen to fit the product. So, do you wrap your art it in a newspaper and then put it in a plastic grocery bag? Or do you pull out measured boxes that fit the product perfectly and tie a bow on it?

Some art can be big and/or heavy so how do you improve the delivery process?

Do you offer to help people take heavy or bulky pieces of art to their car? If you have a huge picture or a wooden table with the words “FREE DELIVERY!” on a sign next to it, do you think that would eliminate a consumer’s concern?

It’s the things after the purchase that work wonders to solidify an amazing impression in a customers mind leading to repeat sales and referrals.

Wrap Up

Understanding where your customers are in the funnel will you allow you to treat them differently and market to them more efficiently. While some people seem to go through the whole funnel within minutes and purchase. They most likely have been thinking for a while about getting something like your product and you happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Craft Show Advice for the First-Time Seller
(sponsored post)

Author:  Chris Alexander

Congratulations! You’re on your way to your very first craft show! Once there, you’ll be meeting people who will like and potentially help you endorse your products. However, you might be a little nervous about what to expect or what to bring with you. You should not worry too much because selling your crafts should be an easy and fun experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your first show is less about stress and more about success.  

Check on the registration date for the show. See how far ahead you can register for a booth, as some shows are more popular than others and may fill up quickly. Contact the show producers to learn the details on when and how to register. Confirm if you need to provide proof of insurance to register. Also, keep copies of all registration paperwork and correspondence. When registering, provide photos of your crafts to show producers.

Ask about booth fees. Booth fees are usually based on show quality, so if you’re unsure about what the fee may be, look at the quality of the vendors who are attending the show. Also, how much it’s advertised and the anticipated attendance for the show. For a higher audience, such as 50,000 people, a booth fee of $1,000 would be appropriate. However, if the show only typically attracts 500 people, the booth fee should be fairly low. 

Make a list of everything you need to bring with you. Supplies should include a booth itself (if one is not already provided for you), decorations, office supplies (pens, pencils, a stapler, business cards, tape, scissors, surge protector and extension cord), a tool box and your products. Making a list ahead of time will help to keep you organized and focused.  Use the Lindbergh Craft Show Checklist to get you started. Lindbergh-Craft-Show-Checklist.pdf

Do a dry run. Set up your booth or at least a space the size of your booth before you go to the craft show to get an idea of how you want to display your crafts. Your preparedness will show when you present your booth and wares in an eye-catching and inviting manner.

Follow the rules. Be on time to set up your booth; do not set up too late or leave too early. Besides missing early or late sales, the show rules may require that you’re set up for a certain amount of time. Make sure your booth is set up properly and that you are dressed appropriately for the show. Take responsibility to review the craft show rules before you arrive and even bring a copy of the rules with you.

Engage with show attendees. When the show starts attendees start to mill about, smile to show that you are welcoming and willing to talk to them. Be friendly but not overbearing, and offer to provide customers with information on the products you’re selling. Also, just a simple acknowledgement, such as “good morning!” or “good afternoon!” will at the very least turn the head of passersby.

Reciprocate contact information. When someone asks for your contact information, ask if they’d be willing to share theirs as well, and add them to a mailing list where you can notify them of new products or future shows where you’ll be exhibiting. This will help build your clientele as well as increase the possibility that they may refer you to others that might be interested in your crafts.  

Most importantly, show you love what you do. Showing your enthusiasm for displaying and selling your crafts should be apparent and natural. Introduce yourself to other sellers to network and exchange ideas – you may even make a friend or two!

Follow these tips and your first craft show experience is bound to be less nerve wracking and more fun-filled and exciting - and you’ll be that much more ready for the ones to come as well!

Learn more about why you may need a proof of insurance to sell your wares at a show. 

Sources:

http://aeolidia.com/trade-show-tips/

http://www.craftsreport.com/beginning-business/236-doing-craft-shows-simple-tips-to-make-your-experience-successful.html

Tip for writers on ArtFairInsiders.com -- readers too

"Why can't I find something I know is on this site?" "What happened to my show review?" "Where is that information about the best tent, show, lodging deal, funny story, jury tip, safety idea, etc.?

This site thrives on your participation and your stories, questions and reviews. Thousands of people thank you for your generosity. In the last month the site had 132,795 page views. As you can see the readers are here. 

How you can help them and get the most mileage out of your time spent sharing information:

1. When you write a post in the blog or start a discussion before you click on "Publish" add "tags" in the box underneath the post. Why? This insures that someone looking for that information can find it.
   
   Examples for this post: "how to make AFI work", "tagging", "helpful tips" 
2. Put each phrase in " " to separate the phrases and put a , between each phrase.
3. Also helpful are the "search" links up above, the tags will help you on your quest.
   
   

I don't read everything on the site but saw a recent comment from Mike Heilman that he had done a show review and wanted to know where it went. Mike, you'll find that on ArtShowReviews.com, right here. It did not go into the vast wasteland, we got it, we posted it. 

I just found this comment also:

I find it a little difficult to navigate around this site looking for just the right thread that I want to read. It's probably simple enough but it doesn't seem simple to me. This has become such an important repository of first-hand information for art fair artists that it is vital the data contained herein can be accessed swiftly and smoothly. I think it's a little cluttered and I have to hunt and peck each time I am looking to find information I am seeking on a specific subject. 

If we all add "tags" to our posts it will help a lot. Try it -- 

then when you go to look for something click on the "search" -- it works, and the more accurately you "tag" your post the more likely someone will find it.

Here are some photos of cool usages of materials to display and store art and equipment in a 10 x 10 space:

Michael Wommack who does pastels figured out how to put this shelf on his pro panels:

Look at Jodi Perry's cool floor - I think it was linoleum:

Metalsmith/Jeweler Matthew Naftzger makes his work from found recycled metal. I love the panels that he has put beneath his glass cases that reinforce what the work is about:

Amazingly, woodworker Michael Hamilton was able to install this shelving unit in the back of his booth:

I'm just plain loving this nice installation by Robert Longyear that makes you want to go in and walk around:

Watercolor painter Paul Adams just rolls this old desk out of his van and has everything ready to go, including a nice top where he can wrap his paintings and clean them:

Do you have anything to show me?" 

It occurred to me (while reading a very nice 'thank-you' response from an AFI member who found one of my comments helpful) to make a request of the AFI community.  Here it is:

The vast majority of readers on this site are "lurkers": Folks who visit and read, but don't write.  And God bless ya, I'm not here to criticize this: It's true of just about every other blog site on the Internet (including the ones that specialize in serving writers and bloggers!).

But I do have a friendly proposition for those of you who get help from something you read here:
Pay it forward!

That means (pick one!):
* Post a comment saying, "Thanks, that was helpful!"
* Ask a follow-up question
* Comment on another topic

And if you ask a question about a particular show that hasn't been formally reviewed, and you get information that helps you decide to actually DO the show, how 'about writing a short review of your experience afterward?

Doesn't have to be complicated; just cover the same questions you had when you asked about it in the first place.  Here are the most frequent questions asked about shows:
* How were sales?  Attendance?  Were packages being carried around, or were folks sight-seeing?
* Is it worth the trip for an out of towner?
* How is the setup? Was it "day before show", "morning of show", or both? 

* How far away was the artist parking?
* Were there amenities/awards?
* What did the crowd seem most/least interested in: 2D? 3D? Or dogs, music, wine?
* Is there a particular type of art/ craft that would do well/poorly?
* All things being equal, would you do the show again?

BONUS POINTS if you do any of the above RIGHT AFTER YOU REALIZE YOU GOT HELP HERE.  To wait, is to be like one of those show visitors who says, "I really like this.  Let me think about it!"  ;-)

Thanks--in advance!