Just wrapped up my fourth art show in my young career and had a great time going back to my home of the past 3 years, Miami Beach. Hotels were expensive in the area so I commuted 35 miles from Fort Lauderdale (25-30 minutes on I-95) and parked in a local garage for $15 per day. The booth & application fee of $500 was less than Coconut Grove and I assumed since I am just starting out that I wouldn't get into Coconut Grove so I only applied to St. Stephen's. Especially since I haven't gotten into some shows I thought I would be guaranteed lol
I was shocked to get in and after walking around the show on Monday, I felt more confident about my work moving forward. The show was busy but from what I heard not as busy as previous years. The facility was very nice and I had a booth in the courtyard near the side entrance of the show. The artist's around me were superb so I felt pretty good being able to learn from them and pick up a few pointers that I can use moving ahead.
Sales were strange. I made the booth fee on the first day, had $0 in sales on Sunday (was 87 and seemed like fewer people) and then left with a modest profit on Monday, so I was pleased considering I was in the hole after my first two shows and broke even with the 3rd one. Also, optimistic because my next 4 shows cost a total of $600 in fees and will provide 12 days of exposure. I'm pretty confident that I will be profitable by the end of the next two and have paid for all start-up costs associated with joining the art festival circuit.
I took a peek at the people heading to the main Coconut Grove Show and figure that I would have sold more if I were in that show vs. St. Stephen's. Next year, will apply to both and see how that goes.
Hope everyone had a profitable weekend, since it was the "biggest of 2012" thus far!
Comments
Good job Michael with this review. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Sounds like you have the right attitude, Michael. You are new to the business and you are being careful about how you are spending your money and learning along the way, something more at every event. Congratulations on this very pragmatic way of doing business. Yep, it is not all about making the art.
Also thanks for the info about St. Stephens. Years ago when Coconut Grove ran all the way up McFarlane to Main Highway we had the corner booth on McFarlane at the place of the entrance to St. Stephens so had a very good view of the traffic in and out as well as on the street. You probably had one of the better spaces because that area is visible from the street and it was probably easier for load in and out also. Right?
Best wishes on your next shows and be sure to tell us about them.
Hey Michael, Thanks for chipping in with a review of this show, and I agree--clever title!
Glad you had a good show and love the title of your blog.