 Ron Sloan |
First Time Art Fair Any tips on how to set up my display tent (I know how to set up the tent...LOL) as far as number and size of prints,etc. Also framed,unframed,matted,etc. Do 4x6 and 5x7's sell very well. I was selected to participate and really need some good pointers. Thanks in advance.
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Jeffrey R. Whitmoyer |
Ron, I've just started doing fairs but have been a lurker on 2 Yahoo groups which have tons of useful info. They are: artshow_photo which is moderated by Larry Berman (Shutterbug Mag), the group has over 3000 members and is quite active. The other group is Maria Arango's art festival guide which is less active but her companion web site is very useful as is Larry's. I would forget about 4X6 & 5X7's and start with 8x10 or 8x12's. I'm doing 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 images. Everything is mounted and matted and select images are also framed on my booth walls. I did start offering notecards as well, which generate a little extra cash. I use the 4X5.5" notecards from MPIX. If you have prep time, find a couple of shows and go and walk around talking to the artists, without interfering with their sales. Observe the different layouts for their booths. You'll learn a lot from the sources I've referenced. It's a tough time to be starting out in shows but a good time to learn about doing them for the day when the economy picks up. Good Luck Jeff
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Ron Sloan |
Thanks Jeff for the tip on the yahoo group.....anything I need to ask seems to be there.
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Jeffrey R. Whitmoyer |
Ron, Something else as a word of advice. Don't be disappointed if your sales are low. The shows I've done in the last couple weeks have cost money rather than made money, some of which I attribute to the learning curve, a slow economy and choice of shows. I get a lot of positive feed back on my images, but also am asked if I have a website up and have been told by customers and other vendors that I should be moving up market in my selection of shows. I've been aiming at the local craft type shows, it seems people go to them to buy knick knacks etc. If the show has food in the name or is a craft show as opposed to art, don't expect a lot. I've actually considered having a photo knick knack kind of inventory for the local craft shows in addition to my fine art photos. The idea is to serve both markets, then the question is "can I serve them well?". The craft type shows are much less expensive to get into but potential rewards are probably less as a rule. Jeff
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