Hi everyone! This is my first post, and I'll start by saying that I have not done ANY art festivals as of yet. However, I have been a professional photographer and artist for over a decade, and my husband is also an exhibiting professional painter and printmaker. We both make a good living off of our work, but would really love to travel more and get our art out in the world in a way that is not limited to just gallery shows. This is why we have decided to pursue art festivals. We plan on starting the application process for 2010. I have read through some recent posts and a re-occurring theme seems to be choosing the shows that are most appropriate for your style of work. So, my question to all you seasoned pros is, how do you figure that out??? I have absolutely no idea which shows would be most appropriate for my work, (or for my husband's.) Can anyone offer any advice? Also, how many shows do you recommend we apply for? We are based in Seattle but are big fans of road-trips, and we have family and friends all over the country, (especially the east coast) so travel is not an issue. I would appreciate any insight. :) Thanks in advance! Clare

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  • Michelle,

    That is all great advice. Thank you so much!!
    I think I have a good sense of my audience, as well as my husband's, so we will start from there.

    Take care,
    Clare

    Michelle Sholund said:
    Clare - good question. Although I can't vouch for everyone, I am sure there some out there that may agree that there is no real "for sure" answer to your question. However, the answers you seek might be right in front of you - lying within your work and your area(s) of places you would like to do events. For someone who has been a photographer for about 10 years, I am sure you know your work inside and out and the types of people who are most likely going to buy your work (and your husbands I might add). Think about these people - your target marketing audience - and ask yourself who are they really - are they mom's, businessmen, what are they most likely to buy (your best sellers), are they middle aged, educated with at least a high school diploma, do they own their own home or rent an apartment, what kind of money do they make, where do they live (suburbs or in the city)? Getting an idea of who these people are will help you narrow places to seek when applying to events. If you can't physically go to events talk to the promoters/show coordinators. Ask them a ton of questions like how long have their events been around, what kind of crowds do they draw, what is their advertising like, and the all too important question - why should "I" apply to "your" event - what do you offer that others don't? If you find show coordinators willing to take the time to talk to you verses "just check out our website" and notice their tone of voice (in Emails and over the phone). If a coordinator wants you to apply and REALLY CARES about the artists they will "nearly" bend over backwards to help you.

    Don't forget though - just because you do a show doesn't necessarily mean it will make you wheel barrels full of dough. Those who do well have good marketing/sales skills. Have a great display that effortlessly draws people in, have a friendly demeanor, and not afraid to talk about their work (not brag, but point out facts and interesting nuggets of joy).

    Lastly, know your limits - know the most you are willing to spend on a show, areas you just won't go/travel to, know how much stock you can bring to a show including display furniture, all this will also help you make a well educated decision. Also, it takes some people years - 3 for me - to find ones that really work.

    Can I offer one piece of advice. I know of a few photographers - friends and even my dad was a photographer and framer - and they tell me diversifying their work really helps - offering calenders, postcards, book marks, blank greeting cards, all help especially those who can't afford the more prominent pieces. I see teens buy this stuff for their parents and friends and those who are tourists looking for something little to give to family and friends. But that is just my two cents! :-) Good luck! - Michelle
  • Clare - good question. Although I can't vouch for everyone, I am sure there some out there that may agree that there is no real "for sure" answer to your question. However, the answers you seek might be right in front of you - lying within your work and your area(s) of places you would like to do events. For someone who has been a photographer for about 10 years, I am sure you know your work inside and out and the types of people who are most likely going to buy your work (and your husbands I might add). Think about these people - your target marketing audience - and ask yourself who are they really - are they mom's, businessmen, what are they most likely to buy (your best sellers), are they middle aged, educated with at least a high school diploma, do they own their own home or rent an apartment, what kind of money do they make, where do they live (suburbs or in the city)? Getting an idea of who these people are will help you narrow places to seek when applying to events. If you can't physically go to events talk to the promoters/show coordinators. Ask them a ton of questions like how long have their events been around, what kind of crowds do they draw, what is their advertising like, and the all too important question - why should "I" apply to "your" event - what do you offer that others don't? If you find show coordinators willing to take the time to talk to you verses "just check out our website" and notice their tone of voice (in Emails and over the phone). If a coordinator wants you to apply and REALLY CARES about the artists they will "nearly" bend over backwards to help you.

    Don't forget though - just because you do a show doesn't necessarily mean it will make you wheel barrels full of dough. Those who do well have good marketing/sales skills. Have a great display that effortlessly draws people in, have a friendly demeanor, and not afraid to talk about their work (not brag, but point out facts and interesting nuggets of joy).

    Lastly, know your limits - know the most you are willing to spend on a show, areas you just won't go/travel to, know how much stock you can bring to a show including display furniture, all this will also help you make a well educated decision. Also, it takes some people years - 3 for me - to find ones that really work.

    Can I offer one piece of advice. I know of a few photographers - friends and even my dad was a photographer and framer - and they tell me diversifying their work really helps - offering calenders, postcards, book marks, blank greeting cards, all help especially those who can't afford the more prominent pieces. I see teens buy this stuff for their parents and friends and those who are tourists looking for something little to give to family and friends. But that is just my two cents! :-) Good luck! - Michelle
  • Yes, I would not expect that there would be any overlap between the two. I was just saying that, like stock, I am sure it does take time to figure out what will sell.

    Thank you for the links to your sites. I will definitely check them out.

    I also know some photographers in Portland, OR who have been doing art fairs for years and have had great success. So, I will be getting lots of advice from them.
    Lastly, I travel quite a bit because I have an enormous family all over the country, so I don't think exploring the various fairs will be an issue at all.

    I am looking forward to starting this journey. :)

    Larry Berman said:
    I also shot stock and was with The Image Bank for over twenty years. Aside from the travel images of landmarks, there was no overlap to art shows.

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    Art Show Tips Blog
    http://ArtShowTips.com
    412-767-8644
  • I also shot stock and was with The Image Bank for over twenty years. Aside from the travel images of landmarks, there was no overlap to art shows.

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    Art Show Tips Blog
    http://ArtShowTips.com
    412-767-8644
  • Thank you, Larry, for taking the time to respond.

    I definitely see what you are saying.
    I have a selection of my work in stock photography, and it has taken years to figure out what sells and what doesn't. It's been an interesting learning process.

    Clare

    Larry Berman said:
    Hi Clare,
    You figure out which shows to do through experience. You can be the best photographer in the world but not have work that sells well to people who attend art shows. First you need to walk shows you are thinking of applying to. Because you're not centrally located, that may be difficult or expensive. So I suggest starting with whatever shows are local to you. Walk them and see what other photographers or artists are selling successfully. Do a few shows and take careful notes on the reaction to your images. They don't necessarily have to sell. See what attracts attention and listen to the comments. You may probably find that only 10% of your work is marketable at shows. Then build on that with new images that you shoot.

    Besides this web site, and the Art Fair SourceBook site, I also have a resource web site and host a forum of over 6,000 photographers and other artists.
    http://ArtShowPhoto.com
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artshow_photo/

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    Art Show Tips Blog
    http://ArtShowTips.com
    412-767-8644
  • Hi Clare,
    You figure out which shows to do through experience. You can be the best photographer in the world but not have work that sells well to people who attend art shows. First you need to walk shows you are thinking of applying to. Because you're not centrally located, that may be difficult or expensive. So I suggest starting with whatever shows are local to you. Walk them and see what other photographers or artists are selling successfully. Do a few shows and take careful notes on the reaction to your images. They don't necessarily have to sell. See what attracts attention and listen to the comments. You may probably find that only 10% of your work is marketable at shows. Then build on that with new images that you shoot.

    Besides this web site, and the Art Fair SourceBook site, I also have a resource web site and host a forum of over 6,000 photographers and other artists.
    http://ArtShowPhoto.com
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artshow_photo/

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    Art Show Tips Blog
    http://ArtShowTips.com
    412-767-8644
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