Renaissance Festivals - need your opinion

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Permalink Reply by dana McDill on August 21, 2009 at 10:37pm

Renaissance fairs have a bad reputation with 'serious' artists. I don't know why. I have been at California, and now the Minnesota Rf for 36(!) years. Whats not to like? One set-up, lots of paying customers through the gate... Actually people don't bad mouth the Faires so much these days. Most of the 'high-end' shows are way down and Ren-Fests are consistently good...and growing. Dana McDill, Minneapolis

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on August 22, 2009 at 10:17am

The only think I can think of, regarding a "bad rep" is the whole contemporary vs. traditional art forms. You may not see a whole lot of work that is typically sold at ren-fests in a gallery setting, with exceptions of course.

For the same reasons you mention, that is why I love Ren-faires especially the consistent amount of buying customers that walk through the gates every weekend at ren-faires.

My biggest hurdle is figuring out things like lodging and transportation to and from and figuring out how often I would do that depending on the location of the faire. Hiring extra people and small things like that aren't an issue with me. Trying to make sure I make a profit is always sitting at the front of my mind. So all help and ideas and tips are welcome!

Michelle
P.S. Attached is a photo of myself in my "garb" thought you all might like to see it, have a good laugh, whatever...

dana McDill said:

Renaissance fairs have a bad reputation with 'serious' artists. I don't know why. I have been at California, and now the Minnesota Rf for 36(!) years. Whats not to like? One set-up, lots of paying customers through the gate... Actually people don't bad mouth the Faires so much these days. Most of the 'high-end' shows are way down and Ren-Fests are consistently good...and growing. Dana McDill, Minneapolis

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Permalink Reply by Hugo Cruz on August 27, 2009 at 1:06am

Wow. Michelle, nice garb ... If you don't mind me saying, you are one sexy wench :-) ... Um, I hope that's not an insult. I was just trying to recall the "jargon" used in the old Xena & Hercules shows I used to love to watch :-).

Anyway, if you are successful at Ren-Fairs and make new connections + profits, then who-the-Merlin cares?!?!?! GO FOR IT!!! After all, even if some day a "serious" fine art gallery or curator in SOHO wants to present your work, they are not going to look back at your Renaissance fair history as a negative ... people LOVE quirky in their artists :-).



Michelle Sholund said:

The only think I can think of, regarding a "bad rep" is the whole contemporary vs. traditional art forms. You may not see a whole lot of work that is typically sold at ren-fests in a gallery setting, with exceptions of course.
For the same reasons you mention, that is why I love Ren-faires especially the consistent amount of buying customers that walk through the gates every weekend at ren-faires. My biggest hurdle is figuring out things like lodging and transportation to and from and figuring out how often I would do that depending on the location of the faire. Hiring extra people and small things like that aren't an issue with me. Trying to make sure I make a profit is always sitting at the front of my mind. So all help and ideas and tips are welcome!

Michelle
P.S. Attached is a photo of myself in my "garb" thought you all might like to see it, have a good laugh, whatever...

dana McDill said:

Renaissance fairs have a bad reputation with 'serious' artists. I don't know why. I have been at California, and now the Minnesota Rf for 36(!) years. Whats not to like? One set-up, lots of paying customers through the gate... Actually people don't bad mouth the Faires so much these days. Most of the 'high-end' shows are way down and Ren-Fests are consistently good...and growing. Dana McDill, Minneapolis

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on August 27, 2009 at 8:55am

Thanks Hugo! Blush blush... I have quite a wardrobe that is just sitting in the closet - enough for 4 days of work at a ren-fest. I have decided to apply to the MD one (close to home, has a good price and it is what I know and possibly one in VA. I am limited in my travel distance as I can't afford the hotel/camping, travel, paying for workers, etc. and try to make a profit on top of that - especially if I am just testing the waters. If 2010 goes well then maybe I will rent an RV or something and do more which then would make it worth my while. So far I am still checking out other ren-fests - the ones in NY sound pretty tempting as I know a few have a GREAT rep as well as GA and TX. However I have 3 dogs and a husband who is very much happy with his job - a secured clearance job working with computers to also think about. Not to mention I am no where near retirement age to think about throwing caution to the wind. lol But thank you for your words of reassurance and always looking for more info/tips other can offer like the best way to find employees (use a bulletin board, advertise in local high school newspapers, craigslist???) . Michelle

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Permalink Reply by Jeanie Schlegel on September 26, 2009 at 11:07am

Hi Michelle,
Great to see another ren-faire person here! We had one up here for a while and I had a shop for 5 yrs there (Ontario Renaissance Festival, 2000-2004). As an artist I loved it - had a blast for seven weekends every summer! I put a lot of love into my little shop, and it was truly a very "magical" time of year for many of us.

Now, years later, re-entering the faires as a single mother with a 6 yr old in tow will be a whole different ballgame.

As far as finding employees at faires,there are lots of eager rennies and students who show up in garb looking for work, and many merchants I know simply post a "hiring" sign at their booth or in the faire office.

Best of luck!
Cheers,
Jeanie

Attachments:

• Renshop1.jpg, 104 KB

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on September 26, 2009 at 7:23pm

Jeanie - nice pic! I went to the Ontario Ren-fest I think it was 1998 or 99. They are sister faires to the MD one - The Smiths started it and I think??? turned it over to someone else or perhaps they still run it. That part is all unclear to me. Anyway, I LOVED the Ontario faire - great location, great buildings, great acts.... It was very similar to the MD one, only 2 months earlier. The MD one is still going on until Oct. 25th . I will be going back again to catch a truly amazing group - Albernach - can't spell it, but are coming directly from Scotland and they are HUGE there - and they make a one time appearance in the states at the MD ren-faire. Sorry, I am getting a little excited.

I will keep your ideas/suggestions in mind IF I get into the faire. It is tough to get past the jury (they only accept maybe 10 newbies each year) and to get a permanent structure is even harder. I could use all the luck - so thanks for wishing me luck and of course back at you. A young one sounds like it might be tough, but dress him/her up and they'll get so much attention, it will be worth it. You'll look back on it and cherish those memories - especially the good ones. Later.

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schulz on September 28, 2009 at 11:11am

Renaissance Festivals are where I make the most money and have the most fun. If you have worked them before, then you know how to work the crowd. It is different from selling at a traditional art show and so much more fun. You can get away with just about anything if you use the right manner.

Now for a great looking temporary booth check out my friends site for instructions on making a popup Renaissance Faire worthy. http://members.cox.net/randwhit/popup/ I have a beautiful cover for my tent. I hired him to make it since I do not sew, but he does not normally do that. I then use the ceiling cover like what Paula had posted on this forum and I wrap my tent legs with matching fabric and use nice tassled ropes to make them appear as curtains. I use wood shelves, so they fit in just fine. You will need to make a banner that is not of vinyl. I bought some canvas to make a new one. Keep meaning to get to that as well. I have a large faire in Las Vegas in 2 weeks. Since I am on the western side of the country, I can't tell you about faires on your side, but I hope some of this helps. Always feel free to contact me if you want to discuss anything. You have my email- right? If not, go through my website www.happymagpie.com/etching

I actually do not do the faires that run more than 1 weekend due to having a 5 & 7 year old that need me at home. They have severe ADHD and there is no way at this time that they are coming to shows with me. I would suggest the small faires as well as the big ones for you. There is less merchant competition and they are just as wonderful. It also can help you get your booth the way you want it. You will also have to tweak your merchandise to fit with the theme of course. Not sure if they will allow in your plastic spray bottles. Or if you do, put those towards the back and not as many out to be seen.

Jeanie- I know that we merchants are like a family and could help keep an eye on your little one, but I hope you can hire help that can assist in keeping an eye on your child. You know how the gypsies are...

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on September 28, 2009 at 3:38pm

I saw you on the site you recommended. I have seen you in other photos, but the booth photo is really nice. How cleaver to do a canopy cover. The thing is I have a dome canopy (Trimline), not a pop-up which may not work with some of the designs on the site. I also think if I am accepted the person in charge of the artists and crafts people do offer suggestions on places to go with. I like doing ren-faires - and want to do a whole season and there are several within the area (a few states away) but some have events overlapping others and that makes it tough as most events want the artist present during the full run of the faire with a few exceptions (i.e. you are wrapping up on faire and about to get underway with another). Gotta get through this years shows first to be ready to send in apps for others this Jan.

I am aware of the signage I am hoping to go with a wooden sign - know of a few wood workers that can make signs. That's down the line though. Anyway, thanks a bunch for the insight!!!

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schulz on September 28, 2009 at 3:53pm

I forgot that you went with a domed tent. Same kind of concept with the cover though.

I love my booth now. I need to post my newest layout. I will get a good one at the next show.

I am here if you need me, Michelle.

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Permalink Reply by Debbi Cooper on October 1, 2009 at 4:05pm

Michelle, Just saw your post and thought I would reply. I have been doing Ren fair for 25 years, and I mix it with more high end shows. Your product does sell very well at ren fairs. Maryland is one of the best ones on the circuit, so you have a very good start! Since you say you have friends already doing the fairs I would start there looking for workers. It really is a small community with people who if they can't answer your question will probably know someone who can help you.
Since you have little one, I would suggest sticking close to home. Driving back and forth every weekend gets old really fast! New York, Sterling is a nice fair, too - just before MD. Perhaps you could do a few weekends there as a temp?
As far as the elitist's who look down their nose at Ren Fair- that is their karma. My Ren Fair money helped to put my child through college - I make no apologies for making money. And it is really tough to beat a 10 minute set up and break down! Because I have a solid booth (not a tent) weather is a smaller factor for me than a regular art show. Any more questions?
Debbi

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on October 1, 2009 at 5:18pm

No questions, just want to clarify that I don't have any kids, yet I do have 3 dogs :-)

I have been contemplating New York too - know of some exhibitors there too, just never been to that ren-faire.

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Permalink Reply by Pauline Ross on October 29, 2009 at 7:43pm

Sterling Forest Renfest was my favorite place to have fun when I lived in NY. In 1985 I set up a photo booth under a crazy looking patchwork looking canopy to look festive, to shoot patrons in costumes with a beautiful lake and bridge backgound. We loved it. They loved it. It was always crowded all day. People returned, in their personal costumes, year in and year out. Do it.

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