Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals
Newbie Working Through the "Creative Doldrums"
Hello everyone~
I've decided that the best place to blog (via internet or in person) about my new "profession" is here... who better to talk to about the ups and downs of the art business than those artists that have been "at it" over the years!
First, a little about me: I am one of those people who seems to be a jack of all trades and master of none. I was one of the top instrumental musicians in my 5A school years ago. I was also one of the top visual artists. And I was good at everything else, too. Dad didn't want me to pursue the music scene, and I felt threatened to pursue the art scene. So, I got a degree in education, then in accounting, becoming a CPA.
There are better CPA's in the field than me, but I could do most jobs, and do them well.
In the early 80's, I had the great fortune of living on Hilton Head Island, and launched my fine art studio. That's a story in itself, but I won't go into that at this time. Very successful business, making over $3000 a month in the dollar value of that time.
Personal upheavals, babies, kids, obligations... you get the picture. Do something where I can support myself.
Anyway, our current economy has allowed (?) me to get back to my first love... visual fine art. I started last August, painting, drawing, drawing, painting. Posted artwork on FineArtAmerica and Facebook... lots of support and affirmation. Purchased The Canopy, and now am preparing for the Art Fair circuit. Accepted to one major show, on wait lists on all others.
The only thing I can think of that is the cause of my current funk is my subconscious expectation of "immediate gratification" that came with my other professions. Art, like all business, takes time to develop. I'm working through those expectations and trying to get them under control (very difficult!!).
I am also, for the first time, really assessing my work. Yes, I have talent. Yes, I have ability. But how do I push to that "next level" of professionalism? Do I create more complex work that takes more time? How do you find your market? Do you have a market?
Anyway, I am definitely open to mentoring at this point. To hear the words and wisdoms from those who have traveled this challenging path of creative business development, and are still in the game! All of us on this forum have talent. All we are trying to do is exercise those strengths we have and be able to make a living at it. Nothing different from those Wall Street Bankers and Investors! Thanks for your patience with me.
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Comment by Ralph on March 26, 2010 at 1:52pm -
Hello Laurie,
I am also a newbie (I'm not even a newbie at craft fairs yet) at this art business. I have the same questions you do,and a whole lot more. I will make sure to follow your blog.
Just yesterday I started considering my first fair.The first annual Makers Faire at the Henry Ford in Dearborn,Mich. The only place i sell my work right now, is in my etsy shop and on my website.
Will be listening closely,
Ralph Parus
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Comment by Heather Jordan on March 26, 2010 at 2:17pm
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Laurie,
Wanted to welcome you to the wild world of art shows. Although a newbie myself on the road - I own and work with artist in a art gallery in South Carolina. A word from the other side the - client‘s perspective at a show or gallery experience. The client’s memory is small, they are visual and need reminding, they need to remember you for what you paint. They will never remember your name, but they will remember you if you have a THEME. If you paint palm tree’s then paint palm tree’s. If you paint the ocean- paint the ocean. What makes a client CRAZY to the point of sheer frustration is when they travel to a show or a gallery to see an artist and get pumped up about the piece they purchased last year and then melt down. The artist decides to paint dogs. Their beach cottage is painted in palm tree’s, they traveled 2 hours to see palm tree‘s and she now paints dogs. Um, this is a no brainier. Most artist hold onto a theme for at least 5 years and then slowly change due to demand.
So, when you do show’s paint the theme with some variation. I am in no way saying paint the same thing. Paint variations to that theme. Paint all 65 varieties of palm tree’s. I live in South Carolina so I am using a palm as an example. What ever it is you like keep it similar but with a twist.
When you step back at your booth what do you see. A condusive body of work or confusion on media, size and layout. It say’s a lot about the artist. Remember, it is not about selling one piece of artwork it is about relationships with the client. For every good experience people have they tell 3 people for every bad experience they have, the tell 10 people.
Again, the world of art is scary! Nothing is more rewarding than to have a gallery or client return on vacation from the cold doldrums of winter to walk up with a smile and see a piece that they have dreamed of for over a year. That is really the paycheck for me.
Good Luck
Heather J.
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Comment by Laurie E. Tietjen on March 26, 2010 at 2:40pm -
Wow, Heather! Great guidance here. It supports my Aunt's advice of focus and limiting choices (she's a big-wig in advertising and marketing). Her focus groups revealed that when people have too much to choose from, they tend to then not choose! That's not good for BIG art fairs and something to think about.
Just starting out, I'm "all over the place" on themes, because I really don't know what to focus on. I guess I'm doing my own focus group research trying to determine my market.
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