Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals

Basic Question on Booth Set Up

I apologize in advance for how stupid this question might be, but I’ve read all the discussion topics and I am still a little confused.
I am a photographer who is looking to start participating in art festivals. I know I will need a booth, but I’m having a difficult time with exactly what that entails. All the sites I am looking at for canopies have various other accessories to add on, and it seems like some of them are necessary, but I can’t tell which.

Would someone be willing to give me a basic, detailed description of how the walls and canopies all go together and a list of what items are needed and what are helpful to have?

I don’t have anything right now but I have been saving up, so if there are suggestions as to companies to go with, I’d love some input. It will usually be just me or me and one other person to set up.

Thank you so much for your time and helping me out with this!

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Permalink Reply by Richard L. Sherer on January 5, 2021 at 3:30pm

White tent heavy enough for geographic weather event, heavy weights-commercial or home made PVC, walk some shows to see what other photographers are using for display, credit card processor.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Newell on January 18, 2021 at 10:07am

Kristen, there are NO stupid questions, I am will to help you navigate the mess that has become a life line to most in the art field.

Chris

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on January 19, 2021 at 10:33am

Hi Kristen, I know there is a lot of stuff on this site which makes it hard to find info. Thanks to Richard and Christopher for their comments. I just put "Best Tents" in the search bar up above in the upper right hand corner and here is one of the discussions that might be helpful: https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/easy-tent-for-one-woma...

Also search for best tents as I did and see what you find. Nonetheless, we are glad to help you also. Welcome to the art fair business!

Also, I'm thinking there is a long thread somewhere in here about all the other things you need to be prepared, I think Jim Parker posted a "list of things needed" to be prepared some time ago. Search for that also. THEN, let us know what you found. I'd appreciate it. So many people have contributed so much helpful information here for so many years. I'd like to give them a shout out.

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Permalink Reply by Kristen Nazzaro on January 19, 2021 at 1:52pm

Thank you all so much. It is really helpful to have the advice from people more experienced. I was looking at some Pro Panels and I’m not sure what colors are best. I’ll be displaying both colored and black and white photos so I don’t know if a certain color is better for that? I’d love a little more advice if you don’t mind :)
Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Larry Maynard on Wednesday

Kristen,

Where are you located?

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Permalink Reply by Kristen Nazzaro on Wednesday

I am in South Florida - St. Lucie county

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Permalink Reply by Larry Maynard on Wednesday

I will be at ArtGras Feb 13-14. You are welcome to tag along and I can answer most of your questions then.

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727-403-1315

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on Friday

Amazing! Good for you, Larry.

To anyone else reading this thread who is new to our business, I'm here to assure you that artists in this business are invariably helpful and kind to newcomers and generous in their interactions with one another. The best ways to learn what to do/not do is to attend as many art fairs as possible, take notes, pay attention specifically to others in your media, AND find artists in your area who will let you assist them in an upcoming event.

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Permalink Reply by Kristen Nazzaro on Wednesday

Thank you so much! I will try and get off work for at least one of those days. I appreciate it

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Permalink Reply by Richard L. Sherer on Wednesday

That is a good approach. Ask artists about their "packing", "loading" "dont' forget list" or whatever they call it. Some have been posted here in the past.