dealing - Forum - Art Fair Insiders2024-03-28T20:19:18Zhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/dealingTired of listening to complaints at shows...https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/tired-of-listening-to2009-08-13T17:32:41.000Z2009-08-13T17:32:41.000ZMichelle Sholundhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MichelleSholund<div>Listen, it is natural that people love to mingle and talk about their last art fair experience. I truly get that. However, why does it have to be as soon as you pull up to your booth space and start erecting the canopy and unloading the first thing people have to talk about is how awful shows are, poo poo the fair before it starts and get all kinds of grumpy? Misery loves company - well, yes. But can't the subject be changed? Setting-up at shows can be frustrating - realizing you forgot something, issues with neighbors hogging extra footage or inches, or time issues ... Why add to it by talking about negative things? Traveling to shows I am trying to put myself in a good mood telling myself - I am going to do well - this time you will meet your sales goals! Forget about past yucky shows this is make up for them, all while listening to upbeat music too.
Am I the only one feeling this way? We all know shows aren't great - they haven't been for awhile. Complaining about it won't make it better, just jinx things in my opinion. So, I am opening the floor to you all - what are some great subjects you have talked about at shows? What makes for meeting great art friends at shows? And importantly, how do you deal with negative complainers at events?
I can tell you I deal with negative complainers by simply ignoring them and trying to not let them get to me. I had one at my last show and she would just barge into my booth and say things like "I still haven't made my booth fee" or complain about something else.</div>