I had the experience twice so far this year of doing a show that I felt I did very well at but almost every other artist I spoke to, including ones with quite a bit more experience and (at least in my eyes) better work than mine, told me they did bad to terrible. I am starting to wonder whether my expectations are too low, or if I just got REALLY lucky! :)
I would like to get a feel for how other folks in the business determine whether a show was a good show for them or not- do you look for 3 times your expenses? A set dollar value beyond expenses? A set dollar value per day of the show? A 'feel' of type of patron the show attracts? I know part of this is based on medium too- I do 2D mixed media, which seems to be a harder sell most places than jewelry or photography..
Thanks to any and all for your insights!
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I didn't mean that I want to use other artists' guidelines as a hard and fast rule, more that I wanted to get a sampling of what others used as guidelines to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious, you know? And I don't generally go around polling all my neighbors, but it seems to be one of those icebreaker questions that you always get asked whenever you are talking to artists you don't know well- our equivalent of talking about the weather I suppose.
1. Was registration and set up straight forward, uncomplicated and efficient?
2. Crowds: we're crowds there, were people buying (not necessarily just from me), did people seem happy to be there, what were people carrying with them ie: small or large art or bags of kettle korn or both or something else?
3. Judging: we're judges engaging or did they breeze by without more than a glance? I don't expect to win, but was I and my neighbors at least given a chance?
4. How was the show juried? Were there a mix of mediums? Was the show stocked with fine art/craft or was it more low end or buy/sell? What was the balance of mediums like? Too much of one type or not enough of another can be bad.
5. How were my sales compared to costs? Just covering costs is not good. Did I make enough of a profit to deem the show worth the time and effort? An unprofitable show is an automatic rejection for any future participation for me.
6. Did the show deliver on its promised amenities such as: booth sitters, water and snacks, promotional efforts, layout and management? Overall, did the show try?
7. Was load out managed and efficient or chaotic and stressful?
8. What was the general consensus of other artists? Did they do well, will they return, was there a lot of negative talking going on?
I take all of these things I to account when I am reviewing a show. There are going to be some things that may come up that would cause me to praise a show or tarnish my opinion of a show, ie: staff that goes above and beyond would draw praise or obvious award fixing or unfair treatment would tarnish my opinion. That part is subjective and can be a matter of opinion. I once did a show that I was very happy with until I saw a show staff member berate an elderly artist for taking too long to pack up his booth. I ended up failing the show in my review based on that observation. It was mean and unacceptable behavior and wouldn't want anyone else to experience that.
I hope this helps you!!m
First thing you do is forger about others. Some may have expectations of 10x per show no matter where or when it is. There are others who will compare this or that show with their sales 7 years ago. Some just like to complain.
Were you happy with your sales? Because that's all that matters. Do you depend on your sales for your daily living expenses? Many do, and so they need a certain amount to maybe make the mortgage payment and they didn't, so it was a 'bad show'.
The only one who should care about your sales is you.