Hi everyone,

I'm a photographer, and I have been peeking at Zapplications for about a year now, knowing it would require a significant monetary investment to do this. I travel all over the country for Photography and recently set up a website too (though that also needs work). I've been working on stock agencies as well as dipping my toes into travel writing.

I'm here looking for information on the right kind of set up for one person to do eventually. I would have help in the beginning but not for long. I've been looking at the mesh systems since they are less expensive than the panels-But I love the look of the panels.

It's all overwhelming to be honest, which means I have much to learn. I'm excited to interact with everyone and hopefully jump into this with a lot of insight. Any tips on getting started would be appreciated. I am an LLC and set up with Paypal too.

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  • Go first class if your work is first class. Wait another year if you cant afford Pro Panels. Mesh doesn't have the look in my view.
  • Thanks Connie. All good advice. I’d also like to hear from people who don’t do this any longer, why they left and their challenges. I think when deciding it’s best to get both sides
  • Oh yes, Dennis! That is excellent advice.

    Darlene, even if you have to spend money to get there, visit as many art fairs as possible whenever you can. They will be invaluable for your finding your way. Get there early, see the setting up, see the vehicles, see what kind of booths seem to be attracting the most attention, then focus on your particular media. This business has a heavy overhead, so learning from others is the fastest way to get a leg up on it.

  • Hi Darlene,

    Your idea of visiting an art festival and talking to artists is excellent.  Having done Cherry Creek several times I can attest to the fact that this would be a wonderful venue to visit and to interact with artists.  I did this back in the 90's when I first started doing festivals and I gathered a warehouse of information from the artists at the festivals.  I would suggest you walk Cherry Creek early on the second day, a bit before official opening.  By then, artists have set up under control and  most artists are pretty available to chat then before crowds come in.  Best of luck!

    Dennis

    • Thank you Dennis. That is what I was hoping to do. Are people generally free with information I wonder? Early is good advice thank you.
  • There is a significant investment in doing art shows even if you buy a used canopy, propanels, and picture hangers.  You are probably looking at $4000-$5000.  I have seen mesh panels on a windy day and the framed art work is bouncing all over the place.  Make sure your canopy is 8 feet tall and has a front awning. The awning height will only be about 7 feet 6 inches.  Anything less than that will make it hard for tall people with hats to get into your booth.  Make sure your website is excellent before doing shows/.  It is very hard work doing show especially when you hit a series of bad or slow shows.  Visit as many shows you hope to sell at and stick around the booths of other photographer that sell your type of images to see how they do.  Spend the weekend or at least all day at each show.  Volunteer at a local show to get a feel at what it takes to do shows so you can decide if you have what it takes.

    • Thank you. I’m aware of the investment involved and continue to work on my website- I’m not very good in the website arena...it’s been a bit of a challenge but I’m working through it. Thanks for the advice.
  • I have a Light Dome canopy, mesh sides, weights, etc if you're interested in a less expensive way to begin.

    I'm in the Dallas area and can give you some show pointers as well (I spent 46 years in the business doing art fairs solo.)

  • Hi Darlene. I think you've come to the right place. To start why don't you do a search up there in the search box for the key words: tents, canopy, booth, panels ... you'll find plenty. Welcome to the art fair biz.

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