So I'm relatively new on the circuit, and have always used space under my table for things like packaging material, bags, etc. for the anticipated sales of my framed artwork. I was accepted to a Howard Allen show (Shadyside in May), and am not sure what to do -- where do folks keep their stuff? (I'm also thinking of personal items, additional artwork to hang if appropriate, etc.)
Thanks!
-Carol
Replies
I know Larry mentioned space outside your booth as available space for storage. While that is a bonus we personally never count on any space available outside our booth. That way we are prepared to store everything in our 10x10 booth. Only about a quarter or a third of the shows we are in have space available for storage outside our booth.
We use several tables in our booth with tablecloths that go to the floor. (The tablecloths all have slits at the corners to make for easier access.) All the shows we do allow this. We use the space under the tables to store our back stock. One table is set up for checking out customers and this is where we keep our order pad, pens, business cards, etc. Under this table we keep bags for customers' purchases, foam sheets & bubble wrap for wrapping purchases, etc.
I can see how it would be difficult to have back stock and check out supplies in your booth when no tables are allowed. I am not sure how we would display our product if all we could have is pedestals.
Just in case there's rain, you might want to keep your stuff in a plastic tub or bins with lids. Just keep a few bags or boxes at the ready, and the rest stored. Will save you from chasing them in the wind and from getting wet, plus if you have any semi-valuables that aren't in your pockets you can keep them in the bottom of the bin which is safer from being grabbed.
Thanks, Camryn... I'm just unclear as to where I keep stuff (and myself), as the promoter explicitly states "no tables." I haven't been to a show yet where I couldn't have my stuff behind a table.
Have you asked the show staff? They might be able to shed light on what they expect so no surprises on day of show.
If you're using a table or two, you can store your stuff underneath. At Shadyside a lot of artists put their sales table on the sidewalk across from their booth. There's about five feet of walkway in the street in front of the booths and then the sidewalk starts. Also, there might be up to two feet to share between your booth and the booth behind you. I don't remember if they still leave a little room for ventilation.
Though it seems really tight, it's easily workable for everyone. Get there early on set up morning. Setup starts about 3:00AM, and then follow the parking instructions provided by Howard after you unload and/or setup.
I'll be around. I walk the show on Saturday morning and will offer to shoot booth pictures either Saturday or Sunday morning.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
I look forward to meeting you Larry. Thanks for your comments... The thing is that Howard Allen explicitly states no tables, so that's why I'm worried. But you say they allow you some space outside the booth?
This is a relatively new Shadyside (2nd year?)... any reviews or comments from the first year of the Spring Shadyside?
Not sure about the space behind the booth.
What did you use for a booth picture when you applied? If you want I can suggest display componants that could probably make your booth more professional looking.
Larry Berman