As a veritable newcomer to this site and the world of Art Fairs, I just have to pose the question...how and why did you all decide you wanted to do this?  Aside from the instant (?) gratification of having someone appreciate and ultimately purchase your work, there's the financial burden of booth costs, entry fees, travel expenses, wear and tear on your vehicle, (not to mention your back) and then the possibility of doing it all in vain.  What motivates you to keep going?  I'm really curious...

I am thinking about participating in a Arts and Crafts show in Elkhart Indiana in February and I'm already worried about what the driving conditions might be like and I haven't even filled out the form yet.

 So, please, chime in and give me the pep talk or just tell me how you got started and why you either love it or hate it and what continues to excite you about it...I'd love to know and I think there may be one or two other newbies out there who would love the benefit of your vast knowledge and experience.  Thanks.

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  • The difference between doing an art show and selling your work in a gallery is the connection with the buyer.  When you are in an art show, you meet everyone that buys your work.  You get to tell them what inspired you, where you were when you took that shot or painted that picture, etc.  Sometimes telling a story about a particular piece will be the difference between making a sale or not. 

    Most of my photography work is nature and wildlife oriented.  I look at doing art shows as a chance to share my love and knowledge of nature with people.  I'm happy if I make the booth fee. 

    • Thanks, Dave...I really appreciate your take on this subject and I agree with you.  The problem for me is financial but if, and when, that improves, I will definitely take the plunge.  As for the gallery option, I have to say that the woman who manages the gallery where I show my work is a real advocate for all of the artists there...she really goes the distance to make a sale and I think we're all lucky to have her representing us.  I helped out there last saturday, as it's a cooperative, and I did make a sale of one of my felted hats, and you're right...it was pretty special.  I do miss that connection but I also sell my things at the cafe / gift shop where I work, so I do interact with customers that purchase from me there, it's all good...

      Thanks again.

  • Christina, as a newbie, you might be better served by getting your toes wet in small local shows. Especially at this time of year when your warm woolies would be in more demand. I do know that the Elkhart show you are considering is a brand new one with no track record, but it has attracted some really good artists. If I were in town then, which I won't be, I might give it a try simply because there isn't anything else around here in February and the young promoter seems to be full of energy.

    As for me, I have been in show biz for about 35 years, through 3 media changes, and believe me, the last decade has been tough! I hang on because by now Social Security takes care of my basic needs, and things HAVE been getting better, and I can't stop creating new things and what will my kids do with them if I don't get rid of them along the way? Mainly, I love getting affirmation from the people who like my art enough to buy it, I love the friends I have made along the way, and I love getting out there and proving that old ladies aren't worthless baggage on society. 

    • Thank you, Joan...I really appreciate your outlook and advice.  I'm in the same boat but struggling financially, and I have to say I'm hesitant to pay $150 for a booth because I don't know if I can sell enough to make it worth my while.  I'm attracted to doing shows and art fairs but don't have the disposable income right now...maybe that will change in the future but right now, selling my creations in galleries and gift shops works pretty well for me, although they take a hefty cut too.

      Thanks again and we will never be "worthless baggage", trust me.

  • When I started, (which was shortly after the discovery of fire) I didn't even think about the negatives. I did shows for the pure fun of it. And I made money too.

    That's when people discover their true passions. You'll know it when you say you would do this even if you didn't get paid. And many of us today are realizing that!

    It's been a long time. I figure I've done over 1,200 shows. Some were wildly profitable, and some were absolute busts. That's the nature of this business. Those who are in it solely for the money fall by the wayside quickly.

    I read a survey a while back where it said that almost 70% of people don't like their job.  I truly believe that for us, that figure is reversed.

    • Thanks, everybody...I love what you've had to say and how passionate you are about what you do. I have the same concerns about galleries, I'm represented in one and I do fairly well but the monthly fee plus the percentage they take makes me wonder if it's the best fit for me.  I guess I'll test the waters close to home and see what develops.  My other concern, though, is that I sell wool felted women's hats and handbags and who wants to think about winter wearables in the summertime?  Should I just concentrate my efforts on finding fall and winter shows?

      Thanks again...

  • I simply love to count my money at the end of the day and go over what sold, what didn't sell well, and what I need/want to make for next show/next season.
    • Well said Richard...

      I guess when I started, I didn't have "all those worries", however, I guess to a point it is wise. I love art shows ~ getting out there in the public to share my new designs & getting to know my customers, their needs, likes, dislikes, & how they have been, ect., It seems everything else just comes naturally & from experience! NOT everyone  even with talent is "cut-out" to do Art Fairs, & my suggestion to you is that just try some, & if you become too overwhelmed, maybe galleries are best for you. Some people do well in galleries, but with their high percentages & monthly fees  some Artists don't find financially worth it. I would say that if you love what you are doing, it will show in your work~~ keeping a positive attitude, don't complain about the show to other Artists in front of customers, & just keep doing what you do best, you will be just fine!  Yes, the economy isn't where we would like it to be, but it is the same in whatever line of work you do, so working for yourself & loving what you do will make everything else fall into place!!!  So kick back~have a glass of wine, & think of creating the next piece of Art you can share at the next show & have FUN with it! 

  • I can't not create, my walls are full, and art shows are still the best game in town for selling art.  I have other venues.  I sell from my website and a gallery but both of those are barely paying for themselves.  I suggest starting small and local.  Keep your expenses down while you learn what works for you and what doesn't.

  • Artists that do art shows do so because they love doing them. They love the life, the comradery of their fellow artists, meeting new friends and getting together with old friends. In short, they love the lifestyle of doing art shows and everything connected with them.

    Financially things are a little shaky now but there was a time when you tried a show and if you didn't make a profit, you shrugged it off and went on to do the next show. Now you have to think twice about it, maybe reading inaccurate reviews and making decisions based on other's thoughts.

    If this is your first show, you need a mentor or advisor. Someone you can actually talk to instead of reading information on the internet that doesn't apply to you. That advisor should be someone in your own medium category that has experience and is willing to share information.

    Larry Berman
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    412-401-8100

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