Call for Artists, Making Money at Juried Art Fairs, Craft Shows and Festivals

Fletcher Dean Midland, MI United States Photography: Like

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Thanks Red River!

Started Jun 14 0 Replies 1 Like

Tags: photography, inkjet, paper, river, drive

Where do you sleep?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Fletcher Dean May 5. 14 Replies 0 Likes

A recent question about Belle Isle - where the poster said they would have to incur travel costs - made me remember a question I've been meaning to post: What do most folks do for sleeping…Continue

Tags: costs, airbnb, hotels, travel

Softwalls from Flourish?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Larry Sohn Apr 4. 3 Replies 0 Likes

Anyone using the fabric softwalls from Flourish? Not the mesh walls but the colored ones that fit over the mesh.I'm interested in what your experience is, how pleased you are, how you attach your…Continue

Tags: walls, soft, Flourish

jury images - consistency or variety?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Robert Wallis Feb 12. 7 Replies 0 Likes

Two shows this year that I am interested in have later deadlines and give me the opportunity to submit in a new medium I've never submitted in before. Which raises a question for me ... do jurors…Continue

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Latest Activity

Fletcher Dean replied to Mike A Wardynski's discussion What type of photographic prints sell best at art shows?

"You do great work, Mike. Really nice. Love the sand pics - they're very delicate. (Unless I'm mistaken, your 'Boardwalk Characters' is at the Grand Prismatic, yes? My wife shot our kids on that very walk and we also have it in…"

Aug 11

Fletcher Dean replied to Susan Williamson's discussion Hi I'm new here.

"Long-time listener; first-time caller. I get it. What I have found is that (the vast majority of) artists are so willing to help and talk. There really is room for you. Go to art fairs. Talk to the artists. Stand back and see which booths…"

Aug 5

Fletcher Dean replied to Tony DeCoste's discussion What makes up the perfect show? From the artists perspective...

"Great list! I would add: * Forget the prizes - they affect very few. I would rather they spend the money on advertising. (I say this as someone who just won a prize this past weekend. Take my money and print some flyers or a banner!) * Plan load-in…"

Aug 5

Fletcher Dean replied to Jim Dalton's discussion What's the worst question you have been asked at an art fair?

"You win. Hands down!"

Jul 8

Fletcher Dean replied to Diana Augustine's discussion Battery Lighting for Dummies

"Diana - it isnt as difficult as you might fear. You just need a few things: 1. A deep cell agm marine battery. These are used becase they are built for devices - like trolling motors or lights - that drain them slowly. I bought mine on Amazon. Here…"

Jul 8

Fletcher Dean replied to Jim Dalton's discussion What's the worst question you have been asked at an art fair?

"A new one for me. Not the worst, but among the strangest ... Non-buying customer: "Is that your real name?" Me: "I'm sorry?" Non-buying customer: "I thought it might be your 'artist' name." Me: "Huh.…"

Jun 26

Fletcher Dean posted a discussion

Thanks Red River!

I've used Red River photography paper in my business for years. So imagine what a happy boy I was when I won a $100 gift certificate from them during the Pledge Drive. Wahoo!I typically use their UltraPro Luster for regular bin prints as well as their Pecos River Gloss for greeting cards (beautiful). But my favorite is their metallic paper. OMG beautiful and runs through an inkjust like a charm.My only problem now is do I use this gracios gift card for something new - maybe some canvas roll or…See More

Jun 14

0 Comments 1 Like

Fletcher Dean replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"I have talked with a couple of artists who sleep in their vehicles overnight and I just don't know how they do that from a cleanup perspective. After a setup, I need a good shower. Glad to see so many do hotels, though. I often felt I was…"

May 5

Tina Hospers replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"We have to do hotels and need a King bed or otherwise I'd go Airbnb (I ran one for awhile) but hardly any of them offer a King bed. It's just what we are comfortable with - we like our space! Definitely adds to our costs, and I…"

May 4

Larry Sohn replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"I'm a backpack camper. Can rough it or stay n 5 star hotels. I'd like to save the money and enjoy the camping. However, the extra work and time to cook, clean up from cooking and body clean up (customer don't like offensive odors), is…"

May 4

Fletcher Dean replied to Carol Larsen's discussion How can you plan with such a short time line

" I understand where you're coming from Carol. I'm a fine art photographer (with a separate fulltime job) who does about a dozen shows a year. It's all I can do in the summer to keep up. I try to pre-load popular prints and wall…"

May 4

Connie Mettler replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"Impressive!"

May 3

Don Hart replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"We have a camping trailer that we bring to all of the shows. Let me be clear we are NOT camping. The camping trailer I stay in has all the amenities of home. Full kitchen, full bath, entertainment center and a queen sized bed. The majority of the…"

May 3

Connie Mettler replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"No camping, vanning for me. There is a lot of overhead in this business and lodging is one of them. Priceline and Air BnB and hotels.com, etc., have been helpful in lowering the prices for lodgings which has helped, but adds another job to do.…"

May 3

Connie Mettler replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"There are also good downtown accommodations near Belle Isle in Detroit. Usually we used hotels.com or one of those sites to find something near. Then you'll have a little time also to see something of the rejuvenation in the downtown.…"

May 3

Otis Harville replied to Fletcher Dean's discussion Where do you sleep?

"Just to be a little more clear. Belle Isle is now considered a State Park, and just three miles going west up Jefferson Ave. is Downtown (making a left out of Belle Isle). If you make a right, there's really no hotels until you go through…"

May 2

Profile Information

Your Medium: Photography

Years in the Art Fair Business: 2

First show ever: East Lansing

What is your website?: http://www.iconphotographystudios.com

What are the best things about art fairs: Meeting people

Best show ever and why: Alden B. Dow Arts Fair - Sales.

Worst show ever and why: Anything with wine - just drinkers, no buyers

Who referred you to ArtFairInsiders.com? Please be specific.: The Internet

What is one fun fact about yourself?: My day job is speechwriting.

Comment Wall (4 comments)

At 8:54am on April 12, 2017, Christina L. Towell said…: Hi Fletcher,

Welcome fellow Michigander! We're thrilled to have you joining us and hope you'll take advantage of all the helpful and entertaining information to be found here. Thanks so much for signing up and best of luck for continued success.

At 9:35am on April 12, 2017, Fletcher Dean said…: Thanks Christina! I'm a bit of a newbie - this is my second year. But I'm eager to continue up the learning curve and think this group can help tremendously! Best!

At 4:43pm on April 13, 2017, Connie Mettler said…: Welcome to Art Fair Insiders, Fletcher. We’re so glad you joined us. I hope you’ll find the site helpful and that you’ll share your ideas and experiences, ask questions and join the discussions. The site is only as good as the members make it. We have a lot to offer one another, experienced and newbie alike.

Please stop by the "Discussions" area to introduce yourself. Then read the "Getting Started" for tips to make the site easier to navigate.
Many topics have already been discussed. We suggest you try a search of your topic before you post your question. Click the SEARCH tab at the top of the page and “search” for your topic: tents, jury fees, Ann Arbor Art Fair, the name of a show, etc. You might find that someone has already asked and answered your question.
Check out our code of conduct to understand the rules of the site.

Each of us is unique and has a gift to share that can help someone else. We all look forward to your sharing on ArtFairInsiders.com.

Best wishes, Connie Mettler

p.s. The best way to make this system easy to use is to click on the "Follow-Email me" link at the bottom of each Forum discussion that interests you. That way the system will email you automatically whenever anyone responds. It's a great time-saver.