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

Matt Gwinn Male Ypsilanti, MI United States Photography: Like

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Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

Started this discussion. Last reply by Cindy Welch Aug 29. 11 Replies 4 Likes

Here are a few things I learned at my 1st outdoor show (2nd show overall). Ypsifest in Ypsilanti, MI.1) If you're going to pay extra for electricity make sure the event can actually provide it.I paid…Continue

Help!! Condensation in my tent!

Started this discussion. Last reply by Barry Shandler Aug 26. 4 Replies 0 Likes

I'm doing my first outdoor show. I set up the tent yesterday and came in this morning to hang my prints and the whole ceiling of the tent is covered with condensation! What can I do to fix this?The…Continue

Does tent color make a difference?

Started this discussion. Last reply by GEORGE NEUBERGER Sep 2. 7 Replies 0 Likes

So, I have my first outdoor show this weekend (YPSIFest in Ypsilanti, MI) and my tent does not arrive in the mail until sometime on Friday. The event starts at 2pm Friday. Rather than risk not having…Continue

Wayne County Fair

Started this discussion. Last reply by Connie Mettler Sep 14. 4 Replies 1 Like

Wayne County Fair, Belleville, MI August 5-10, 2019Fees: $100 deposit, $50 for 10' x 10' indoor space, $25 for electricWhat we were selling: Photography prints, homemade greeting cards and sock…Continue

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Connie Mettler replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Wayne County Fair

"I've moved it to Reviews, Matt. All I can think is that perhaps you didn't click the right category. Its in the right place for awhile now."

Sep 14

Cindy Welch replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Wayne County Fair

"Matt, there are a lot of variable about why an artist does not do well. One thought is that this was not your target market. Feeling like a museum attraction ... been there and done that. That makes me think this was not your…"

Sep 13

Sandra J. Atkins-Moran replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Wayne County Fair

"That is an incredible amount of time to spend for so little return, despite the low booth fee. I realize this was your first fair, and it's a tough learning curve. Suggestions for the future: take a look at the show hours before you apply…"

Sep 12

GEORGE NEUBERGER replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Does tent color make a difference?

"I had picked up a yellow tent thinking I would stand out from the rest of the vendors. That worked, but I had problems because the yellow tent changed the color of my products. I make pens and couldn't tell the difference between the gold…"

Sep 2

Cindy Welch replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Matt, I agree with all the advice given already. I would advise you to wait as long as possible on purchasing a dedicated art show vehicle. Even then, look for one gently used, possibly someone who is having to retire suddenly for…"

Aug 29

Connie Mettler replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Good point about prices. Several years ago I did a podcast with Barney Davey, who has been involved in the marketing and sales for some very big events, including Artexpo in NYC. He's got some excellent suggestions on pricing. You can listen to…"

Aug 29

Matt Gwinn replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"No problem, I prefer having them in the post I did them as attachments because it looked like most people did it that way"

Aug 28

Julie K Koleszar replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"One of the things I’ve learned about pricing is if you price your items too low people won’t buy because they equate quality with price. If you go too high you won’t sell, but don’t be afraid to raise your prices…"

Aug 28

Connie Mettler replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"(Matt, hope you don't mind that I uploaded your images to your post. For the future, it is easy to do, consult the FAQs at the top of the page in Getting Started.)"

Aug 28

Sonja Jones replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Yes, Matt, I’ve had that same experience! Sold an original painting this summer that I wasn’t even going to put out. I have one particular print that I just sells over and over! Listen to comments as people pass by and see which prints…"

Aug 28

Matt Gwinn replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Sonja, We're also sticking to local shows. At least until get a better read on what people are willing to pay for. I was pretty surprised at this past show at which prints people were buying. There were a couple that I knew would be popular,…"

Aug 28

Sonja Jones replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"I'm in my second year of outdoor showing, and still trying to figure out pricing. Been told by other artists that my prices are "too low". Yet if people aren't buying at that low price, not sure I can justify raising…"

Aug 28

Matt Gwinn replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Thanks I wasn't planning on buy a van any time soon. I already have two car payments as it is. A van would just make things easier, and I was mostly just venting my frustration.We probably won't be buying anything new for the booth until…"

Aug 28

Loc Tran replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Congrats on finishing your first shows! You will continue to learns lots and have a stronger opinions of how to maneuver through this profession to profitability. Based on your comments, I would caution you to going out and making a big purchase…"

Aug 28

Connie Mettler replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Things I learned from my First Outdoor Event

"Good job, Matt. Thanks for this report. What is really working for you is your flexibility and eagerness to learn the things that will make this better for you. Each show should show progress. Even in the "golden days" of art fairs when we…"

Aug 28

Barry Shandler replied to Matt Gwinn's discussion Help!! Condensation in my tent!

"I put a rubber back outdoor carpet in my booth. You cant prevent moisture from getting in the ground ., A new tent cant help you one bit."

Aug 26

Profile Information

Your Medium: Photography

Years in the Art Fair Business: 0

First show ever: Wayne County Fair, August 2019

What is your website?: http://errantknightphotography.com

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

Comment Wall (2 comments)

At 8:43am on June 29, 2019, Christina L. Towell said…: Hi Matt,

Welcome fellow Michigander! We're thrilled to have you joining our community of artists and artisans and hope you'll take advantage of everything the site has to offer. Thanks for subscribing to the newsletter and best of luck as you move forward.

At 9:21pm on June 29, 2019, Connie Mettler said…: Welcome to Art Fair Insiders, Matt. 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.