Hi my name is Kara and well I have slowly tried to enter this site and learn some things about art fairs, including whether I want to do them. I have been preparing myself to do them by going to any fair in my area for the last few years. I am just concerned to be honest. Maybe someone out there can direct me down the right rabbit hole cause I'm not making much progress on my own.
I am a very sensitive person, and to be quite honest it makes me sick to my stomach when people are rude to me. If it makes me somehow not qualified to do shows, that very well might be true. But for now, since I have created work to be shown, I still need to earn some kind of wage. I keep coming up against remarks as opposed to helpful information. What I am asking for is helpful information. I hope I can get that here.
For some reason many people seem to be successful in the fairs, if there are some magic recipes please share. My intent in life was always to do fine art and sell it, but I kept changing directions when I came against a wall. Generally I would get a sense I was choosing an art I enjoyed but didn't want to have solely as what I was known for, so I would move on.
I found moving on as an unfortunate repeated offense until I found clay and sculpture. I had to work on my talent, then I had to work on a plan. Well, I am as broke as they get so I don't have room for guess work. When it comes to fairs and getting started, that seems to be just how it is, guessing. I have lost many years running in a circle. Anyone who has known me, knows how hard I have tried but, I just don't understand how to make a living at being an fine artist. There is some little piece of information in my head that is missing, I just know it, but I can't seem to figure it out.
Here are my concerns
1. I am a victim of two very violent crimes, because of this I have panic attacks. I have to have someone with me, so I feel safe. Is there a problem or does it generally cost more , if I have someone with me at all times? are there rules I should know?
2. I can't sell my work cheep and then slowly raise my prices as I get known. I need to be in shows where the buyers purchases are approximately $2000.00 not $200.00. I have been told that I need to be in little shows before I can be in big shows. Not that I know what a big show is.
3. I won't be able to travel a lot due to the chances of breaking my sculptures, they are truly fragile.
4. If you were going to suggest a show in all of the states, where where higher price art sells, and you are accepted on the quality of your piece not how well you are known, what show would you suggest?
5. Are any indoor shows in the states that meet these criteria that you know of.
I realize these are confuse questions, but I am stressed. I'm beginning to feel like I have been going down the wrong rabbit hole again.
Comments
You commented knowledgeably and eloguently in a blog posted by another artist where you also mentioned you attended La Quinta Arts Festival as a spectator/patron.
A consideration could be given to enquiring about participating in their emerging artist program.
thank you Albert, very nice of you. I must say it is very nice to hear from such nice people.
The courage you have shown to ask for help will allow you to overcome your fears. Going around in circles is not as bad as it sounds nor seems; you have always been in harmony with the universal cycle of life.
Focus however is important as it brings clarity and direction.
Your work speaks to the beauty,brilliance,mythology and magic of your soul; thru it you have found possibility beyond your pain which allows you to unearth the sublime power of your creativity.
Always remember the work you do is greater than you; It will open windows of opportunity once it is allowed to be shown.
Despite difficulties,disappointments and doubts our lives can be lived as wonderful stories which make a difference and leave a legacy which lasts.
Kara, if you find yourself able to produce a decent # of pieces in the 100-500 price range, you should seriously look at Celtic and Renn events. We do very well at these events, and your genre would be very appropriate. These are mostly all outdoors, less costly, and tons of people. Some of our best events, and they all want Fairies, dragons, etc. Throw a trinity or celtic knot on something and they will buy it. I know it's not "Pure Art", but it sure pays the bills. My wife makes beautiful Pendants, etc in the $300 - $2000 range, but could not afford to if it were not for the $20-60 earrings we sell by the bucketload. We are not into the "Starving" artist gig!
IlluxCon, as Savina mentioned up-thread, is in Pennsylvania. Jurying happens for next year very soon. Some of the biggest illustrators and artists in the fantasy sci-fi biz. We might be there if we can swing it. I think it's the last weekend in September.
I've already suggested that you go to fantasy and science fiction conventions. There are some bigger ones in California. Next August the World Science Fiction Convention (a.k.a. Worldcon) will be held in Spokane, Washington, and we'll be there.!
Have you investigated Weems International Art Festival. Indoors. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mid-November. So it's probably too late for the jury. I've never done it. An artist friend used to do it and liked it. He does tight realistic pencil drawings.
I think at least for myself I live in my mind so much I just make this stuff. I don't follow any art style or group of people. So when you say fantasy I think a part of me says, "What fantasy, those lady birds are real to me. " I guess I have spent too long in my head and my art work. :)
Thanks Alan!
Btw, Kara, don't discount the fantasy and faery conventions - they turn out thousands of people who are all there to buy... The good thing about them is that you know that you're appealing to a specific interest group and one that cares enough about it to pay an entrance fee to spend an entire day immersed in lectures, vendors and Art related to their interest.
Thank you
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