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What a journey! Personally, I can't believe I stuck with the discipline of doing a full 40 questions. Second, I can't believe the following from all the readers of this website and my blog website, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com . I must say a big THANK YOU to all who have followed me on this journey of advice and tips to help make any craft artist a better business person, salesperson, and a better artist. I thank everyone who emailed me for personal advice, rated the blog posts, took the time to comment, asked questions, shared this with fellow craft artists, and most importantly Connie Mettler for letting me share my wit and wisdom (if you call it that) here on this site as well.  This blog idea wouldn't be a success if it weren't for you! Now, onto the question...

Question #40 What is your craft artist story?

I had a hard time deciding what to do for the last question for this series. I have thought about summarizing or adding some final thoughts on past questions, but then it hit me... Your personal story. I have one and you have one and most are better than fiction or movie from Hollywood, whether you think so or not. The romantic idea of going from rags to riches IS the American Dream and everyone wants a piece of that pie or support others ambition for their American Dream. The story of finding your passion as an artist to how you developed your own personal style of work is all apart of your own unique story. That story will sell yourself to a jury through your artist statement or edu-taining customers via your website or at an art fair. It is powerful and you shouldn't be afraid to share it.

What are the makings for a good craft artist story? It must be factual, personal, genuine and short.

Just the facts. If you were laid off of work, became a cancer survivor, or came from a family of artisans then go with that. At the same time, if you are say you go all over the world to get the best gemstones for your work, you better have pictures or other proof (say jewelry pieces inspired from your travels) to back that up. A good story is based on facts which ends up being the “meat and potatoes” of your story.

Personal. The personal touch includes using your own dialogue and perspective on your story. Most importantly this includes emotion - how you felt when you first touched felt, painted your first stroke, sold your first piece, captured the perfect moment in time after waiting and waiting to take that perfect photograph. The average person thinks being an artist is easy, sometimes glamorous, but it is up to us to show these people that it is hard work and with hard work comes some nice rewards albeit financial freedom, a creative outlet, the joy of knowing you are able to make someone smile or give hope to others.

Genuine. This refers to the reputation of yourself and your work as well as your experience that makes you, well... you. To be genuine means you have a unique style, attitude, ideas, quirk, skill, etc. that you developed and created all your own proving what you create Is one of a kind.

Short. No one wants to hear your life story in a 3 part novel form. Your story needs to be simple and short, say a paragraph or two that has a lot of punch, yet no longer than a page. In other words you should easily recite it to anyone and they will be able to relate to it immediately.

The amazing thing about your story is that it should be changing as you learn more or experience new experiences. Here's my story...

I am Michelle Sholund, the craft artist and owner of By the Bay Botanicals which is run out of my 1930's farmhouse just outside of Baltimore, MD. I was an only child and found myself entertained for hours experimenting with different art forms such as making large pine cone wreaths from an artist in Pennsylvania, to floral arranging, drawing and playing the violin all while in elementary school. I continued in the arts through college having earned a degree in Fine Arts. A few years later I got married then pursued selling my homemade creations at local art and craft fairs.

In 2007, my husband and I moved into our dream home, a farmhouse on 1.2 acres of property – that is when I really found my inspiration and calling. That calling was gardening and working with all natural materials to create aromatic art. I taught myself to dry the flowers from my gardens creating my own style of potpourri and other scented products all inspired by various places in Maryland. The high end palm wax candle line, called Destination Scentations, is a new addition after a local store owner (and friend) nudged me to try making candles. Six months of frustration in teaching myself how to make candles, I started to experiment with waxes, unique jar styles, wicks, as well as creating my own fragrances through blending techniques. I also learned about the benefits of eco-friendly palm wax and why it is important to choose and use renewable resources for the betterment of our environment and our health. The result? Colorful frosted candles that captures the haunting aroma of popular travel destinations all over US and the world. Through handcrafted, aromatic creations, I hope others will learn that investing in Made in America ,eco-friendly products isn't just a great gift, but a step in the right direction to help make the world a better place for future generations.

What do you think, did I follow my own rules? Do you think you can do better? Are you open to want to know more about me or learn more about the items I create (granted I am not doing this to sell you my work, but demonstrate how this can be an effective marketing too)? Will this inspire you or at least find it to be a decent example on how to write your own story? I certainly hope so.

While this is the last question to this blog series, that doesn't mean I won't continue my blog, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com .  I will still post on artfairinsiders.com too.   Another reason stick to following my blog – click on the RRS feed button to get quick updates – is that I intend to start doing audio and video blog posts, and with luck share them on this site - as long as Connie doesn't mind :-) My door is always open if you want to email me or pick my brain...Thanks again for your support in this blog series, until the next blog post.... Wishing you much success with your craft/art business... - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com www.bythebaybotanicalsonline.com

As this blog series is nearly complete I want to make sure these last two questions are really insightful. One of the reasons I started this blog – not just the blog series, is through being frustrated seeing how some craft artists, both new and seasoned vets, consistently make many mistakes preventing them to reach their full potential. So, I thought I would take it upon myself and help those looking for help, ideas, and advice – hopefully everything up until this point has met your expectations! This question is one where I want to highlight common mistakes craft artists make.

Question #39 What Are the Top 10 Mistakes Craft Artists Make?

In no particular order, here's my top 10...

1. Underselling yourself and your work. While many feel the only way to grab customers attention is to have super low prices because the biggest competition are the Big Box Companies. Know this – YOU ARE NOT A BIG BOX CO.! The best way to compete is to offer great quality craftsmanship at a price fair PROFITABLE price. You have costs and you're only satisfied if you earn just the bare minimum, you will never earn a profit and stay in business as you have costs to recoup such as booth space, supply expenses, credit card processing fees, travel expenses, shipping fees, etc. This can't be done if you undersell yourself.

2. No website. A website, not an Etsy account or blog site, is crucial in this day and age to attract buyers. A website answers the who, what, when, where and most importantly the why's of your work. Costs of starting super low espeically if you do it yourself say with places such as weebly.com, squarespace.com, intuit.com, and many others. Choosing to not have a web presence drives business away from you and into the laps of your competition.

3. Set up your art fair display for the first time at your first show. Given the option, would you rather be stressed out trying to figure out how to set-up a new canopy or figure out proper placement of your tables or have a well thought out plan of action on how to set up your art fair booth? This is a no brainer – the efficient and fast way is my choice. The best way to do this is by practice setting up in your back yard once or twice. Also don't forget to be flexible with your display some shows offer odd space dimensions.

4. Dressing inappropriately. No, I'm not referring to dressing suggestively, but direct this to those who pay no head to forecasts and dress too casually. Know what the weather report will be like during the whole day of the show. For example, if it might turn cold, have a jacket or sweatshirt handy. The best advice here is to dress for both professionalism and comfort.

5. Ignoring customers. Most don't realize this but, customers hate it when they see you on a cellphone, reading a newspaper, texting, socializing with craft neighbors or old friends, etc. and ignoring their needs. Customers will not interrupt a person who is preoccupied – they just simply leave. One memorable experience I had was with a jewelry artist who chose to read a newspaper the whole period of a show. I stood in front of him staring for 5 full minutes at this guy who was hiding behind a newspaper and not once did this person look up or make any effort to ask if I needed any help. Don't be this guy as every missed selling opportunity is money lost.

6. Inconsistency. Craft artists who are inconsistent when pricing work – say one item has a web price, show price and gallery price – buyers will question the quality of your work. At the same time customers doubt the quality of an artist's work when one piece of high quality fiber art is perfect, but another is frayed or a photographers prints are faded due to exposure to the sun or due to poor quality paper. Quality control speaks volumes when an artisans work that is consistent will have more repeat buyers.

7. No Goals. Without having goals you cannot measure success nor find the ambition to strive to do better. Goals don't have to be financial goals, like some believe. Some simple goals include learning more about your target audience through online research, re-organizing a studio, apply to a different type of art show – say Renaissance Festivals, sign-up or explore social networking, or start an educational podcast. My most recent goal was to reorganize my whole workshop (photo included with this blog) as it was something always put by the way side. Seeing it get cluttered and disorganized hurt my business, but implementing the goal allowed me to get a rid of countless supplies that were just hanging around never to be used and have all items in one place making work flow more effeciently.

8. Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve. Artists, by nature, do not take rejection or criticism well. My favorite motto? It's nothing personal, just strictly business. A rejection letter from a juried show could mean the medium had been filled. A store/gallery may say they are not interested in carrying your work, but it could mean they just don't have room for one more thing, it won't fit the clientèle that normally comes in, or they just aren't buying as sales are down due to the economy. Don't take comments too personally, but find opportunities to grow from advice and suggestions given.

9. Be Fake. Customers, sales reps, art fair jury members - all these people can pick up on exaggerated sales numbers, handmade vs. made in China and so on. The same can go for artists when finding out info about art fairs they hope to apply to. Buyers are attracted to those who exhibit the 3 H's - honest, helpful, and humbleness. People really want to know why you like one piece over another or how something is made to see if you really know your stuff or possibly to see if your work comes from China. In other words, know your stuff and if you don't know, be honest and say, “I have never been asked that, I really don't know... but I do know...” changing the topic to take control of the situation.

10. Plain Jane. Nothing is more boring than a uninviting, plain booth display. Utilizing eye popping colors, shelving, highly visible large format photography (albeit jewelry or silk scarf on a model, a child hugging a handmade doll, an elderly person taking comfort in a warm handmade quilt...) or display theme will engage attract people verses repel them. You bought the space you can either make it look like something at a flea market or like a high end mini boutique people can't wait to enter and shop.

Have you made any of these mistakes? Have you learned from any of these mistakes? Do you know of other mistakes people make not mentioned in this blog post? I want to hear them! Share your thoughts on this topic using the comment button. Thanks for reading this not so quick blog posting. Take the time to catch up on older Questions before the last one becomes available – you won't want to miss it. - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartitips.blogspot.com and www.bythebaybotanicalsonline.com .

40 Questions Blog Series Question # 36 Are you happy with what you create and sell?

Greetings everyone! I am happy to be back blogging since the busy season selling at art fairs is complete. I am happy to finally be able to blog more and talk about a question that I thought of when I was at my last show of the year. To paint a (small) picture, I was at a convention center Christmas show where there were about 125 vendors over Black Friday weekend. While the show was packed with shoppers I was amazed at how so many exhibitors looked as if all their energy, all their passion was sucked out of them. For me I was thrilled to finally be apart of a bustling show – one of the most well attended of shows I have been to in a long time and couldn't understand why so many did not share that enthusiasm. So many of my neighboring sellers were sitting - bored, chatting on cell phones, reading the paper and IGNORING all those who near and in their booth waiting to see if someone would help them. Due to this I have to ask all of you...

Question # 36 Are you happy with what you create and sell?

All the advice I have “spewed” with this blog series cannot be effective unless you – yes, YOU , are happy with what you create. In other words are you excited to be in your workshop each day? Are you focused and eager to make sales to anyone that shows and interest in what you make and sell at shows? If you find yourself complaining more and more each day how the economy is making it impossible to make money or how there is too much re-sell at a show, or whatever the excuse is, you are heading towards disaster. Excuses and reasons for not being passionate about your work rubs off on your art/craft (quality goes down), your customers are disinterested in your lack of wanting to talk up your work and why they should buy it, and others will see this too. You might not see it now, but you will (or perhaps you are) that sour puss we all see at shows that sees the life of an artist is more work that it is worth rather than a happy lifestyle that is full of hard work yet the pay off is great.

You need to find a way to get excited about what you create. You need to rekindle the passion of sharing your story of how you became a craft artist in the first place. Much of this passion is sucked out of artist's lives due to spending countless hours each day isolated – alone in their studio, alone in the car driving and setting up at shows, alone in selling ... Just plain isolated – out of touch with the outside world. AT the same time surrounding yourself with negative people or focused on negative news. This might mean you need to go back to the basics especially if you are dabbling in so many types of art and craft that you feel overwhelmed, sales are dropping, or your creative well is running dry. Look to the internet and seek out other craft artists who are blogging away about their last successful art show or tweeting/updating their Facebook page regarding a new item they just made. Learn from this. When you start feeling the happiness being sucked out of you, that is the time you need to surround yourself with positive influences to boost that “can do” attitude. Join a guild, connect with fellow artists from shows you do together over coffee at a local coffee shop, read all the inspirational stories you can via the social network realm of artist based groups and participate, start listening to artist or art business podcasts to find advice on how to be a better art/craft business owner, etc. Speaking from experience, the more you isolate yourself, the more the thoughts of defeat creep in, pessimism will out weigh your original thoughts of YOU CAN DO IT!

The fact of the matter is you all can do it – you all can be happy at what you create, if you aren't already. If you are not happy re-evaluate what makes you happy and re-focus on that. We are living in an entrepreneurial age and despite what you hear on the news, doors of opportunities are opening. Supplies, real estate, advertising, even art show spaces have all become more affordable and that is half the battle right there! There is no better time than the present to find and do what makes you happy whether you have been in business for 20+ years or just thinking of taking that first step into being your own boss. As I am wrapping up this blog series, I aim to start recapping all of these questions that artists often ask since I started this back 2009 as well as reflect on my experience doing this blog series both with the feed back I have received and using my own advice when taking the next step in growing my own craft business. If you have anything to add, if you have used this advice and want to share your success stories please do so via the comment button with this blog. Until next week... (expect this blog to be more of a once a week blog now that my art fair season is complete) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

40 Questions Blog Series – Question 19 What should I not leave homewithout before going to a show?

I am convinced I have the worst memory when it comes to packing the carthe day before a show. If it isn't a banner, for instance, it isgift/shopping bags and business cards. When I use a check sheet itreally helps. Here's my list of items that you should not leave homewithout before you head off the show.

Question 19 - What should I not leave home without?

1. Cashbox/money belt

2. Cash (go the night before to your bank and get your change then)

3. Credit card machine

4. Receipt book

5. Pens

6. Display furniture

7. Canopy

8. Table coverings

9. Tape

10. Scissors

11. Step ladder/handtruck

12. Extension cords

13. Lights

14. Sales tax certificate

15. Chair (some may not agree, but I have to sit to at least eat)

16. Fan (a must during summertime outdoor shows)

17. Lunch/snack

18. Purse/wallet

19. Your art or craft (double check to make sure all is packed)

20. Air Freshener (people like a place that smells clean and air freshenercan do that)

While this list of 20 may not be for everyone as some don't need a canopyfor an indoor show and some shows don't have electric. I find makingthis list in an spreadsheet and having two columns – one listingthe item and the other to check off it is packed works for me. Ifyou are like me, forgetful, this list will be a lifesaver.

The next post is all about the importance of nice gift bags for any typeof art/craft. Have a great show!

Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

40 Questions Blog Series – Question 23 How can I promote my craft/art business when not at shows?

I get this question a lot, not to mention see it a lot on message boards within the art/craft community. We all have to promote our work, it is just the nature of the beast. While the best way to do so is “in your face” through doing shows – people can see, touch and experience your work, but what else can a craft artist do to promote your work and/or business? The following are my top 10 ways to promote your business – for FREE!

Question #23 – How can I promote my craft/art business when I am not at shows?

1. Sign your E-mails, notes, message board posts, etc. with your name, business name, and website site address. Whether it is Emailing a promoters inquiring about a show application or giving your 2 cents on a topic on a message board you'll get people wanting to learn more about you and what you do. It is easy, completely free, and works.

2. Donate a piece to an auction or charitable function. While not all can do this or want to, it is still a good way to get your name out to people who may not get to see you at a show. It is also a tax write off too.

3. Get business cards made and give them out. It surprises me that so many artists do not have a business card or understand the benefits of having one. I can't tell you how many times I meet someone at a check out or party and exchange info and happen to learn I am an artist too. Don't forget to put a few in your local coffee shop, grocery store, etc. - I have had promoters find me that way.

4. Start a Facebook Page. The power of Internet social networking is growing by leaps and bounds . It is a major form of communication - linking up with others with similar interests and sharing that info with others. Starting a page takes about 4-5 minutes and again, its free.

5. Start a Blog. If you are an artist you must have some knowledge about your medium – share it with others! A blog could be about your works in progress, how your work is a form of therapy that helped you get over an illness, or a comical play by play of stories you have encountered in your journey of being an artist and business owner. Doing a blog is fun, a way to relieve stress and help others in your field, not to mention help spread the word of your business.

6. Network on art/craft websites or sites regarding your medium. You can't run your own business and do art alone - learning from others as well as sharing your opinions are a great way to connect with others. You never know when a fellow artist comes across a customer looking for something you do and shares your name with others. Another great form of word of mouth advertising.

7. Join an art guild or art council. There is at least one art guild or art council in every city or county. Get involved – learn more about what is going on in your community, and more specifically your art community and you never know what doors this can open.

8. Ask a local business if you can do a trunk show in their shop/gallery. Businesses are hurting, but showing that you can create a buzz and draw customers into the store may make store owners' ears perk up. Ask if you can come in on a weekend to sell some of your work in person – the owner can get a cut of your sales (better than paying for a space at a show sometimes). To boot, if you are willing to be there to autograph pieces, give a talk about your medium and offer some light refreshments – it can be a win win for you and the store owner. Depending on the trunk shows success you could be asked to come back again or the owner may ask to sell some of your work in the stores.

9. Create a press kit. Although this will be a future topic for the 40 Question Blog Series, working up a press kit can be an excellent way to get people to learn about your work. A typical press kit includes a photo of yourself, a few photos of your work, a short biography, business card, and a typed article about something you want your community, county, state, etc. to know about. Newspapers and the like are always looking for articles that highlight people in the community who have received an award, promoting a new or successful business in the community, or highlight an artist at an upcoming art show. Submit a press kit directly to the press as well as offer one to the promoter of upcoming shows, everyone who reads the article will want to immediately visit your website or be the first to your booth at the next show you do.

10. Lastly, tell your friends! Your best fans will come from the people you know – your co-workers, members of your church, your kids (or grandkids teachers), close friends, hair stylist, relatives and their friends, and more. From just mentioning what you do (not to be confused with bragging) and eventually showing these people your work, you may find some real gems who will then say, “my friend Tom loves wood working – and I know he and his wife are looking for some furniture to complete a newly remodeled room they have, I'll have to have them contact you.”

When it comes to your business, if you aren't promoting yourself who will? Seriously! If you are not talking about your business at least 2 times a day, no one will. I get it, money is tight – I know this very well, so while you can, exhaust your “free” resources first. It is after this then you can work your way up and try things like Goggle ads, mailing lists, and so on. I use all of these 10 ideas and they are still working because things change from month to month and season to season that I am always finding new people who are interested in what I create.

What do you do to promote yourself? Do you have an idea that you want to share with others that I haven't mentioned? Post away! Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com. Check out my business website www.bythebaybotanicals.com and become a fan of By the Bay Botanicals on facebook.com .

40 Questions Blog Series – Question 20 – Is packaging important and what is ideal for what I make and sell?

I have sold and shopped at many art fairs over the years and one of the things that makes me remember an artist, whether it is a good or bad , are their shopping bags. I can say, without a doubt packaging and the use of good gift bags are VERY important. It brands your work. Good bags/packaging protects your work once it leaves your booth. Also, it enhances your work too. I am amazed by how so many go through the hard work of making their work but fail miserable when it comes to packaging. This is why question 20 is devoted to the topic of packaging.

Question #20 – Is packaging important and what is ideal for what I make and sell?

I loved watching the Cosby show when I was young and one episode always stuck with me regarding this topic. In the episode one of his daughters came home from college and dropped a bomb on the family that she and her new boyfriend eloped (perhaps got engaged). The family was disappointed in the news and Bill Cosby compared the situation of presenting the new guy like a fine steak on a trash can lid. Mr. Cosby said (in not these exact words), “Imagine a bug juicy steak – you like steaks right,” he asks the new husband/fiance. “Well, imaging a huge thick steak cooked to perfection – its juicy, seasoned just the way you like it, the aroma wafts through the air and you HUNGRY. Now here you are, sitting at your favorite restaurant and the waiter brings you the steak, but instead of a plate, they serve it on the most filthiest trash can lids you have ever seen and smelled. Will you still eat that steak now? You could very well be the most nicest man in the world, but my daughter just 'served' you on a trash can lid.”

Are you selling fine art, but packaging it in recycled grocery bags or mini black plastic bags that are more suitable to pick up dog feces? You might not see it as horrible, but it is good customer service to show that you take pride in your craftsmanship and that continues in your packaging. Granted not everyone falls into this category, but if you think you do, here's my three tips to better packaging.

1. Don't buy retail. When I ask people where they buy their nice bags they will tell me a party store or Micheal's Crafts stores. Having nice gift bags do not have to cost you a lot. Check out Nashvillewraps.com or BagsandBows.com (there are many great companies) for example and check out their selection and their prices. You may find nice bags could cost anywhere from a dime to a quarter.

2. There is gift wrap, bags and boxes for all art. I recommend clear plastic bags – available at Office supply stores – for 2D art for protection against bad weather and as advertisement due to it being see through. Jewelry can be packaged in jewelry boxes and/or organza bags. Flat paper bags work well for prints. At the store I work in part time uses recycled tissue wrap to wrap pottery and glassware as well as put them in Euro style plastic bags. All else can be packaged in both plastic or kraft style bags.

3. Branding. Make your bags stand out and work like walking advertising for you by printing simple labels with your business name with contact info and paste it on the front of your bags. Coordinate your packaging theme so it works with your medium or think about how it can tie in with your business cards, website, or general color theme you use in merchandising your work. For me, my whole new business theme was inspired by my new shopping bags that I use when I changed both my business name and theme one year ago. I went from using gingham kraft bags to plastic shopping bags with a tropical print on them (seen in photo). To this day I get just as many compliments about my work as I do my bags. The best part is when someone at a show sees the bags they want to know where the customer got them, thus driving new customers to my booth because their thought is “if those bags are nice, I can only imagine what he/she bought is nice too”.

Have a packaging story? Want to share photos of your packaging? Use the comment button and have fun. Tune in for Question 21 where I will tackle the importance of relating to your customers to know how to sell to them. - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

40 Questions Blog Series – Question 22 What should I name mycraft/art business?

Loosing yourself in creating amazing works of art is easy, but finding theperfect name for your business... not as easy. The perfect namemight come to you quickly yet others will find it could take weeks toa month. It is possible that while you are happy with your currentbusiness name now, you might find that as your work evolves yourbusiness name needs to change. Instead of listing all the thingsyou need to keep in mind when choosing a business name, here's somebad examples (made up names of course) of business names with help tofind the best name for your business.

Question 22 – What should I name my craft/art business?

Bad Example #1 Kathy's Kountry Kandles Whenever you find misspelledwords in a title or business name, do you think how cute or can'tthey spell country correctly? When I see something misspelled likeKountry or Fone (for phone) it sends a message the company probablycuts corners or is fake as in imitation Krab meat vs. true Crab meat.Now before people start sending me hate mail, I do get it that it iscommon with primitive type art/crafts. Do realize if you do go inthis direction, you might find naming your business in this mattercan be a turn off.

Bad Example #2 John Wise Art Studio. Incorporating your own name intoyour business name is a good thing, however ask yourself will yourcustomers understand what your medium is based on the name “JohnWise Art Studio”? Some might find the name to reflect an actualstudio that people can take art classes in or that you sell artsupplies. To fix this dilemma, include your medium in the name forexample “John Wise Glass Studio” or “John Wise Photography”.

Bad Example #3 Dress Barn. For some reason I am having a hard timethinking of an example of this, but realized when I saw “DressBarn” I thought – how awful that name is. It makes me think of“fashion” for farmers (sorry farmers) or dresses for overweightwomen. What I am trying to say use a name that shouldn't have anegative connotation as well as something you want to stand by, notbe embarrassed. by.

Bad Example #4 Jive Jewels. While back in the 1970's this might becool, but will anyone today get what “Jive Jewels” is all about?Make sure whatever you name your business it is something that willstand the tests of time and people of any generation will get it.

While there are other examples I could give the one that I think trumpsthem all is this. Make your name your own, unique, and easy toremember.

I took a risk changing my business name from Grammy's Country Collectiblesto By the Bay Botanicals over one year ago. At the time the old nameworked, my products were inspired by my great grandma and thecollectibles was something that I thought would work as my linesexpanded. What I didn't realize is that it made by business seem oldfashioned and never told folks what it is I sold. When the name Bythe Bay Botanicals was born, I wanted it to signify something aboutwhere I work/live – the Chesapeake Bay, sound relaxing, as well astell customers the business has something botanicals or flowers too.

Are you having trouble naming your business? Thought about changing yourbusiness name or have changed your business name? Share your storyand add your two cents on this subject. Thanks for reading!Michelle Sholund – www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

40 Question Blog Series – First 15 Question Review

It has been about 2-3 months now and I've covered 15 Questions on our way toa total of 40 Questions Craft Artists Commonly Ask. If you missedany of the answers to the following questions or just tuned in, nowis the time to catch up especially with Spring shows fully underway.You may find, if you are willing to adopt some of these tips inexchange for leaving some habits that aren't working behind, myFREE advice very well will help you save money as well as earn more money whiledoing shows. If you have used any of these tips (posted on my blog site as well as here on ArtFairInsiders.com), please share yourthoughts in how it worked for you or if it inspired other tips youwould like to share with others.

Question 1 - Picture yourself with a limitless amount of funds to spendhowever you want. Using that money describe how your ideal boothwould look like. Think about color, texture, fixtures, and usingwhat you have seen at shows.

Question 2 - Because money is an issue, are there still ways you can make yourdream booth become a reality?

Question 3 - What is booth theme and where can “I” find the right displayfurniture to emulate my theme best suited for the medium I work in?

Question 4 - What is merchandising and what are some effective merchandisingtechniques?

Question 5 - What lighting, flooring and canopies should I use?

Question 6 - How can I attract customers into my booth?

Question 7 - How do you find your niche?

Question 8 - How can I prevent creativity burn out?

Question 9 - What are some current and new art forms are hot sellers in themarket place?

Question 10 - How do I price my work?

Question 11 - How can I add value to my art/craft?

Question 12 - What are some signs that what I am making should be phased out?

Question 13 – What is Customer Service

Question 14 – What kind of service do customers want and expect?

Question 15 - How have Gen X and Y's affect how people shop at art fairs?(How can we capture their attention too?)

To find more info on these questions please check outwww.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com(or past blog posts here on this blog on Art Fair Insiders) and scroll through the past blog posts (they are all in order) overthe past 2-3 months. The next 15 will cover topics such asdeciphering customer language, creative marketing strategies, how tofind shows right for you and your art, handling problematic weather,top 10 money saving techniques artists need to know, and how tobattle negativing when it enters your booth. Have a question youwould like answered, use the comment button and I will answer it in afuture 40 Question Blog post! Thanks so much for joining me on thisadventure to help others be a better art/craft business person,please remain buckled in there's more adventure in store! - Michelle,www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com(please visit my business site to see some of these tips in action,www.bythebaybotanicals.com).