Blog

So the results are starting to roll in for the better mid-atlantic juried events. I know that accepted artists at events do not ask for their scores. Accepted is accepted and you're happy.

But what about those shows where your work is on par with what you see at the event, but you applied early; thought your images were good and your booth image was strong... but still didn't make the cut?

The jury process is not transparent. Most show directors I have requested scores from will not, as a matter of policy discuss jury scoring. Their events are black boxes... You pay a fee to submit your images and get back only a yes, no, or maybe for the event.

If an event has a scoring system for their jurors, why is it a problem to provide something besides an accept/reject/wait list response to artist applications?

If there's a scoring system, please provide the artists scores as a meager form of feedback. We may not like them, may disagree with them, but at least it is something. If you are scoring the booth images, provide your standards and give this as a separate score.

Is there anything wrong with an expectation of feedback given that you are paying a fee to an event to judge your work

I just received two rejections from a prominent Philadelphia event. I wrote the show director (not for the first time) and asked for my scores. The reply back was the same - we do not provide scores, and in time past they have cited other events of their caliber not providing scores either as part of why they do not provide scores.

Word was that ZAPP was going to add a scoring module to their software.... Anybody know the current state of this initiative?

Is anyone getting numeric or otherwise scores from their jury entries?

I applied for my states artist fellowship program this past year. I didn't get the fellowship and they did not provide scores. However, they did provide written comments from the juror.

So, I have to ask my juried brethren: if I can get written feedback from that level of juried competition and do not have to pay a fee, why should I expect any less from a for-profit/non-profit event jury, who is charging me for the privilege of asking to participate in their event?

Yes, scoring disclosure requires explaining what things are being scored in a given event. They may require showing (in example of a booth image) what top-level, middle of the road, and booth-fail booth images look like...

I am uncertain how one would establish criteria for scoring paintings.. Would Jackson Pollack jury into your better quality events these days? (I don't think so) How about Rothko? (well his stuff would match the couch and wall color schemes... Both of them made couch sized pieces... Warhol would probably get into some events, unless they thought his art factory approach meant that the all original aspects by the artist were being betrayed...well actually this might work in his favor - he'd never run out of products to sell...

But, if you are going to be a subjective jury, say so, say what the criteria are; and then disclose how the artists stacked up to those criteria.... If I am paying a fee for the privilege of applying for admission to pay more $ to maybe sell some products, I think it's the least a juried event should provide to those who didn't make the cut... I may not agree with the decision, but I at least know what the jury is looking for and will be able to perhaps craft an entry which will make me more likely to be competitive the next time I apply...or know that I need to improve my display.

Despite not being accepted for the Philadelphia shows (judged by "highly qualified 2D and 3D fine artists" and stated criteria, "Decisions of the jury are based on the quality, uniqueness, consistency and professionalism of the artwork")., I have been accepted for at least one Howard Alan event and waitlisted for the Rockville A-RTS event in 2014. So, I must be doing something right..

What are others experiencing this year on jury score disclosures. I know several artists on this board made a point of asking for scores. Are we making a difference? I note with interest that jury fees seem to be a little bit less aggressive this year....

40 Questions Blog Series Question #38 – How can customers find me?

   Do you find yourself saying... I apply and sell at art fairs. I have a website. I have a Facebook page, use Twitter and even have my own blog. Perhaps you're just starting to do your own podcast ... Your name is out there, but how are people able to find you? What's the secret? The answer might surprise you!

    Question #38 How can customers find me?

   The answer is so basic and so simple that people miss it all the time. The answer is you must find them, NOT wait for them to find you. Not only that, you have to make that active choice to WANT to find customers. So, how can one do this? First, start small and know your customer base. By this I mean, look at what you do and who will most likely buy what you make and target those groups of people. Find all you can about who, in your area, works in your medium, contact your friends and family members (both close and distant ones) and let them know what you've been up to. Don't sell to them (they may not want to buy right off the bat), but share a bit about yourself to open the door for communication. This can be as simple as striking up a conversation at a check out line in a grocery store or with a barista at a coffee shop (complimenting a person on their earrings say if you are a jewelry maker). Find and contact old and distant friends and relatives via facebook, for example. Don't just click the invite button, but engage them by adding a small note saying how you are happy to find them and WANT to learn more about them and catch up. You will constantly find friends from high school, college, doctor's office assistance, teachers, places where you worked, friends of the family, old neighbors, childhood friends and pen-pals... see where I am going? There is a reason why the newest norm to stay in touch with people is via social networks – I do recommend Facebook and Twitter – is because it is easy, instant and millions upon millions use both social network formats.

   Now, fast forward a few days or weeks and start looking up organizations, places of businesses, etc. and think outside the box. Think about where you buy your supplies, join t.v. shows groups that your typical customers would watch, mommy or retiree groups, chamber of commerce or SBA groups, local fiber art, photography, or other guilds, museums, boutique shops or galleries you would like to get your work in (learn about their customers and what their hot sellers helps too), art festival Facebook pages, county or even state wide organizations too... Note: don't just join or follow these people and organizations and forget about them - participate in them and often. Start with 5 and like or share people's posts, comment on a topic posted and give your expert opinion on the topics, invite new followers to be fans of other interests you have too. Don't forget to add good quality content from time to time too like a video you like on YouTube that pertains to your medium. Utilize monthly newsletters or weekly email blasts, send out daily tweets or facebook postings on anything and everything new that is related to your business.   For example, when I take a new product photo I announce it on every social network I use and ask followers to see that photo via my website. Another idea is doing a count down each day leading up to your up and coming art fair each time providing an interesting fact about that show. There are plenty of social network help sites offering more info if you are seeking other ideas.

  While social networking is big, you really can't forget the people you see face to face like with church members, co-workers, PTA members, neighbors, hair salon specialists, waiters, parties, seminars (like that in the picture of a social evening at the 2009 CODA conference in AK) ... Simply having a business card with at least 3 ways people can contact and find you is another way to reach out to people that you physically come in contact on a daily business. This can drive traffic to your website, capture info for newsletters, or even drive folks to your social network outlets. To get these ideas to work, YOU have to actually implement them. No one else can nor will do it for your, but you. The best news of all is once you start doing it – it is FUN and FREE! Connecting with just a few people will ignite a spark and introduce you to even more people to want to not just get to know, but they in turn will want to get to know you too. My challenge to you... What, right now, is working for you to attract new customers or fans to your craft business or art? Share it via this blog by using the comment button Thanks in advance to all and be sure to tune in to the last 2 questions of this blog series coming up in February! Michelle Sholund – www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com, www.bythebaybotanicals.weebly.com,