Hello, I am new to AFI and have found so much good info here, I love reading everyone's posts.
I am a painter selling originals & prints and I'm just getting started doing art fairs. I have a 3 month old daughter, so my wife will not be able to help me set up and looks like I'll be doing shows by myself. I have done the small local monthly art walks but have no experience doing a big show. My first show is in October at the Scottsdale 5th Ave Art Fest. I would love any advice you can give on setting up the tent & display's by yourself! I have an easy up tent and it says it can be set up by one person. My first trial set up and it definitely took 2 people. Is there any help at these shows or are you on your own? I'm sure it varies from show to show. Thanks in advanced for any advice!
Comments
I use a Caravan, but same principle. To start with I pull a little on each corner. It helps sometimes to shake it a little. Pushing up from the middle works, too. You will learn all the tricks with a couple setups. Your EZ-Up will probably loosen up just a little after a couple shows, too.
One trick I've learned is to hang the sides before raising the legs up. Much easier that way.
I've usually found a fellow artist will see you putting it up by yourself and be glad to help. Just be sure to return the favor when they are tearing down. Also, if you are folding the tent up by yourself, and 3 others run up to help you, be sure to get your thumb out of the way before they push in the other corners. Learned that one the hard way:-)
Thanks guys! Im motivated by this thread to buck up and do shows alone now! Ive always had my bf to help but he might have to work weekends sooo itll be my new 'challenge' to figure it all out on my own! WEEE..I know, just like everything else it takes practice and I CAN do it!hehe. The other thing Im not too good with is maps. I always relied on BF, but now with the Garmin it should be a piece o'cake.:)
Brian, if you are a bit nervous about your first solo set-up, ask the show manager if they have helpers at the show that would be available to help you. Some shows provide helpers to assist in what ever way they are needed. I'd also set that tent up everyday for a week and see if I got better. We do have lots of solo artists here and they are proof it can be done.
Thanks for all the advice. Good to hear others are setting up alone too!
Now I just need to set up the tent & displays a few times in the backyard!
I have an ez-up tent, am 5 feet tall and weigh 110lbs, am 47 yrs old and set it up all by myself, and have for three years now. and yes PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE is the key. Just read the ez-up secure tent set-up blog.....it explains my one person set-up.
Practice it. Also, make friends! I have been saved many times by having friends everywhere I go that can give me a hand when I need it. I know since you're new its not like the exact advice you need. lol. But after you start seeing the same people at lots of shows you do you'll realize you aren't there alone. But really, if you ask nicely, you're likely to find someone who can lend you a hand for a few minutes. Be as self sufficient as you can and try to be prepared to do it yourself, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you're at a spot you really need it.
Since I started doing shows, I've been doing them solo; each year is definately getting more difficult for solo set-up, just have to allow more time. Neighboring booths are more than willing to help with the tent. It's easier down than up! Good luck!
Practice, practice, practice. Just like going to Carnegie Hall.
Then get there early on set up day.
An EZ-Up can definitely be set up by one person in about five minutes with practice.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100