I've not done an art show for ten years and want to start again. I do fine art landscape photography and would like to know your experience with selling matted/frames, metal and canvas prints.
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Jim, my medium is photography. Yes, I've been doing it a long time although I only do 4 local art fairs per year. (Although I do at least a dozen or more exhibits each year.)
I used to mat and frame my work, but no more. Too much work. I now sell canvas wraps and flat prints. My customers love it. I make it easy for them. If someone would want something custom framed, sure I would do it, but it's not a part of my normal activity. As mentioned above, is the field flooded? Sure! But, quality work, presented to the right audience, at the right price - still sells!
Ok, I got that out :-)
Are you going to do all the finished product yourself?
The market seems to be flooded with "photogs" who shoot, then PS or LR process to over-saturate and greatly embelish. They then send out for prunting. Do it on metal (dye sublimation) or the same with their other work.
Everybody with a cell phone will claim to be a photog.
ThE customers will not know the difference because they will not reveal.
Photography is the second most compete time catagory out there.
Shows don't enforce the "print yourself" rule.
Customers will be sneaking pictures if your work thinking they can get it printed themselves.
Competitors will be selling theirs for $25 to $75.
But think of it this way:
You will be supporting the promoters in the style and comfort they have become accustomed to :-)
I'm a masochist. A FINE ART photographer who does every single bit myself.
I'm not sour. I love what I do and contnue. However I recognize what is going on and acknowledge it.
If you do it for the love of the art, the idea of dissemination of thoughts, creation of inspiration, purity of our art then go ye forth.
I still do :-) :-)
Pretty much selling anything is knowing your demographic and it's very personal. The most beautiful mountain top vistas from award winning photographers probably aren't going to move that well if you're setting up in Key West.
I can't say I did an extensive search.
I've done both art and arts & craft shows in NJ for about eight years. When we moved down to the Fort Mill, SC the economy was tanking and decided not to do any shows. After the economy picked up I guess you could say I was lazy and was busy with other things. I plan to do local shows around Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill area.
You've surely come to the right place, Jim ... in lieu of any other answers at the moment, have you been searching this site? Just about any question you might have has been asked and answered here. What is your experience and where do you hope to be exhibiting?