Wrap Up of La Jolla Art and Wine Festival

This was a good experience for me. I had a better second day than the first, and ended up earning over $1000--which may not seem like much to some but for me it was a huge accomplishement. I ended up selling a few of my bigger pieces, and made a lot of contacts for the future.I also learned a LOT. Here's a summary of a few things I gleened from my first true "art festival":1) Be nice to the event coordinator: they have a lot on their plate. One of the coordinators for LJAWF, a lovely woman named Bary (who was a friend of a friend and made a special point to stop by my booth and introduce herself--twice!) said they turned away over 100 applicants. She was younger than I though she'd be, but she had a lot of energy. She was very apologetic about the tent walls (see my previous blog post) and indicated that wasn't the only issue she'd had with the tent supplier. The show had contracted with Raphael's Party Rentals who provided all the tents, but hadn't provided a thorough enough "spec" sheet to assist the artists--which apparently was only one of the issues she had with them (a lack of prompt--and legally required--hot water and a complete lack of awareness of the impact of what their tent assembly/disassembly process can have on artists trying to set up and take down their booths). She was somewhat embarrassed and disappointed by their services--at least that's what she implied to me. But everything worked out in the end once everyone got past the rough spots. I learned that even though it may seem on the surface that eveything is thought out, it's wise to "roll with the punches" and be prepared to be responsible for yourself.2) Shows are physically draining. I'm wiped, and all I really did was sit and paint a demo and talk to customers--I was lucky to have my partner there. I cannot imagine how strenuous this business is on people who do it all on their own. My heart goes out to you. It's a LOT of work simply to be mentally present and "on" all the time. For introverted artitsts, this industry could be daunting and discouraging. An artist really needs to like people to do this, and be prepared to be exhausted and stay alert at the same time. If my partner hadn't been with me the whole time, I doubt I would have the stamina to do this. I am completely fried. And I hope it gets easier, because I have a lot of fortitude to develop if it doesn't. Being a salesperson and an artist is a special skillset that doesn't come easily for me, and I need a LOT more practice to maintain a pace that can sustain any sort of decent standard of living. I have a whole new appreciation of those that do this consistently, weekend after weekend. Whew. What a life. I thought I was prepared. Yeah. Right. Two words: Bring Aspirin.3) Don't set your expectations too high. I'm a newbie--I didn't know what to expect so I really had no idea what was going to happen--but it was apparent that it's really difficult to estimate if you're going to be successful or not. I was happy to recover my booth fees, but there were those that didn't . One of my neighbors had a great first day, then a horrible seond day. Another sold a large piece on the first day, and a moderate piece on the second. I personally had more success on the second day than the first. But I learned you can't really plan on success or failure--all you can do is your best and what happens will happen. If you believe in what you're doing, you'll find some aspect of the experience to grow upon. I learned a lot about layout, the need for electricity, the power of doing a demo, and that it's really hard to tear yourself away to look at the rest of the festival. Doubly hard to actually meet your fellow exhibitors without being obtrusive or in the way. I guess with practice, one's expectations become more realistic and balanced, but when you're a newbie it's hard to not fall in love with the dream of a financial windfall. Or even a sustaining windfall. I need to have more experiences to ensure my expectations are appropriate and healthy.4) Did I mention this kind of experience is exhausting? Hmm. Yeah, I think I can unequivocally say that with confidence. It's getting hard to see the screen as I'm typing this blog post... Oh my goodness I'm tired... hehe...5) Bring a brochure that has some great photography of your work. I have a classy business card, but no picture of my work on it. Big mistake. I need a flashy postcard that is informative and eye-catching. An essential.6) Don't expect customers to have a credit card. Don't expect customers to have an email address. Don't expect customers to WANT to be on your email list. In fact, if the demographic you're aiming for is older adults, don't expect them to have email. Period. Some are just beyond learning about all that. Be prepared to make personal contacts, phone calls, and not be able to hide behind the comfortable distance a computer can provide. Some of my VERY interested clients didn't have email. Period. They want a personal phone call from me in a couple weeks. Please note that what they're not spending on a computer system, they're spending on your artwork. Best to meet them halfway if you want their business for custom work.Ok, I'm writing this as I'm completely exhausted and I'm beginning to blather... I'll post pics soon.Thanks to all for all your faith and kind words. I'll try to post pics another day and form more cohesive thoughts without running on and on and on... Haha!!Whew. What a day. : )
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  • As an Art Faire organizer I LOVE all of these insights! Thanks for sharing.

  • Well said Corey!!

    I have been doing this, on a smaller scale (Craft shows, festivals, street fairs, in Maine) for 7 years now. I do about 35-50 shows a year during my show season, which is April through December. I do them alone, no partner. I even do week long Agricultural fairs. It is exhausting, but so much fun! And even now, I still learn something new at every show. I always interact with my fellow Artisans and Crafters. They are the ones who can help bolster your spirits, will assist if you have an issue, also can be potential customers. I am never lonely. I am an extrovert, and have 30+ years in customer service, which is a BIG plus....but I have those days where I crave being alone! The day job is customer service, so going home to my studio is a joy. Doing the shows, while exhausting, is great fun...I get to show MY jewelry, create my own "little store front", my way, and enjoy my customers, fellow Artisans and Crafts persons and patrons. But I also enjoy my alone time in the studio- all by myself, creating my jewelry, listening to whatever music I have currently in the Cd player. That is my stress relief, my soul soother. I enjoy both facets, the extroverted Salesperson, and the lone Artisan/Crafter. Without both, I wouldn't be complete!! My Mum, however is a painfully shy introvert....so I understand the point that you make about it being very draining to have to be ON. It will get easier, the more shows you do. Your confidence will increase, and you will eventually no longer feel like the "new kid". And every show will teach you something useful. Glad you had a positive experience for your first show, and hope you are looking forward to many more!

  • Oh, thank you for point #1!! I've run art fairs and really it is a huge endurance contest with so many conflicting things to take care of. Yes, make it easy on the organizers. They will really appreciate it and remember you in the best possible way. I always believed this was a hospitality business and the artists are the guests and it sounds like these people think so too. Amazingly, all the angst of the setup can be soothed with attitudes like this and the consequent good show and take home pay.

    Stamina is important. Being "on" all day is necessary. Regarding introverted artists, I was speaking with a friend the other day who does all her shows alone, she said the hardest thing for her is to stand there in her booth alone, show after show. Great that you have a partner to support you in so many ways.

    Repeating myself here, but one of the reasons so many artists are addicted to the business is the "intermittent reinforcement." You just never know and then when you're ready to give up, voila! someone falls in love with your art and you are hooked to go out and do it again.

    Great point - "Please note that what they're not spending on a computer system, they're spending on your artwork." Good luck on the follow up.

    Thanks for all this reflection, Corey. Hope you're ready to go again.

  • Sounds like you learned alot and your result was great!   I had a show on the weekend too and am still wiped from it.  You're right,being "ON" for 2 days is exhausting!!

  • Overall it sounds like a great experience, learning and otherwise, Corey!  Congratulations on your sales and all your new insights!

  • Glad to hear you had a good show, Corey! It was great to meet you. I had better sales sunday than saturday also and ended up happy. I really like your work and I am curious--did you sell much of your menswear pieces? I was thinking about it and I don't think I have ever seen wearable art for men like your vests and all before, and I think it is very interesting. Of course, I loved your other pieces also, especially the painted coats. Congratulations!

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