The Anatomy of an Art Fair / Craft Show (Part 1)

The Anatomy of an Art Fair / Craft Show (Part 1)

AHHHH…the number of times I hear people say, “It must be wonderful doing something you love to make money”….and yes, it is.  But let’s face it folks.  It is HARD WORK.  Really hard work. 

Starting at beginning) first of all, hopefully you have mastered your craft.  Whatever it may be!  And decided “where” you want to be.  I have found that I do not do well in shows that have the Tupperware Lady on one side of me, and the person with sterling silver jewelry right out of Blake Brother’s catalog on the other side of me.  I also do not do well in smaller venues where the ladies with crocheted kitchen towels are on one side of me, and the plastic canvas ladies on the other side of me.  This is NOT to say that this could not be a good venue for you.  It just doesn’t work for me.  I consider myself a “middle of the line” artist.  I have never aspired to be the artist that sells the “big bucks” pieces……although I do sell some.  Most of my jewelry is in the $30.00 - $50.00 range.  I try to have a few of those pieces that draw in people with unlimited funds to spend~  I have found that I do really well in high end craft shows, and small art fairs.

Finding those shows is not an easy thing.  I would like to find 3-4 more shows that are a good fit for me.  The other day I heard someone make the comment that they would not spend $30.00 on a book to tell her about shows.  Well, wake up, lady.  This is the real world!  You have to spend money to make money.  And if you’re not going to pony up some bucks to find those shows, you just won’t.  I have spent time researching shows on line, in book form (Sunshine Artist Magazine) and any other publication I can get my hands on.  Once you have found those shows you want to apply for, there is the jury fee, AND the “SLIDES”…..lets save that thought for later…..

In part Two of The Anatomy of an Art Fair / Craft Show

 

Comments

[Emily]

Amen! I don't think I'd like to do craft shows. I don't like making all the repeated things... Make a pattern, repeat a pattern. I just like making the first one. lol. :)

[kathy]

I look forward to visiting you each day. Keeping Rosie in my prayers for her treatment tomorrow.