Well, I survived my first outdoor art fair. As it turned out, I probably overstressed about it in terms of the magnitude of the fair and having enough merchandise. Truthfully, the fair was a bit of a let-down, which I’ll get into more detail later, but more importantly, there were lessons learned from the whole affair:
Lesson #1: Don’t expect to make much (if any) money. Most artists know not to expect to make much money from art fairs. In fact, you’re lucky if you break even, especially given how much freaking money you invest to do the show in the first place. It’s even more expensive if you’re doing an art fair for the very first time like I did because you’re investing in tents, tables, tablestands, signage, prints, framing/matting, registrations fees and lots of other stuff you wouldn’t even think of until you actually have at leat one fair tucked under your belt.
Basically, art fairs are for making face-to-face connections with your audience, networking with other artists,getting feedback from others and taking advantage of the opportunity to explain your artwork to interested people. In fact, one of the exhibiting artists that day said that he just likes doing the art fairs for fun. So, if you’re in it for the money, it will take a while before you get to that profit margin.
Lesson #2: Make sure to have a variety of works. I think this is an area for improvement for me. I decided to exclusively show my inkblots but I stuck mostly to six blot designs that I liked the most. When people thumbed through my prints, I think they wanted more variation. On the plus side, I did offer different sizes of prints, some of them having mats while others didn’t, which enabled me to also have a nice range of prices.
Lesson #3: Have something to do while you’re there. Fairs usually run all day and inevitably there will be some dead time. Luckily, I had my sister to talk to and I brought some jazz music to play with my portable iPod player. If I didn’t have those things, I probably would’ve gotten pretty antsy. Bringing a book or an iPad or helps pass the time but I’ve heard that people really dig it when you’re sitting there sketching or working on something.
Lessons #4: The wind is not your friend. Too bad this wasn’t a kite-flying contest that I was participating in because the wind showed its ass and wrecked havoc on several vendors pieces. Every now and then, you would hear the sound of breaking pottery, glass and/or pictures frames. Even one of my sister’s framed prints was not spared and my prints suddenly became suicidal as they frequently sailed from the tabletop to the ground. The more experienced exhibitors brought a tent flap to put int he back of their tents to protect their wares from the wind gusts.
Lesson #5: Know your venue and audience: This was the first time my sister and I had exhibited at Ahlara and it was the first time both of us had been in Mooresville, so neither one of us were quite sure what to expect. As it turned out, Mooresville is a small town and the crowd that came out, as well as most of the vendors, seemed more of the arts and crafts type. Because of that, it would’ve been more accurate to call it the Ahlara Arts & Crafts Fair instead. Those that bought things (and there were few that actually purchased anything from any of the artists) seemed more into buying jewelry or home accessories like pottery. While I did get some intrigued viewers and nice feedback, I got the feeling that my inkblots were too “out there” for a lot of people. In fact, quite a few people joked that they were afraid that I was using them to “psychoanalyze” them. One lady told me that she would have bought one but joked that she was afraid her husband would think she was trying to get inside his head. Another scoffed that they could easily do the same thing (boy, I wish I had some paper and ink handy so I have the prove their “skills” right there).The latter two comments almost makes me want to write a separate post about the dumb things that you overhear when working at an art fair.
#6 Port-a-potties suck: I think that pretty much goes without saying but do be careful of how much you drink during the day. You’ll thank me later.
So, all in all, the fair was a tremendous learning experience. I’m not sure if and when I’ll do another fair because I’m still doing my cost-benefit analysis. I do think it’s up to each artist to decide if it’s worth it to them and if it’s really the best way to get exposure for their art. While they can be a lot of fun, they’re also a lot of work and may not be the best way to go for everyone. Right now, I’m just glad that I had a chance to do it but I’m glad that now I can just concentrate on creating more art and regaining my normal routine.
Great display. In the words of Maya Angelou…And this too shall pass. Embrace the experience, learn and be inspired from it and continue to move forward my friend.
I’m glad you had the experience and the time with your sister. Many valuable things learned for the future, that’s for sure. Yes, port-a-potties do suck, especially after lunch in the heat of the day…
Thanks, Elle! I learned a lot.
Mmm-hmmm. Towards the other day you really do learn to master the art of holding your breath!
Jaimee,
I liked your blog and how you wrote about your experiences (you call them lessons). I spent several years doing the Oceanside Days of Art. It took me 2 years to figure out how to make money and my last art fair I made well over my booth fee.
I did pencil portraits in front of everyone … it was stressful and I am not sure I would do it again because pencil portraits are not my favored form of art making but I had a line up of customers! Seems like everyone wants their portrait done. I charged $20 per portrait and was busy all day, both days. Not only did I do adults but kids as well. I also sold art and got a commission!
I brought a variety of work but most were interested in my pencil portraits … I was the only artist doing them at the fair. Other artists were working on their art to keep themselves busy.
Your idea of letting others do ink blots is great! Charge them a fee ($10-$20) and let them have a go at it, then for fun, you could analyze them! You could use color analyzing … what ever color they choose, then pull up a color chart and go! I would go for a larger art fair or a Farmer’s Market. You never know what could occur.
One year I had a big white blank canvas and invited the crowd to paint their idea of Peace … that was a cool idea that came from my sister. Boy, was my booth busy! I had a crowd most of the day lined up to paint. I didn’t charge the painters but got a wonderful canvas at the end of the day and some happy painters left my booth.
Wow, Christine, pretty awesome suggestions and ideas! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing your experience: this is very useful!
Thanks for stopping by, Sue!
Useful article as a veteran of many Art fairs I have a fair insight into the UK market. I agree don’t sit ignoring customers best suggestion I have is to invest in a tall seat you can then slide gently off this to interact with customers without heating yourself up from a low seat. Also practise an opening phrase to start a conversation like ‘looking for inspiration?’. Or let me know if you need any help. Then allow the customer to come back to you.
I haven’t done an art fair yet. A lady that works the front desk at the gym I frequent, asked a couple times if I was taking part in a couple fairs. I haven’t visited one, to date, but based on the equipment and possible print costs, I would have to carefully weigh the idea. I would rather do a couple things for a while before setting up for a fair. The first is visit more than one. Personal experience, feeling out the atmosphere probably would back up all the ‘lessons’ I continue to hear about. Secondly, I know my state – Illinois – has many fairs across the state. Since most fairs wont start until Spring, it would do me a world of good to visit the state’s art council website and find out the schedule and locations and what’s required for each.
The one thing is clear about selling art: whatever venue(s) you decide to present in, you must commit to it/them wholeheartedly. You need to know ahead of time what to expect as well as be flexible to possible “gotcha” moments. The location isn’t as critical as one’s willingness to let everyone you know and some you don’t know, that you are here and your work is the best for their needs.
Oh boy, art fairs. Yes, they’re usually more accurately termed craft fairs. They’re free entertainment for people out for a nice stroll. If you’re showing fine art, you need to be VERY choosy about what fairs you do. Most will be way too low-end for you. Be especially wary of “art” fairs that allow sales of candles, soap, painted clothes, or food mixes. Don’t take the show promoter’s word, visit and see for yourself what kind of show it is.
It is possible to make good money at art fairs. You have to make something people really love, sell it for a good price (not too low), have lots of it, and show at the right fairs (usually the ones that are very hard to get into). It’s very hard work, especially at the beginning.
I must take umbrage at your negative outlook. If this was your first art fair, you are hardly an expert on how much money artists can make at fairs, the purpose of them, or anything else! I’ve been doing shows for years and have had great success. Your display looked very amateurish. You must look successful to be successful. In short, you should avoid jumping to conclusions.
Hi, Janet:
Thanks for taking the time to write. As you pointed out, and as I also pointed out, this was my FIRST art fair and I ammerely writing to express my impressions from my experience. I do not purport to be an expert on anything.
Furthermore, I have spoken with many artists who have had incredible displays and have been doing art fairs for many years and they have told me that often they don’t come away with a lot of money and they often go to have the pleasure of meeting new people and interacting. Simply because you have had success doesn’t mean it will apply to everyone else as everyone else’s experiences are different. There are other factors to consider besides just having the “look”, which include location, market, and product.
While I appreciate your comments, I would suggest that you take your own advice about my post and not jump to the conclusion that I’m writing from an expert’s perspective.
Great article. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi, Kelley! Thanks for stopping by. By the way, I really am vibing your butterfly abstractions!
Hi Jaimee!!
I want to encourage you to enjoy the journey and continue with your art and and the art fairs. I live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area and we have a TON of art festivals throughout the year, but not all of them are created equal. I did several shows in 2010 and learned the most from a couple of them that weren’t too successful. I learned that I needed to research the venues more, find out “who” my buying audience was/is and where they could be found. I also learned to simplify things so that I could travel lighter, have less to set up and tear down and less stress.
Best of luck to you going forward!! : )
Hi, Michelle
Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement. I sincerely appreciate it!