Art Fairs: a great place to meet Jo Public
Episode 6: Art Fairs: a great place to meet Jo Public
Want to know how to find the right art fair for you and how to work your stand when you get there? In this episode we’ll look at getting started along with some practical help with preparation and presentation.
Art fairs divide into three rough groups: smaller local affairs which are low key and cheap, professionally run art fairs which are entry through selection and payment of a higher fee, finally art fairs where you have to belong to a gallery or professional association to show – in this podcast we discuss small and local art shows.
“Make it easy: be up front with your prices, people won’t ask for them.”
In this episode…
1. It’s all about you: your learning, your reputation, you getting comfortable with the public. Sales are nice, but not your starting point here
2. Be realistic and start small, but do your research and find a fair where your work will fit in financially and visually
3. Be the reliable one. In real life ditzy artists are seen as a liability, not charming eccentrics. Turn up on time, be efficient and have everything you need, you’ll find it much easier and you’ll be invited back
4. Smile: you’re on show. Not every fair will work, sometimes you won’t sell anything, sometimes people will be difficult and this is exactly when you get to learn to be professional and we’ll talk about a professional persona on a later show, but for now remember that moaning is strictly for your home team, never in public!
5. Make it easy: be up front with your prices, people won’t ask for them. Make sure you can take money and wrap work well
6. Follow up contacts – make sure you take a name and contact email if people ask questions and always follow up leads, always have a sign up for your mailing list too
Take Aways…
Take the time to assemble a tool kit for art fairs, a small kit including a hammer, screwdriver with various heads, pliers and some pins, screws and nails plus tape, blue tack, string, picture cord, superglue and maybe throw in some throat sweets and pain killers and you’re always ready to go!
