rexxal

Has anyone tried selling at an arts show? Either small local ones or the big ones?
How did you do?
What do we novices need to know?
How long have you been a photographer before you tried a show?

Thanks for the input.

Ron

shadow1284 Loc: Mid-West Michigan

Hello Ron. After photographing for 15 years, I decided to try selling my work. I took a course in matting and framing and bought some half decient equipment to put my pictures together. I print on a HP B8850 for good results and then guess at what the public might be interested in.
I bought a 10x10 tent, 3 -2x6 folding tables and a bunch of other presentation excessories. I started by researching the local area chamber of commerce for arts and craft shows and festavals and applied for space to show my wares. I have found, in my neck of the woods, there are many events throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall that would give me an opportunity to show and sell my pictures.
I took advantage of 2 Art and craft festavals and 1 Art show. After attending all 3 I learned much about how these events run and what they afford for me.
As for my personal opinion, I decided to invest my time, next year, in events that are limited to ART, items,personally crafted or created by the seller as oposed to those where every kind of crafty, overseas manufactored nicknack sold for 50cents to 5 dollars is sold by the hundreds. Maybe it's just my pride in my work and the caliber of people you meet and the information you can share. Not to mention the great art you find in these dedicated shows. If you have any questions on how I put things together feel free to contact me.
David

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

Four to five years ago I did OK at the craft fairs, but this past year has been a dud. People just arent spending, they want everything for nothing. This is the reason I have now turned my interest in pet portraits and children/family portraits. That's where the money is or you can choose wedding photography if you like.

Another downfall with craft fairs is the weather, you pay in advance for the site and if it rains you lose. No refunds for your site. Also if it is really windy it creates problems, as I had one show that the wind destroyed my EasyUp tent. Then again you have to deal with the extreme heat and cold. I now look for indoor art shows and I also exhibit my work in a local restaurant. Those are just some of the problems I've experienced with craft shows. Good luck.

shadow1284 Loc: Mid-West Michigan

Yep, there's good and bad in all our decisions. As for me I like the out doors. Yep, there is the weather factor. I have no intention of giving my artwork away(hense the decision to back away from craft shows). I have talked to no one who was getting rich at these shows. I did sell a B&W framed for $100 at my first show. So there are people who will pay a dedient price for a photo. Former million dollar real estate now sells for hundreds of thousands less. We do have to sell what the market will bare. I guess I like the challanges.

It works for me.
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blackmtnman

There's an internationally known photography group here in Fort Collins. They do a lot of shows with calls for entry. The competition is stiff, and you have to be juried in to participate.

Here's a link.

http://www.c4fap.org/

shadow1284 Loc: Mid-West Michigan

I appreciate the info. It appears you have to present your art work there. Colorado is a bit too far this winter. Thanks anyway.
David