Fellow Artists
what do you bring to art shows?
This idea came to me because I haven't really seen a journal on this before and me being an artist with so many questions about wanting to go to my own (first time) show, I really wanted to put something useful together! I think after I collect feedback I will put it together in a nice informative journal for other artists! I will obviously use credits for anyone who offers their feedback and links!
So! I've never had the pleasure of being able to be an artists at a convention or art show before. There's one that's here every year at my place of living and I always attend it as a customer and just in general, perusing. Last year I was really motivated after my visit at the art show to really want to participate buuuuuut.... I've had some reservations.
I don't think my art is good enough or diverse enough and I don't think that 'my subject' would be very well received here. Have any other artists run into this particular issue? How do you get beyond this?
HELP ♥
My Questions!
What is your experience? Feel free to answer some, all or one! ( or none at all, that's cool too : p )
1. What snags did you run into?
2. What marketing materials worked for you?
3. Best experience? Worst experience?
4. Did you have Paypal or Square card swipe? Both?
5. Did you advertise anywhere like on Social Media that you where going to be at a certain event?
6. What forms do you need to sell your artwork? Any special licenses you need?
7. What is a reasonable amount to pay for a booth?
8. Did you do anything special for your booth? Decorations? Special lighting? Recommended places to purchase booth decorations?
9. PRINTS - Do you print locally? Do you order them online? If so, where?
10. Card Swipes - Which ones do you use? Paypal or Square? Which is better than the other?
Supplies
Besides the obvious things to bring, here is a list of what I could think of! I haven't sold my art before at any show or convention, so those of you who have help me add to it
Business Supplies
✓ Business Cards
✓ Card Swipe ( Paypal / Square )
✓ Smart Devices ( iPad / iPhone / Android ) for slideshows?
✓ Sharpies - to sign art!
✓ Notebook / Smart device to keep track of sales
✓ Portfolio
✓ Signage with logo/business
Prints / Merchandise
✓ Prints - framed & single
✓ 20 x 30
✓ 8.5 x 11
✓ 5 x 7
✓ Postcards
✓ Stickers
✓ Pillows / Tshirts / Pencil Cases / etc.
Other
✓ Sketch book / Art book to take on spot commissions
✓ Extra pieces of paper ( blank )
✓ Planner / Notebook for people who ask for commissions
✓ Water / Food
✓ Hand sanitizer ( for all those hands you'll shake! )