[artshow_photo] Year #1 - what I learned!

My outdoor season is over for the 1st year of Fairs. I'm not sure I'll do many (if any)indoor shows the rest of the year (are they lucrative?) This was a test year for me to see how I would do and if I should look into this more seriously. The answer to those questions is a resounding YES.

However it was a learning year for sure.

I learned I can put up a Trimline Canopy in 40 mph winds by myself and it will stay up over night!

I learned that I need to stay away from any fairs with the word CRAFT in them because having a booth selling marshmallow shooters on the left side and dog puppets in the right side, people seem to only glance at Fine Art.

They are there for crafts, not art.

I learned that ART Fair people are there to look at Art and want to buy Art. They are in the right mood and are prepared to empty their pockets. The one fair with ONLY the word ART was my best fair.

I found that setting up I can say to myself "Why even bother if he so and so is only two tents away and his stuff is amazing" it works both ways and we both make money.

I know that after two days of sitting and selling three pieces in 14 hours, I can still make a profit and I still have a fun time because my wife is right there with me.

After seven shows I can set up and take down MUCH faster then after my 2nd show!

I need a bumper hitch and can now afford it and 5x8 U-Hauls are pretty cheep for a day or two.

I still need to learn how to get into Galleries as I am constantly asked "which gallery are you in".

OH - I learned I need to apply for Fairs way in advance and start NOW looking at next year!

I'm sure there is more but I'm still digesting what I learned.

Rod
www.melottephotoimagery.com

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