First Art Show

http://fineartamerica.com/groups/art-shows.html?tab=discussions

Framed doesn't sell for me - I have a few that are basically examples, but people prefer to frame themselves so it matches their house.

This will be my first season trying to sell canvas, so we'll see how that goes.

Congratulations on your first show, Ann!

When I don't want to break the bank, I go with:

- 5x7 matted to 8x10
- 8x10 matted to 11x14
- 11x14 matted to 16x20

(They don't have to be matted; sometimes I slip them into an archival bag with a sheet of acid-free backing board, from http://clearbags.com )

Then, I'll add in any larger, or framed, or leftover work from the last show. (I know this doesn't apply for you . . . yet! ;-)

It's important to have a range of prices -- something for everyone -- and buyers really do like small-ish prints. For instance, in more than ten years I've sold two 8x10 prints online. In the real world, I've sold more of them then I could ever remember!

If money is no object, or I have many months to prepare, I like to have four-to-six larger (above 16x20, or 20" square) framed, metal, or acrylic pieces to show. So much of this depends on your own budget and transportation, plus the type, size, and expected traffic for the show.

And I print 5x7, 8x12, 11x14 and 12x18 - 8x12s definitely sell best.

11x17's and greeting cards.

My marshmallow stuff I have printed up as notecards and greeting cards - those sell like crazy.
I need to print up notecards of my regular stuff, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I stopped taking greeting cards to shows. With greeting cards on the table, I couldn't sell 5x7 prints . . . and I can charge a LOT more for a 5x7 print! ;-)

Of course, seasonal cards are a different animal. With Christmas fast approaching, holiday cards might see some action.

Heather, your marshmallow images seem made-to-order for greeting cards. I'm surprised you don't already have a Hallmark line . . . or do you?

No I don't... haha...
I don't sell 5x7 greeting cards, except for a couple christmas ones (and get well ones with a nurse marshmallow until a woman bought them all a few weeks ago, probably not reprinting). I sell smaller blank notecards - which people buy by the armload (I offer discounts for multiple cards).

And I'll have calendars soon.

My 8x10's matted to 11x14 sell by far the most. Second would be my 4x5 greeting cards.

Thank you all for your input.

You're welcome, Ann -- all the best!

Thanks Wendy :)