Getting Ready For My First Ever Art Show, Need Insights, Help, Feedback, Advice, Etc :)

Gallery lighting is everything.....

Yes, thats why I am so happy to be in the cafe with the "natural" lighting!

I am thinking I am going to have this one be my big showcase one:

Hi Gregory! I am a fellow Jersey shore person as well! I did a my first couple small shows last year. I also didn't have a lot of money to spend on a set up. I found this blog which was very helpful.
http://adrisart.blogspot.com/2012/08/art-fair-and-lots-of-work-done.html
Basically, she made walls out of cheap screen doors from Home Depot or Lowes. Remove the screening and stain the wood. Attach chicken wire to the door. I hung my artwork with S-hooks. I started out with 3 doors and recently added a 4th. My set-up was out doors so I was able to attach the doors to the tent with cable ties. It may be a little tougher for an indoor space, but I have seen people attach them together with hinges or create feet for them too. Some people have wrapped them in material for a more finished look. For now, I like the more rustic look. I think I saw on new posts in her blog where she did use them for an indoor show. Good luck and hope this helps or gives you some ideas!

Hi, Gregory -- congratulations on your first show!

I'm taking some sick days, but am popping in to pass on some info. Here's a link to an earlier 'first show' thread, which should have some tidbits you can use:

http://fineartamerica.com/showmessages.php?messageid=546123&targetid=546736#546736

And here's a BIGish-post I copied and saved. I'm not sure which of my art forums I originally posted these comments in, but thought you might get some use from them.

Sorry, but I'm in no fit state to edit or update the info for you; I'm sure you'll get lots of fresh advice from the guys here.

Best of luck, and don't forget to invite everyone you know (and don't know!) to stop by on the show date! Oh . . . and don't go broke. Start small, and learn from the experience of just having your work out there. :-)

PS -- take a stool to the show, instead of a chair. Strangers are less likely to make eye contact or speak to you, if they have to look down at you. :-)

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First post:

I put my unframed prints in an archival photo bag with an acid-free backing board. Makes for a great presentation, and protects the prints from grubby fingers! I only take along a few framed pieces, just in case someone is shopping for one, and to show buyers how awesome the images will look framed.

Don't forget to take along business cards and/or other small handouts with your contact info and web URLs clearly visible. And, a sign-up sheet or book. Even if someone doesn't want to buy, they might like to sign up for your newsletter. And remind them that they can also purchase through your online galleries -- as you hand them a lovely business card. ;-)

Even if you don't sell anything, you'll make some good contacts and get great, immediate feedback and experience in doing a show. A win/win, in my opinion. I was offered my first gallery show by a curator who had seen my work at an art walk. You never know who's out there.

I hope some of this info is useful, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

~ Wendy

PS -- A final tip: wear some sort of badge with your first name on it -- like you would at a seminar. Potential buyers are much more comfortable approaching you if they can call you by name. Also, make sure everything is clearly priced, as some are embarrassed to ask about prices.


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A separate post:


QUESTION
How many pictures should I take?

ANSWER
As many as will fit comfortably in your exhibit space; this will also depend on the size of works you're showing. You don't want your work to look jumbled or crammed in, though. Once you're sure of the space available, do a trial set-up at home, to be sure everything looks professional.


QUESTION
Is it OK to do both prints and matted pictures or should I just do matted ones?


ANSWER
A few buyers are looking for framed work, many prefer unframed, and other like pre-matted. So, I take different works to different shows, but the pieces I usually have on hand are:

Framed pieces, in a variety of sizes:

Small to miniature -
very tiny, framed pieces (2" square) up to 4" or 5". This includes ACEOs. What's an ACEO?
http://aceo.org
http://www.art-cards.org/rg/


8x10s, matted and framed to 11x14
11x14s, matted and framed to 16x20
One or two larger, framed pieces -- usually for show.

I usually use plexi-glass with my framed works. Much lighter to move around and not so likely to be an accident waiting to happen.

Matted prints, sealed in an archival, plastic bag w/backing board -
5x7 prints matted up to 8x10
8x10 prints matted up to 11x14

Unmatted prints, sealed in an archival, plastic bag w/backing board, in various sizes -
8x10, 11x14, 16x20

I order the clear, resealable bags (with adhesive on the bag, not on the flap) and backing boards, here:
http://www.clearbags.com/crystal-clear-bags/protective-closure-bags
http://www.clearbags.com/mats-backing/backing-board

When possible, I like to display bagged prints by hanging them up, using these:
http://www.clearbags.com/plastic-hang-tab-sheets-hook.html

How much work I take along to any show depends, primarily, on the available space, and how much traffic is expected.

My misc. list of take-along necessities includes:
Bags and protective wrapping for sold items (shop owner may want to help with this).

Business cards or small, printed handout sheets. Also, an 'About the Artist' sheet, and 'How to care for your new artwork' sheet. These can be combined, on a single page, and either dropped into a 'sale' bag, or handed to an interested party.

Receipt book -- depending on whether you're accepting payments, or the shop is.

Sign up sheet/book for people wanting to receive your newsletter.

Breath mints, water, scotch tape, tissues, Sharpie, name badge, band-aids, aspirin, non-messy snacks, bottled water (never left open on your table/display.

You asked what is the best way to get people to sign up for your newsletter. You might try a contest with a small giveaway (8x10 print, greeting card assortment, etc). Just make sure they understand they are signing up for the newsletter by entering.

I wouldn't have frames smaller than 16x20 on display. However do have smaller matted prints for sale (at a standard frame size).

Gregory,

1. Which ever ones you choose, make most LARGE,maybe Gallery Wrapped canvas, 40x26" because you want people to see your images from as far away as possible. You'll be competing with ALL the Food signage around you.
2. See Above! Small prints implies a newbie and a hobbyist. You want to convey that you are a "Professional" and everyhting in your booth needs to say that. Craft shows have LOTS of hobbyists and you need to stand out from them.
3. My very first art show, I had made "walls" out of 2x2's for the sides,verticals and then lath,1 inch spaced from 3 feet up to the top of the 7 foot walls. I had eye bolts on both walls and then I could put a bolt through,as a hinge and make almost any config. The downside is that this was heavy for one person to get from the car to the site. I think I had 8 panels,all painted 18% gray.
4. Any inventory you try to sell, YOU need to buy,so keep that in mind. You can have 1 of each, as a sample and then take orders, but I wouldn't waste my time.
5.Yes, they need to be matted and any ones not framed,need to be matted and bagged, to keep greasy fingers(cafe). I usually sold more bagged prints than finished framed images and those paid for the fee,etc.
6-7. First, you will need a second person to watch your booth, if you are out gabbing with a potential buyer and somebody comes up and wants a question answered,they won't wait for you to finish. Have handouts,4x6 prints are fine,with your name and email address with your best image,which will live forever on people's refrigerators. Also have a clip board with a pad of paper to start a list of people's emails.(Print your's or friends,family's etc. to start,so it looks like other people have signed up for your "Newletter". If possible, have a tablet there where you can show people images that aren't at your booth, but they ask if you have any, Seaside Heights,Long Beach Island,etc. WATCH THE TABLET ALL THE TIME!
8. If you have good images then hve a few from around that NYC/NJ area, maybe a few Fall images and then the beach stuff. The beach stuff might sell,especially if they have summer homes, but I would offer both and use the tablet as your portfolio.

Get the "Square" device for your phone,so you don't need to rent a credit card reader or accept checks. You will need packing stuff, for any sales made at the show. You can keep inventory in the car or bring it in and rotate stuff. A Sunday show will be slow, until after noon or so,with church and stuff, so that's a great time to get your act together.

I would look at this as a Marketing event, than a Sales event,so don't be disappointed in low or no sales.

Anything that you get printed, make sure YOU like the image,since they might spend quite a time in your own home "gallery".

Finally, if your booth looks good,take a bunch of images, of you selling and the inventory, to show other shows that you might be asked to take part in,

Rich

How are you accepting payment for the items? A lot of the merchants around here are now using the Square Register device on their smartphones and iPads. It's free, or you can pick one up at their listed retailers and they will reimburse the cost (roughly $10) back into your bank account when you register the device.

https://squareup.com

I would ditch the table. No need for it and it will get in the way. You want your booth set up where all the images are on the perimeter so multiple people can walk around your booth at once. I use flip bins for the 4 sizes of matted prints I sell. I only offer "standard" size matted prints (8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and 24x36). I have framed and acrylic prints on my walls, mostly large sizes so they can be seen from outside the booth. Still you will get the people that just stand outside your booth and look in without ever coming in. You want strong, large images on the walls to grab attention.

I have a tall "directors" chair that I sit in. That way when people come up to my booth I am closer to their eye level than a standard size chair.


Shows are expensive to do properly. I has been mentioned a few times to expect to spend about $5,000 to do it "right". That includes tents, walls, bins, prints, frames and entry/booth fees.

I enjoy doing shows but they are A LOT of hard work. It is nice to talk with real people about your work.

The square is great! And, people do not seem to have an aversion to using it. I had a show in December and most all of my sales were credit card using the square.

Kristia - not a bad idea at all - if you attached two doors together with hinges - you could use the right angle to hold them upright. If you cover the edges of the chickenwire with a 'frame' of lath - you could then use both sides and it would be neater. The hinge would also allow you to fold the doors shut and be easier to carry. Just a thought and an idea.

Have you thought about a few 'square' images?

It's been a while since I did a 'live' show - wising you good luck - be sure and have business cards to hand out.

Rich is quite correct about taking photo's of your set up - other festivals/shows may want to see that you have a professional, serious, neat display. Lucky you that this is indoors - a good tent that is weather proof can get expensive. I had a "Light Dome" - was around $800.

Wow, you all are amazing,there is SO MUCH here, thank you!!! I am up to my ears with two toddler boys right at the memento (stay at home dad), but will pour over this all tonight! Keep them coming!

And Wendy, Breath mints - yes!! Thats awesome!!

http://fineartamerica.com/groups/art-shows.html?showmessage=true&messageid=1902667

Thank you so much everyone!

Best of luck!

I NEVER do cards at these events Cards = small print in size but people expect card prices. Instead, I do 5x7s matted and bagged to 8x10. Those I sell for 25. Muxh better profit margin than cards.

The rest of the merchandise has too little margin for me personally.

find the website ArtShowPhoto; you can find all sorts of information there. they also have a private FB page, where you can ask all sorts of questions.

Gregory,

JC is right, you need to have something that people can buy, that doesn't cost a lot and reminds them of the show. 4x6 or 5x7,matted,backed,signed and bagged will help defray your fees,

Rich

Thank you all so much, I am taking notes on everything everyone is telling me. Invaluable!
What do you all think of these panels for my first show? It is easy to set up, and it comes with its own carrying bag.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Panel-Folding-Trade-Show-Backdrop-Booth-Banner-Exhibit-Display-6x8-BLACK-/301380004561

Or maybe room dividers like these? More of a spacious feel maybe?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Shutter-Door-3-Panel-Room-Divider-in-White-R5420/202977624?N=5yc1vZc9qa

Very helpful discussion here ... the URLs are great. Have learned a lot. Thanks you one and all. Will follow the discussion.

Here is some food for thought as well.

I always have large work at my shows. To be frank, it rarely sells but is needed as a draw card. Sometimes they sell, but rarely. With that in mind, when I print large I print images I want hanging in MY house. That way I put them to use when not at a show.

I make most of my money at these shows selling small prints that are matted and bagged.

The setup for these shows is expensive. I would recommend you look towards future shows as well as you will likely not recoup your expenses on just one.

Thank you JC!
I totally had a revelation: Driftwood as the display "walls"! I live 2 miles from the beach, so I will just comb the beaches on the weekend for long pieces of driftwood, and frame them about 3 to 4 feet across, and 6 feet high, and hang wire across to clip my canvases and prints on. I am totally going to go "coastal" with my booth. I want people to immediately feel they are at the shore when in my booth, and I can then sell them a "piece of the shore" to take home with them! This is going to be so much fun!

I've attended festivals, and I've had my own artist tent. I've seen an artist with beautiful artwork, nicely matted/framed, all the extras, but no customers. The problem? The artist was sitting in a corner, not talking to anyone. Plan on talking to people about your artwork. If a person stops in front of a piece, share something about the piece. I've had people actually thank me for talking to them. Someone passing by sees you talking to someone else, and they stop in to hear what you have to say, so now you have two shoppers.

I would suggest putting together a pricing spreadsheet, which will serve as a checklist when you'er headed out the door. If you live in an area where sales tax is charged, make sure you include that in the price.

I think simple white mats and simple black frames look very professional, especially with photography. That way people can focus on your artwork.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!

-Julia Hamilton

The big this is not what you display, where you display it, how you display it or the lighting or the sizes or the matting or the framing....

Is talking to people! Talk to any one that will listen... and talk about nearly everything and everything not just about the art....

Talk about the kid they have in tow... the puppy on the leash... the earrings she is wearing... talk, talk, talk.

Grip and grin... but do not be pushy... back off they do not immediately respond. And they are more likely to "not immediately respond" if you start off talking about your art.

"Oh my goodness what a gorgeous little girl" is 100 time more likely to get a positive response then "Hi, if you have any questions I will be glad to answer them". Or "hi, can I help you".

You want to ask questions in the beginning that they can not say NO to. "Oh, my what a cute puppy!" How are then going to say no to that? "Oh my I just love you earrings! Where did you fine them?"

If they are carrying a painting from some other artist, you tell them how much you love it, even if it is garbage. lol

If it is a seascape, that is opening, "Of live just love that beautiful seascape! Can you please take a look at mine and let me know what you think?"... You just upgraded them to an art critic.... they will love it!

Art does not sell itself all that often.

Talk to people.

Another great tip for you. Find an artist you know or one that has similar but still very different. Like a totally different style but the same genre. Make a deal with them to send people to one or another.

If you are about to lose them and can sense there is no sale there, tell them they may want to see the gal just two booths down that also does seascapes, or floras or what ever they showed the most interest in.

Overall that will be create more sales then just hoping they will be back. Some come back, most never do. But when you refer them to your competitor, you are saying something positive about yourself and your desire to help them out.

I did 35 show a year for 4-5 years. I can sell at these shows like selling fire to Eskimos! lol

(Can you say that anymore?)

I used to have a fish bowl for people to leave their business card in or fill out an entry form. I gave away something significant. Usually a 16 x 20 stretched canvas framed in a cap frame. Not many people are going to care to win something that is obviously not worth much. I always had something like that that has been hanging around too long anyway.

I forgot the hand out to get your gallery name in their hand.

That should be something significant also. May a 5x7 note card and a business card. But not just a business card. That card is going to be trashed 90% of the time before they leave the grounds.

And the most important thing. Have fun!

Best of luck to you!

Thank you Julie, thank you Floyd! You both are talking about something that I by far have most confidence in (if I may humbly say): My love for people! I am an extrovert throng and through, and love getting to know people, so you both have me even more fired up for this upcoming show! I don't want to "sell" to people, I want to "connect" with people, and let them decide what them want to do as far as a sale. Excellent stuff EVERYONE. Thank you!!

Floyd and I were both writing our posts, saying essentially the same thing, at the same time. Great minds...

I'm glad to hear that you're a people person, Gregory. I'm sure you'll do really well.

So.... Should I sell any merchandise besides photo prints? JC said cards have too small of a profit margin... anything else you guys recommend?

That is just my take on it.

In general don't like putting my art on "stuff." I do like cell phone covers and keep a couple of samples for live shows.

Gregory,

At this show and others like this,shows that have "crafts" sell anything that you can, just to break even or better. In my early shows, I sold "refrigerator magnets" with my images and sold a lot of those! People at these shows want a reminder of the show,but really don't want to buy ART!

Rich

Good luck to you, Gregory...I think you're going to do well!