The Unexpected Success Of My First Art Show

Congratulations!

Very cool and congratulations. I had my first vendor event last month and it didn't go as well but it did get my work out there and I made some sales. Sold many novelty items (magnets and mirrors) and 4 matted prints but my prices were much lower. I was happy with covering the cost of my event, making a little extra, and getting positive feedback about my work. Oh and then just days later I sold my first print on FAA. Not sure it was because of the event but it may have helped.

That is wonderful. You really busted your hump for prep. Would you say there were a lot of people attending or were their few that wanted to purchase so came to gawk and buy?

Congratulations! It is a great feeling to do a show and actually sell your work!

Fantastic news!!

Congratulations, Alex -- I think your show was a wonderful success, and a great learning experience for you!

Try not to measure your online business against your real-world business; they're two very different venues. I've always found it much easier to sell art in person than online, and find the real-world experience 100% more gratifying.

You might as well keep at it, now that you've given it a whirl -- just don't be discouraged if not every show is as successful as this show. Putting yourself and your art 'out there' can bring so many potential benefits, far beyond just sales.

Congratulations, again! :-)

Thanks Patricia, Jan, and Lynn-Marie!

Jan, I also had the experience of residual sales. Two of the five sales came after the fact. Getting personal exposure is huge, I'd think.

Lynn-Marie, I gave a talk on the first day of the installation. On that day there was a mix of friends (one of whom knew they wanted to buy something), and random folks. I had maybe 15 people there for my talk. The work displayed for about a month before I came to collect it.

Congrats Alex! Hard work led to an outcome that was well deserved. I wish you luck with the future shows and displays!

Well done!

Thanks again, all.

Wendy, you are very right about the experience bringing more value than just sales. My network of meaningful relationships has expanded because of this, and I am undoubtedly richer for it!

It's useful to have matted, but unframed prints for sale. These are cheaper, and can be more of an impulse buy. Make the mat size a standard frame size, and display them in bags rom www.clearbags.com.

Like Wendy said it's easier to sell in person than online. I usually sell more at an art show than I've sold on FAA this year (I'm hoping that will change by the end of the year).

That's excellent advice, Steven. It also gives shoppers the opportunity to select their own frame to match their home. Gonna get on that.

P.S. I've done research on this before, but I've gotten no clear answer. What would you say are "standard frame sizes?"

Awesome...congrats!

I agree that it brings benefits beyond just sales. Here's to more successful events for you and sales online as well.

Nice work, Congratulations! I think standard sizes in the US are 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 9 x 12, 11 x 14, and 18 x 24. I think you can find a longer list by doing a Google search.

Congrats! Seeing art well presented in the 3D certainly is better than thumbnails.

woo hoo! Happy for you!

Awesome! Congratulations!!

The usual standard frame sizes that are available in most your big retail stores are 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 20x24, 24x36, 30x40

Great post, we need more of these.

Congratulations, Alex.

Congratulations Alex. I just started on FAA last Friday and it's great to hear success stories and ideas from others on what works for selling photography. Thanks for posting.

Congratulations Alex!
A flood of memories (if I can recall them, with my gray hair) flashed before my eyes when I saw your title '1st Show' - mine was about 40 years ago(now that I've dated myself) -it was a 70/30 mix of ' concentrating on preparation for - I hope people come - and I hope they like my Art (in your case photography). The 30% was my confidence in myself and My Art (although I was apprehensive). At that time, I created 'pieces' (I was a Metal Sculptor) that I thought would sell, appeal to people so they could relate to the objects and therefore buy. For whatever reason, an Artist/craftsperson starting out seems to be a little introvert but it's the passion in there that's what drives them. Once you get your 'sea legs' and confidence (like you did at your first show/sale) start doing things that YOU want to do (maybe something a little crazy, wild, but most important - innovative) - the sooner you build a niche for yourself the better. You may struggle(excuse me you WILL struggle) but you'll feel better about yourself and doing what you want to do, not just as a photographer(in your case) but doing something that is 'different' (emphasis) than the rest of the pack. I'm sure you've heard it before and you see it everywhere but it's very important to have confidence within yourself, perseverance and stamina (in that order). I'm finding out that the best part of places like FAA, Facebook, twitter - whatever - is great for 'exposure' - and sales should follow.

(The other) Robert Palmer

PS - after seeing your web site - you will do well !

What wonderful news. Congratulations!

I like your statement, "but the fact remains: people were willing to part with their hard earned cash to buy work that I had produced!" That is, indeed, a good feeling and sort of makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it. Of course, having some positive cash flow also helps. :)



---------------
~ Bill
~ US Pictures .com

Congrats! One good thing about matting and framing is it gives even the smaller pieces a little more self esteem as they reach out to "talk" to people!

I'm still floored that people will spend that much money on one of my photos.

Hey, thanks again all!

MM Anderson and Julie, thank you for those dimensions, that helps.

Steven, I've gone ahead and ordered some of those clear envelopes. Excellent idea. Thank you again.

RSVPalmer, I was told by my PhD adviser once that "you get one go around in this life. For god's sake, listen to the word that is being spoken in you and say it. To hell with the social anxiety of academia." Seems to me that that advice holds for artistic endeavors generally.

Way to go and cool! Congratulations.

Woot! Woot! Exciting!

Alex, very well done!

I think that the reason why f2f is selling better, doesn't matter if matted, framed, etc. or unframed posters is that these goods are "tangible". People can see and touch them.

FAA is a great site, no doubt about it! But there are soooooooooooo many choices that the "normal" personal probably gets lost, and simply cannot make up their mind what they want.

Alex,

Welcome to the club.

Those that have decided to get off their butts and dive into the scary and pricey world of face to face selling.

Being an actual person, selling actual art to actual people is to me is it's own reward.

As with Robert S.V. Palmer, I've also been peddling my stuff for 40 years

In fact it's 5:45 AM right now, my van is packed and in 2 hours this 80 year old will be on the road, to set up for a venue that will go on for 9 consecutive weekends (including Labor Day) and then, I'll be on to another venue that will extend right up to the beginning of November.


Alex, GREAT GOING on your initial foray...May there be even Greater show in your future

That's awesome, Roger!

Well done Alex!

Wow, thank you all again!

Robert and Elena, I think you're definitely correct. A narrower field of competition surely helps as well!

Roger, you're on the road right now, but it was good to hear from you! Hope your venues go marvelously!

Awesome. Congrats!

Congratulations Alex, and I'm sure you're sales with FAA will follow.

I have my first large show this year coming up this weekend. It's not a venue I've done before but apparently it'll be very busy. Can't wait to see how it goes.

Ha ha! Thanks Jennifer and Dave. I'm not holding my breath for the on-line sales. Best wishes with the show this weekend, David. You have gorgeous work. Give us a report on how it goes!