All Good Things Come From Art Fairs Part 1
Okay, so after an entire summer of me talking about being rained out, stormed on and losing big $$$ at Omaha Summer Arts Festival, as well as saying repeatedly that the older I get the less I like all the hauling and toting, some of you may be thinking how can I say “all good things come from art fairs.” Well because in regards to my business, it’s true.
I want to be clear that I am not promoting doing art fairs as the best way to grow your art business, (though it is certainly a viable one.) In fact, in my recent post “In this Economy” I described why making a living doing the circuit is getting harder all the time.
“art fairs for me was a way to make some money without really having to know what I was doing.”
On the other hand, when I started out I knew nothing of promoting my art. I had worked in the art business at a museum and gallery. But running a major frame shop is completely different than becoming a successful artist. In fact my lack of knowledge is exactly why I chose the art fair path. My degree is in Veterinary Technology, and I have no training in the arts. Back then I had no solo gallery exhibits to my credit, no awards, no portfolio of quality work and no idea of how to talk with galleries.
Art fairs for me was a way to make some money without really having to know what I was doing. I mean if someone liked my work, they bought it. It can’t get much easier than that right? Of course the truth is you still need knowledge on how to sell your work, especially in these times of uncertainty. But doing art fairs allowed me to gain the knowledge I needed through experience.
” . . . doing art fairs allowed me to gain the knowledge I needed through experience.”
I started out in small events, made some sales, gained some confidence and moved to bigger events. That is still my path. I continue to keep challenging myself with bigger venues. The truth is, in large part it was participating in art fairs that gave me the confidence to deal with galleries and clients. Art fairs provided me with the opportunity to earn an income while in my spare time I learned the art business and more importantly continued to create better art.
So here is a brief overview of the ways in which my business has progressed because of my participation in art fairs over the years. I will go into more detail on these in tomorrows post.
Hello Mona,
What an excellent writer you are besides a talented painter! I just found your blog and I had to stop and read several of the articles. Good analysis, down to earth advice and mature experience. Thanks so much.
I’d like to expose your blog to a larger audience. My blog is ArtFairInsider.com, full of art fair information for artists and other interested parties. Would you allow me to reprint some of your essays on this site? Or, another way, would you like to be a guest blogger?
I suggest the former because you must be plenty busy making art, writing and traveling to fairs. I’d add your blog to my blogroll, etc. I’d love to have your contribution.
I’m working on some other online projects also which, down the road, would also bring your more publicity.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Hello Connie,
I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to respond on your blog, but I figured we’d start with a comment here. I’ve looked over your blog and found it quite useful and informative. I’ll probably be subscribing soon. I also like that you’ve done the art fair thing.
I am good with you reprinting some of my posts,.(actually I’m flattered and appreciate the opportunity.) Being a guest blogger might work out in the winter months on occasion. But you nailed it on the head, my days are pretty heavily booked for about 8 months out of the year. And then I create with a fervor.
Thank you again. Please keep me informed as to when your doing something with my posts and what if anything that you’ll need from me.