So, as discussed in Part 1, the big benefit of doing art fairs is that you get out there and get seen by the people who love art and those who have an art related business. All of the opportunities listed below, happened over the course of several years and from being in several locations.
CASH No need to elaborate on this one.
Exhibitions On average I get offered 1 or 2 opportunities to have a solo show with galleries or art centers a year. This is nice because there is none of that waiting by the mailbox for the return of my portfolio, while wondering whether they’ll like me. At the art fairs most times they just introduce themselves, hand me a business card and say “We’d like to extend an invitation for you to exhibit with us.” Very Cool!
“In my opinion galleries should be judging the work before them. . . Alas, those kind of Utopian ideals rarely exist.”
I have done some solo shows several years back. But I haven’t taken anyone up on this offer recently. You all know that I am all about keeping the bills paid. I am fortunate in that my originals sell fairly quickly. And I would rather sell now, over setting aside artwork for an exhibit in hopes of selling it later.
Awards Currently, I have no real use for awards (other than it is always nice to have your work recognized,) as I am not actively looking for exhibitions. However, galleries like to see awards on your resume’ because then they don’t have to figure out if your any good on their own. (I know that sounds a little harsh but I can’t really see any other purpose for including awards and honors on resume’ when submitting for a show. In my opinion they should be judging the work before them. No other criteria should enter in. Alas, those kind of Utopian ideals rarely exist.)
Apples ‘N Oats The opportunity to write for this equestrian magazine came because the editor (the oft mentioned Carol Eilers) seen a write up on me (with image of painting) in one of the local newspapers, a few years back. The article was written to promote the the Iowa City Art Festival. I never did see the article but the weekend of the event I had dozens of people mention it to me. Anyway, Carol seen the article, went to my website, read my artist journal entries and apparently thought my quirky (and often grammatically incorrect) writing style was something her magazine could use. So she extended an invitation to write for her.
Patrons, Collectors and Mailing Lists My definition of a patron is anyone who buys original works. A collector is someone who buys prints but has yet to invest in an original. My mailing list is comprised of both types of buyers. It is primarily through art fairs that I have met these people.
“…art fairs…allows me to work on earning an income, while getting opportunities presented to me, that I in no way have to after.”
My previous post on mailing lists details the hows, whys and organization of my list. Nearly every name on my list has been a direct result of attending an art fair or meeting them at an event that I was invited to, because of an art fair. These people have seen my work, like it and requested to be added to my mailing list. Had I not been doing art fairs all these many years, I certainly wouldn’t have the large, well-defined list that I do.
New markets. I have been invited to horse events, zoo conferences and all sorts of expos because someone has seen me at some art fair somewhere. Many of these events I would never have known about or had access to without the benefit of an invitation. The most recent example of getting into a new market area is The licensing agreement.
Wholesale Accounts. In a like manner, many business’s and gift shops offer to carry my art when they see me at an event. Nearly every wholesaling contact that I have, has come where a business owner has approached me to sell my work. Once again it is participating in art fairs, that brings the customer to me.
Now I want to be clear that art fairs are not the only way to bring these things into your business. In fact, there may well be easier methods. What I like about doing art fairs is that it allows me to work on earning an income, while getting opportunities presented to me, that I in no way have to go after.
Tags: artfairs, business
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Thank you for the information in the last two posts Mona. I’m thinking the benefits of doing an artfair must include the fact that you actually hear people’s comments first hand, and you can talk to potential buyers about what they like or don’t like. I have no where near enough pieces yet, and I haven’t really found my “subject” so far, but I shall have to look into art fairs in this area for the future.
Thanks for both of these fine and informative articles about art fairs, Mona. The one day art fair I went to on Labor day (a Columbus suburb fair that has been going on for at least 25 years — they estimate over 25,000 in atteandance for one day, also) has an emerging artists tent — they accept four artists who are just starting in fairs. I am going to try for this — they provide the tent and don’t charge an entry fee for the four new artists as well as assigining a mentor fair artist. The application process does involve showing one’s display, as well as three samples of art. Getting the display together by March (application deadline) could be difficult. We will see.
Had my mom over (first time in many years) to my house over the weekend. We enjoyed eating at Red Lobster (I have a lack of seafood lovers, like myself, in my current life — so it was great fun for both of us). The time went fast.
Finishing one of two current commissions, today. Will put on my web site when is approved by the client.
Happy Painting, Angela
Undaunted I have a vague memory that you were unaware that art fairs existed. Does this mean they have them in Europe?
I want to reitterate that it took years to see any real success’s but I think it was a good way to get into the market. Actually I know a few artists that make a “really” nice living from art fair income. Potters and jewelers mostly.
Yes you will get alot of feedback. Most of it will be good. The most important feedback is not so much what they say, but what images people are attracted to and will spend money on. This has been very helpful over the years.
Angela I think the Columbus show sounds like an excellent venue to try out the whole artfair thing. Quick tip: When buying tents or building displays remember white is always the color. (It reflects light)
Glad you had a good time with your mom. Why so long since she’s been over? I know you visit her often.
Looking forward to seeing your new work.
Just let me know when it’s on your site.
My mom was tied down being a caregiver to her husband for many years. She then became ill — they both moved into assisted living in November (an already furnished room at first) two years ago. He died in January of 07. My mom needed alot of help for quite awhile after that. I was on the run for awhile. She did not want to go anywhere for quite awhile. I thook her to my brothers for severeal days this past August, and she had to really work up to that. I did not invite her until my friend was gone for a few days, a little easier having the house to ourselves and could promise to pretty much take her home anytime she wanted. Allso since my friend was gone, I could not go to mom’s overnight as scheduled — had the animal care — so, she agreed to come. She wasn’t sorry, but it is hard on her to be in a different environment, do a little more running around — though I think good for her, too, as for us all to break routine once in -awhile. Happy Painting, Angela