Three Ways To Present Your Artwork at Arts and Crafts Festival
February 6, 2010 Arts and Crafts Festival, How to Sell Your Art
Three Ways To Present Your Artwork at Arts and Crafts Festival
While people past several tents of fine artists at art festivals, many people observe how the artwork looks in relation to the way the artist displays his or her work. Some artist go into length to have elaborate decorations around their tent while others put in little to no effort at all. They don’t hang their artwork and just leave it laying on the ground without any tender care. Many people at art shows observed these things and notice the value that the artist puts on his or her own work by their presentation and setup of the artwork. What I have noticed the most is that the way you setup your booth space says a lot about you and the value you have in your own art. To some artists it may not seem to be of much concern but it can be an asset or liability to your sales. When setting up your booth, table, or what whatever you are using you would want to put some thought into you presentation. Imagine you were going to a lovely banquet with your friends and when you got their the food was prepared on old beat up tables, the servers were dress in flip flops and drinking glasses were not all that clean. Would you enjoy the banquet? You may, but you would be thinking about the fact you got food off of old dirty table and drank from a half clean glass, if you got something to drink.
My point is this, the way you present your art at an art festival or private showing is very important because you want to present yourself as a reliable person and a professional artist. You want to make sure that when people see your work they see quality art from a quality artist.
Here are a few suggestions and tips that you may want to consider:
Tip1. Be Clean. Make sure your art is clean. Though some of your art may have been in the basement collecting dusk make sure it is clean before you display to potential buyers. Be sure you look well- groomed and professional as well. For me, I like a nice clean white shirt when presenting my art.
Tip2. De-clutter: Make sure your artwork is not all cluttered together, especially your small large pieces. You can get away with hanging small pieces in groups or even sporadically with other small inexpensive pieces. Also make sure you have your tables setup nice and your boxes or crates hidden.
Tip3. Decor: One of the best things you can do when setting your booth up or area to sell your art is making it look inviting. I’ve seen artists use rugs, table clothes, plants, bowls of candy, candles and etc. Every time I see those booths that are decorated nice, I want to go in to look at their work because the space is so inviting and warm.
Think of your booth as your home or store and remember to keep you area clean, clutter free, and warm & inviting. You want to project the image of you work as having value and that your are of value as an artists.
I would like to know what you think so leave a comment by clicking on comment button above or below this post.
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Hi,
I am going to participate for the first time in an art fair next June… I am very excited about it, but also have lots of questions and ideas on how to make it a success.
I was thinking maybe to adopt the other industries shows, where the sales people and presenters sometime wear a shirt with their logo and website. So I thought to print a shirt like that for myself, and for my wife who will join me at the booth, with one of my artworks on it, and my name (at the front), and my website on the back. I never seen something like that done in artfairs by the artists, so I wonder if that will be a good idea to present myself. I thought it will be unique way for people to remember me, and also if I walk around the show, I will market myself… I can even print a 3rd one for a draw at the end of the show for everyone giving me their names and contact info….
I would love to hear your opinion on this idea from your experiance.
Thanks
Moshe
http://www.mikanovsky.com/blog
I believe you are on the right track. I say go for it. It’s just like your are branding your company the same as Coco Cola and Apple. You have the right mindset. If only more artist would think this way. If you have a Facebook Fan Page or Twitter Account have a sign up letting viewers know that they can follow you on other social media sites. Good Luck on your first show. I know you are very nervous. I know I was when I did my first show. Let me know how it goes. If you have any questions please feel free to let me know.
Thanks
-Ahmad
First, I just want to say that I’m doing my first show Saturday and was only told today that I was accepted. I have no idea how to hang my art, as most of my paintings are not framed (thats the way I like them). I don’t know where to get the walls for a booth, I believe I will only be provided with a table. So sometimes, even if someone values their work very much, they may not be as prepared or well informed as one would like. My work may end up on the ground. Maybe you would say that I shouldn’t be in the show if I’m not prepared, but I am a novice. I have to start somewhere. I’m excited to show my work, even if it isn’t up to your standards. Also, if you are going to write such a professional post, maybe you should proof-read it for mistakes before you publish.
Hi Christina
I just want to apologize for my grammatical errors on my blog post. I thought my proofreader caught all my mistakes. Second, I say go for it. Even though you don’t have everything you need for Saturday, the art show still can serve as an opportunity and learning experience. Of course you need the basics for setting up your booth for the art show but I would like remind you that if your art is good, it will sell even if it is on the ground. I have seen it happen plenty of times where artist have had their work laying on the ground and people have bought them regardless. It would be easier for people to see your work at eye level but again since this is last minute work with what you have and keep a positive attitude. Though you may not have everything I would suggest just a few things just to stay afloat. I listed them below.
1. Business Cards
2. Small Table to allow customers to write checks.. (Yeah)
3. 10X10 Tent (Walmart or Sams are the cheapest)
4. Comfortable shoes and a cooler for water and snacks
5. A positive Attitude
Thanks
Ahmad Austin
p. s. If you don’t have walls for your art to hang on you can use plastic lattice found at Home Depot in the Garden Section and wrap it around your tent.