Can I Make An Income From Art Shows And Craft Fairs?

'Tent Rehearsal'

My husband and I are taking these art shows as a serious way to support ourselves in the near future.  After more than 25 years in software, he has decided to go back to his love of hand made guitars and has become a luthier.  And with my background in jewelry we look for art shows where we can both share a 10x10 tent.  Most shows do not allow 2 different mediums under a tent.  These spaces can be costly, normally, between $200-$800 +.  We have been able to book about 4-5 shows for the summer time, and paid $200 for one in Sta Fe, 2011 (that is a deal), a few local ones for about $100 and some $50-60.

Since we are just starting, we are trying to get a 'feel' for what these art shows are.  Over the past 3 years we have done our research, 2 years ago we both started creating our products, and last year we actually started to buy everything that is needed for the shows.   We are planning on kicking it up a notch, after the end of this year, provided that do as well as we expect.
About every show we have been, and there are many just here in CO plus we go to NM frequently,  we  always speak to many sellers/artists.   Most of them are doing this year around, every weekend to support themselves.  And it is true there is at least one art/craft show going on in any given day in the whole US.

A lot of these artists/sellers travel in pairs, husband and wife teams,  that are or went through the same 'there is something better to do with my life' stage.  We received a lot of useful information and been told over and over again, that YES you CAN have a comfortable life, or make enough money on one show for you to live comfortably for 6 mos or a year!  These artists are the ones that are paying about $1000 to have a 10x10 spot in places like Venice Beach FL, Coconut Grove FL, Sta Fe NM, Cherry Creek CO and more.  Most of them are painters or sculptors, but even they started small, their talent had to be recognized and it took time and a lot of traveling for them to sport the 'best in show' ribbons. :)

But for 5 of the top recognized artists, there are many, many regular people like you and us, that know in their hearts that what we make with our hands can be sold.   I know I can sell, because I have sold on line, not on my website, I want to keep that just for stores that want to carry my items.  I want to generate most of my revenue and sales from shows.  I have sold through ebay and etsy, mostly ebay, and from these sales I have been able to fund more supplies.   I have been able to sell my pieces to a local store, and these sold very fast.  Come June, I will be taking some of my jewelry to another store in Boulder.   My goal is to get a few stores to carry my jewelry, so we can make the transition from a full time job (husband), to a part time, and perhaps a lifetime of selling our art!

On another blog I will let you know about how much to start putting aside to make this dream a reality.

Keep on creating!

Name Recognition.. YOUR Business Cards Should SELL YOU!!

This is very important!! When we go to art or craft shows, we all pick up so many cards, so many that when we get home, only a few will spark a memory!


 I decided to do something about that.  I figured, I am the product, what I make design and sell should be a part of me, and people should be able to remember me. After all, they have my product, it will end up somewhere in their home, (I also make belts, paint, and use a lot of other media).  But when they are gone, I want them to put a 'face' or an image be it subliminal or on in 'your face' of the artist they met.
Even if they do not buy something, they will probably keep the card for a while...and like a friend of mine always says...Who knows?  Her 'who knows' have taken me very, very far, because I have dabbled in different things, and took chances just on those 2 words! 

I spent some extra $, it was less than $100 on a professional 'mega store'  picture pack promo.  I brought all the clothes that I wanted to use to create the image that I want to convey, something that tells 'my story' and that is unique to me.  I also made sure I used my jewelry as well.  Some say that when you first see the card they don't always think jewelry until they read it, (I have very little text too, I believe YOU have to be your product).  But every single time some one gets my card they always, always compliment the picture.  Plus it makes me look better than in person :).   I had them made in the best quality glossy paper, this is the color version, I am know using the same one but in sepia tones, and as you see is vertical!.  I am getting ready to re-print some with my etsy info and I am doing those in color for my upcoming Tri-Cultural-Show in Santa Fe and just for variety!  I got a great deal, I got 2 poses, in different widths, the one I currently use on this blog, and this one, and both in color and in sepia tones.  

So keep on creating and start re-inventing yourself.  Remember YOU are your product, GO out and make money with your art and sell your talents!  Read more on 'dressing' or accessorizing for the part, with your art!

Group Your Items To Give Your Buyers MORE Choices!

This picture shows another idea on how to place displays on your craft fairs/art show table making your items more appealing.  A large silver long bowl ($4) with polished river stones ($2 or 2 bags at the $1 store) makes a great setting for silver jewelry.  The smaller black base ($4) has been set on a plain black cube displaying a silver charm bracelet.

Sometimes a buyer is not sure how would they wear or with what colors your merchandise will go with.  Of course this is your job, you must engage them, not only describing the piece, but how versatile it can be.  Usually approaching the all black or white outfits appeal to all.  We all have pieces that we use with those 2 basic colors.  And black is always regarded as the 'interesting, elegant, and evening-ish' look.  White, reminds people of summer vacations, sitting on the porch and sipping tea.

I have a multi colored line, and although I specialize in folkloric, and South West pieces, I also have regular pieces of jewelry that are big and bold, made with gemstone. I mention gemstones because there is a great and interesting way to engage your customer in another conversation.  Whatever medium you use, keep a piece of the raw item, or pieces of the unfinished product displayed.  I do this with the natural stones, if I am using coral, I place a piece of coral (aquarium plastic) and a huge chunk of turquoise, to create that familiar two tone SW look.  I also group the jewelry together by tones, and add earrings, rings, bracelet and hair accessories that compliment the look.  That gives your customer not only ideas, but perhaps a lower $ alternative to your lovely line!

If I am using gemstones I keep them raw, in crystal forms next to the piece or pieces I am selling.  This way you can approach and start a conversation with your customer as to what the original stone, paper, wool looks like and it's origin!  Perhaps an anecdote of that trip you took to a mine, a sheep farm, whatever it is, tie it with your product.

Continue creating and making lovely stuff, but while you are in the process, think of a way to keep your buyer engaged and interested. :) 

Using Frames And Shadow Boxes For a Gallery Look To Your Displays

 I am always looking for interesting and cheap ways to display my items. Regardless of what you sell, you can create the 'Gallery' look to your on line store, craft table, or art show booth.

On the first picture I took a lovely original signed print ($4) in a great heavy wood frame, at the same store I found a heavy clear glass frame, that slides right off!  If I glue the together, it would create a gallery effect to any piece, plus I can set it down on top of the table, without that 'thrown' look.  And it will be want to make it easy and accessible to a buyer, I can leave it unglued.

 Recently I was at a show in Santa Fe, where we are planning to move in October (God willing)!.  It was an indoor show (GREAT for sellers and buyers!) One of the artists had a gorgeous setting on her table, her handmade jewelry ($350+) consists on delicate rose buds tied together with fine silver.  As a couple with kids went to see her higher set/displayed pieces, their child, started playing, picking up and touching the delicate necklace.  The parents where oblivious.  If your pieces are delicate and you only want adults handling them, find a way to place them on a higher shelf or display, and the pieces   that are sturdy on your table. I like to have a combo of both but protecting the heavy and expensive is a must.  I did mentioned to the artist, she also told me that the majority of the damage incurred to her pieces where made by adults!  So her most expensive pieces, rosaries, was displayed on the wall, in a vintage frame.

I did mentioned to the artist, she also told me that the majority of the damage incurred to her pieces where made by adults!  So her most expensive pieces, rosaries, was displayed on the wall, in a vintage frame.  Setting some of your work on interesting frame, not only adds dimension, put keeps the kids away from them.  Mix and match these, and don't forget to add something interesting  around them.   Basically eye candy for all.

Deep framed shadow boxes with either paper or fabric liner that compliment your product are also very professional looking.  These are always available, they usually come in sets, or the square open big frames that are used on walls for decor, can be stacked and your pieces can be displayed there as well, plus you create height! 

Continue tweaking your displays for that professional, but fun and interesting look that will have people looking in various directions, and finding your items even more appealing.

Continue creating, your goal is to sell, sell, sell :)