So, I’ll be (hopefully) be selling some art tomorrow at the Kennebunk May Day festival, and for some reason I’m kind of freaking out about it. This is the first time I’ve presented my paintings to the public in the US, and…it’s scary. And I’ve got to hang them in a popup tent, which I’ve never done.
I sold my work in gift shops when we lived in Japan, but for some reason this just feels a lot different. Plus the place I usually order my prints from was closed for an entire week for passover so I had to get my prints from somewhere else and I’m not as happy with them…argh. So, I’ve been procrastinating like mad, but everything is pretty much ready, even updated my website finally, just need to finish up a few things and load the truck, but I’m nervous.
Tell me it’s going to be OK.
Here’s my website. If you have constructive criticism, please save it for Sunday, because I don’t really have time to stress out over anything else right now.
They are beautiful and all will be well. Good luck!
(I have a friend who spends about half the year travelling around to different art shows and selling her pottery, which lets her spend the other half the year making pottery, and she loves it. I’m sure you will too!)
Thank you for the complements, and I would love to paint your dog, Zsofia.
I have just been informed by my dear friend Surly Chick that the May Day festival is not actually being held on may day, but on the 7th. I just assumed since they were calling it the may day festival it would be held on May 1. But no. Typical mistake for me. I think this is stupid, but I’m SO RELIEVED!! I could really use this extra week to prepare. So, panic postponed until next weekend. It’s kind of a shame, since the weather tomorrow is supposed to be perfect. Soothing tones still welcome, of course.
I think your art is very accessible and many people will find that your paintings are pieces they would like to have in their homes. I personally find most of the pictures to be soothing and/or uplifting as well, and that is the type of art I would want. And, I see a lot of tri-panel groupings (like your swordfish) being put up on decorating shows so I bet people will buy those.
And if not, like Zsofia said…what’s the worst that can happen? Nothing can happen. Then you go home.
I am a veteran of many outdoor events, having sold my jewelry at festivals and fairs since 2000. It’s stressful getting ready and setting up, but as soon as the first customers start showing up, you tend to shrug off the nervousness and go into sales mode.
If you get a chance to do a dry run of your booth setup, I highly recommend it. I also recommend weights for your tent if you don’t have any (or if you’re on grass but don’t have stakes for your tent). One good gust of wind and stuff goes everywhere!
During the show, don’t be afraid to speak to browsers. You can always tell who’s there to shop because they walk straight into your booth. Non-buying people just graze past the outer perimeters. I like to break the ice by saying hi, then casually mentioning that I make everything myself, because there are a lot of jewelry resellers out there and most people assume I am one. Then I stand back and let them shop. I usually hang out behind my tables all day but I don’t read or talk on my phone, and keep meals discreet and quick.
Your paintings are lovely and just the sort of fine art that does well at shows. I sincerely hope you have a good time and many sales. And by the way, if anyone tries to talk you down on your prices, don’t be offended. A lot of people treat bargaining like it’s an Olympic sport and they do it with everyone. I personally give a small price break if someone is buying a lot of stuff at once but otherwise, no dice. My prices are pretty low as it is!
If you’ve never done outdoor art shows, my biggest suggestion is to prepare for wind. Rain is one thing, but even a beautiful, sunny day can be windy, and that, for me, is almost more nerve-wracking than a thunderstorm.
I’ve done lots of outdoor shows in a pop-up tent (although I’ve never had to hang 2D artwork in one). If you want specific suggestions about weighting your canopy so it won’t blow away, etc., feel free to PM me.
Your paintings are beautiful and remind me of why I like watercolours. I love the colours and the way they shade into each other. So different from cartooning, yet they work well together.
Thank you guys, the kind words really mean a lot. I’m actually kind of glad I worked myself into a lather over the show being tomorrow when it’s not for another week; now I can relax and fine tune stuff and order some more prints from my regular supplier. Yay!
I’ve been meaning to do a marketplace thread here, but I hadn’t updated my website in so long I had to get that done first. I think I will start one once this show is over, though.
