Ultimate Guide For Your First Art Show

I went to my first art show in November 2017, Avant-Garde in Strongsville, OH which received over 1200 patrons and close to 80 vendors.

Sadly, I did not sell any of my art 😞

I did receive custom painting orders!

I want to share ten things as a guide for others' when they approach this to help you prepare better and ease any stress! This post contains affiliate links. When clicked and a sale is made I earn a commission from that sale!

1.      The dimensions that are given for a booth or table never usually mention anything about height.... therefore, think NYC real estate.... bring a step stool and throw another table cover over it or put your easel on top of the table along with other leveling ideas....whatever you do....do not just lay your artwork flat!

 

2.      Bring a table cover that will cover the table completely and both sides! I didn't have this problem but walking around I could see all the clutter under other artist's tables and didn't even bother to stop and network with them.... If they don't pay attention to the details they probably won't bother to even look at my webpage I'm not wasting a business card on them!


3.      When traveling with your artworks to the art show, package them as if you were shipping them to a customer! A few artists I met there literally threw their canvases into a large bin on wheels and high tailed it to the parking lot when the show was over.... they didn't even bother to cover up their corners!





4.      Have a few "artivader" pitches ready to rattle off when someone approaches your booth. An "artivader" pitch is across between an elevator pitch and an artist's sales pitch....I fumbled a few times and it was awkward, to say the least!

5.      Take along something with wheels.... I took my son's folding wagon that fit right into the back seat.... thank god! Sometimes the walk from the car to inside the venue (even before moving your car to the middle of nowhere after the queen bee running it yells at you) can be treacherous.



6.      DO NOT start discounting your artworks if other artists have their artworks priced extremely cheaper....be the better example! Besides, no one knows how much time and effort you put into your art for the prices you put unless you explain further which the other artists usually don't!

8.      Bring enough business cards that are front and back and full color and laminated.... This should be a given.... I ran out around 2 pm when the show lasted until 5 pm.....I could have engaged more people if I hadn't have underestimated my own value!

9.      Have a variety of artworks ranging from super small to super large! My smallest was 11x14 inches and my largest was 24x36 inches.... I got questions from people that wanted a 4x6 (other than my business card) and someone else who wanted to cart home a huge mural!

10.  Do not give up after one show! The majority of artists and nonartists that I spoke to after this show told me the same thing! You'll be well prepared for the next show. Think of this one as more of a dress rehearsal.

Even though I sold zero artworks at this first show I did get out of my comfort zone and engaged with over 1000 people face to face! Being a complete introvert I'm happy with the outcome and it has actually motivated me to start other adventures I was anxious to begin! 

Feel free to leave a comment or visit my website www.beachglasslove2.com