So... you are a talented artist or crafter. Now what?
Do you create your work and then allow it to languish among your home furnishings... or do you take it to market and show off your creations for others to view and possibly purchase?
The choice is yours.
If you decide to market your creativity then you have basically three options:
1. Commercial or private gallery exhibitions
2. Arts and crafts fairs and festivals.
3. Internet or direct person to person sales calls
This article will discuss the second option.
If you decide to market your work through arts and crafts events then you must make some hard choices. Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to make the investment in equipment and fixtures to properly display your creative endeavors?
Do you have a vehicle large enough to transport your work? Will you need an assistant to help with set-up or take-down of your entire display?
Yes, some local markets may do some of the chores for you. For instance, one popular outdoor market in my hometown provides a tent and table for each vendor. This, however, is rare and should not be considered a requirement of the event organizers.
What about heat, cold, and rainy days? Only a small percentage of arts and crafts fairs are indoors. Are you willing to cope with adverse weather conditions when exhibiting at outdoor markets? Are your arts/crafts able to withstand the elements of moisture and wind? Could they easily be damaged in transport to and from each show?
Are you a "people person" who loves to chit chat with anyone who will listen? Do you enjoy revealing to others your techniques and methods of creating your art or crafts? Do you handle rejection well? Do you smile and maintain a smiling face when talking to strangers?
Is your health an issue? Some shows may require hours of standing or sitting in one place for hours.
Will you depend upon sales from these art markets to sustain yourself, or do you have an income independant of your creative endeavors?
Only you can answer the above questions. Only you can decide if the arts and crafts show circuit is for you. Only you know if this is a venture you are willing to undertake.
This ends part one of my series on arts and crafts events. If you have decided this is the market for you, then my next article is for you!
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