Making Another List

Since we are in the list making mode ( and I didn't have to teach a little workshop this past weekend " Preparing yourself and your art for outdoor shows' ) I will continue to share some of the things that - we - as artist need to deal with before, during , and after any of the shows on the previous list.

The first - The other day I received and e-mail from a new artist, that was asking for help putting an online application together. He was polite, but he needed it all - photos of his work, artist statement, and booth shot. After contacting him and talking, I found out that he had never done an outdoor show and was working on applying to a very exclusive show.

My advice was to start a little smaller - Try a a few local events like a farmers market - It is relatively easy to get into and gives you a chance at setting up your display and seeing what it's like to brave the elements. It also gives you a great opportunity for the "Booth Shot"

Here is some more things to think about before you pick out those shows one the previous list:

• How to price your art and answer questions about your prices - Trust me this is a big issue, especially in today's economy - Myself I use a simple square foot fee, this keeps prices somewhat uniform and has nothing to do with time.

• How to respond when people criticize your art - People will say what they think, and as your standing on the other side of your display and over hear their discourse on whatever they perceive to be the problem with what you are doing, you need to be ready.

• How to display your art in ways that make it appealing to potential buyers - This is a very personal thing , I have seen all manner of displays - from the garish to the unique - consider this though (and it took a while for me to figure this out ) your display may be unique, but premium shows are looking for some uniformity in displays - standard white tents and professional display.

• How to know when you have enough art and enough of a selection to start showing and selling. - It is important to have enough new merchandise to not have the same look at shows in the same area. You don't want people walking past saying " I've seen that stuff last year"

• How to talk to the public about my art - Not everyone will "get" your art - so it is important to speak of your art in terms that the average Joe would understand. Let's face it - artists like to talk to other artists - we have a common passion - to create - don't expect the general art show public to " catch the feeling"

This will conclude my discourse for the day - I will be attending an indoor show in Missouri this weekend and hopefully will continue on this vent next week .