ART FESTIVAL MISTAKES 80% of Artists make.

[@roxannefineart]

I've been going to art fairs for 4 years now. THIS GUY??? He knows this business. Listen to him!

[@ArsPraestigium]

I've done these shows and art fairs for many years, these are awesome suggestions.

[@LivingAmongMormons]

"C'mon in. I've got art and some candy in here." 😅

[@RomancerX]

I’m a beginner vendor and not an artist. This video was still helpful and interesting.

[@lazygardens]

Another tip: have some "gas money work" if your work is high priced. A friend who was a superb artist always made sure to have posters of his work for $20 or less for the people who loved his work but were low income.

[@jenniferpoole1810]

Ok, as an artist approaching my first art fair, your video was hugely helpful and reassuring!

[@IHsquared]

That means a lot, I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@nickstar166]

“The biggest mistake you can make is not getting out there and showing your work” That’s what I needed hear. I’m a metal sculptor and i do quite well online. But i’ve been nervous about in person because i’m an introvert. Since my work would do the talking, I suppose theres really nothing to worry about.

[@IHsquared]

thats rad to hear you do well online! do you have an ig? i wanna see your sculptures!

[@XanBos]

Top tip for sure is not to sell. I never talk sales with my customers. All I do is actually paint at my booth, people watch, ask questions, then I direct them inside my booth…yes, inside. It’s the only way to get them to stop and look. Otherwise they walk by and don’t interact. Once you get them talking, they start getting interested in what you do. I use the excitement of my art to show them the passion, then it’s up to them to make the decision on whether to buy. Shows like these are such a boost in sales, as well as commissions. Most definitely go plastic! No one can make an impulsive purchase with cash. They don’t want to let go of the paper. But plastic, that’s another thing entirely. Usually people don’t worry about swiping the card. They have wiggle room to buy items on impulse. One tip to add….play music in your booth. Not loud music, but something that gets people in a mood. For me it’s the 50s and 60s music. Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, things like that. I’ve had countless positive comments on the music being played. But do remember the venue…if it’s a heritage craft festival, bring appropriate music. All of the tips you offered are good. Never go to a show unprepared. This is my 30th year of doing shows, and I learn each year how to streamline my booth, and make it more productive. Let’s go set up a booth!!!😊

[@IHsquared]

Definitely agree. Music is a great addition as well

[@MicArtist13]

Finally someone says you don’t need a walk in. I sell more having work out front ! Great tips !! Thank you !!!

[@PhoenyxAshe]

One thing I might add is - if you can make a thing do double-duty, all the better. For instance, those expensive Pro-Panels can get _heavy_, so you can potentially use them to augment your tent weights, if not replace them. I can remember doing a show with... far less professional equipment - basically an EZ-Up and, well... pegboard. That 4'x8' pegboard panel, fastened onto the frame of the EZ-Up, added enough weight to the back of the tent that we only needed additional weights to the front poles. And this at an Art and Music Festival that had high winds so bad that several canopies were blown over - including the one protecting the sound system.

[@keithr.4645]

Fantastic tips! I’ve done art festivals for years and these are great…plus you’re hilarious 😂.

[@Knock-kneed]

4:18 "...fill the thing with concrete" another option instead of sand or concrete is to by a larger diameter tube (6" light gauge, low pressure PVC works good). Then fit it with a clean-out screw-in, style cap and fill it with water when you get to the show. After the show empty it, dry it out and use it for storage on your trip.

[@not-a-biscuit]

The ones about not being overbearing and having visible pricing are the most important imo. There’ve been so many booths I didn’t buy from bc I didn’t want to hurt feelings, so I just didn’t engage at all

[@IHsquared]

yeah, totally a bummer when i see it at shows!

[@firstlast2034]

Enjoy yourself! Be open, it is contagious!

[@tashasmith1234]

I've been surprised how many "creatives" are art buyers! Great tips! Ty

[@IHsquared]

i feel like its 60/40 for my stuff. I feel like its a huge compliment where other artists buy your work :)

[@iansmith3468]

What about water and snacks? Haha the creepy tent candy? I'm game!

[@emilyhigbee8328]

Thank you for the fantastic advice! You're also hilarious! Your booth set up is amazing too.

[@claudiaescobarbenton8710]

PLEASE HELP! where did you get your dollies!?

[@mbmochinski]

Thanks for the advice. I especially need to think about just getting out there and not letting fear hold me back. Also, love the tin foil hat! ❤️🤣

[@IHsquared]

Thanks so much! So glad it’s helpful :)

[@jean-michelargentin5465]

It’s my first time seeing this KZbin video channel.. I love your vibe it makes me feel energetic. I’m serious..I tried my first Art show in New Orleans in the French quarters in the business area and I didn’tsell nothing-all of grandkids came from out of town to come and support me (paw paw) and I didn’t sell a single Artwork. But on the positive side one person did come and look. That made my day:)

[@ozlemguler4324]

Thankyou for an excellent video! I've thought about festivals and I have experience selling food products, but not my own art. I love how professional and structured your approach is and yet you're so chilled and humorous. Seekers on either side of your stall would be lucky to have such a great spirited guy around ❤ also, your art is so striking ❤

[@morganminchin101]

This is jam packed with tips and advise, thank you so so so much for sharing ! Really appreciate the effort you went to

[@IHsquared]

Absolutely! So glad it was helpful!

[@nellycastro8961]

I don't know.. I would so enter the creepy tent out of morbid curiosity .. hahahaha... but great tips.. thank you

[@IHsquared]

Haha, yeah, the weird stuff is part of the fun! Glad you enjoyed the tips!

[@zzakk999]

amazing and honest. great video

[@MorningHawkCreations]

gotta support us small channels don't give up!

[@IHsquared]

Thanks for saying that. All social media has kinda defeated me. I’m trying to find the resolve to start again.

[@MorningHawkCreations]

@@IHsquared I've had an art channel for 10 yrs and only have 500 subs. And for 10 yrs it felt like playing darts in a pitch black room. No one would comment or say anything views are generally under 100 per video and nothing I did worked. But worst yet I found trying so hard at it caused me to not enjoy my art. To overthink it, to spend hours staring at analytics, ruminate on social media traffic. I was so obsessed with trying to "fix" my social media presence that I stopped making art and stopped enjoying it. I've since gone back to doing festivals and shows. Where I can deal with people one on one, and not the masses. Burnout because of KZbin creation is real, take some self care time if you need.

[@littleblackcar]

I'm going to expand: You don't need to get everything perfect on the first time/early on, but you should have a plan to acquire useful equipment. I know people who have been vendors, or even just in hobbies, for years/decades and they're always complaining that everyone else has better set-ups and that they can't be expected to keep up without (whatever items) and at some point everyone gets tired of them complaining, borrowing things, or acting like the rest of us should do less so they don't feel so left out. But they don't have a plan to get them. Either they're not selling enough or they are but aren't setting the money aside to upgrade. Saving for new/better/replacement equipment is part of a business plan.

[@IHsquared]

love this addition! totally agree to reinvest in your display, im making a new video showing different options!

[@carsemonkey1]

Don't need a metal working friend for the legs. Just a drill and a hack saw and measuring tape. Harbor freight will have a biginner going in no time for cheap.

[@IHsquared]

love this addition!

[@mariahspain7799]

I have a show this weekend and wish I found this over 10 years ago when I started.

[@IHsquared]

Thanks so much, i hope my tips are helpful!

[@riasharma561]

Thaaankyou! I love the biggest mistake warning!!😅

[@IHsquared]

we all need a reminder sometimes to get out there :)

[@steverosse]

That was neat. Thank you. I live on the beach in Thailand and there are no festivals, but I want to sell my art from my front yard. Some of your tips I can use.

[@deannehastings2989]

good good

[@markusstorzer4545]

I'm glad the algorithm got me here... I had some open studio space events before but always been itching to do a festival/fair type thing..thank you!!

[@IHsquared]

Glad the algorithm brought you here as well. Hope my videos continue to be helpful :)

[@MimiBondi]

I agree with all these tips! I don't have any art festivals around me. What are your tips on doing craft markets?

[@kfergus3662]

Your art style is amazing

[@IHsquared]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you saying that!

[@Akunda4]

Man this is awesome content! I have being doing art fairs part time with a day job since 2006 and this is advice i wish i had back then! Solid video!

[@Priscilla-s7m]

Thank you

[@KellyJoy206]

Isaac you’re amazing and we love you here in Seattle! Now about that candy 😂🖤🖤

TinFoil Hat was CLASSIC ... DIDnt watch for the Aluminum headgear ... CLASSIC ...Just Saying. The electromagnetic field was STRONG in this one...lol.

[@halflink]

Excellent pieces of wisdom! I went today to my local (outdoor) Christmas market (crafts, food etc.) for a recce. Noticed lots of 'donts' from your video.

[@IHsquared]

haha, hope you told them about the video lol

[@halflink]

@@IHsquared Why would I help potential competition? 😁😎 They can do their own research

[@IHsquared]

@@halflink lol fair

[@Sleepretreatrepeat]

Your videos are becoming better and better!! This was entertaining and informative brotha!

[@IHsquared]

Thanks man, I’m doing my best to try and make them entertaining!

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Hi, news report here in Los Angeles area San Dimas artisan show where some girls walked around and hustled the square. They ripped off the people they were able to get probably four or five booths before they got figured out. Can you imagine walking around an art festival and ripping off people’s original art this way? somehow they were able to make it look like they paid for long enough to get away.

[@infadel885]

How did they do it? Im a resident of that area and wanted to start exhibiting locally instead of conventions. Want to avoid the hustle

[@xingcat]

This is great advice. Just starting in on the art festival grind, and there are so many mistakes I've made in the first few.

[@KlaiseSvetlana]

Hi! Nice to meet you! Thank you for the very useful advice, I will also go to an art festival someday. But I understand that if my original paintings cost about 1K$, then I need to have small souvenir works, not only to introduce visitors to my works, but also to be able to recoup the cost of participation in the festival and earn a little. Right?

[@ClaytonDowling]

8x10 prints are the bread and butter of the show artist. Not everyone has the budget or the wall space for an original, but they can probably swing a $30 print.

[@IHsquared]

yeah, i think knowing your audience is key. if you make things that are for a certain demographic that has money, than small items wont really mean much to them. but i personally focus my energy on selling lower priced item be cause i want my work to be affordable. i rarely have things that are over 100 dollars at my both. but i wouldnt be able to get into more prestigious shows.

[@jonathanbronson1433]

Super helpful! I first saw you in 2014ish and have been following your work since!

[@IHsquared]

Thanks so much for following my work Jonathan!

[@lisamurphy5007]

Thank you!😊

[@hArtyTruffle]

Great tips Isaac 👍🏼

[@IHsquared]

Thanks! So glad you like the vid :)

[@MarkWodjykl]

Awesome.

[@Jon_bodhi]

Really good job man!

[@IHsquared]

Thanks so much!

[@connieebinger6343]

You’re funny. Great tips too

[@jeeshskatlitter]

Good lookin out! 💯

[@IHsquared]

Appreciate the support! 🙏

[@annabella.artistics]

Can you show us your stall setup and what you use to to put your paintings on at markets?

[@forgetaboutit7440]

very well done!!

[@markromneyart]

Thanks for the info and inspiration Isaac. Very helpful.

[@IHsquared]

Thanks for watching and supporting my work mark!

[@stevedallas007]

What is a reasonable fee to pay for a 10 x 10 booth. I'm afraid I'll sell a few paintings and only make enough to pay fee. Feedback appreciated

[@IHsquared]

Every festival is different. Price is usually based of what sort of audience the event expects to attend. Low attendance small crowds could cost as low as $50. High attendance could range from $400 - $800. When you have a really nice set up and a good inventory of work to sell, the high attendance events are the way to go! But it’s good practice to go to small events

[@featheredlightly]

Thank you

[@dw_carvings]

Thanks man I appreciate the advice ❤ subscribed!

[@IHsquared]

Thanks for watching! More vids soon :)

[@DannerPlace]

Good stuff, thanks for posting this.

[@patriciahoustonpaintings]

Great video!!🎉

[@IHsquared]

Thanks! So glad you liked it!

[@dianeblomgren4608]

Great video!! Thank you

[@IHsquared]

Absolutely, thank you!!

[@TJ-jq9bz]

Thank you! What kind of walls do you use?

[@aroset]

I just got you to 97 likes. It's the best I can do in the rise of the machine. I hope you appreciate my sacrifice.

[@IHsquared]

I wish i could like this comment 98 times :)

[@DarlitaDawn]

Do you have any advice on a art Retreat getaway that's relatively cheap? Perhaps in Wisconsin? Or a DIY art Retreat getaway? Any ideas for that something super cheap of course

[@lawrencep5427]

I'm tired of dealing with my Proshade canopy that is a pain to put up.....do you have a recommendation or two on an easier canopy to purchase? Thanks....this video was extremely helpful!

[@IHsquared]

@@lawrencep5427 this is the tent i use. I really like the quality. amzn.to/3yr4ryh

[@DarlitaDawn]

Where do I find these art festivals? I'm in the farming community in Wisconsin

[@ClaytonDowling]

There's a website called Zapplications that is a good, but not complete, source of shows.

[@patcruz8554]

Hi searched your video cuz i think i should give up 😢 just finished my 1st day of 1st convention selling merch and 2nd day was cancelled cuz of typhoon 😢 honestly i created too much merch, i thought id be able sell them all but that was too wishful 😢i think this is a sign to give up on selling merch 😢 how can i get rid of the remaining ones 😢 really thought art would be my career but this was a terrible reality check

[@IHsquared]

If it’s not for you, than it’s not for you. But, only basing that on one show is maybe too soon to call it? Anything you do will take time. I had to do 20 shows before i started to make a real profit. Just keep working at it and re investing in yourself! You got this! If it were easy, everyone would do it.

[@thelostborough5214]

proper weights are GROSSLY underappreciated. Tents become sails so easily and it's dangerous for fellow artists and customers. Those PVC concrete tubes are nice, but they're expensive to make. I've used 12x8x16 blocks for years and they are right around $3 a piece, that's insanely good for 50lb weights. Paint them to blend in and you're set.

[@IHsquared]

Totally agree, weight is crucial and those concrete blocks are a steal!

[@thelostborough5214]

@@IHsquared I've watched so many artisans lose their whole booth because they didn't pay attention or read anything from organizers. One gust of wind and those tents are off to see the world. I've seen artisans try to use sandwich bags filled with sand, paperweight-size rocks from their gardens, and bags of water... It's insane.

[@switchbackfive]

I signed up for square using your referral link but they didn't give me credit so i doubt you got credit 😶

[@IHsquared]

@@switchbackfive shucks. Yeah i didn’t get it. Oh well

[@marcusbrown198]

I’m not an artist but I know that galleries charge 50% of sales but if you’re an artist and you need somebody to sell your stuff you go to gallery who pays rent who hires guards to watch the gallery who hires janitors to clean the place and salesman to sell the work and pay electricity bills and this and that and if you blow up you’re gonna need that many more people to handle your stuff And ads in art form and art magazines are not cheap along with the people who design so be fair the thrill of the big deal is all right but the real back in a matter I would love to be an artist but you don’t know how blessed you are to start in order to do art instead of work which is two different things my God getting paid to produce art what a life. Even though all those people are struggling to live life and you’and stuff they’re kissing your ass because they kind of are counting on you

[@vilhelmlarsen9565]

!

[@budakart]

Common mistakes artists makes is not embracing Islam. Come to Islam n success