Should you do Art Fairs? Pros and Cons

[@rlund651]

I have a retired friend who makes little folksy clay Angels. She sells in art shows around Christmas time. They sell for around $25 and she makes many thousands of dollars from the shows. People come back year after year and buy several at a time for gifts. Very sucessful.

[@teresasamolewicz1987]

I have just discovered you Ellen and thank you for your no-nonsense, factual, straight to the point, and staying on the point videos. Love the fact that you do not use your platform to constantly push something that you are selling. I stayed, listened, absorbed and learnt! Thank you, ​Teresa from Glasgow, Scotland.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Teresa, thank you so much for your feedback and for your kind words. So happy to know you're finding these helpful! ☺️

[@mengx6169]

In summer Florida, temperature always as high as 100F. And thunderstorms are everywhere anytime. It is EXTREMELY hard to do an art fair. I was in Miami setting up my booth at 2pm when temperature was 107, by myself. I almost fainted. True story. Great respect to all the artists. Really prepare a cooler and side walls for shades. Protect your work as well as yourself. Also bring some food with you in the cooler, usually the food trucks around is dirty and lots of people, plus you do not want to leave your booth too long so you lost your potential customers. It is so hard to do outdoor shows, I think I am going to gradually change my market online. It is not easy to sell your art online either, just gotta keep trying.

[@artsandcrafts2503]

All so true what you say. I have been doing shows full time for 40 years and selling your work is also regional. I sold Palm trees in Florida but that wouldn't work for the Mid west shows.

[@douglaseames4922]

I've seen many people buying small low price products at a booth right next a high priced paintings booth, which didn't sell any of their art works. The tent booth next to the fine art booth was selling home made food and hand made kitchen products to the general public which shows you very few people will buy an expensive painting at the art fair, that I went to. I even saw some commercial products brought in to a tent booth I think was made by a factory. One has try to fine an art fair for their products, where their may be buyers who have money to buy an expensive original art object. I even saw that a tattoo artist was getting more business than the artist selling his paintings in the next booth.

[@barbarajane543]

Excellent information Ellen....Thank you for sharing your thoughts and advice. The last Art Fair I was in was extremely stressful due to the weather...I vowed I’d never do another show outside!! Even the hot sun can be a factor on art...I had some encaustics start to melt; and condensation build up in sealed matted art work, which ruined the watercolour...even with having sides on my tent...the sun moves, and can really beat down on your art...even causing fading. I loved talking to the customers...but it was truly an exhausting day...My sales were good...but not sure it was worth all that I went through...although ...it is really great exposure....I actually had customers contact me following the event for orders, and custom orders. Advice for some as well...have LOTS of business cards available...make sure you can take credit cards (have a Square card reader...not everyone has cash on them anymore); and always have packaging for their purchase. Thank you again :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Oh my gosh YES, Barbara! All excellent tips, and I should really do another video stating all of these 'other' things one must think about; there's so much! I've also had condensation in my my framed work after the sun hit - water left streaks on the inside of every piece I had. What a stressful disaster! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comment! :)

[@artsyanne1192]

I just discovered your channel, and I’m so glad I found it! I used to do local art fairs, and boy do I have stories. When I was more inexperienced at doing art fairs, I didn’t bring anything to weigh down my tent. Guess what, we had a particularly windy day and I was literally hanging on my tent to try to keep it from turning into a kite. I learned quickly the importance of bringing weights for your tent. There was another year when we got a lot of rain and the wind blew some of my merchandise off the table and into a puddle🤦🏻‍♀️ Not to mention the days when it was, like, 100+ degrees Fahrenheit in my tent and everyone who came in complained about how hot it was then immediately left. I know people who have done really well at art fairs, but I stopped doing them because it just wasn’t worth it for me. People would come in, look around for a few seconds, then leave. I tried offering different price points but still didn’t do very well. It was very discouraging and frustrating. I blame my lack of success partly on the fact that I’m an introvert with “resting b*tch face” who isn’t a good salesperson. I often wished I could hire an extrovert who’s really good at sales to help me out.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

So glad to have you here! And I can relate to everything you wrote, lol!

[@CK-op7ho]

I would say know the fair, too. I had two scenarios turn out unexpectedly, both ways: 1) In Philly, did an outdoor summer show. I am a fine artist who does collage and sells originals and prints. I was put in a huge tent with other artists/crafters (about 1/2 block long, by the street width), thank goodness: it was searing hot out. BUT, the show, which went about a mile up and down the main street, was mostly tchotchkes, toys, jewelry and the like. Entertaining to attend, but not my audience. 2) A large comic book convention in NYC: thought I'd sell some comics, but brought lots of original art. Figured I'd make a small amount, but just wanted the experience/contacts. Ended up selling lots of originals, making contact with a big celebrity who stayed in touch, and did a couple of portrait commissions on the spot! Definitely worth the trip! In either case, it's so important to know the show/geography/demographics!

[@ronfrisby925]

useful information.I plan on doing some fairs in the near future. As far as distance we have a travel trailer with a bed shower and kitchen. I think this will be a big help for shows we have to travel to.

[@frederickeberhart8336]

Thanks Ellen for a helpful, well thought-out and very generous presentation! Emmy was a welcome guest star!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thanks so much for your kind words - so glad it was helpful! :)

[@wolf7379]

Thank you, Ellen. The advice you give is down-to-earth and full of common-sense. I'm not American, but this video was an insight as to what I should probably do in my area - especially regarding lower price points. You have a wonderful personality, too.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your comment - so glad you found it helpful! And yes, lower price points will definitely gain you more sales because you'll appeal to every income bracket :)

[@wolf7379]

Hi Ellen. Sorry to keep bothering you here. It just hit me, there are two major questions I really do need to know the answers to. When I want to sell my paintings at a stall or fair, how do customers pay me? My paintings are usually of the size 24 x 30 inch and would be in the price range between £250 to £400 and perhaps more. I can't imagine anyone walking with about £400 cash in their pockets! I don't have a card reader. Is that what you have, a card reader, to take in customers' money from their debit/credit card? How do they pay you if the sum is of a large amount? Secondly, when someone makes a purchase from me for a large painting, I don't have anything to wrap it up. Is it okay, they just walk away with the painting under their arm without a wrap? Or, if not, how does one wrap up a 24 x 30 inch painting? Many thanks.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

These are all good questions so no worries :) Yes, I use a reader. Most people will not be carrying cash like that and although you could accept a check, you'd be at risk for more trouble than it's worth. A reader is the safest way to protect you and your customer. I use Paypal but there are several others that are very good and easy to use. As for wrapping up a painting, butcher paper is good to use if you want to completely cover it up, however, I use large, plastic, recycling bags (those that are used for recycling paper). Here in the US we must use clear, plastic bags to house our shredded paper for recycling and they are purchased at office supply stores. Perhaps you have something like that, too? This way your artwork can be slipped inside and taped on the backside. Not only will this protect your work from rain, but while your customer is walking through the crowd, others can see your work! :) Clear, plastic tarps can be cut to size, too!

[@wolf7379]

Thank you Ellen for the reply and info - much appreciated. :)

[@julieforster2356]

Ellen you are so right in what you say I entered an Art fair in Bath in uk early this year which was about a 45 min drive away from my home I’ve never entered one before and was very excited to be participating in something so big! Like you said very costly to enter it was just over £500 plus liability insurance the cost of professionally framing my artwork and on top of that a parking fine in the car park because while setting up (help from hubby thank goodness) we just went 5 mins over time! But on the plus side I did have an amazing time the other Artists were lovely and I did love engaging with people and talking about my creations oh and I did sell 3 paintings all by the same couple I was gobsmacked but thrilled to bits! Will I be doing a fair again? No I don’t think I will it was far too expensive and even though I enjoyed every moment It was very tiring on your feet all day my back was aching I felt exhausted when I got home but worth the pain after the sales 😍😁🥰 by the way I love your videos I’m gradually going through each one one at a time 👏🏼👍🌸

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

I am glad you posted this video, it was really helpful. I love going to art shows and thought it would be great until one year I realized that the show didn't account for fall weather rainy season and at least 10 art booths had standing water in their tents. That to me was the event handler's fault. It would almost have been better to skip the show then risk loosing half your art to water. This event happens yearly and it is not like there is not a history of rain at this event. Every year the booths are in the same formation and if it rains, those artists loose big money. Thanks for posting!

[@AmyMarieArt]

Thank you the entire video was informative as I do Art shows often, but I never thought to use it to see who my tarGET market was and I have been struggling in that area for a long time because I had no idea who my buyers were. THANK YOU

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Amy Stallworth Amy, I admire you for all you do! And you are most welcome! I’m so glad you found parts of this video useful 😊

[@SimplyNobel]

Hi Ellen! I subscribed to your channel yesterday. Have binge watched a lot of your videos 😊. The tips you give artists are great and it is nice to find a KZbinr who is relaxed and themselves in front of the camera. Many KZbinrs speak so fast and over perform. I guess because many people don't have an attention span that lasts for more than 30 seconds. Take it easy I say! Life is fast paced enough as it is. I love your beautiful dog Emmy she made me smile 😊. I checked out your Etsy shop yesterday also. Beautiful work!! I love your horse and your colourful lion in particular. I can't believe how expensive art stall fees can be in the USA!? I am very lucky... we have an underground market that runs every Saturday in Wellington, New Zealand. We are known as "Windy Wellington" so I'm glad I don't have to deal with the stress of finding a tent that will likely not see the light of day with the kind of winds we have! I also magically found an artist online who lives down my street. I was initially just looking for a local compost solution and that's how we started talking. We will be sharing the cost of an art table later this year so I will only have to pay my share of $20 NZD's for a table each week (although if sharing we may need to get a bigger table. I will be checking out how other people set up their stalls this week as I haven't been to the market in many many years!). Will also search for ideas on Etsy as you suggest 🙂. I will also be checking out what others charge although I'm pretty happy and set with my prices for now. Have done a lot of Etsy market research and found a good price range to start with that sits right with me 😊. I could go on and on hehe. But overall I just wanted to say "Hi, You have yourself a new subscriber! Keep up the great work!"💕 Heidi

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Fidessa Features thank you so much for your lovely comments! How wonderful that you have found a fellow artist to share ideas with and it’s very cool that you live so close to one another! Yes, booth fees here can be so insanely expensive; definitely not for me but one never knows until they try! 😉

[@SimplyNobel]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio Hi Ellen, thanks for taking the time to respond! 😊 Yeah the price alone would put me off wanting to support those markets! You do still sell at a local more affordable market though don't you? Or not anymore? This reminds me... I had my first online order recently (woohoo! I can tell it is going to take a long time to start getting any traction so I was pleasantly surprised!) and she told me about a resting home not too far from here who often has little art markets so that would be lovely to check out. No worries that the markets aren't for you. It is still go you gave it a go so that you will never look back and say "what if?" I'm glad that online is working for you. You deserve it! All the best, will check out some more videos soon 😉. Heidi

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I attend one art fair now and the entry fee is nominal. My customers now know exactly where to find me each year which is good. I'm so glad you had a sale!! 😃 Congratulations!

[@SimplyNobel]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio That's great Ellen! Nice to also get that face to face customer interaction sometimes also! Thank you! It wasn't through Etsy though... that will take a while I think! I saw your video and saw that it took you a while also so not to worry. Patience is a virtue. Last night I shrunk my photos via pic monkey for copyright reasons but they don't nearly look as appealing for buyers sigh. I wish that artists didn't have to worry about people stealing our work. That's the risk we take with posting on the internet though. Pros and cons to everything but I agree with you that the pros outweigh the cons! Last message from me for a while I promise... gotta get back to work and I'm sure you certainly need to also. Thanks again for your time and nice to meet you 😊.

[@rlund651]

Very good advice. Many mid career artist don't do shows anymore. Years ago you could make a living in prestigious shows around the country because booth cost were reasonable. Many of these well known shows now have raised the booth cost to thousands of dollars. To recoup the cost is almost impossible. Regional shows have lower booths cost and some can be somewhat Pleasant to do. A helper is a must. Prints can be good bread and butter sales.

[@alexisd.2887]

Wow, very valuable advice!! Thank you!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Alexis, you're very welcome! 😊

[@candacespees7040]

Thanks so much for your time and information. I produce fused glass and sell it in a northern Michigan resort community. I have decided to not be in galleries at this time. I have sold at several art shows, but most of my sales are at artisan markets. There is a narrow road near me that is well traveled by tourists called the tunnel of trees. Many, many people drive this in summer and fall (leaf peepers). There is a small deli/gift shop who allows artists and farmers to sell outside their store. Most weekend days it is an amazing place to sell our artwork, but occasionally the weather is a beast. This place has allowed me to slowly build my business and has worked very well for me. Although I don't think this opportunity is readily available elsewhere, it might be something for people to check out.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for sharing your experiences; so glad you've found a place that works well for you! Sounds wonderful, but I know you've worked hard to get to where you are, especially being outdoors where the weather can be so unpredictable.

[@AlonzoTheArmless]

Excellent video. Thank you so much for sharing all this. I've been contemplating doing an art fair and you gave me a lot to think about.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@Beachbumartist]

I can talk to anyone about anything at anytime. Great video.

[@pleinaire8698]

YES!! I've done a few local art fairs and it was a LOT OF WORK....I'm now 72 and did my last art fair 5 years ago!! no more.!!

[@lisasloane6456]

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge! About the issue of being an introvert and engaging with people - can you give some advice on how to handle art show receptions - particularly where you don’t know anyone? I am very shy and have some social anxiety in these situations so receptions in general are a struggle and I have one coming up in December. I know this is a bit off topic. :-)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Lisa Sloane First, congratulations on your upcoming art reception! That is fantastic news! I would be most happy to create a video on this topic as I’ve been asked this question before. Watch my channel; I’ll have one ready soon!

[@lisasloane6456]

Ellen Brenneman Studio thank you!!

[@pjmartin6690]

I am just starting to show my art this year at.... um shows...yeal, that was my first problem this late summer/pre-fall shows. I just went to 'vendor calls' and found myself surrounded by people selling items that they did not make!!! A whole room of them!!!!! Beside the lady selling some snack items, I was the only person selling hand made items! So what I learned was look for shows that people are looking to buy what you are selling! I know that sounds so simple, but I made the mistake, I'm sure others do too!! LOL Great tip on selling at various price points... also, bring some bags for people to put their purchases in. I am making some bags myself... easy to do ... check out KZbin and or Pintrest!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

PJ Martin ugh, I feel your pain - LOL. I had one of those types of fairs early on as well and it was a very long day and very discouraging. You give great advice and I appreciate you sharing your insight; if I had researched more I would’ve save myself a lot of frustration. And yes, bags are one of those things that’s so easy to forget about!

[@EstiloInAction]

Joe Pearson juried shows? Would you happen to have more info on this? I'll definitely google as well 😁

[@melodyofurdemise]

If you're a small business in the US and you are taking credit cards you can sign up for American Express small business Saturday. They send out these really nice bags every year. Usually 10-15 of them. I use those to give to customers and they're free.

[@johnhernandez3134]

I do graphite and charcoal. Any idea where I can get prints made?

[@hannahcrumley3103]

I just recently subscribed and have binge watched so many of your videos- I feel like I have taken an Art Marketing Course! I have recommend and shared your channel with every artist friend I have. Thank you so much for answering ALL the questions! Really, you are such an incredible help! 💕😉👍🏼

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Hannah, thank you so much for your kind comment! Very glad to know you're finding my channel helpful! 😊

[@belindawest3558]

When doing a fair be sure to not only have your fees paid but know that if you need electricity at your booth you may have another fee for that along with that you may have to provide extension cords also.

[@jmartists9803]

Great stuff. Lots of details. Your advice is much appreciated.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Glad you're finding some things useful - thank you for your comment! 😊

[@jimmyhinAK]

Very clear and concise information. Thank yoi!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment - so glad you found it helpful :)

[@palletcolorato]

I found for items under $30 have no problem selling. My smallest size of oil painting (giclee print) goes for about $100. The full-sized paintings rarely sell. It's not worth the time and effort. I've sold way more of full-sized paintings online. Oh one more thing. Ladies (not all) don't discourage your man from purchasing a work of art, even if it is for a man-cave. I've seen many men walk up with their wives, and want to seriously make a purchase, but then comes a few discouraging words. Most men walk away dejected. I'm not just saying this bc of a lost sale. I really do feel bad for these guys.

[@connoryoungfineart]

ugh so gooodd. So real and so useful when thinking about Art Festivals

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your comment :)

[@subhashnisarta3496]

Thank you so much for suggesting me most valuable and focus things that what we want to do ? why we want to do ? because of people want to know who you are ?why they come to you ? because we live in society they expect something from us we have to know what is our sale and marketing point of view. we have to do focus on what we do and total interest in our daily work like painting which type and style like people that is our involvement with the targeted people I think too much you understand that what I learnt from you thank you.

[@pq1475]

Genial. Excelente. Muy útil.

[@CharleRaeCafe]

Thanks for sharing this video! I have been considering doing art fairs and I wanted a realistic idea of what that might be like .^_^.

[@rhondaeaton4708]

Excellent information!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

So glad you enjoyed it Rhonda!

[@johnbravo7542]

O dark 30 omg,never heard that before :-)

[@JudiChristopher]

Thank you so much This is a great video.. Question: How much do you sell your magnets for?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Hi, Judi! My price point on my magnets are $6 each.

[@maaykebal5599]

Very helpful🙂 thank you!😇🍀🌸🌸🌸

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You’re very welcome! 💞

[@lindademerchant7627]

Can you tell me how to get prints made of your art.(such as oil paintings)?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Hi, Linda :) I'm assuming you are working on stretched canvas? If so, I'm not a good one to answer that question since I work on flat paper and therefore use a scanner - something you wouldn't be able to do very well at home. Perhaps another viewer will be able to share their expertise.

[@ashlyrz252]

😂 My baby girls nickname is Emmy (Emalee) your puppy is beautiful ❤️ thank you for all of your advice!

[@painterprashant]

Thanks, Ellen

[@GantsilyoBaguio]

Thank you!

[@AngelaBuyck]

Very true

[@painterprashant]

Hi Ellen, thanks for this practical and homely advice. greeting cards and fridge magnet you were talking were hand painted or printed? Kindly specify to have clear perception.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Prashant Hirlekar thank you - good question! In order for you to have a low enough price point you would need to have these mass produced. There are several printing services online that offer good prices for note cards and magnets. 😊

[@TheBubblypumpkin]

lol, I first misread the title as, "art fairies :are they right for you"

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

😂 now THAT would have been a great video!

[@CK-op7ho]

I would like an art fairy. I really would.

[@dibujandocondelein1509]

Are tooth fairies never thought of them now I can't stop thinking about them hahahahaha😂😂😂😂

[@katillustration1052]

Great video!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you so much for your comment - glad it was helpful! :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Kat Illustration thank you so much for the feedback! ✨😊

[@mengx6169]

about helper: if you have a big family, and your family is near by, it is SO much better to get help for free. but if you do not have anyone and you'll have to hire someone, even your friend, sometimes it's good to pay them because they dedicated time and labor; you will find out it is even HARDER to breakeven. It's a big cost. especially for several days of event. so art fair...it has its pros, but cons are really concerned.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

Thanks, Ellen! Hi Emmy! :-)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thanks for your comment! I'll be sure to deliver your message to her! 😉💚

[@JudiChristopher]

Another question: What about taking Credit Cards... or is that just an assumption? I haven't' done art fairs in awhile and am planning to go back full time... I never had to do the credit cards then. Thank you for your help

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Always be prepared to take credit cards because there are quite a few customers that don't carry cash and you don't want to miss out on those sales. I use Square but there are others as well. Good luck on re-entering the art fair circuit! ✨☺️

[@JudiChristopher]

Ellen, Thank you so much for getting back to me so quick. You aer totally right... Credit Cards are a must... I am so excited and scared at the same time... to go back on the road full time... I had a friend 20 years ago, that showed her Original Watercolors... and had a hard time selling them... but once she started selling her "Prints" she was making up to $1300. a weekend, which was good back then... and her prints only cost #6.00 matted!!!! She rented a printer which was $240. a month!!! LOL and it was huge... Thank you for all your wisdom... everything you said was 100% right. Wish me luck... (and keep me in your prayers)...

[@JudiChristopher]

I still need to know a ball park figure on how much magnets sell for... Thank you

[@thisisart3750]

I love you so much i dun no why i just want say that.. .. Hahahah..i think u Great..

[@TheJwmcleod]

You are beautiful

[@chelseawhite7117]

a "recovering" introvert? Geez, I don't think we need more stigmatization . . .

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

speaking for myself, attending an art fair with my work and myself on display and being expected to talk to customers is draining and many times, difficult. When I use the word 'recovering' it is to convey that I am getting better at doing so.