How To SET UP For An Outdoor Art Fair!

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Thanks Nicole. Just bought my 10x10 tent. I will go to my first art fair in 2024. It’s been so much to learn and prepare for…. Watching your videos help a lot.

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Congrats - that's so exciting!!💖 There is definitely soooo much to learn and a lot to think about, so I'm glad my videos have helped you with that! I have a video coming out tomorrow that will help with planning your booth so stay tuned. Thanks so much for watching!

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

@@nikkolewith2ks OmGoodness!! What an experience! Did my first flea market booth. I sold 3 prints for 20 bucks each. I didn’t even care that I didn’t break even with vender cost. But I learned sooo much! And seeing the smile on those 3 customers faces made me so happy I almost cried! Last time I felt that way was when my son & daughter were born! I’m going to an actual pop up art show next week! I’m so excited! I had such amazing interactions as people stopped looked at my work and asked questions. Even though they didn’t buy, it was so rewarding. And this was in a non art market(I was the only art booth). Can’t wait to check out your next video. Going to watch as soon as I finish this reply. Thanks, nikkole!

[@Ngoziscreativity]

I subscribed because you taught me how to hang my paintings on canopies

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Awww, welcome! Glad to have you here :)

[@Wolfintery]

This has been so helpful! I've been wanting to participate in all the art fairs that happen in my area, but there's a lot to consider, so this is great!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

There is really soooo much to consider! I actually just posted a new video talking about all the prep... you should totally check it out! I think you will find it helpful :) I hope you take the plunge and dive in... outdoor shows are so much fun! You meet so many people and its great to get feed back on your work. A little overwhelming at first but it gets easier!

[@noname-nu6oo]

Thank you for this helpful and informative video. You covered so much and didn't leave anything out. Very informative. ❤

[@caricatureparty]

Thank you for the nice and simple and helpful video.

[@caricatureparty]

How do you know the wind didn't flip the tag around?

[@katieweaver5029]

Thank you for this great video! I love the checklist, too. 😊 I’m applying for my first outdoor fair and checking out the tent and display options!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Anytime! Glad you enjoyed it! I tried to share everything I could think of to make the experience a bit smoother for first timers. Yay! Excited for you, they are so much fun! When is your show? I just posted another video today going over the prepping process - you may also find that useful :)!

[@marywesterman2382]

"You don't want to start your day as an artist and end as a murderer." 🤣

[@nikkolewith2ks]

something we should all want to avoid!!!! 😜

[@Jaymans29]

Love ur works!!

[@rogermanley9017]

This information was extremely helpful! Bless you for that!!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hey Roger, that's great! So happy this video was useful to you! Good luck at your art show :)

[@kimw4324]

Very pretty set up!!!!!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Thanks so much Kim! Many years of trail and error.... the mesh walls definitely helped!

[@paintingsbynari]

This is so helpful, I will definitely order the tent for my next art fair

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Yayy! Glad you found this helpful! Buying your own tent is definitely a great investment if you plan on doing a lot of these shows - just make sure it can withstand wind and rain!

[@alinatr2693]

Thank you for showing everything☺ I just paint as a hobby,but I thought about selling my paintings too,this video was very helpful👍🏻🙂

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hey Alina! That is so great to hear - I'm glad you found this video helpful! I didn't have many resources to turn to when I got started years ago so I'm happy to share my knowledge and help some fellow artists out. Good luck at your first art fair!

[@mikemcdonaldart]

Thanks for this. I'm thinking about trying art fairs but am clueless about the logistics of the tent/booth space. This is super helpful. 👍

[@nikkolewith2ks]

I was lucky to have to have some people help me out when I started - but I really wished there were more resources to make it a tad easier! So glad you found this helpful and you should definitely take the plunge and put yourself out there by doing some!

[@TessZizak]

How do these walls and your art work hold up when it’s windy? I’ve had tents blow over bc of the regular tent walls so I’m wondering if these would do the same

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Heya! So I've never had an issue with my tent blowing away because of the walls, here's what I've done to avoid this... I started out with buying a pretty good quality tent. I've seen some that have been super flimsy and you definitely want to avoid that to start! You also want to make sure you have really heavy weights holding down the legs of your tent. I use sandbags but I've seen some people use concrete blocks, water jugs, etc. The mesh walls are very sturdy if the legs of the tent are sturdy , you just have to make sure you buy the one that fits your tent correctly. They pull very tight and they also have a bar at the bottom to help hold it/ weigh it down. I tend to use 2 s hooks for hanging my paintings so I can get the work as taut as possible... that really helps when it's windy!

[@missvicxen3593]

😂 You’re hilarious. And awesome, thanks for the tips.

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Grateful you think I am funny 🙏haha. Thanks so much for watching and I am so glad you got something out of this video!

[@liannachyk]

Hello! Thank you for the great video info. On the Florish website, there are so many options. Would you please tell me which one did you buy for your 10x10 tent? I tried to call customer service and wasn't able to reach them yet.

[@beyondinsightspiritualread9168]

❤ like the S hook and canvas hanging idea. But live in Wales UK where it's very windy and wet. How would you protect your paintings. Or hang them if your gazebo tent doesn't have a back and sides? ( some places you hire them already set up)

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hi! Ahhh yes, it is always good to have your exterior tent walls handy (should have made a point of that in this video) but I couldn't find mine before filming! You are right, if you outsource your tent, they will most likely set up or have the exterior walls on hand for you. If you own your own tent using gorilla tape on any leaks in your tent.. this has been the best solution I have found on keeping your paintings safe! I also bring clear bags that I can put over the paintings if it gets realllll bad. Doesn't look the greatest, but you know lol

[@PradevsChannel]

Great video.. could you please help with few questions 1. what payments options to offer? 2. Do we need to wrap the art and what you advice? 3. How to price the art? Please advise .. thanks in advance

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hi! So glad you found this video helpful! 1. 10 years ago when I started some people paid cash - Although that was when I created smaller work which was $100 or less. Now people only ever pay with credit or debit card - the square chip reader will become your best friend! 2. Yes! It's up to you on how you want to wrap it. I've seen people use kraft paper, bubble wrap, etc. I prefer to use kraft paper since it is biodegradable and better for the environment! If its raining I'll wrap it in kraft paper and then throw it back in the bag it came with. 3. Pricing is hard. I have another video talking about that but essentially you just have to go through trial and error. See what's selling and raise the cost if you are selling a lot of that one item. Here is the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXzch5aZjZZ1pqs&ab_channel=NikkoleWith2K%27s

[@hmmmmidk]

thank you

[@britanierallison7333]

Thank you very informative

[@nikkolewith2ks]

No problem :). Glad you found the video useful!

[@bigtimetorifan]

Hi, new sub! Love your work and set-up! The little table/guest book idea is perfect. I’m doing my 1st art fair in March. You explained your setup clearly w/ a bit of fun too. 👍Thank you for checklist!! My pieces are heavy wood/resin/glass. So I’m not sure hanging them on the mesh panels will work(plus panels $$) . And so my plan is to have a 6 foot table and (2) 4 foot tables with acrylic risers and plate stands to prop up the pieces. My tent is a 10 x 10. do you see people using tables or mostly hanging on panels? Going to check out any other vids you have. Hoping you might have one on ‘pitfalls’ the day of show. Like things to avoid. ..

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Ahhh, thank you so much! Welcome - so happy to have you as a part of the community - love this comment! First off - CONGRATS on getting accepted to your first fair - such an exciting time! The mesh panels are actually pretty strong believe it or not! I know a few artists that use wood panels with resin and they have held up pretty good over the years. But, as you pointed out they are quite the investment so I completely understand holding off on those for now! With that being said - I would highly recommend using some type of wall system - this way you can make the most of the space offered to you. Especially since you have large heavy pieces - you want to make sure they are as sturdy as possible to prevent the glass pieces from tipping over and breaking/ hurting someone if it is windy! I have really only seen people use tables for craft shows - like more so if they are an illustrator and have little prints, stickers, etc. I suggest reaching out to the fair coordinator and seeing if they rent out grid walls (those are what I started with). Depending on the size of the fair, they sometimes hire companies for rentals that will usually bring and install the grids for you - which is really great (because they are sooo friggen heavy haha). They are super heavy duty so they would be great for showcasing your type of artwork! I highly suggest looking in to that option! I don't have a video on pitfalls but that is such a great idea for a video. I will totally make one on that stuff in the future, thanks! I do however have one with tips on selling your work at art fairs. If you have anymore questions - feel free to ask me, I'm more than happy to help :)

[@bigtimetorifan]

@@nikkolewith2ks hi! Thank you!! This go around I’ll be using the tables as that is how my booth shot submission was set up. Oh wow, I’veNot heard of grid wall rentals as a possibility! Do you think if they have them and I were to do that but that wasn’t what was in my booth submission picture that they would be strict about it? It seems like SO. MUCH. work!! I hope it’s worth it $ wise and will be watching your sales tips vid soon for sure!! A guys video I watched said do not include signage in your booth submission shot. I didn’t and got accepted. But what so you make of his statement?

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hey!! So sorry I totally missed this! I hope this isn't too late... I think it would be okay! In my experience, the booth submission is mainly just to see how your work shows/ what your work looks like. It really is soooo much work. If you can, bring someone with you to help out!! Even if you don't make any sales your first show, at least you are getting your feet wet - the exposure and the networking is totally worth the cost in my opinion! As long as you have business cards - you may find people from the show will message you months later to purchase something - so don't get discouraged! I didn't sell anything my first show :) Hmmm - interesting. I haven't had an issue - are you in the states? Anyways, I think it's super important to put a sign up with your name at the actual show because it helps people remember you and your work, it's all about branding! And I personally think your booth looks more professional that way. Anyways, please let me know how it goes! I am excited to hear :)

[@bigtimetorifan]

@@nikkolewith2ks hello! Ohmygosh-two days before the show the weather had 25-30 winds w/ higher gusts possible for the set-up day before show. My husband thought it could be a ‘disaster’ trying to get tent/displays set up in that. He said ‘it’s your show.’ But I’m thinking if things go wrong because of weather (he is one helping w/ everything) he’ll be like ‘told you so.’ Anyway the support from him wasnt there and I had noone that last minute who could help. And thus i did not do my show I had been preparing for for months 😭😭😭 So yeah..ugh. I am in the states, in Florida. There’s a show about an hour away in July. It is outside. With the potential to be 100+ degrees with the heat index. So that’s out for me and so the next big shows in my area are in October and November. In the meantime I’m looking to get an Etsy shop set up. Do you have a shop w/ them? You are so kind to reply! I hope you and your new family are doing great!!

[@1ArtistChic]

What tent do you recommend? Should it have 3-4 walls to cover the mesh if it rains? How do you handle this?

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hi! I live in Canada and bought a tent from a company called Outlet Tags... I've had it for years and it has held up great! Having 4 outer walls in definitely a must have if the weather is not cooperating.. I should have put that in this video but I couldn't find mine before filming!

[@maiapatricia]

hey thanks for an amazing video! what info did you include on your business cards. they are beautiful by the way!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

So happy you enjoyed the video! Investing in a good business card is so import to me so I try to make em look nice haha. I put my name, email, website, instagram and recently, youtube! I did put my phone number once upon a time but... you wanna steer clear of creepers sooo, personally... I would say don't put that haha

[@fdiab62]

What tent brand do you recommend

[@nikkolewith2ks]

I've been using a tent from the company Outlet Tags - I've had it for 8 years and it's held up great!

[@PrayJesusisKing]

Thank you!!!!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Anytime, Briana - thanks for watching!!

[@paulakoyoc.feldtart240]

Beautiful art sale, I am learning, thank you!. Wish I can sell my paintings that price, I do way to cheap. 😁 Hopefully someday. I have been in art fairs but not too much sales, people like to buy small paintings prints and pay less money. 😬 And the cost of some places for the space 10x10 is over $100 a day here in MN. If it is big fairs is over $200.😬

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Thanks so much! Keep in mind I've been doing these shows for 10 years now and have built up an audience... my paintings weren't always worth that much. The first show I did, I barely sold anything! Most of my stuff back then was between $50 - $300. Just keep working at it, making tweaks and changes to how you do things as you go- make sure you learn from your mistakes and take note of what successful artists at these shows are doing! I do find smaller stuff is more successful for a lot of people at outdoor fairs - so having a range is good. Yeah, these shows can get really expensive. Here in Canada a good outdoor fine art weekend show is about $600!

[@liannachyk]

Hello again, The Florish company returned my call. Very good service. I just have no idea that meah panels have to be custom-made for a tent. I like your pop-up tent! Unfortunately, i have light brown ,not white. There are so many tents on the market. Which one do you have? Thank you so much!

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hiya! Ahhh, so awesome - I'm glad you had a good experience! They were great when I dealt with them too... they were so interested that I was from Canada - we had a great chat haha. Okay so, for my tent I got the 1D Pop-Up Frame Style mesh panels. Here is the page where you can see if it would work for your tent www.flourishdisplays.com/meshpanels_for_popups. Although it doesn't fit perfect in my 10 x 10 pop up (though it is soooo close) it still works great and helped me avoid going the custom route. As for my tent - I'm not sure where you are located but I used a Canadian company called Outlet Tags. Here is a link for the tent I got outlettags.com/shop/pop-up-canopies/iron-horse-steel-pop-up-tents/white-10x10-canopy-tent-with-four-walls/ I bought mine around 8 years ago and it has held up great. There has been some leaks with heavy rain... but that is expected with any tent!

[@liannachyk]

@Nikkole LeBrun I am from the USA. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this.😍 It was very helpful.

[@TJ-jq9bz]

Hi there! What canopy are you using? Also I’m curious about what you do if it starts raining? Do you have outer walls to bring down over mesh walls?

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hi! So I purchased my tent mannnnny years ago from a Canadian company called Outlet Tags. Here is the link to the one I purchased: outlettags.com/shop/pop-up-canopies/iron-horse-steel-pop-up-tents/white-10x10-canopy-tent-with-four-walls/ As you can see it does come with walls... but they have windows in them which I found kinda distracting. There was a few times where I would just hang a white sheet behind the mesh panels and in front of the walls so that it would cover the windows and that worked fine. But now I only use them if it calls for bad weather that day.... it keeps the tent cooler if you just use the panels and ultimately makes it more comfortable for visitors, potential buyers and of course yourself! If there is heavy rain your tent will most likely have leak no matter what - unless you get a super heavy duty tent (the dome style ones - I forget the brand but they are quite pricey). So I make sure I come with clear plastic bags that can cover and protect my art if it gets really bad, towels and you gotta bring gorilla tape with you! I just throw a piece of that on wherever there is a leak and it works magic!

[@TJ-jq9bz]

@@nikkolewith2ks thank you sooo much for all of this wonderful information!!! I love your art and wish you the best!🎨👩‍🎨🤗💕

[@blackvirgo09]

Do you as an artist ship after the fair or do you let the buyer take it right then and there

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hi! It really depends... I usually only ship commission orders - most people that shop art fairs tend to be local so I haven't run into a situation like that yet. But with that being said - most people will take the piece straight out of the booth, some pick up at the end of the fair so you can keep it on display. Sometimes, for larger pieces and collectors, I'll offer to deliver it to them (which will score ya extra points and give you the opportunity to continue to build a relationship with your buyer )

[@PradevsChannel]

Could you please share the link for hooks

[@nikkolewith2ks]

I just went to home depot and bought S-hooks! Make sure you get the ones that are thinner if you are using mesh panel! If you are using a metal grid the thicker ones will work fine :)

[@TheInnerVortex]

Thanks Gracias Obrigado

[@nikkolewith2ks]

No problem! :)

[@yogeshsahu5111]

Your so beautiful 😍 🤩