Lessons from my first LA art market ⟡ a vlog

[@pattylee545]

Hi, your layout is lovely. It looks like you have room in your setup. Here's an idea for something to educate and add excitement for your books. From our experience - I have vended at markets for a number of years with my Sister. She makes Pysanky - Ukranian Easter Eggs. Most people have no idea how they made. She put together a small display showing the steps in the process of creating eggs. It educated and created excitement for her eggs and helped sales immensely. For you - Most people have no idea how books are made by hand. A small display showing steps and tools would help people understand the process and appreciate the books as well as understand the prices. It would also give you an easy way to connect with your customers as you explain the process. Something to consider.

[@bittermelonbindery]

That's a great suggestion for my next market! Thank you.

[@francinetjones1814]

Chanel, Amazon sells white mess type gloves that would protect product. I use them on my left hand when binding as this hand is on the watercolor paper almost constantly. They protect from oils getting on your paper. They were not that expensive. BooksBindFaye uses them all the time when she binds as well. That way if you had them available with a modest sign for folks, it would be beneficial. Just a thought.

[@iwondery1725]

Your vertical display looks very good - open, efficient, easy to put up and take down. Your ideas of having more products and having a range of prices are a great way to go. The shows are never a reliable income but they’re another income source, although they’re very tiring. Having someone to help you set up, break down, get food, spell you for rest, that’s really helpful. Also, take tea and/or water so you stay hydrated. Have lip balm with you because the air ourside will chap your lips. Comfortable shoes are essential! We found that setting our tables in a U shape would encourage people to come inside the booth instead of just walking by. It’s so much better now that vendors have access to apps like Square so people can pay by card snd not just cash. When we were vending, Square was just beginning and using it really jumped our sales. Good luck!

[@asahelzanudo5223]

Love your videos Chanel. You are always so genuine and inspiring! Was hoping I could travel to the art walk to meet you in person, but scheduling didn't align. Please do let us know what art fair you'll be doing next year, hopefully we can make arrangements to see you there.

[@emmaholloway2516]

So happy to see this next step in your creative journey Chanel! I'm sure the opportunities out there for you are endless.

[@dawnbaker9274]

As a past vendor of handmade items, each market is different and each market was a scrap shoot. I loved it.

[@dharmakelleherauthor]

I did art fairs and book fairs for a few years. Each one is a learning experience, even if you don't make a lot of money in some. Sounds like you learned a lot and I wish you much success on the next one!

[@rebecanelson207]

I agree that show and tell is great--educating the public---maybe putting a small kit together at a reasonable price for kids or adults--maybe pushing the table in so the public can walk into your space and you can walk inside may work as well--and the newsletter having all options available and letting the customer choose--I mean why not have different options available for that--you are the owner not big business (who doesn't think outside the box) type of thing. Best. And thanks for the video--it is so nice to see you again on KZbin.

[@Faith214Based]

You're an inspiration. Thank you

[@skp8738]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I haven’t looked at your site for a while, I’ll certainly be looking for your restock of Japanese papers scraps.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

your work and set up are lovely. Suggestion: for sign ups have an ipad or similar set out with a dedicated sign up page so you don't have to decipher handwriting or take the time to transcribe into your system

[@alishasimms2846]

That market was filled with people with dogs. If you attend again, I would include more designs that include dog art.

[@samolivercreative]

I had no idea you were Canadian!! I'm a fellow BC gal and I'm a big fan of your videos! I have your book on my shelf :)

[@bittermelonbindery]

Hello!! Yes born and raised in Vancouver :)

[@lindahigham5317]

Hello 🤗 Chanel 🌹 Thank you for sharing this video of your weekend at the Fair I so happy for you too I'm going to be ordering the baseball cap next month as it's my birthday I just love my bucket hat and wore it alot this summer It was so good to see you and hear how you did Hope you enjoy your Fall Season ☺️🌹💌🖌️🎨📚🦄🤗🩷🩷

[@janalewis3030]

I am glad you were able to get out and experience this! Everything is a learning opportunity. I had a thought - since you do so many different covers, what if you made a little photo album that showcased some that you didn't bring? (Assuming you can still get the paper to make more.) You probably want to make sure they are ones you're happy to make again - someone may request one! That is a good idea, too, to have a physical newsletter signup on the table instead of relying on the QR code - then they can see how certain pens write on the paper, etc. Good luck with the next one!

[@francinetjones1814]

That display stand is wonderful!!! Where did you purchase that? Going vertical is a huge help at these things if space is limited. Thank you. Glad you had a successful market.

[@bittermelonbindery]

verticalledge.com!

[@preetphoenix1]

Making multiple design (2 books of same design may be ) of same book would be nice. This way everyone gets something different. I think having that option will be so nice as buyer. And showcase all the stock, I think the more products visible to eye might pull more people. And may be something that tells story of your brand. You know how it started and what all designs you have made. People need to know short story to know you and buy. I think that really works well. 😅 I hope some suggestion might help you..❤ love your handmade books and designs. I'm handmade book freak 😁 love your work. ❤

[@Amanda.Jayne.]

Thanks for your insights and inspiration 😊!

[@TheFridayForge]

such an awesome display!

[@khalidlaassiri8558]

Nice, good luck

[@sylvie4010]

Hi, how you package them when they are solda 🙂

[@kareemabdullahi4489]

I'm so glad you get to do what you love. You living my dream life

[@move2worship]

Nice 😊. Where did you get the stands you used to put your books on?

[@bittermelonbindery]

verticalledge.com!

[@RingoWild]

She said the company is vertical ledge.

[@nataschapicart1948]

Be confidence with yourself ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

[@marthavaldez8065]

Good luck next time Channel, I love You ítems, please send me the paper contact shop stores I from México. 🎉

[@HelenMcLean]

Well done! 👏 In my first year, I also decided to do as many markets as possible to learn what worked for me. I feel like I have earned that badge now 😂 It's definitely worth it just to find that out. Next year I'm trying out the bigger, more expensive markets 🫣

[@bittermelonbindery]

Yes to levelling up!