“Fun”, a Cheery Seaside Print | eyeshoot

I enjoy a good art show. The people can be as entertaining as the art.

I am so excited! It is “that time of year again” – (March 5 & 6) time for my favorite local art fair, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. This fantastic show features artist who work in all mix of mediums. Overall the quality of the work is excellent – why? I think it has something to do with the over $74, 000 in awards that will be given to the jurors’ favorite pieces. Lots of applicants gives the jury a wonderful variety to choose from.

During the 2010 Gasparilla Festival, I noticed a number of possible faux pas committed by both vendors & attendees. I decided to ask around and see what others consider proper art fair etiquette. Buyers, browsers & vendors shared a number of great ideas. Several people offered the same suggestions, so while manyof these ideas may seem obvious, I think they are worth reinforcing.

(My Disclaimer: While I have never had a booth at an art show, I love to attend them. Also, I work trade & consumer shows for the day job and see similar faux pas there as well.)

Vendors

Give yourself plenty of time to set up your booth.

You & your booth should look professional. Yes, you are an artist & sometimes that means messy. But at the show you are also a retailer.

Good lighting is a must for indoor shows.

Greet everyone who enters the booth. Make eye contact and be friendly. Then give them some room to browse.

Some people leave a booth when the seller is inattentive: either on the phone, reading a book, arguing with booth mate, chatting with friends, too busy eating or actively ignoring everyone who stops in.

Have business cards available. If they are in your pocket & you’re talking to someone else, many visitors don’t want to bother you.

If you will be at other shows please have a list available. Alternatively if you sell online, list that too.

Wear a name tag and/or post a photo of the artist in the booth. Also posting a bio & statement is a good idea. Many people will be curious about you and your art.  Plus it gives folks something to read while you are talking to another customer.

Sitting vs. Standing seems to be a toss-up. People feel strongly about their favorite. However being friendly & attentive without hovering is more important than either.

Set up bins towards the front of the booth so that even if your booth is full, potential customers can still browse.

Have a range of prices for all budgets. “A few pieces under $20” was recommended more than once.

Clear pricing. Many people don’t want to interrupt you to ask the price. Or they think if they have to ask that it must be too expensive. Also, many people don’t want to pick up your art to search for tag on bottom.

Please don’t get offended if someone doesn’t like your work.

Don’t judge a person by how they are dressed. You don’t know what’s in their wallet. I guarantee you that if you ignore a customer because of how they look, that person will spend their money in another booth.

Don’t leave the booth unattended. This should be a gimme, but you might be surprised how many potential buyers mentioned this tip.

Don’t break your booth down early. Some buyers were planning on stopping in again after they look around at the rest of the show. Also if you are packing up, some people don’t want to bother you about the pieces you are putting away.

Several sellers suggested to just enjoy the experience. Instead of worrying about sales remember to have fun. Stay upbeat ( & smiling) even if sales are slow.

Attendees

Please compliment the artist if you like a piece, even if you can’t take it home.

Watch your dog, child or stroller. While you are chatting with your friends they might be tearing up the booth. Or running over other attendees.

There were a lot of dog comments, mostly from dog owners who are annoyed by other “irresponsible owners.” Keep your dog on a leash or in your arms. Don’t feed or/water them in the middle of the moving crowd. One comment was to please “remember this is an art show & not a dog show” (my personal favorite).

Do not block a booth’s entrance either with your dogs or chatting with friends.

Understand that the artist may not want to remake the exact piece in another color. It is ok to ask – Some artists enjoy such custom work. But others focus on one of a kind pieces & won’t be interested.

Don’t ask for a custom piece that would infringe on someone else’s copyright.

Please leave the booth before criticizing the art/price or offering to make one for your friend.

Just because the art doesn’t match your decor doesn’t mean it is ugly.

Don’t request a lower price if you don’t intend to buy.

Or ask for step by step details on how the piece was made.

Only ask to put a piece “on hold” if you really will be coming back to buy it. Please be understanding if the artist will not hold it for you. They need to sell the piece & have no guarantee that you will return.

Know that not all the artwork has a deeper meaning. Feel free to ask though if the artist isn’t busy with another customer.

Do ask about a piece if you don’t “get it.” The artist may have an explanation that makes sense and changes your perspective.

And to the companies that host the Art Fairs

Please give the artists enough time to set up. This can be a problem if they are working alone, especially if they have to park far away from the show.

For Everyone

Just be nice! There are a lot of people at the show and someone will overhear what you are saying. Keep that in mind please.

Of course there are people like me, who enjoy the people-watching almost as much as the art. To us, your flippant remarks & temper tantrums can be highly entertaining ….and are potential blog fodder.

So what do you think? Do you sell at or attend art fairs? Do you have any suggestions you would like to pass along?

~Stacey

Stacey is one of the talented members of our writing team. She loves working with her hands, blogging, painting and restoring antiques.