How to Find Art Shows, Fairs, and Festivals to Sell Your Artwork
It all begins with a dream to make a successful living at what I love to do, paint wildlife and nature in watercolor. Maybe you have discovered you love to paint. Maybe you want to turn it into something more. Or, maybe you need a second income with flexibility. Whatever it is, you are looking to sell your artwork at fairs, festivals, or art shows.
I am not an expert at selling artwork, but I know what has worked for me, and I am willing to share it with you in a series of blog posts for artists with a like mind. If this is you, keep reading. Comment (nicely please), ask questions, and follow along. My experiences are being made available and hopefully you will not have to start from scratch like I did.
This is a series of blog posts I am creating to answer many questions asked over social media regarding how I sell my artwork at art shows, arts and craft fairs, and festivals. I am taking each step and creating a post to help you along your way to selling your artwork in this manner. Let’s begin with how to find these art shows, fairs, and festivals. Future posts in this series will take us from finding these events to the day of the event and through to the aftermath of selling your artwork at a booth as a vendor.
Let’s begin with a little research. Grab your calendar, access to the internet, something to take notes, and let’s go.
1. Google it.
My favorite way to begin finding these events is to search “Art Shows Near Me”. This will bring up a few local events. Look for events that do not allow or limit direct sales, and flea market items. It is preferred that they cater to artisans and artist only (makers). The visitors to the events will be looking to purchase art or artisan products and pay the prices they are worth.
2. Facebook it.
Facebook is utilized by many of these events to get the word out. This works to your advantage. Look at an event on FB from your internet search. How many have said they are going, or interested, in the event? What are them comments and discussion saying? Do people seem to like the event? Are they excited? Is this an established event? Other events will come up in the recommendations. Also, do not forget to check local FB groups for your city or region. They will also post events in your area.
Many other methods include magazines published specifically for vendors, sites like Zapplication and Juried Art Services, and more. I use the two methods listed above and it leads me to information about other events, which leads me to information about other events, and so on.
3. Write it down.
Be sure to take notes. Many of these events will have applications with very detailed instructions. Read through them carefully, and take notes.
Does the event fit? When I look at events, I look to see if they advertise well, how many people are expected to attend, what other vendors will be in attendance, is the booth fee reasonable for the event, and am I prepared to meet the expectations of this event?
Are you available? Does the event fit into your schedule comfortably? Events can be fun, but tiring and stressful. Do you have a block of time you can schedule for the event that is not too close to another event you may schedule? (I personally like to schedule them at least two weekends apart if I can.)
4. Do your homework.
It is not fun when you have worked hard at preparing for a booth event, and sales do not go well. While weather cannot be helped, other obstacles to success are preventable. Research the events and check them out thoroughly, until you are satisfied the event is right for you.
5. Ask Questions.
After you have researched the event fully. Use social media to ask questions about the event. If you can, attend the event once before participating. This way you can ask questions at the event (being polite and not deterring other customers for the vendors), and see if the attendees are drawn to work like yours. Check out booth layouts and what is working for the successful vendors.
6. Select Your Favorites.
Select events from your research that seem to give you the best chance of success. Select events within your ability to meet the requirements. This will give you the best chance of a pleasant experience at the event.
Stay tuned….
This is just the beginning. My favorite method of selling artwork is through booths as a vendor. I can meet collectors and other artist in person. Talk with them, and interact. This series of posts is just beginning. I will take you through my experiences of locating, preparing, setting up, selling at the event, and the aftermath of the day. I look forward to sharing it all with you.
One of my favorite ways to share artwork is through Instagram @JoyNeasleyStudios. Follow to see daily updates and progress of current artwork as it is painted.
