Art shows and Festivals questions

SimpsonBrothers · May 2, 2011

For those of you that sell your work at art shows and festivals...

What sells?
What size?
Matting?
Do you display a large print?

Hikin' Mike · May 2, 2011

I haven't done one for a few years....maybe this season. When I did them, I offered blank note card up to framed 16 x 24 prints. I sold more small stuff than larger sizes. I didn't offer any un-matted prints, just matted prints and a small selection of framed pieces.

Here's what my booth looked like...

Molotov Everything · May 2, 2011

My girlfriend sells handmade jewelry at a bunch of arts and crafts shows (http://www.moxiecolour.com if anyone's interested) so I usually tag along and there's bound to be a few photographers. On average, I'd say most people have a few large framed prints (maybe 8 or 10) then the bulk of the rest is bins and binders full of matted prints, I'd say 8x12 about, and note cards.
Some of the people that seem to come to these shows really don't seem to want to part with their money, lots of old ladies hoping to find a diamond encrusted golden statuette for 7 dollars or something. From what I've seen from sitting around my girlfriend's booth, wandering around, and chatting with the other photographers it seems like it's better to try to sell small stuff in higher volume than larger more expensive things. If I had to pick a demographic that makes up the majority of customers, I'd say women age 45-65.

Now, note this might be different where you are and what exactly the theme of the show is. If it's strictly an ART show, with only photographers, painters, sculptors and what not then the above paragraph probably does not apply. I tried selling some prints at an art show geared towards a younger crowd. The crowd was too young really though, no one was buying anything. I was sitting in between 2 pretty good painters who were there for 6 hours and none of us sold a single thing. I should have seen it coming, for an unemployed college student the prospect of spending $50 on a picture is ludicrous.

deb22 · May 3, 2011

Hi, I only do matted and large expensive framed photo's, I do farmers markets and most people that are selling are selling veggies or nic -nacks so selling at a high price with good quality you will always get the people that are interested in spending money. If you are able to also show at least one canvas as that is what alot of people wanted this year so far, offer cards if the market is slow but only have cards of a few photo's but display your best and only offer it in a certain size not available in a small size. I have been to some markets where only 20 people have come and I still sold over $2000 in 2 hours, I sell my birdies in cards but the good prints of owls , deer wolves etc are only offered in 12x18 or larger. GOOD LUCK!!!!

eoren1 · May 3, 2011

Out of curiosity, how/where do you get your matted, unframed prints? Bayphoto and WHCC (the two services I typically use) only offer prints, mounted on foamboard/styrene or matted and framed. Do you get your prints on foamboard and then get the mat elsewhere?
Thanks!

SimpsonBrothers · May 3, 2011

Yeah, is there a matting outlet store or something?

kgking · May 3, 2011

I just have prints done, and then order a "show kit" thru http://www.clearbags.com or http://www.matcutter.com. I only offer 3 sizes 11x14, 8x10, and 4x6 cards.

SimpsonBrothers · May 3, 2011

kgking wrote: »

I just have prints done, and then order a "show kit" thru http://www.clearbags.com or http://www.matcutter.com. I only offer 3 sizes 11x14, 8x10, and 4x6 cards.

Thanks for the links!

stirinthesauce · May 3, 2011

Where I get my mat, backing and clearbags from:

http://www.redimat.com/

Making this craft show that I have done in the past a priority this summer. Did it as an afterthought 3 years ago and cleared over 300 profit.

Would love to hear from others on their experience as well. This is an area I would like to expand in.

Hikin' Mike · May 4, 2011

I use www.documounts.com for all of my frames, mats and bags.

Photoarts · May 31, 2011

How about easels and display items?
I also order mating kits from documounts but found very few choices for easels and display items. Does anyone know which supplier is good for table top displays as well as tents and hanging pictures?
Thanks

Hikin' Mike wrote: »

I use www.documounts.com for all of my frames, mats and bags.

Hikin' Mike · May 31, 2011

Photoarts wrote: »

I also order mating kits from documounts but found very few choices for easels and display items. Does anyone know which supplier is good for table top displays as well as tents and hanging pictures?
Thanks

Greeting Cards - Photograper's Edge
Card Display - Card Display
Mats, Frames, Clear Bags - Documounts
Print Racks - Jerry's Artarama
Canopy (10 x 10) - Caravan
Mesh Walls (pricey, but worth it) - Flourish

Art shows and Festivals questions

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