Don't get me wrong. I enjoy sharing my work with others, but storing 100+ photos, most of which are in various states of assembly in the living room is a bit to chaotic for my taste. Especially when certain "assistants" decide the boxes are the most awesome forts ever...
Having done a total of two art fairs I've come to a couple conclusions on how to make life much easier going forward.
1. Rent a cargo van. Life is much less stressful when all your stuff fits in one vehicle, and that vehicle can be solely dedicated to art transport. 2. Bring lots of water. Dehydrated people are grouchy people, and grouchy people don't make sales.
3. Organization is key. Having your C(ertificates) O(f) A(uthenticity) prefilled out and bagged by size is SO MUCH easier than having all 100+ mixed together in a manilla envelope (as was the case in our very first art fair). Same goes for price labels.
4. Tell personal stories about your work. Most people don't care about the type of lens but are interested in your favorite shots and why you love them. The reason a french marigold reminds you of a bumblebee will sell a photo much faster than a description your f-stop settings.
5. Set even prices. Few things suck more than having to figure out taxes while someone waits to complete a purchase.
And most importantly be nice to everyone from the volunteer staff and fellow artists to people you know for a fact aren't going to buy anything. Its how emails are sent on your behalf for admittance to other art festivals and how extra hands help hold your pieces to the walls when the wind blows. Besides as someone who slouches around in flip flops, hole-y jeans, band t-shirts, and baseball hats, few things are more of a turn off than someone disregarding you simply because you don't look affluent.
visit Samantha Byrnes' gallery online...
