It's Time To Prep For The Next Art Show!

Each show I attend teaches me more things that I should be doing long before it begins in order to make it a smooth day. So take advantage from my own mistakes!

Make a List And Check It Twice

It is easy for your mind to get boggled down before a big art show. I usually spend so much time trying to put together new items to sell that it is easy to forget the minor details of what goes into actually setting up and getting it out. I personally start a to do and what to bring list a good week ahead of time while my mind is still operating on a sane level. It's not a bad idea to either carry a notebook or use your smart phone note app with you to be able to jot ideas down in preparation. That way if you feel that you are forgetting something, you can just pick up your list and check out what that may be. It's also handy to have for all future art shows, though of course with some changes here and there depending on what, where and when.

Create Something New

I don't know about you, but I often do art shows in roughly the same location several times throughout the year. That also means you may see a lot of the same people going through your creations. If it is the same look of things over and over again, many of those people will see no reason to stop. In doing photography, it can be difficult to constantly be shifting things around vs. paintings. I personally do not want to nor can I always afford to constantly be ordering a large batch of new photos to sell in hopes of selling out. Many pictures can go through months before it strikes someone's eye. However, with that, I try to do the photos in a different way. For instance, one way to get some of the old ones out and new ones in is to put them on sale. Whether that is buy one get one free or a percentage off, that may tip a person who is on the fence into your direction. Another way is to use those older pictures to create something likes cards, or make your own unique frames to put them in to capture the attention of one passing by.

In relation to other creations, if there are no new ideas flowing through your mind or your time to create something brand new is limited, try a similar redo of one of your past pieces of art. Although I don't like to do exact replicas of my previously sold paintings because I like for them to be more one of a kind, I can still take from some of my personal favorites that I never plan to sell and make something on a similar line for the public. Since you have done it before, it shouldn't take as long to do it again. To make it easier, leave certain things out of it or make it on a smaller level.

An Open Invitation

You don't go to art shows just to hang out, right? Well, if people don't know that it exists, then that could very well be an outcome. Get it out there! I imagine 99.9% of people around the world are on some sort of social media these days which is a great way to spread the word. If an event page is not already created, make one yourself and invite all your friends and ask for them to do the same. If a page is already created, invite away - it's easy and the way to get the word out to anyone within a reasonable radius of the show.

Price It Out

Did you just make a new creation? Make sure you have the prices for them figured out before anyone even puts their eyes on your work. Even if you are willing to negotiate, you still need a starting point to tell the buyer. Plus, if you have a Square credit card reader like I do, I double check that the name and price of every painting is listed in the categories to make that process go a lot more smoothly. The less time it takes to sell one item, the better, because then you have more time to talk others into checking out your stuff and hopefully buying.

Direction, Direction, Direction

When you're directionally challenged like I am, you definitely should map out the location if it is not in a familiar area. There is nothing worse then running late, hopping in the vehicle and realizing that you have no clue where to go. It's already time consuming enough between the drive and then having to find out where exactly you're allowed to set up, so don't add getting lost into that mix. Anymore, it is very simple to plug the address into the map on your phone or GPS days in advance so that you know it is in there and ready to go. Map it out, you will be thankful that you did once you get there.

Pack It Up

If you have a show that is fairly early in the morning, I suggest packing your vehicle the evening before with things you don't mind locking up. It can take a few extra minutes that you may need in the morning to organize all the things you are taking so that you can assure that everything fits and won't get ruined along the way. Doing that will allow you more time in the morning to get yourself ready or even sit and have a coffee before enduring a potentially long day.

Time To Make Some Change

The thing I forget to do the most is get change in ones, fives, tens and twenties. I am oftentimes on my way when I think "oh crap, I don't have any change!" It's not a good feeling to be in that situation, especially if it's a time when banks are typically closed. If you do find yourself in that situation, your best bet is to stop at a store or gas station to get change from whatever bills you may have or purchase a bottle of water to use a credit card that also allows you to get cash. But better yet, learn from my forgetfulness and make sure you have enough ahead time.

Don't Forget About Your Own Needs

I know how easy it is to be so indulged in all you need to bring with you to set up and sell, but what about for yourself? If you are doing it on your own, I highly suggest bringing enough to stay hydrated and something to eat even if just a snack because you may not have an opportunity to get those things once you are there. There are not always food vendors, let alone the ability to comfortably leave your art to go find something. It's hard enough just to get to a restroom! So pack up your artsy picnic basket so that it's one less thing to worry about when your stomach starts grumbling or you can't speak because your mouth is too dry.

So there are a few things that I try to do when preparing for my next art show to help me have a more successful, stress free day.

What are some of the things that you make sure to do in advance?

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