If you need more help selling art at art fairs, doing art fairs in general, or art booth set up tips, I've made an entire playlist of art fair videos (like over 20 of them). Check 'em out, hope they help! ua-cam.com/play/PL6-RwCzCStOS2biW5LgtAk-Kka1ibXjE0.html
Over the years I've collected a list of ways people say "you're never going to see me again" such as "I'll probably be back" "we just got here I'm going to look around"etc etc. I created a "be back" card that I hand them, especially if they're interested in a certain piece. I tell them that if they come back and present the card at sale they'll get a discount or a bonus item. Works pretty well!
As a potential buyer, your "be back" card should include the location of your booth (not just the assigned number from the organizer, but layman's directions) because a lot of the time I'll forget where I saw "that thing I liked". I don't remember what I wanted or where I saw it. A lot of people are doing that first lap before we buy because we have a budget and don't want to blow the budget at the first booth. But after like 4 booths, everything starts looking the same not because every booth is the same but because there's an overwhelming amount of cool stuff to look at.
I must be one of the very few who comes back when I say I'll come back. Granted, when I have no intention of returning and I'm asked if I'll be returning, I give an honest, "Not likely." It might sound harsh, but I know that being an artist can be heartbreaking. Best to give a definite answer rather than string them along.
Sellers need to get this: a lot of people do not want to ask you the prices of your stock. They wantvto make their own decisions, especially if they have a limited budget. And if they are introverted and feel overwhelmed.
Right-it’s a ‘if you have to ask, you can’t afford it’ feel. It’s so depressing. Price your items, and encourage people to view the high priced items, and give you feedback. First-you learn-and second-it brings interest to your item! Buzz is good.
i found this interesting as a customer! personally i walk away if there are no prices because of the feeling i get if i ask the price of something and it is out of my budget! often when i say, "okay thank you", the artist directs me to lower cost items i'm not interested in, making it even more awkward. just price them :)
Needing to ask the price when it's not displayed always makes me feel awkward because I feel obligated to buy even if I think it's too expensive so clear pricing goes along away when helping me decide if I want to spend or not. If it's too expensive, I'll be disappointed but I don't feel like I'm wasting the artists' time.
Failing to price items also wastes time--both for the buyers and the artists. I'm so glad you pointed that one out! Imagine an artist tells 50 people the price of items in a basket throughout the day. That's bound to include several times when a buyer might interrupt your conversation with another customer to ask a price. Or have to stand around and wait for you to be free to ask you. That's frustrating for everyone, and it can make buyers feel like their time isn't important to that artist.
I've been helping my wife with art shows for 5 years and I would say this advice is spot on. I might add a couple others: always have as much stuff under $25 as you can and when setting up art make your booth like like an art gallery. Spread things out and don't try to display everything at once. Also, greet people in some manner, people are more attracted to art if they feel the artist seemed down to earth and nice.
The under $25 stuff- other than small pieces, consider multiple-purpose art, such as putting prints on stationery. My favorite stationary (cards + envelopes) includes my grandmother’s elf owl print and a friend’s photography. I often get a “where’d you get this card” response. Although most people don’t use cards as often today, a simple original artwork on a card can be a great “special occasion” card, such as a wedding.
It's the not being greeted part that makes me not buy stuff. Most times I see booth owners on their phone. Guess they don't want to work, so why should I pay them? They're on Facebook.
@@missyjo2475At the same time, as a customer I don't want a seller that starts a conversation especially if I'm the only one in their booth, or a seller who starts pointing out to more and more of their stuff. I don't want that pressure. That's when I just want to run and won't enter their booth again no matter what. For me, a little acknowledge of my presence is enough, a smile and a nod maybe.
My mom sold at arts and crafts fairs for years and she said you need to have under-$5 items to get people interested, and then they will be more likely to buy the larger pieces. Having everything start over $50 is a mistake.
It depends, I have my cheapest item priced at $17.99 for an 8x10 print. I used to sell stickers and postcards for 2 for $5. But discovered than I'd sell more by having less types of products for the customer to choose from. Having only prints helps them make a decision. Plus some will only buy the cheapest thing. If your cheapest is $20, you make more money quicker than $5. But I agree with you that $50 is too high a price point for your lowest item in most situations, unless you are selling at an all originals show.
I would expect a good quality vinyl sticker to be between $4-6. Perhaps run a B3G1 and set them a dollar higher. And yes, if you have a store with stickers, I'm going to drop $20 more quickly than I would on one $20 print. I'm out of wall space, but I'll always have a water bottle, notebook, laptop, etc that just NEEDS a new sticker on it. And that's before my kids steal half of what I buy for THEIR stuff. 😂
People will sometimes want to monopolize you with endless chat and questions while customers slip through your fingers. Most often than not, those people NEVER BUY.
It's okay to say, "Please excuse me for a moment," smile, and then greet the paying customer. On the flip side, if sales are slow, it can be a huge help to have someone chatting with you. It's human psychology - If a booth is empty, we're wary. If there are people milling around it, we think we're missing someone incredible. When things are slow, I often have a friend or relative stand in front of the booth and talk with me. It always pulls people in, so don't underestimate the value of those "chatters.'
Good advice. I only sell original watercolors. Im late to the game and have done local art markets for 4 years and now want to sell down my large inventory. I'm 68.....and ready to stop selling....so I offered a half price sale on selected pieces and it was my most popular display and I sold quite a bit. They were mostly smaller paintings without mats. I've got 2 markets left to go to.....hoping to sell more and then be done with it all. Life has changed with grandkids being born and etc . I'll keep painting but not as prolific as I was before. Kudos to you for your ambition to be a full time artist.....so wonderful to see younger artists be successful!!!!
I usually have to avoid events where the main entertainment is free and it's NOT the vendors. Younger people and parents buy my art, but for some reason it's more like when they're just being a family "in the wild" not because they're attending a "family" event. I don't really understand it. I also have a high sell rate if I say "let me know if you have any questions," to people who are browsing. That way I leave alone those who don't respond positively, and then chat up the ones who seem like they'd like some more interaction.
Agreed. I've given out over 1000 business cards or flyers at shows - most of which were requested. This resulted in 1 sale at a later date! If you dont sell at the show, you won't sell later online.
I imagine the issue is carrying around the artwork in a fair. I would have to bring the artwork back to my car, which is usually way off in a field, and reenter the fair. Then find my family. Big problem!
That advice about traffic flow/space in a booth is super important. I'm on the bigger scale hip + butt wise (and I don't think dieting/lifestyle will actually change that, just perhaps tone the muscles) and multiple booths will CRAM their goods onto rickety tables, where I'm elbow to elbow with my husband and the things they're selling, so I'm always trying to be mindful because I don't want to ruin anyone's prized works, but it often means most booths will be inaccessible and I can only look from the front, and likely won't come in to chat/ask/browse. This is also an issue with people who need walkers, walking sticks or wheelchairs. People with disabilities, or mobility issues, will not be coming to your booths, or even the events themselves, simply because organizers or booth owners tend to overlook making accommodations. There is no use in providing ramps if the building someone is trying to enter is packed elbow to elbow with crowds because multiple tables have been set up in a small space, so that's always a consideration people need to keep in mind.
Easy to see prices are always welcome. You sound like you have really grasped the idea that being a successful artist is as much about being a business person as it is about making art. Very good video.
Its nice to hear someone talk about something they really do know about. I can tell you have experience and expertise and are not faking it. It makes a huge difference and not wasting people's time. Thank you!
I definately used those 'excuses' to leave a booth. I do have to stick to a budget, and still feel bad for leaving a kind artist without buying something. Those who engage more usually do get more of my attention, and I feel more obligated to make a purchase. I guess it's important for both sides to be aware of this effect. 😅
My take on a few of your points. Don't do sales because of slow sales, you are just training people not to buy from you till later when they feel you are desperate and it can become a race to the bottom on prices. Do always offer discounts on multiple items and make them obvious so people don't want to pass on getting a better deal. If you do run a sale, run it at the start of a show for a short time I have found this drastically encourages people to make the purchase then and there and avoids many of the 'ill be back I just want to look around first' I stopped with cards altogether except for a few specifically for people looking for wholesale. I have qr codes at my booth for social media and drive people to follow on Instagram. For every 200 cards I used to give out one might convert to a sale I have found closer to 1 in 10 for people that followed me at a show because new posts remind them. Travel! You have to travel, and a good distance. If you are a fixture at local shows you will get repeat business but you will see sales drop. Get in front of diverse crowds. I very much used to have the 'not my crowd' attitude, but the more you are out of place the better you can do. No matter the show you will have people interested, perhaps not as many when you don't fit in as much, but the conversion rate for sales is so much higher for those who are interested. SMALL!!! Have a good variety of smalls, the larger a piece is the harder it is to sell not because of the price but because of the space and effort and even carrying it around at the show. For paintings, I used to bring larger canvases and they did not move as fast as I wanted and took up a lot of space. I reduced to 2" and 3" mini canvases and can't keep them and get the same price I had reduced the larges to when trying to get them to move. 80% of my sales are in things under 3" with an average price tag of about $50.
I dont think most people pay that close of attention to a random vendor to wait until later when it's on sale. And if so, then thats the kind of penny pincher person that likes to shop victoriously like they say on eBay so I still say its good. Give them what they want, for 98% of artists a sale is better than maximizing individual item profit extraction.
@@vazzaroth You might be surprised, I run into a lot of people who wait till people are packing up to try to get a 'deal' If it were a print or sticker something like that I might but even still usually not most everything I have at my booth is the original. Generally, I will just say no to that as I find it unfair to people who have already purchased it and am not fond of people trying to take advantage of people they are hoping are desperate. Luckily few of my pieces last more than a couple of shows if something does not move I will mark it down the whole show to let it go.
For commissions, instead of handing them a card, make an appointment for a consultation. That way the follow-up has already happened and the buyer is more comfortable and willing to buy. e.g the personal attention at home.
It’s a good idea, maybe it would work. I have collected their email addresses and contacted afterward and usually don’t ever make sales that way. Most of the time they don’t even open the emails, or the emails go to spam in Gmail. at least that’s what MailChimp says in the stats.
@@KrystleColeArt Yes, these are real-world events, so make the follow-up real-world as well. Ditch the computer! If you can get an appointment date and time at their physical real-world home, they are already more committed. You have the direct in-person experience with a real connection. The old-fashioned way still works and is often better.
@@craftyhobbit7623 In theory, but it is just another opportunity for the customer to disengage. An appointment in person right there and then is your best opportunity.
@@KrystleColeArtI have a friend that does commissions this way: only take the commission if they have a photo they can show you right now on their phone (usually they actually have one these days) - ask what size, is there a deadline etc. Give them a price and then have them text or email the photo to you at that moment. Decide how they are going to pay and conduct the transaction. Commission secured. Usually if they aren't excited enough to do the order and sale at the moment, they never will.
Excellent advice. Cards are a total waste of time. Also, don't say, "Let me know if I can help you," which is a sales killer. Say something like, "Which one do you like?" or "I've got a great deal for you." Also, having a few empty spots lets people know that artwork is moving and it's okay to buy.
Very helpful and accurate. I'd only add that I usually work on a soft pastel piece art shows. It draws in those who like to see the process them browse further. I also let interested youngsters have a limited whack at it because it's so easy to wipe off that medium (parents are usually nervous for me lol). You're right about most, not all, commission inquiries walking away. Setting an appointment is a good idea.
#6 - Don't ignore browsers, even if you're busy with someone else. I know it's hard to keep your focus on more than one thing, especially if that thing is trying to close a sale, but people will absolutely bounce immediately from your booth if they feel ignored or that they'd be interrupting you, and you might lose five sales while attempting to wrangle that first person. A corollary is, don't block your booth entrance or table while interacting with a customer. If people can't easily get into your booth they'll absolutely slide right by.
One of the smartest art seller I saw was a dude that everyday displayed a couple of paintings by the entrance of the first class reception room in an international airport. Everyoen that passed by him surely had the money to buy . And he had a sign written "Posted to any place in world".
An option for commissions is to get them to commit by making a small (even $5-10) down payment and scheduling a date/time/location to meet up to get reference material.
makes a lot of sense, I will have my daughter who sells her art works at street festivals watch this video. I went to one fair where an artist was selling great small paintings of comic super heroes starting at $100, that was a bit too much for a very small piece of art.
I see it all the time where artists will be at a street fair selling their art, but having it priced as if there were at a art show. A big note is pricing your art for the people at the event. If you don't want to drop y our prices, perhaps bring smaller pieces that you sell for less. But if you expecting to sell 4" x 6" art to a lot of people at a street fair $200 each you will be very disappointed.
I don’t do art fairs because I am disabled and just can’t manage the art and the booth set up but I think this video was great . You offer so much valuable information. I have a friend that just did an art fair so I’m going to pass this on to him. I’m not sure how well he did so it’ll give me an opportunity to ask him about it. Thank you for posting. I’ll have to check out your other posts.
I must be one of the very few who comes back when I say I'll come back. Granted, when I have no intention of returning and I'm asked if I'll be returning, I give an honest, "Not likely." It might sound brash, but I know that being an artist can be heartbreaking, as the thousands of hours invested in works doesn't always equate into reward. Best to give a definite answer rather than string them along.
Ive been at several shows where organizers do not allow you to visually discount items through sales signs, up to actually being dismissed from your spot and not welcome back.
Yes you make a good pint! You must know the show rules, I also do a few shows that don't allow sale signs. But in that case, just verbally tell everyone when they come into your booth that you've got items on sale.
When it comes to commissions; if I am just not interested in doing them right now, I will tell them I do, but I am not taking any right now because I have so many back orders that any new ones are going to be at least six months from now. It gives them the impression that you are in high demand, extremely busy, and gives them more reason to purchase something pre-made because even if they are willing to wait a year for a commission, no one wants to hear it will be that long before you are able to START working with them.
If prices aren’t displayed I won’t even look. If you approach me I’ll leave. If your booth is too enclosed I’ll feel trapped and won’t stay. Don’t ask ‘What are you looking for’, I’m not, I’m just looking, if the price is right and I really like something I’ll buy. Your style might not be what I want. Don’t price too high, I’ll choose to paint or draw something myself.
You are 100% correct about people not following up on commissions from markets. The same thing happened to me. When I’ve done markets, I’ve had many people inquire about my commissions. I did everything supposedly right as well - give them my business card and provided a QR code to a quick link to my pet portrait commissions. Only asking their name and email. These same people would talk to me for 10 - 15 minutes straight about their pet. And nothing ever comes from it. I am not gonna fault them for these behaviors. I feel like markets and events are meant for quick purchases guaranteed a product upfront, like art prints and paintings that are already there. It feeds into the thrill and impulsivity 🤣 Definitely a lesson learned and I recognized where to better spend my energy on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about markets as well!
I have taken business cards, intending to get a commission done, but I've always found that I either forget about it, or never have the money to spare for it because other things take priority so I prefer to buy ready made prints, etc... £20 would also be the highest I would go, and small prints like A5, greeting card and post card size would be what I look for because they are cheaper and I can buy more of them.
Yes, but some people have a budget and may intend to order later. If you have an e business… I think your attitude is kind of off putting , that might be the issue. If you consider people who don’t buy that moment as a waste of energy… that’s lame.
As a customer, I usually do not go to places that I have to pay to get into in order to shop. I think to myself, "why should I pay money to get into a venue I'm planning to spend money at?" If there are no prices listed, I never ask. It feels awkward.
@heatherr4321 but a convention or ren fair is so much more than just the sales booths. Talks, exhibitions, contests, ect. I've been to both of those things without going near the sales booths. The smaller ones are frequently mostly sales tables and booths and as an attendee, I've felt like prey being stalked by hunters. It's uncomfortable when I'm just out on a Saturday to have a fun afternoon with my kid. You're much more likely to get me to open my wallet by connecting with my kid about the event and appealing to his interests. I've been to all these things for 40 years, and at this point am just facilitating my kid having a good experience indulging the nerd side. I don't need anything and have my own favorite artists I prefer to turn to first. But helping the kid pick the perfect spot on his walls to display a new piece of art he found and loves is still a novel experience.
@@ThisIsATireFire I guess you’ve never been to a good one, then 🤷🏻♀️ the faires out where I am all have reputations for having absolutely stellar artisans, who all do quite well, as well as great family entertainment options. “Smaller events” don’t usually charge much in the way of an entrance fee, unless it’s wildly different wherever you are. My point is simply that you can charge an entrance fee and still have literally hundreds of thousands of people come thru the event who are supportive of the artists - both visual and performing - who bring the event to life.
Love the shorter format (long time video lurker) I also think there are some good bits in here that could be shorts too! This chat about detangling shame in our personnel practices is so on point. I like to watch nature for my cues but I’ve always lived in the northern hemisphere and in seasonal conditions. Seeing everyone’s perspective on this is really cool. Thanks for inspiring open minded practices.
I’ve been attending art fairs for over 50 years. Major Shows all over the county along with street fairs. You have to know your market. If you carry smaller items some of the venues you discuss may work. But I have attended shows where the first year was strictly Art and artists did very well. Only to later attend those same shows that took the “carnival “ route and fail miserably. People are out to play with their kids…not buy fine art. Most of my artist friends agree that when people do pay to get into a show the crowds are less but those people are serious about buying artwork. Besides in “ carnival “ shows most turn out to be more like flea markets… with a lot of imported goods passed off as genuine artwork. And if cheap then customers tend to lean towards that as purchases. And Never cheapen your artwork by putting up sale signs. That only makes people believe they can haggle over your prices. And not only hurts you but your fellow artists.
"those same shows that took the “carnival “ route and fail miserably. People are out to play with their kids…not buy fine art." I have the same exact issue. Some of my worst events have been because the vendors are just kinda there to fill space.
I’ve been considering selling my art at a consignment shop. I’m finding it difficult to follow through with my thoughts on doing this despite really wanting to try. I think all the money I need to spend to get to that point intimidates me. If it fails I’ve wasted money rather than make money.
I never found much success selling art at consignment shops, and I tried lots in my early career. Most of the time I'd only sell 1 or 2 art prints in a month. You're better off doing small art or craft fairs in your town, even inside ones that allow you just to set up a table.
It's inspiring to see what is possible with some elbow grease. Your booth looks very organised, clean and professional. It's cool to see this behind the scenes content. Onwards !!
Strange! You've never had a follow-up? I get at least 1 small commission for every 100 business cards. I have different art/clientele though. I really like your video. You have some tips I've never heard anyone else say, like the sale signs to give an edge. Very useful info here.
Thanks! I have had follow-ups and purchases from time to time for commissions, but it is rare and not worth the time wasted talk in a customers in my booth when I could make sales on prints. Maybe it’s just that my market is different, clientele
Hmm I am doing dogshows (we don't have art fares in my country 😢) and sell comissions... it really is very slow as you say. So maby I have to come up with a clever different way to paint dogs, as you do to make direct sales instead of comissionsales. Thank you for that kick in the behind 😊
I sell my art at cat shows. I didn’t talk about that in the video, but you might try those if you have them in your country and you paint cats. Cat people are really into their pets!
I’m a beginner artist. Just started trying out pastels. I love to JumpRope. So I include myself with a dog as my audience (Awwww 🐶) with our mountain backdrop. Good luck to you 👍
Great tips! I would add to ask people for their email address. If they don't buy today, there is always a chance they will buy later when they get your email update.
You can take deposits on their commissions, give them the money back if they choose not to do it in the future - but they do have to engage you to get their money :)
That would be a great idea for people who don’t need good reference photos. My problem is that people often give me bad photos that I can’t use, if I accepted deposits, I would end up refunding about half of them. It would just be too much work issuing refunds. but maybe this would work for other artists!
@@KrystleColeArt Bring a stack of envelopes and have them address it so you can send a thank you card or a confirmation of correct address maybe. But when they leave slip their deposit in. Presorted, and now you have one more contact if they follow through. Not sure it'll work, but worth testing maybe
I have a question about your mesh walls ... when I went to purchase them I watched your video there and noticed that you had a bar at the bottom as well. What is this bar and is it needed to be successful in hanging canvases? Thank you for your ideas and help.
The bar is called a stabar. I think it'd be helpful for you to watch this video, I discuss the stabar and other mesh panel wall options in detail ua-cam.com/video/G57pg0-AsRs/v-deo.html
I found it is best to just have only two sizes of prints at the shows, my 8 x 10 size sells best, my other size is 16 x 20. You might find this playlist helpful. It has a lot of videos about doing art fairs, selling to customers at them, etc. ua-cam.com/play/PL6-RwCzCStOS2biW5LgtAk-Kka1ibXjE0.html
@@KrystleColeArt thank you! Selling my art for the first time in Sept. and trying to prepare. So glad I found you because these videos and your experience has been so helpful.
Novice questions here: Is it OK to make “All sales final” ?and is OK to say purchases must be taken that day (of the fair) and can’t be shipped out? I could understand large paintings possibly needing to be shipped, but what if you really don’t plan for shipping paintings that are not very large or heavy?
I always have the customers take the paintings the day of the show, I rarely ever had anyone ask me to ship anything to them. Usually, they don’t want to do that because they don’t trust you. I know that sounds odd, but they think they’re gonna get scammed if you ship them some thing. I always do all sales are final. I think that’s also expected at an art fair. I have from time to time allowed a person to come back and exchange a print for another one as long as it wasn’t damaged but originals are always all sales are final.
When you say "only" 10000 visitors....the events i have attended have had maybe 700 visitors and that felt like alot😂But i live in Sweden and i guess all things are bigger in the US where I guess you live😁😃
10k visitors is still a lot. Those bigger numbers are for well-established annual events, festivals, or comic/anime conventions. You can do decent here even with 700 visitors. But it's going to be more like 'I'm paying a couple bills this month!" money (if the shows isn't a failure) vs. "I'm making so much bank!" income. I'm guessing it's more like "to her" it's not worth her time to do smaller shows, which is still valid.
I made a video about art websites, I think it will help. You might have other questions, but it will be a start. ua-cam.com/video/j1_BFpYwUC8/v-deo.htmlsi=u5Hcvi5-38TcFLwH
You should NEVER drop your prices to compete with someone selling similar work at a show. What are you going to do if they then drop their prices further? If someone really likes a piece of art they will probably buy it - you can always spot someone hanging around a piece deliberating. Nothing to stop you taklking to them and negotiating a special one off price to seal the deal. Just blanket dropping prices is smacks of desperation or your artwork simply isn't good enough for the price tag.
Well I guess we will agree to disagree. Because that's not what I've experienced. Running a sale is just fine if the show is slow, in fact I've had running a sale completely turn things around for me. I've never had competitor lower their prices to match my sale at the same show. I've done hundreds of art fairs over the last 10 years of my career. I've suffered no negatives from running sales, only making more money than I would've otherwise.
@@KrystleColeArt If you lower your price you do not make more money - you may produce more turnover. Depends how desperate you are I suppose. This comes from someone with 25 years experience in corporate sales to professional buyers and a further 15 years on top of that selling to the public :)
I have tried that, one show I collected around 200 email addresses of people who wanted commissions. This took a lot of time and effort to do so, took time out of making sales from other people. I emailed them all multiple times and never sold a thing. After that, I decided to quit collecting email addresses, it was a waste of my time. Other artists might have different results, but that’s what I experienced anyway.
Heh, I don't put price tags. I put the hours spent. I've gotten cars, buckets of honey, comicbook collections, all sorts of fun and interesting things. Cash too. I like it better this way. If someone gets joy from my work and really wants it, they can have it, especially if they can't afford it. Yeah, I refuse to do commissions unless it's for a friend. I'll do caricatures when I'm bored. But that's as far as I go.
This, this is my style. I've bartered services before but am getting into handcrafting and thinking for the first time about selling products, and I'd thought about including hours worked on each item when I put them on my site or something, but you just cemented that decision for me by reminding me that I can invite barter offers! Suits my life well, and suits my values. I hate gatekeeping ANYTHING with a financial barrier, even something that's purely unnecessary/a luxury. Thanks for inspiring me about this!
The most obvious thing that happens when "potential" clients don't follow up with your business card is called life. Life happens to all of us, and we forget where we've been in our run for the next important thing. So yes, I agree with trying to make a sale on the spot.
this is genuinely intuitive, intelligent and experienced advice. i really love that you do these, and hope that others can learn from your insight to improve their livelihood and continue to share what they love... respect, for what you're doing. i love you 💚
Yo mention "everything looks similar" to being bad. Not sure what you mean. Size? Sure, that makes sense. But "style"? Gotta paint what we paint. There's a good chance we have a signature 'style'. Are you recommending artists develop different styles for purposes of sales? Your booths seem to have a cohesive style, yes? Or are you just thinking size and price point, canvas and paper, etc.?
I think there's a difference between having a style as an artist and having everything look the same in your booth. I could do a video on this to show different examples, but you want your booth to have wow factor, if it looks boring to a person walking by, they probably won't even come inside ... that's the main idea I was saying. And yes, you should develop a style for the purposes of sales. I honestly think everything you make should be with the idea of sales in mind ahead of time. Other artists will probably disagree with this, but I think if you are trying to be an artist who sells your work for a living, you need to think about that at the inception of making a piece. Will someone want to buy this? If so, make it. If you can't think of a person who would want to buy it, make something else! Otherwise, just make art as a hobby, and then don't worry about it if someone will buy it or not. Art is fun either way :)
THOUSANDS of people? The shows around here would be lucky to crack 300 people. No wonder nothing is moving. Nobody comes to these shows and the people who DO come don't want to spend any money.
I'm reading all these comments and it's like who cares how you look? if you have to ask and you can't afford it, you can't afford it. just tell the artist it's out of your budget, and you're sorry. honesty is appreciated, trust me. y'all avoid asking because you're still growing up, bless your hearts. you don't want to look bad, but listen, is that artist ever going to see you again? no? so then who the hell cares, BESIDES YOU? lmao edit: Do you know how many people turn down an artists work? you're not the only one looking "bad" you're not special 😂 all of these comments remind me of growing up when my mom would make me order my own food instead of doing it for me when I finally became old enough to do stuff for myself. you guys want mom to get your paintings for you 😂
Everybody has a different way they like to purchase art, some people ask the price even if it’s listed. But I think it’s important to have a price tag on there so that if there is someone who doesn’t want to ask, they can see it.
They have good gene, or they take care of themselves so much better than people who smoke, drink, do drugs, or sunbath. The only difference is the feeling. We feel a bit old in our physical body though we look the exactly same for 40 years. 😅
that's your fault. you should be getting their emails and putting them through an email sequence. plus in order to get your 40% off they should write their email on a coupon, then hand it to you. email is the most powerful tool for any business. you can tell people where you will be also
people say email should be a powerful tool in their business, but the reality for an artist is that most times people don’t even open the emails. I have 5000 people on my email list and I can send out emails with 25% off coupons or buy one get one free, and not make a single sale. My open rates are like 20% , my click rate on links are 1%. If you take all that into consideration, the time it takes to get peoples emails at an art fair, then have maybe one out of 100 even click on the link in the email. You are just wasting your time and missing sales because you’re talking to people to get the email rather than talking to people to get sales.
Emails now are like door flyers in the mid-90s. Annoyingly everywhere but no one actually reads them. I don't click on an ad email, even if I subscribed myself, unless I'm already in the mood to buy something. Period. Every day I've got adverts piling up, unseen. Getting them on your social media makes way more sense. People actually look at that. They enjoy what they see and get excited to have one of their own.
If you need more help selling art at art fairs, doing art fairs in general, or art booth set up tips, I've made an entire playlist of art fair videos (like over 20 of them). Check 'em out, hope they help! ua-cam.com/play/PL6-RwCzCStOS2biW5LgtAk-Kka1ibXjE0.html
@KrystleColeArt - Thank You ☺️ your artwork is magical💗
I can't get any price stickers to stay on my acrylic paintings!! And we don't have room for signs or bins!! Help, please!
Do I just staple them to the back of the canvas frame?? Then people have to forage for prices :/ .
Over the years I've collected a list of ways people say "you're never going to see me again" such as "I'll probably be back" "we just got here I'm going to look around"etc etc. I created a "be back" card that I hand them, especially if they're interested in a certain piece. I tell them that if they come back and present the card at sale they'll get a discount or a bonus item. Works pretty well!
That’s a great idea! I’m gonna try that out 😁
As a potential buyer, your "be back" card should include the location of your booth (not just the assigned number from the organizer, but layman's directions) because a lot of the time I'll forget where I saw "that thing I liked". I don't remember what I wanted or where I saw it. A lot of people are doing that first lap before we buy because we have a budget and don't want to blow the budget at the first booth. But after like 4 booths, everything starts looking the same not because every booth is the same but because there's an overwhelming amount of cool stuff to look at.
I'd respond to that as a customer.
I must be one of the very few who comes back when I say I'll come back. Granted, when I have no intention of returning and I'm asked if I'll be returning, I give an honest, "Not likely." It might sound harsh, but I know that being an artist can be heartbreaking. Best to give a definite answer rather than string them along.
I’m steeling this lol
Sellers need to get this: a lot of people do not want to ask you the prices of your stock. They wantvto make their own decisions, especially if they have a limited budget. And if they are introverted and feel overwhelmed.
True... no price written.. means I step away. Asking a price and being in the situation that it is too much for you is embarassing.
Right-it’s a ‘if you have to ask, you can’t afford it’ feel. It’s so depressing. Price your items, and encourage people to view the high priced items, and give you feedback. First-you learn-and second-it brings interest to your item! Buzz is good.
But on the flip side, no matter how many signs and how well labeled something is, people are lazy and don't read, so they ask anyways.
i found this interesting as a customer! personally i walk away if there are no prices because of the feeling i get if i ask the price of something and it is out of my budget! often when i say, "okay thank you", the artist directs me to lower cost items i'm not interested in, making it even more awkward. just price them :)
Needing to ask the price when it's not displayed always makes me feel awkward because I feel obligated to buy even if I think it's too expensive so clear pricing goes along away when helping me decide if I want to spend or not. If it's too expensive, I'll be disappointed but I don't feel like I'm wasting the artists' time.
My thought is usually: they don't want me to know the price. So it must be very high.
Same. There's a saying that goes something like "if you have to ask, you can't afford it". I never ask.
yep
Failing to price items also wastes time--both for the buyers and the artists. I'm so glad you pointed that one out!
Imagine an artist tells 50 people the price of items in a basket throughout the day. That's bound to include several times when a buyer might interrupt your conversation with another customer to ask a price. Or have to stand around and wait for you to be free to ask you. That's frustrating for everyone, and it can make buyers feel like their time isn't important to that artist.
I've been helping my wife with art shows for 5 years and I would say this advice is spot on. I might add a couple others: always have as much stuff under $25 as you can and when setting up art make your booth like like an art gallery. Spread things out and don't try to display everything at once. Also, greet people in some manner, people are more attracted to art if they feel the artist seemed down to earth and nice.
So true! Thanks for sharing more tips for other artists!
The under $25 stuff- other than small pieces, consider multiple-purpose art, such as putting prints on stationery. My favorite stationary (cards + envelopes) includes my grandmother’s elf owl print and a friend’s photography. I often get a “where’d you get this card” response. Although most people don’t use cards as often today, a simple original artwork on a card can be a great “special occasion” card, such as a wedding.
It's the not being greeted part that makes me not buy stuff. Most times I see booth owners on their phone.
Guess they don't want to work, so why should I pay them? They're on Facebook.
@@missyjo2475At the same time, as a customer I don't want a seller that starts a conversation especially if I'm the only one in their booth, or a seller who starts pointing out to more and more of their stuff. I don't want that pressure. That's when I just want to run and won't enter their booth again no matter what.
For me, a little acknowledge of my presence is enough, a smile and a nod maybe.
My hero. Prices are important i never ask a price. I just leave. If I ask and it’s high I look like a big broke jerk no thank you
My mom sold at arts and crafts fairs for years and she said you need to have under-$5 items to get people interested, and then they will be more likely to buy the larger pieces. Having everything start over $50 is a mistake.
It depends, I have my cheapest item priced at $17.99 for an 8x10 print. I used to sell stickers and postcards for 2 for $5. But discovered than I'd sell more by having less types of products for the customer to choose from. Having only prints helps them make a decision. Plus some will only buy the cheapest thing. If your cheapest is $20, you make more money quicker than $5. But I agree with you that $50 is too high a price point for your lowest item in most situations, unless you are selling at an all originals show.
I would expect a good quality vinyl sticker to be between $4-6. Perhaps run a B3G1 and set them a dollar higher. And yes, if you have a store with stickers, I'm going to drop $20 more quickly than I would on one $20 print. I'm out of wall space, but I'll always have a water bottle, notebook, laptop, etc that just NEEDS a new sticker on it. And that's before my kids steal half of what I buy for THEIR stuff. 😂
People will sometimes want to monopolize you with endless chat and questions while customers slip through your fingers. Most often than not, those people NEVER BUY.
It's okay to say, "Please excuse me for a moment," smile, and then greet the paying customer. On the flip side, if sales are slow, it can be a huge help to have someone chatting with you. It's human psychology - If a booth is empty, we're wary. If there are people milling around it, we think we're missing someone incredible. When things are slow, I often have a friend or relative stand in front of the booth and talk with me. It always pulls people in, so don't underestimate the value of those "chatters.'
@@eledatowle8767 I'm glad that having a "chatter" in your booth works for you. It never worked for me.
Pricing is crucial.
I don't want to ask what something costs. I don't want an artist adding 50 quid because they think I could afford it.
Good advice. I only sell original watercolors. Im late to the game and have done local art markets for 4 years and now want to sell down my large inventory. I'm 68.....and ready to stop selling....so I offered a half price sale on selected pieces and it was my most popular display and I sold quite a bit. They were mostly smaller paintings without mats. I've got 2 markets left to go to.....hoping to sell more and then be done with it all. Life has changed with grandkids being born and etc . I'll keep painting but not as prolific as I was before. Kudos to you for your ambition to be a full time artist.....so wonderful to see younger artists be successful!!!!
Thank you so much! I wish you all the best on your last few shows!
I usually have to avoid events where the main entertainment is free and it's NOT the vendors. Younger people and parents buy my art, but for some reason it's more like when they're just being a family "in the wild" not because they're attending a "family" event. I don't really understand it. I also have a high sell rate if I say "let me know if you have any questions," to people who are browsing. That way I leave alone those who don't respond positively, and then chat up the ones who seem like they'd like some more interaction.
Agreed. I've given out over 1000 business cards or flyers at shows - most of which were requested. This resulted in 1 sale at a later date! If you dont sell at the show, you won't sell later online.
I imagine the issue is carrying around the artwork in a fair. I would have to bring the artwork back to my car, which is usually way off in a field, and reenter the fair. Then find my family. Big problem!
That advice about traffic flow/space in a booth is super important. I'm on the bigger scale hip + butt wise (and I don't think dieting/lifestyle will actually change that, just perhaps tone the muscles) and multiple booths will CRAM their goods onto rickety tables, where I'm elbow to elbow with my husband and the things they're selling, so I'm always trying to be mindful because I don't want to ruin anyone's prized works, but it often means most booths will be inaccessible and I can only look from the front, and likely won't come in to chat/ask/browse.
This is also an issue with people who need walkers, walking sticks or wheelchairs. People with disabilities, or mobility issues, will not be coming to your booths, or even the events themselves, simply because organizers or booth owners tend to overlook making accommodations. There is no use in providing ramps if the building someone is trying to enter is packed elbow to elbow with crowds because multiple tables have been set up in a small space, so that's always a consideration people need to keep in mind.
Easy to see prices are always welcome. You sound like you have really grasped the idea that being a successful artist is as much about being a business person as it is about making art. Very good video.
Thanks 🎨
Its nice to hear someone talk about something they really do know about. I can tell you have experience and expertise and are not faking it. It makes a huge difference and not wasting people's time. Thank you!
I definately used those 'excuses' to leave a booth. I do have to stick to a budget, and still feel bad for leaving a kind artist without buying something. Those who engage more usually do get more of my attention, and I feel more obligated to make a purchase. I guess it's important for both sides to be aware of this effect. 😅
I’m like you, I also make excuses or reasons to leave art booths, or even retail stores. It’s interesting to look at it from the other perspective!
My take on a few of your points.
Don't do sales because of slow sales, you are just training people not to buy from you till later when they feel you are desperate and it can become a race to the bottom on prices. Do always offer discounts on multiple items and make them obvious so people don't want to pass on getting a better deal. If you do run a sale, run it at the start of a show for a short time I have found this drastically encourages people to make the purchase then and there and avoids many of the 'ill be back I just want to look around first'
I stopped with cards altogether except for a few specifically for people looking for wholesale. I have qr codes at my booth for social media and drive people to follow on Instagram. For every 200 cards I used to give out one might convert to a sale I have found closer to 1 in 10 for people that followed me at a show because new posts remind them.
Travel! You have to travel, and a good distance. If you are a fixture at local shows you will get repeat business but you will see sales drop.
Get in front of diverse crowds. I very much used to have the 'not my crowd' attitude, but the more you are out of place the better you can do. No matter the show you will have people interested, perhaps not as many when you don't fit in as much, but the conversion rate for sales is so much higher for those who are interested.
SMALL!!! Have a good variety of smalls, the larger a piece is the harder it is to sell not because of the price but because of the space and effort and even carrying it around at the show. For paintings, I used to bring larger canvases and they did not move as fast as I wanted and took up a lot of space. I reduced to 2" and 3" mini canvases and can't keep them and get the same price I had reduced the larges to when trying to get them to move. 80% of my sales are in things under 3" with an average price tag of about $50.
Great advice!! Thanks for sharing ❤️
I dont think most people pay that close of attention to a random vendor to wait until later when it's on sale. And if so, then thats the kind of penny pincher person that likes to shop victoriously like they say on eBay so I still say its good. Give them what they want, for 98% of artists a sale is better than maximizing individual item profit extraction.
@@vazzaroth You might be surprised, I run into a lot of people who wait till people are packing up to try to get a 'deal' If it were a print or sticker something like that I might but even still usually not most everything I have at my booth is the original. Generally, I will just say no to that as I find it unfair to people who have already purchased it and am not fond of people trying to take advantage of people they are hoping are desperate. Luckily few of my pieces last more than a couple of shows if something does not move I will mark it down the whole show to let it go.
For commissions, instead of handing them a card, make an appointment for a consultation. That way the follow-up has already happened and the buyer is more comfortable and willing to buy. e.g the personal attention at home.
It’s a good idea, maybe it would work. I have collected their email addresses and contacted afterward and usually don’t ever make sales that way. Most of the time they don’t even open the emails, or the emails go to spam in Gmail. at least that’s what MailChimp says in the stats.
@@KrystleColeArt Yes, these are real-world events, so make the follow-up real-world as well. Ditch the computer! If you can get an appointment date and time at their physical real-world home, they are already more committed. You have the direct in-person experience with a real connection. The old-fashioned way still works and is often better.
And have your website address displayed if you have one so people can look it up themselves/
@@craftyhobbit7623 In theory, but it is just another opportunity for the customer to disengage. An appointment in person right there and then is your best opportunity.
@@KrystleColeArtI have a friend that does commissions this way: only take the commission if they have a photo they can show you right now on their phone (usually they actually have one these days) - ask what size, is there a deadline etc. Give them a price and then have them text or email the photo to you at that moment. Decide how they are going to pay and conduct the transaction. Commission secured. Usually if they aren't excited enough to do the order and sale at the moment, they never will.
Excellent advice. Cards are a total waste of time. Also, don't say, "Let me know if I can help you," which is a sales killer. Say something like, "Which one do you like?" or "I've got a great deal for you." Also, having a few empty spots lets people know that artwork is moving and it's okay to buy.
I've seen other artists do that (having the empty spots) and it was working for them as well :)
Artist to artist - your work is gorgeous! Just lighthearted and "real" enough to be wonderful!
thank you so much! I have fun making them :)
@@KrystleColeArt Boy, is that right! For that matter, we'd go nuts w/o our art! Best of luck!
Very helpful and accurate. I'd only add that I usually work on a soft pastel piece art shows. It draws in those who like to see the process them browse further. I also let interested youngsters have a limited whack at it because it's so easy to wipe off that medium (parents are usually nervous for me lol). You're right about most, not all, commission inquiries walking away. Setting an appointment is a good idea.
#6 - Don't ignore browsers, even if you're busy with someone else. I know it's hard to keep your focus on more than one thing, especially if that thing is trying to close a sale, but people will absolutely bounce immediately from your booth if they feel ignored or that they'd be interrupting you, and you might lose five sales while attempting to wrangle that first person. A corollary is, don't block your booth entrance or table while interacting with a customer. If people can't easily get into your booth they'll absolutely slide right by.
I’ve spoken to so many people who don’t sell a single thing at fairs. This is so useful 👍
Happy to help!
One of the smartest art seller I saw was a dude that everyday displayed a couple of paintings by the entrance of the first class reception room in an international airport. Everyoen that passed by him surely had the money to buy . And he had a sign written "Posted to any place in world".
An option for commissions is to get them to commit by making a small (even $5-10) down payment and scheduling a date/time/location to meet up to get reference material.
makes a lot of sense, I will have my daughter who sells her art works at street festivals watch this video. I went to one fair where an artist was selling great small paintings of comic super heroes starting at $100, that was a bit too much for a very small piece of art.
I see it all the time where artists will be at a street fair selling their art, but having it priced as if there were at a art show. A big note is pricing your art for the people at the event. If you don't want to drop y our prices, perhaps bring smaller pieces that you sell for less. But if you expecting to sell 4" x 6" art to a lot of people at a street fair $200 each you will be very disappointed.
I don’t do art fairs because I am disabled and just can’t manage the art and the booth set up but I think this video was great . You offer so much valuable information. I have a friend that just did an art fair so I’m going to pass this on to him. I’m not sure how well he did so it’ll give me an opportunity to ask him about it. Thank you for posting. I’ll have to check out your other posts.
I’m disabled too, I hire people to help me setup my booth and to assist during the show
Thank-You that was helpful. Even when I'm the one shopping I can't stand items with no prices !
Me either! I don’t like to ask about the price, I’m too shy lol
I must be one of the very few who comes back when I say I'll come back. Granted, when I have no intention of returning and I'm asked if I'll be returning, I give an honest, "Not likely." It might sound brash, but I know that being an artist can be heartbreaking, as the thousands of hours invested in works doesn't always equate into reward. Best to give a definite answer rather than string them along.
you say is being brash, i say honesty is the best policy. no one's hopes get up then ripped away from them.
Ive been at several shows where organizers do not allow you to visually discount items through sales signs, up to actually being dismissed from your spot and not welcome back.
Yes you make a good pint! You must know the show rules, I also do a few shows that don't allow sale signs. But in that case, just verbally tell everyone when they come into your booth that you've got items on sale.
When it comes to commissions; if I am just not interested in doing them right now, I will tell them I do, but I am not taking any right now because I have so many back orders that any new ones are going to be at least six months from now. It gives them the impression that you are in high demand, extremely busy, and gives them more reason to purchase something pre-made because even if they are willing to wait a year for a commission, no one wants to hear it will be that long before you are able to START working with them.
If prices aren’t displayed I won’t even look. If you approach me I’ll leave. If your booth is too enclosed I’ll feel trapped and won’t stay. Don’t ask ‘What are you looking for’, I’m not, I’m just looking, if the price is right and I really like something I’ll buy. Your style might not be what I want. Don’t price too high, I’ll choose to paint or draw something myself.
You are 100% correct about people not following up on commissions from markets. The same thing happened to me.
When I’ve done markets, I’ve had many people inquire about my commissions. I did everything supposedly right as well - give them my business card and provided a QR code to a quick link to my pet portrait commissions. Only asking their name and email.
These same people would talk to me for 10 - 15 minutes straight about their pet. And nothing ever comes from it.
I am not gonna fault them for these behaviors. I feel like markets and events are meant for quick purchases guaranteed a product upfront, like art prints and paintings that are already there. It feeds into the thrill and impulsivity 🤣
Definitely a lesson learned and I recognized where to better spend my energy on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about markets as well!
You're welcome! And thanks for the comments, good to know I'm not the only artist who has experienced this!
And maybe keep your pet at home if its taking away attention from sales
@@lolaadesina5362 lol that was a typo. I fixed it. I wouldn’t take my pet to a market
I have taken business cards, intending to get a commission done, but I've always found that I either forget about it, or never have the money to spare for it because other things take priority so I prefer to buy ready made prints, etc... £20 would also be the highest I would go, and small prints like A5, greeting card and post card size would be what I look for because they are cheaper and I can buy more of them.
Yes, but some people have a budget and may intend to order later. If you have an e business… I think your attitude is kind of off putting , that might be the issue. If you consider people who don’t buy that moment as a waste of energy… that’s lame.
As a customer, I usually do not go to places that I have to pay to get into in order to shop. I think to myself, "why should I pay money to get into a venue I'm planning to spend money at?" If there are no prices listed, I never ask. It feels awkward.
Because venues cost thousands of dollars to rent, and vendors should not be expected to solely shoulder the burden of those fees.
@@heatherr4321why? They do everywhere else. If you want me to part with my money for something I don’t even need you need to do better.
@@PLKinka lmfao, ok you’ve clearly never been to a convention, or Renaissance faire. My bad.
@heatherr4321 but a convention or ren fair is so much more than just the sales booths. Talks, exhibitions, contests, ect. I've been to both of those things without going near the sales booths. The smaller ones are frequently mostly sales tables and booths and as an attendee, I've felt like prey being stalked by hunters. It's uncomfortable when I'm just out on a Saturday to have a fun afternoon with my kid. You're much more likely to get me to open my wallet by connecting with my kid about the event and appealing to his interests. I've been to all these things for 40 years, and at this point am just facilitating my kid having a good experience indulging the nerd side. I don't need anything and have my own favorite artists I prefer to turn to first. But helping the kid pick the perfect spot on his walls to display a new piece of art he found and loves is still a novel experience.
@@ThisIsATireFire I guess you’ve never been to a good one, then 🤷🏻♀️ the faires out where I am all have reputations for having absolutely stellar artisans, who all do quite well, as well as great family entertainment options. “Smaller events” don’t usually charge much in the way of an entrance fee, unless it’s wildly different wherever you are. My point is simply that you can charge an entrance fee and still have literally hundreds of thousands of people come thru the event who are supportive of the artists - both visual and performing - who bring the event to life.
Love the shorter format (long time video lurker) I also think there are some good bits in here that could be shorts too! This chat about detangling shame in our personnel practices is so on point. I like to watch nature for my cues but I’ve always lived in the northern hemisphere and in seasonal conditions. Seeing everyone’s perspective on this is really cool. Thanks for inspiring open minded practices.
I’ve been attending art fairs for over 50 years. Major Shows all over the county along with street fairs. You have to know your market. If you carry smaller items some of the venues you discuss may work. But I have attended shows where the first year was strictly Art and artists did very well. Only to later attend those same shows that took the “carnival “ route and fail miserably. People are out to play with their kids…not buy fine art. Most of my artist friends agree that when people do pay to get into a show the crowds are less but those people are serious about buying artwork. Besides in “ carnival “ shows most turn out to be more like flea markets… with a lot of imported goods passed off as genuine artwork. And if cheap then customers tend to lean towards that as purchases.
And Never cheapen your artwork by putting up sale signs. That only makes people believe they can haggle over your prices. And not only hurts you but your fellow artists.
"those same shows that took the “carnival “ route and fail miserably. People are out to play with their kids…not buy fine art." I have the same exact issue. Some of my worst events have been because the vendors are just kinda there to fill space.
Awesome advice ❤
I’ve been considering selling my art at a consignment shop. I’m finding it difficult to follow through with my thoughts on doing this despite really wanting to try. I think all the money I need to spend to get to that point intimidates me. If it fails I’ve wasted money rather than make money.
I never found much success selling art at consignment shops, and I tried lots in my early career. Most of the time I'd only sell 1 or 2 art prints in a month. You're better off doing small art or craft fairs in your town, even inside ones that allow you just to set up a table.
It's inspiring to see what is possible with some elbow grease. Your booth looks very organised, clean and professional. It's cool to see this behind the scenes content. Onwards !!
Art fairs are hard work, but definitely worth it!
Thanks, I’m participating in an art fair next weekend so this was helpful
Good luck!!
With my glasses off I thought the picture on your shirt was of a koala. I mistook your mic for its nose lol.
😂
Good job. Good information. Thank you1
Good advice. I need to learn a business acumen that is cogent to the appeal of my audience and art.🧑🎨♾️💡
Strange! You've never had a follow-up? I get at least 1 small commission for every 100 business cards. I have different art/clientele though. I really like your video. You have some tips I've never heard anyone else say, like the sale signs to give an edge. Very useful info here.
Thanks! I have had follow-ups and purchases from time to time for commissions, but it is rare and not worth the time wasted talk in a customers in my booth when I could make sales on prints. Maybe it’s just that my market is different, clientele
Great advice, thanks!
Excellent! Thanks for intelligent, thoughtful advice!
Glad it was helpful!
My Husband and I still have the Fox and Lion prints we purchased from you ages ago!
That’s awesome! You know you’re still enjoying them, thanks for the purchase and for watching my video 💕
Really great tips!
Excellent, on point advice!
Hmm I am doing dogshows (we don't have art fares in my country 😢) and sell comissions... it really is very slow as you say. So maby I have to come up with a clever different way to paint dogs, as you do to make direct sales instead of comissionsales. Thank you for that kick in the behind 😊
I sell my art at cat shows. I didn’t talk about that in the video, but you might try those if you have them in your country and you paint cats. Cat people are really into their pets!
I’m a beginner artist. Just started trying out pastels. I love to JumpRope. So I include myself with a dog as my audience (Awwww 🐶) with our mountain backdrop. Good luck to you 👍
@@KrystleColeArt Thank you, I have thought about it but not tried it yet - but I will. I have to paint some more cats first :D
Maybe you can start a new business! Be an art fair coordinator!
Depending on the place and day👍🏼
Great tips! I would add to ask people for their email address. If they don't buy today, there is always a chance they will buy later when they get your email update.
nice work! I like how colorful your work is!
Thanks 😊
Great advice. I subscribed in order to learn more. Thanks.
Thanks for subscribing 🎨👍
You can take deposits on their commissions, give them the money back if they choose not to do it in the future - but they do have to engage you to get their money :)
That would be a great idea for people who don’t need good reference photos. My problem is that people often give me bad photos that I can’t use, if I accepted deposits, I would end up refunding about half of them. It would just be too much work issuing refunds. but maybe this would work for other artists!
@@KrystleColeArt Someone made the great suggestion of booking a commision consultation appointment with someone instead of just giving out a card.
@@KrystleColeArt Bring a stack of envelopes and have them address it so you can send a thank you card or a confirmation of correct address maybe. But when they leave slip their deposit in. Presorted, and now you have one more contact if they follow through.
Not sure it'll work, but worth testing maybe
Helpful Backstory Experience.
I hate asking what the price of things are. I would rather just leave.
Very insightful
Thank you so very much!
You're very welcome!
Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
You’re welcome 😊
2:40 the possum ❤
I have a question about your mesh walls ... when I went to purchase them I watched your video there and noticed that you had a bar at the bottom as well. What is this bar and is it needed to be successful in hanging canvases? Thank you for your ideas and help.
The bar is called a stabar. I think it'd be helpful for you to watch this video, I discuss the stabar and other mesh panel wall options in detail ua-cam.com/video/G57pg0-AsRs/v-deo.html
@@KrystleColeArt Oh thank you very much. I had just book marked your play list to go through them all. That really helped.
Thank you.
How many different sizes of your prints do you have available at your shows? Which size prints do you feel sells best? Thanks!
I found it is best to just have only two sizes of prints at the shows, my 8 x 10 size sells best, my other size is 16 x 20. You might find this playlist helpful. It has a lot of videos about doing art fairs, selling to customers at them, etc. ua-cam.com/play/PL6-RwCzCStOS2biW5LgtAk-Kka1ibXjE0.html
@@KrystleColeArt thank you! Selling my art for the first time in Sept. and trying to prepare. So glad I found you because these videos and your experience has been so helpful.
Novice questions here: Is it OK to make “All sales final” ?and is OK to say purchases must be taken that day (of the fair) and can’t be shipped out? I could understand large paintings possibly needing to be shipped, but what if you really don’t plan for shipping paintings that are not very large or heavy?
I always have the customers take the paintings the day of the show, I rarely ever had anyone ask me to ship anything to them. Usually, they don’t want to do that because they don’t trust you. I know that sounds odd, but they think they’re gonna get scammed if you ship them some thing. I always do all sales are final. I think that’s also expected at an art fair. I have from time to time allowed a person to come back and exchange a print for another one as long as it wasn’t damaged but originals are always all sales are final.
Do you make custom art pieces? If so I’m interested I’ve been a fan since 07!!!
I do but not currently more info and available work on my website 🎨❤️
@ thank you so much I’ll take this as a inspiration to create more.🙏🏻❤️
Thanks for the wise words Krystle!
You’re welcome!
Yes, I priced a piece once and I thought it was expensive and a guy did not blink when I told him the price.. no your worth people 🙏🏾
When you say "only" 10000 visitors....the events i have attended have had maybe 700 visitors and that felt like alot😂But i live in Sweden and i guess all things are bigger in the US where I guess you live😁😃
10k visitors is still a lot. Those bigger numbers are for well-established annual events, festivals, or comic/anime conventions. You can do decent here even with 700 visitors. But it's going to be more like 'I'm paying a couple bills this month!" money (if the shows isn't a failure) vs. "I'm making so much bank!" income. I'm guessing it's more like "to her" it's not worth her time to do smaller shows, which is still valid.
I was thinking the same thing. Like how much is she paying to be at events with that many attendees??
What type of information does one put on their web site? I am very new at this. Please and thank you
I made a video about art websites, I think it will help. You might have other questions, but it will be a start. ua-cam.com/video/j1_BFpYwUC8/v-deo.htmlsi=u5Hcvi5-38TcFLwH
You should NEVER drop your prices to compete with someone selling similar work at a show.
What are you going to do if they then drop their prices further? If someone really likes a piece of art they will probably buy it - you can always spot someone hanging around a piece deliberating. Nothing to stop you taklking to them and negotiating a special one off price to seal the deal.
Just blanket dropping prices is smacks of desperation or your artwork simply isn't good enough for the price tag.
Well I guess we will agree to disagree. Because that's not what I've experienced. Running a sale is just fine if the show is slow, in fact I've had running a sale completely turn things around for me. I've never had competitor lower their prices to match my sale at the same show. I've done hundreds of art fairs over the last 10 years of my career. I've suffered no negatives from running sales, only making more money than I would've otherwise.
@@KrystleColeArt If you lower your price you do not make more money - you may produce more turnover.
Depends how desperate you are I suppose.
This comes from someone with 25 years experience in corporate sales to professional buyers and a further 15 years on top of that selling to the public :)
what I say is.... no price... no buy.
Attendance In Germany is 600-1000 max per day, there are only 4-6 shows in the whole country with 10-30.000 visitors. Uff
Could you ask for contact information for any potential commissions rather than leave it to them to contact you?
I have tried that, one show I collected around 200 email addresses of people who wanted commissions. This took a lot of time and effort to do so, took time out of making sales from other people. I emailed them all multiple times and never sold a thing. After that, I decided to quit collecting email addresses, it was a waste of my time. Other artists might have different results, but that’s what I experienced anyway.
I have a sign up sheet ready to collect info but I also like her idea of offering in their house consultations.
Heh, I don't put price tags. I put the hours spent. I've gotten cars, buckets of honey, comicbook collections, all sorts of fun and interesting things. Cash too. I like it better this way. If someone gets joy from my work and really wants it, they can have it, especially if they can't afford it.
Yeah, I refuse to do commissions unless it's for a friend. I'll do caricatures when I'm bored. But that's as far as I go.
This, this is my style. I've bartered services before but am getting into handcrafting and thinking for the first time about selling products, and I'd thought about including hours worked on each item when I put them on my site or something, but you just cemented that decision for me by reminding me that I can invite barter offers! Suits my life well, and suits my values. I hate gatekeeping ANYTHING with a financial barrier, even something that's purely unnecessary/a luxury. Thanks for inspiring me about this!
A commission down-payment seems like a good idea.
The most obvious thing that happens when "potential" clients don't follow up with your business card is called life. Life happens to all of us, and we forget where we've been in our run for the next important thing.
So yes, I agree with trying to make a sale on the spot.
i wanted to click the second video at the end but it immediately cut to an ad before i could get to it.
No worries, here’s the link ua-cam.com/video/pDx7cx5Zn6A/v-deo.htmlsi=XREvYHmkyGmfExJG
💚💚💚
this is genuinely intuitive, intelligent and experienced advice. i really love that you do these, and hope that others can learn from your insight to improve their livelihood and continue to share what they love...
respect, for what you're doing. i love you 💚
Thanks for such a positive comment! Much appreciated. Hope you're having a beautiful day :)
💗
Yo mention "everything looks similar" to being bad. Not sure what you mean. Size? Sure, that makes sense. But "style"? Gotta paint what we paint. There's a good chance we have a signature 'style'. Are you recommending artists develop different styles for purposes of sales? Your booths seem to have a cohesive style, yes? Or are you just thinking size and price point, canvas and paper, etc.?
I think there's a difference between having a style as an artist and having everything look the same in your booth. I could do a video on this to show different examples, but you want your booth to have wow factor, if it looks boring to a person walking by, they probably won't even come inside ... that's the main idea I was saying.
And yes, you should develop a style for the purposes of sales. I honestly think everything you make should be with the idea of sales in mind ahead of time. Other artists will probably disagree with this, but I think if you are trying to be an artist who sells your work for a living, you need to think about that at the inception of making a piece. Will someone want to buy this? If so, make it. If you can't think of a person who would want to buy it, make something else! Otherwise, just make art as a hobby, and then don't worry about it if someone will buy it or not. Art is fun either way :)
THOUSANDS of people? The shows around here would be lucky to crack 300 people. No wonder nothing is moving. Nobody comes to these shows and the people who DO come don't want to spend any money.
This video will help you find some better shows ua-cam.com/video/2Ie9Hvyx2Y4/v-deo.htmlsi=sWWckI6hOmRb25Dp
i have only had 2 emails for commisisons
I'm reading all these comments and it's like
who cares how you look? if you have to ask and you can't afford it, you can't afford it.
just tell the artist it's out of your budget, and you're sorry. honesty is appreciated, trust me.
y'all avoid asking because you're still growing up, bless your hearts.
you don't want to look bad, but listen, is that artist ever going to see you again? no? so then who the hell cares, BESIDES YOU? lmao
edit: Do you know how many people turn down an artists work? you're not the only one looking "bad" you're not special 😂
all of these comments remind me of growing up when my mom would make me order my own food instead of doing it for me when I finally became old enough to do stuff for myself.
you guys want mom to get your paintings for you 😂
Everybody has a different way they like to purchase art, some people ask the price even if it’s listed. But I think it’s important to have a price tag on there so that if there is someone who doesn’t want to ask, they can see it.
Wow, your mom raised a real a-hole 🚩🚩🚩
How have you not aged in the last 10 years?
Thank you, I feel like I’ve got a lot older lol
They have good gene, or they take care of themselves so much better than people who smoke, drink, do drugs, or sunbath. The only difference is the feeling. We feel a bit old in our physical body though we look the exactly same for 40 years. 😅
@@deliamak Oh you sweet summer child...
Their Sims player probably has aging turned off.
Age 50 is when the fun really begins 😅
that's your fault. you should be getting their emails and putting them through an email sequence. plus in order to get your 40% off they should write their email on a coupon, then hand it to you. email is the most powerful tool for any business. you can tell people where you will be also
people say email should be a powerful tool in their business, but the reality for an artist is that most times people don’t even open the emails. I have 5000 people on my email list and I can send out emails with 25% off coupons or buy one get one free, and not make a single sale. My open rates are like 20% , my click rate on links are 1%. If you take all that into consideration, the time it takes to get peoples emails at an art fair, then have maybe one out of 100 even click on the link in the email. You are just wasting your time and missing sales because you’re talking to people to get the email rather than talking to people to get sales.
Emails now are like door flyers in the mid-90s. Annoyingly everywhere but no one actually reads them. I don't click on an ad email, even if I subscribed myself, unless I'm already in the mood to buy something. Period. Every day I've got adverts piling up, unseen.
Getting them on your social media makes way more sense. People actually look at that. They enjoy what they see and get excited to have one of their own.