Display

Preplan how you are going to display your work. Consider props, along with an extra tablecloths or runners to display your work on. Set up differently than at your last show. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking like you are showing “the same old’ thing as last time”. If you are in your garage or courtyard, make it your gallery. Bring our some of your rugs, chairs, plants. It will really help you showcase your work. If you have a way to play music, that sets a nice tone.

Pictures of Other Work

Especially if you do commission work. Consider having pictures of work from prior shows. Perhaps a slideshow on an ipad or your phone.

Money

Have enough cash to make change for any purchases. Have a cash box or purse with a shoulder strap or a fanny pack. Using a purse or fanny pack allows one to get up and walk around and interact with customers without concern for leaving a cash box unattended. Consider having someway to take credit card payments, or use Venmo or PayPal. If you have never operated your credit card reader device, do some practice transactions beforehand. There is a knack to be able to swipe that card and it may be awkward practicing on a customer.

Business cards & artist bio

People love to read artist bios. If you have one, bring it. If not, think about writing one.

Pricing

Have each piece clearly marked – many people hate to ask and won’t. Round numbers are easier to deal with, and to give change. Have and know your pricing strategy in your head. Eg: 2D work may be based on size + the cost of framing, if any.

Jewelry may be priced at x times the cost of materials. Some pieces may be based on the amount of time it takes. It does not matter what it is, as long as you, the artist, know what it is, and you stick to it.

Emotional pricing seldom works because art is so subjective. Decide in advance if you give discounts to friends.

Then have a clear definition of friends…. It may be different than an acquaintance…. Anyways, have that figured out mentally so you know how you will respond when someone asks. As for your response, consider your other buyers – how would they like it if you were selling similar pieces at a discounted rate when they did not get a discount. This is different than having a sale. An artist may choose to have a sale price on some pieces at a show. Maybe they are earlier works. Maybe they no longer “fit” into what the artist is currently doing. It is fine to have a sale on some items.

Chairs

Consider ditching the chair, wear comfortable shoes and get up and engage in conversation with prospective buyers. If they don’t care for what you have, refer them to another artist at the show. To do that, become familiar with what other artists have to offer. They will do the same to you. It all works out.

Food and drink

Pre-pack a sandwich or other food / drink – it can be a long day.

Stories

Have a 30 second pitch about you and your art. If this is new to you, practice it.
Have some stories about your art.

Office Supplies you may need

Scotch Tape, paper, pencil, pen, receipt book, cell phone, calculator, Square, name tag.

Name tag

Wear one! Use one that you have – newcomers, women’s club, wine club or make one. Let people know your name.

Prepare early

If you have a lot of things to show, do your set up a day or two before the show.

Above all, HAVE FUN!

Meet some new people and enjoy the weekend.

Please also check our Art Walk FAQ Page for more information

Still have questions?
Please use the Use the Community TALK Forum to post questions or contact us form on the site