ACE Newsletter

INDOOR ART SHOWS (Part 2)

by M Theresa Brown

In Part 1 of Art Shows we talked about Selecting Your Art Show, and  covered the basics of selecting an art show, indoor, outdoor plus juried vs non-juried.
In this section we'll cover getting ready for the indoor shows.

Indoor Shows:
Most booth spaces at indoor shows fall into a basic 10 x 10 size where you will have a vendor on either side of you.  With these spaces you will have either a high curtained rear wall and two 3 ft sidewalls (separating you from the other vendors) OR at some shows you can occupy your space with three  high walls.  Most shows will not allow a height of over 6 feet and that's the standard height all art/craft show screen manufacturers make their wall panels. All of the wall screens/panels allow height adjustment for those outdoor shows!  So depending on your show situation, bring enough panels to showcase your work.

Remember: If your work is designed to be displayed on the wall-hang it up (don't lay it down on tables)  What you sell will also determine your booth DESIGN. Be creative and functional. More at the end!
What else? Depending on what it is that you do, it can vary. But the basic are:

• Lights for your booth! Use nice clip on or swing arm (we have both) lights preferably with the new fluorescent screw in bulbs (you won't blow a circuit) Bring at the very least, 6 lights to shine onto your artwork and at least 1 table light
• Tables  Your 10 x 10 spot needs to be inviting and not overcrowded. If you have hanging displays mainly (paintings, photos, wall art) you only need one 6' table to display your guestbook, business cards,  portfolios (of other work) It is not advisable to plop your table across the front of your booth unless you are selling jewelry, etc. In those cases you do not want to be all the way back in your booth but at least  half way to the front. You will also use the table to store boxes, etc under so have:
• Table covering

Our Guest Book. There is only room for two entries on each page. We want enough room to get all the information and be able to read it afterwards.

• Guestbook and pens
• Business cards and holders
• Portfolios of other work
• Have a small bowl with mints in it
• Screen covers or hooks that you might need
• A  supply box with all those little things such as tape, scissors, extra pens, markers, paper clips, hangers, small hammer, duster, small broom, extra light bulbs, duct tape, extension cords, screwdriver...make your list ahead of time! BE prepared for all those little emergencies
• Personal stuff such as any medications, aspirin, breath mints, etc.
• Small cooler with your water and soft drinks or whatever-saves money!
• Food. Bring snacks and sandwiches. Shows are expensive!
• FAN-if it's hot weather
• Flooring-a rug (duct tapes edges!), clip together flooring, etc.
• Director chair- If you sit at all, it needs to be eye level height!
• Easel-An extra easel to display can be very useful. If you plan on sitting and working, bring a working easel and whatever art supplies you will need. Make a complete list!
• Print Rack-Invaluable if you sell prints
• SIGNS! Don't ever assume that what you create is obvious! Many shows have small generic signs to hang on your back wall. That's not enough. We also have some banner signs to use both indoor and outdoor as well as some sandwich "A" frame signs.

 
No, Steve doesn't stand around the booth like this when the show is open.

• Enough work to fill your booth!

Our downloadable presentation on "Representing Yourself" has all the ins and outs of language, dress, speech, etc. but the above are the basics that you will need for an indoor show.  From there, you can adapt the list to your specific art product!

Booth Design for Indoor Shows

   
Think of your booth space as a stage setting.

It may very well be worth taking a box and making a model to scale! 
Many companies that sell art and craft show tents, booths, panels, shelves, walls, etc have great design ideas on their websites so check those out as well. Once you have attended a show, you will get a feel for what catches your eye or those of a customer!   But think SMART! What is it you are selling? And how can you best showcase it using a 10 x 10 space with three 6 foot walls?
 
If you are selling pottery, for instance, you need shelving of course. Maybe you can use  something like a mantle on one wall? (this works for "over the mantle" art, too)  You don't want to display anything too far below eye level. What if it is outdoor pottery? Then bring in some outdoor plants to set the stage. 
Think about WHAT you are selling and take the time and make the effort to attend shows and see what other artists are doing to enhance their booths. The ones that are selling will be the ones who have put some effort and thought into the whole package!

Keep your background colors neutral, signs legible and professional.
Have a place for your guestbook, business cards, and any additional information. Make sure that your booth design makes it easy for passersby to know exactly what it is you are selling!  Need theme music? Keep it pertinent and low volume.

The bottom line on indoor booth design is that you want to have an open, inviting booth that shows people what you sell and encourages them to come in and browse. 
What to say to clients and how to say it are covered in our 2 hour audio, "Representing Yourself." However, be professional. Do not sleep, eat, read a book, talk on the phone, engage in private conversations or otherwise make your booth seem like a private place where prospective clients do not feel comfortable coming in to shop! 

Outdoor booths are a whole new ballgame and will be covered in a separate article.

Until later,
Theresa and Steve

The audio book version of Single Mom's Guide to Making Money as an Artist is now available. The Single Mom's Guide cuts through all the "art school" and "artist with a capital A" mentality that keeps artists from making a living with their art and gets down to helping those who have the skills but not the know how to better their lives in a real and pragmatic way

This 2 CD set includes the audio book read by the author, Theresa and the entire e-book. We also include the ebook as an instant download when you buy online...

First of all, thank you for your ebook regarding single artistic moms. I breathed a sigh of relief that there are others out there in the struggle like myself. I remember some time ago doing a similar search for this kind of advice and did not come up with anything. I know timing is everything and that God wanted me to read that, so I'm really excited to have found you, this wonderful book and your website. -K Frimel OH