My Recent Experiences from Pop Ups
As an artist some of the biggest challenges doesn't start and end in the creative stage. Some of the hardest parts lay in displaying and bringing your beloved creations into the public eye. This is one of the toughest things I've faced as an artist. In this short blog I will describe my experiences and highlight some hiccups that came along the way. When you're ready to take the leap to sign up for a vendor show, youll have a little perspective and some tips.
Over this weekend I had my first Friday evening experience displaying my art work on Mass Ave in Indianapolis, Indiana in front of a boutique Boomerang BTQ”. Setting up my display was a challenge because I was attempting to fit an 8 foot table display into a six foot space. Not once did I think to limit what I put on display.
Tip number one: You don't have to put everything you have on display.
After setting everything up, the next challenge was how to attract people. Bringing people in with conversation proved to be a challenge. I've worked in retail before and I had no problem approaching potential customers and guiding them to their desired products, but this was different. I wasn't in a store setting so in my mind everything shifted from helping to self doubt. Was I interrupting someone else's life to push myself and my art onto them? This definitely made me more nervous and shy.
Tip number two: Relax and remember it's about people not sales. Sometimes God wants to interrupt each other's life to encourage or brighten someone's day.
After the first two hours I found more and more people just wanting to talk and admire my work. It was fun to talk about my process and motivation however I made a terrible mistake. I did not offer any of the interested potential future art collectors my business card or a take away.
Tip number three: Keep business cards in your pocket and offer them to anyone who seems interested in your work!
(Creating a take away is also a way to be remembered from a pop up. One year I created paper roses and had my business cards attached to the stem. Be creative with it and have fun)
My second show was at the” Farmhouse Market” in Mooresville, Indiana. The people at the Farmhouse Market were so great, friendly, and helpful. This event was an outdoor pop up market so it was time to get out the tent. It was a challenge to have two shows back to back. The benefit was that I had worked through my awkwardness the previous night so I wasn't as nervous this time. I was also sharing my booth with my aunt Brenda with “Naturally You Designs”.
Tip number four: Don't be afraid to book shows back to back. Not only will your confidence snowball into the next event, everything is also already packed and ready to go.
The biggest challenge I faced at the “Farmhouse Market” event was the wind. The weather prediction was rain which I was prepared for. I wasn't prepared for the winds taking my art prints on display to the ground. Luckily my packaging protected my work. I was once again lucky enough to have found an outdoor dog leash and three bungee cords. My aunt and I used the bungee cords to secure the tent to the tables. The dog leash, with a little patience, I attached to the stands holding my art prints and to the shelving display unit. (I use a folding shoe rack as shelving.) I had brought extra baskets to put art prints in as well.
Tip number five: Be flexible and prepared. Always bring string, cords, baskets, hooks and tape! You never know when you might have to get creative with your display.
After getting everything safely secured the rest was pretty fun and stress free. It's great sharing your booth or bringing someone with you so that you can visit other vendor booths. This is a great way to meet new creative people, exchange information and form supportive connections. You may find some of the same people at other events. Remember, you aren't competing with each other vendors. Without them there wouldnt be an event. Don't be afraid to leave your booth. Keep in mind you'll find some awesome stuff too. My advice to avoid over spending is to leave your money at your booth or budget a set amount that you are willing to spend at each event. To keep costs down and profits high leave your wallet behind and pack food and drinks.
Tip number six: Socialize and support other vendors. Keep in mind there's other ways to provide support other than money. You can follow and be active on their social media accounts.
Bonus tip: Pack food and drinks especially for all day markets.
Tip number seven: Sales should not be the only goal for selling your art.
Overall, for me these markets were a learning experiences and thats valuable! If I'm going to be honest I didn't make as many sales as I wanted to. The end goal is to get sales but it shouldn't be our only goal. As creatives, remember we create and sell are artwork for the joy it brings to others. We will find our niche and gain supportive followers by investing and valuing the relationship before the sale.
That's all I have for now. I hope you find these tips helpful. Try one or two of them out at your next event. If you have any tips of your own comment them below. I would love to hear insight from you.
