I have been steadily trying to push my art into the world for the past 8 months now. Like any fresh artist it can take a lot of trial and error to figure out where we belong. Hopefully, we've already figured that part out. We should know our style, aesthetic, target market, and our price points by now. The tricky part lies in finding what market works best for our art and ourselves as well. After all, if you hate craft fairs...why try to get into one?
My experience may not be much, but I have deemed these past few months alone worthy of a good article. One that can hopefully offer some guidance, sound advice, and if nothing else a few good stories.
Spring was coming and I had all winter to work in my studio. The Fulton St. Market was being rebuilt and it was almost finished. New information was posted about the Artisan's Market and I signed on! I thought to myself "this is going to be so exciting! My FIRST market!". I was looking forward to talking with people, getting out in the fresh summer air, and more importantly making some profit! Not knowing what to expect, I made as much jewelry as I could in a reasonable price range from $40-$100.
My first day at the market I see a wide range of...crafts. A vast majority being a hot mess of glue, beads, and yarn. I kind of chuckle to myself when I see the stringers and the "granny crafts" as one charming lady put it. A small percentage of the mix were good quality craft and art. Some of them I recognized from the art department at Grand Valley.
The people came in and it was bustling, but no bites. That's okay, I received a ton of compliments. People know where to find me if they want to buy anything later on down the road...
Later on down the road of summer...nothing.
I did however receive a lot of "advice" from people. One guy argued with me telling me I had to make more stuff to fill up my 8ft. table. To which I replied that my art takes a long time to make and that I am very meticulous with my work.
"Well, then make stuff that doesn't take so long!"
"Sir, as an artist I cannot respectfully do th-----
"Well, I'm an artist too!"
Resisting every urge to tell the guy to go f**k himself, I just kind of nod and smile.
Another guy mentioned that I should make my pins more multifunctional by placing a hoop on them in case someone wanted to turn it into a pendant. Luckily I was wearing the jeweled pin that I made for my mom, which ironically I designed so that it could easily be put on a chain if she wanted. I took my pin off and nicely pointed this functionality out to him. Yep. Been there, thought of that, and if I wanted to do it with this specific pin, I would have.
Needless to say, my tensions were running high all summer long with peoples attitudes and "superior knowledge". One of the greatest attributes I learned from my dad, however, was to always treat customers with respect and stay positive. I never once strayed from this because I understand that I don't ever want to appear haughty or arrogant. It's one of those bad qualities that can sprout from getting a degree from a 4 year institution.
Well the summer was a bust. 9 Sundays at the market and only sold 2 pairs of earrings to people that weren't family. It wasn't a terrible market though. Lot's of people had pretty good luck, even a few people sold out of their stuff. It just wasn't a market for me.
The rest of the summer was spent sending images to online call-for-entries. I managed to spark a lot of interest with the "behind the brooch" stuff. One lady was interested in publishing a book with my wing brooch.
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Art Jewelry Magazine was doing something with the back of brooches as well and had me mail in this piece:
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Then the sign up came for the 24th annual UICA Holiday Artists Market. I was nervous and wondering with the defeat of summer on my back if this would even be worth the $40 entry fee. I apply anyways and end up getting a spot. My enthusiasm was still subdued thinking it was going to go the same route as Fulton St. but at least I would be near fellow artists.
I'm in my studio coming up with more designs and earrings that are in a much lower price range but still really unique. In the end I came up with pebble earrings:
But when the market opened up and people flooded in, it wasn't the less expensive items they were flocking to. Right off the bat I sold a cuff. Then another cuff. Michigan pins! I did sell some of the pebble earrings too.
This was exciting...and unexpected.
I also found that I could much more easily talk to the people who showed up as well. They expected deft hands and a creative mind. It was art they wanted. Many people who looked at my work understood what went into them. I would tell them stories about why I work with metal and fabric. We talked about the materials and what it appears to look like. It was great talking to these people!
I received a lot of positive feedback! One man was a machinist and was impressed with the rivets. Even after the market was over, I received a couple e-mails complimenting me not only on my work but also on my attitude. People really appreciated how I didn't come across as an "art snob" and how I took the time to talk with people about anything.
The lessons I learned were many, but these are really the core:
1. Check out the market first before signing up. Look at the artists and what they are selling. At the very least, try to talk to artists that have done that particular market in the past.
2. Always be respectful, friendly, and answer questions. It may not pay off now, but it will pay off later. People can spot the snobs, they can also spot good work.
3. Check magazines for any call-for-entries or possible shows. May not sell anything, but it's always nice to get your work out there.
Slowly, but surely I will find enough niches to keep me busy and hopefully turn this into a full-time career.
