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Artist's Check List

Early Preparation

Business Cards

Print Material

  • Artist's Statement
  • CV (resume)
  • Biography
  • Your own postcards
  • Portfolio
  • Business cards - people seem to like to pick these up more than the larger show cards (see above for printers) and you can include your booth number on them
  • Postcards - leave pace to insert addresses and/or "custom" information such as your booth number

Mailing List

  • Sen out our/your postcards and evite to your mailing list
  • Get a blank signup book to collect new addresses and emails for future use
  • Try to make it attractive - include images, links to the show site and your show it - and make sure to proofread!!!
  • Put columns in your guestbook - name, email, comments - so people know what you'd like them to include and where to put it

Spread the Word

  • Link us on your website
  • Carry our postcards everywhere
  • Send out your own press release
  • Tap into your peer groups: the gym, work, spouses, friends, church, book club
  • Include a map/directions to your location on your website/emails/mail

Pricing

  • Research by talking to other artists & visiting galleries
  • Make it appropriate to your work and the setting; consider a variety of price points for every pocket
  • Bring a receipt book
  • Bring red dots if delivering later - but be careful of editioned work as you may need to let people know additional copies are available
  • Are taxes over or included?
  • Do you do discounts on multiple sales?
  • A useful reference for pricing your work is Artist Survival Skills - How to Make a Living As a Canadian Visual Artist by Chris Tyrell

Preparation

  • Plan your setup and test it out if you can - make sure everything is sturdy and secure
  • Make sure your setup allows for a clear view from outside your tent and easy access
  • Will coloured booth fabric enhance or detract from the display of your work?

The Talk

  • Are you interested in doing commissions?
  • Know your story: 1 minute, 5-10 minutes
  • Attitude - total optimism all the way!
  • Decide on a courteous "out" for people who want to talk technique
  • How will you handle people who want to photograph your work?
  • People who want a deal/or to haggle over the price?
  • How to handle (or choke) people who criticize your work...
  • How to respond when people ask "What are you trying to say with your work?"
  • Keep upbeat and attentive - leave the book/laptop/ipod/newspaper in the bag

Setup

  • Tents - rain or shine event!
  • Be aware of weather changes - wind, sun, etc.
  • Bring materials to display work that is secure
  • Backup pieces in case you make lots of sales
  • Packaging in case collector wants to take piece home or arrange for delivery later
  • Chairs, tables, hanging devices, signage (your name), pens

For those in Retail Locations

  • Make close contact with your site host and make notes as to exactly where, how, and when you may hang your art
  • You may want to sketch it out for each of you to understand
  • Is there a chair you can sit on or do you need to bring your own?
  • Is there anything special to know about your site?
  • PLEASE return your site to its original condition
  • PLEASE say thank you to your host at the end

Support and Comfort

  • Consider having someone to sit with you
  • Bring money for food and drink
  • Hat, sun block, cell phone, water/snacks, and clothing for all weather

Final Preparation

Promotion

  • 2 weeks prior, mail out postcards
  • Make sure you indicate your site and location
  • 1 week prior, send out evites
  • Remind your guests that they can pick up a catalog in NOW Magazine

Money Exchange

  • Float/cash
  • Do you accept checks?
  • VISA/MC (you may need to set this up earlier)
  • Send evite again the Friday before the RAW
  • Get a good night's sleep!

After the Show

  • Send emails/mail to the people in your guestbook and thank them for attending - let them know what's coming up and any other pertinent information
  • Take time to evaluate how it went and what you'd keep/improve for the next one
  • Deliver your sold items prompty!

Helpful Hints

  • Feel free to approach people - they are there to see your work but might not be comfortable starting a conversation
  • Offer up some interesting info on your work: how you handle your medium, your inspiration, the location, future ideas, etc.
  • Our visitors enjoy hearing from you on a personal level!