Art Fairs?

[Michael Georges]

Also Karin:

One thing I have learned this summer of shows is:

Don't split your message.

People come into your booth and you have to have everything completely oriented to selling the art that is in the booth. Don't split your message by displaying work that is a different subject make your booth consistent - all outdoor subjects, all figures, all landscapes, all still life, all portraits, etc.

The public comes into your booth and looks around. They need a buy me signal in 3 seconds or they will leave. Nothing should interfere with that signal. I started the summer out with portraiture on one side (seeking commissions) and still life and landscape on the other. It did not work. They came in and saw portraits, turned around and saw still life and landscape and their little brains just fizzled. People want to put you into a little box. I was "the portrait guy" and the buy signal never comes for the still life and landscapes. I did get one or two commissions, but it was not enough to keep me doing the shows.

So, make your booth floor to ceiling one type of work if you want to maximize the "buy me" message and sell more work.