Craft Shows
In addition to the online marketing I do, I also participate in annual shows like Quail Hollow, the Country Living Magazine Fair, as well as other Stella Management and Artrider venues. They offer larger-scale events that draw equally large crowds. They’re a decent source of income, plus I get to display my work, meet a lot of people, and pass out collateral that usually generates a few call-backs later on (“I met you at Country Living last month, and was wondering if you could make something for my entryway…”).
I also commit to one or two smaller, local craft and horse shows each year, just to stay grounded and connected with the community (plus it gets me out of my studio for a day or two). It’s an opportunity to meet local business owners, get my work in front of them, and answer their questions directly, which sometimes leads to larger contract jobs down the road. They’re wonderful to work with and are very committed to supporting a local artist like me, particularly because I use regionally-sourced materials. I sell on consignment in a few other shops in my area (NY, NJ, MA, and CT), and I met nearly all of their owners at various craft shows.
The more you diversify, the more opportunities you’ll find, and more will find you. I’ve been featured in local, national, and international magazines as a result of my efforts.
In addition to the online marketing I do, I also participate in annual shows like Quail Hollow, the Country Living Magazine Fair, as well as other Stella Management and Artrider venues. They offer larger-scale events that draw equally large crowds. They’re a decent source of income, plus I get to display my work, meet a lot of people and pass out collateral that usually generates a few call-backs later on (“I met you at Country Living last month, and was wondering if you could make something for my entryway…”).
I’ll also commit to one or two smaller, local craft and horse shows each year, just to stay grounded and connected with the community (plus it gets me out of my studio for a day or two). It’s an opportunity to meet area business owners, get my work in front of them and answer their questions directly, which sometimes leads to larger contract jobs with them down the road. They’re wonderful to work with and are very committed to supporting a local artist like me, particularly because I use regionally-sourced materials. I sell on consignment in a few other shops in my area (NY, NJ, MA, and CT), and I met nearly all of their owners at various craft shows.
The more you diversify, the more opportunities you’ll find, and more will find you. I’ve been featured in local, national and international magazines as a result of my efforts.
24 FEATURED SELLER | OCTOBER DESIGN
Photo by Lynette Scoles