Love visiting art fairs, but feel apprehensive about if it’s the right fit for you?

Crista Cloutier, Founder of The Working Artist, realized that a lot of the artists she works with were interested in participating in art fairs, but felt intimidated by the process.

Crista has exhibited at dozens of art fairs as an art dealer, spoken at art fairs and festivals throughout the country, serves as an art fair juror, and helped to create a popular Latino art fair.

After spending a year researching art fairs and speaking with career artists and art fair organizers about the steps for success, she believes that having the right information will help artists make a confident decision and feel prepared when they make the leap.

 

Here are Crista's top 10 tips for art fairs:

 

1.

Put the research first. Preparation will be your best friend and you honestly can’t plan too much.

 

2.

Follow instructions. Artists are known for breaking the rules, but the place to break them is in your work, not in your professional submissions.

 

3.

Get organized and create a system to make sure all the details are covered.

 

4.

Pay attention to your brand when you exhibit. All materials should be created with your brand in mind. It’s all about consistency and authenticity.

 

5.

Don’t overhang your booth! Art fairs are overwhelming enough.

 

6.

Art fairs are an excellent investment, but you have to think long term. Don’t invest everything you have in one art fair, there are too many variables outside of your control.

 

7.

Promote your booth before and during the fair. Be sure to let people know where to find you. Share your excitement with your audience!

 

8.

Be sure to follow up on your leads because the best sales often happen after the fair.

 

9.

Stay positive, even when things don’t appear to be going your way.

 

10.

Remember that art fairs are a powerful way to build relationships—both with an audience and with other artists.

 

Want to go deeper?

Art Fair Essentials is for artists who are serious about their art and willing to invest the work to get it out there. This online course helps artists get organized and save both time and money by learning what’s necessary before making an investment—not after.

Get a comprehensive and honest look at how art fairs and festivals really work.

Ever wondered where to find the best fairs? How to know which art fairs are right for you?  What’s the difference between a juried and non-juried show? How to nail an application?

You can get the answers to all of those questions in addition to learning the best practices for preparing for an art fair, tips for booth displays, insider tips for interacting effortlessly with visitors and promotional practices in Crista’s new Art Fair Essentials course. Plus, get hours of exclusive interviews with professional artists and art world insiders who understand the fair and festival circuit.

The best part? She is offering $100 off the workshop when you sign up through this link and use the code ARTFAIRS.