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Selling your prints at an art fair


6 years 6 months ago #549418 by Ruby Grace
Can I get your opinion on something?  I've been asked by a friend who is organizing a new art fair.  She wants me to sell some of my prints at a local reoccurring art fair that will take place every Saturday morning.   I'm always interested in ways to get my name out there and earn $$.  

The only caveat here is whether this will reduce value to my craft by selling them at an art fair?  

Can I get your honest thoughts on that please?  
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 17-40mmL, 24-105mmL, 100-400mmL, 300mm f/4L IS, Sigma 12-24mm, 430EX, Extension tubes
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6 years 6 months ago #549460 by Bryston3bsst

Ruby Grace wrote: The only caveat here is whether this will reduce value to my craft by selling them at an art fair?  

Can I get your honest thoughts on that please?  


What exactly does 'reduce value to my craft' mean? Do you feel these fairs cheapen the art of photography?

I wouldn't give that a thought. I think it would be fun, not to mention you might pick up a few bucks. Add to the the exposure.....it could be a good thing.

The downside to selling at these fairs is that you have to have product on hand. So you have to invest in printing and framing ahead of time. Then, afterward, you have stuff left if it doesn't sell. However, if this is a recurring gig that would be less of a problem.

Give it a go.
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6 years 6 months ago #549469 by garyrhook
What he said, above.

Unless there's some limit on pricing, you should be able to sell your work at whatever price you like. If you want to discount it, price everything as normal, and then have a "show special" where you knock off some percentage or such. (Just an idea.)

But you should really price your work where it belongs, and not a penny less, without intention.

That said, if you want to sell work at an art fair, you likely need to have one of two strategies:

1) Work that is likely to create an emotional connection with the viewer. Things related to the local area that may spark a memory, that are historical, etc. For example, there is a photographer in this area who exhibits images of Scotland at local celtic festivals. The images are, *ahem*, "okay" but nothing amazing in any obvious respect. But he sells canvases and prints, and most do well enough.

2) Images that have no specific connotation, wherein your viewer can create their own story and/or attach their own significance to the print. Think everything from pretty landscapes/seascapes and flowers on cards up to modestly sized prints. Or whatever theme is "you" and represents you as an artist.

All said, I've been told that context is important. If the images aren't somehow relevant to the viewer at that time, you'll be unlikely to make a sale.

IMO.
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6 years 6 months ago #549485 by Joves
:agree:
The only thing that I can see devaluing your work is selling it too cheap, and losing money in the deal. We have a guy here who sells his photos at the local farmers market. His is a lot of zoo stuff, and some fauna shots. The zoo animals seem to sell really well for him.
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6 years 6 months ago #549491 by effron
Yeah, especially if you have local landscapes, or landmark type stuff...things people feel connected to will often sell well at art fairs.....
Why so serious?
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6 years 6 months ago #549516 by Ted Baker
If you had a name brand like Peter Lik, then yes that might be a thing.  However sell your prints where you can and built a brand first.  Then worry about where you sell things when you are in high demand. 
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6 years 6 months ago #549674 by icepics
Art fairs and craft shows etc. in my area are usually annual. There are farmers' markets weekly (in season) where people sell arts & crafts which seem often to be seasonal - gifts, ornaments, decorations, or foods/desserts, candles etc. or other consumables.

I haven't set up to sell at a craft fair but have done submissions to juried exhibits to hang in a display. I went to local shows to see how photos/prints were priced and looked at ones online to see pricing for past shows before I did submissions.

If you live in a touristy area there would probably be new customers all the time. If not, I'm not sure how many new people would see and buy your photos every week. Maybe ask questions and find out more, or wait til it gets going and go see what seems to be selling. Or maybe try it on a week by week basis? before getting into too much of a commitment. As someone said, there will be the cost of printing, matting, framing or getting photos on products upfront.
Sharon
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6 years 6 months ago #549682 by Stanly
As long as you aren't compromising your sale price goals, sell your work where ever you can.  Including the art fair!  
Nikon Z6 | Nikon FM10 | Nikon D80 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR | 35-105mm f/3.5 Macro | 80-200mm f/4.5 | SB600 | Pocket Wizard II
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6 years 6 months ago #549818 by Roman Omell
:agree:   
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