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The true cost of art.
I just returned from Florida where I attended two art festivals with my textile art: Mount Dora Arts Festival near Orlando and Coconut Grove Arts Festival in Miami. Both festivals are very popular, highly rated, juried events, and I was honored to be accepted!
Last year I attended one art festival in Florida (Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival) and it went reasonably well. I learned a lot, sold a moderate amount for being a new artist, and gained many new friends and followers. My next step was to try two in a row to make the most out of my travel expenses.
Last year I attended one art festival in Florida (Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival) and it went reasonably well. I learned a lot, sold a moderate amount for being a new artist, and gained many new friends and followers. My next step was to try two in a row to make the most out of my travel expenses.
I had good reason to expect that the two festivals I got into to would be decent shows for me. I did my research on both events and I heard great things. But I'm not naïve, I know that doing any art show - especially if it includes large travel expenses - is a huge gamble. But I figured that if I could double the amount of sales I made at one show last year, it would be worth it.
"I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me?"
Unfortunately, the end result of this experience has left me not only in debt, but also questioning my art. I've decided to share the true cost of selling my art at these shows. This is not an easy decision; I know that people unwittingly prefer to support winners and I could lose sales over this. I usually try to be as upbeat as possible about my art career in public. But I'm not sure it can get much worse; this week I definitely feel like the loser in Beck's song.
Two Art Festivals in Florida, February 2023
Costs and Expenses
- Fees paid to apply to two art festivals: $75
- Total Booth fees (for a 10ft x 10ft space) for two festivals: $1250
- Gas money spent on driving to and from Florida: over $600
- Hotel costs during the drive: about $500
- Hotel costs during the two events: $2800
- Airfare to come home for a week in between shows: $360
- Airfare for my husband to assist me with the 2nd show (two one-way tickets): $526
What costs are not included here?
- The cost of materials I spent to create my art.
- The cost of my studio rent in order to have a place to make art.
- The cost of my tent and display so I can show art at outdoor festivals.
- The cost of a vehicle that will transport the art, the tent, and the display.
- All of the miscellaneous costs that simply cannot be counted in order to run a business.
Artists are not paid for their time.
It's hard to imagine all of the time the entire art-festival-going process takes. Usually I try not to think about it since none of it is paid time. But, in an effort to be transparent, here's a look at some of the time I put into doing these two art festivals.
- The time I spent creating the art. This really can't be measured. Years, months, days, hours...
- The time spent driving to and from the art festivals: 52 hours.
- The time I spent setting up my tent and art display. This takes about 4-6 hours each time.
- The hours that the art festivals are open to the public. The two-day show was a total of 15 hours. The three-day show was a total of 23 hours.
- All of the time I spent taking down my display and tent. This takes about 3 hours each time.
- All of the time it takes to run a business. Seriously, I don't even know how to measure this. I guess the best I can say is that I spend several hours on my business every single day. This is separate from making art.
The hardest question I always get asked is:
"How long did it take you to make this?"
"How long did it take you to make this?"
Sales
"Okay," you're probably saying, "but how much money did you make?!"
Here is the dismal truth...
Show one: $698.00 in sales
Show two: $2,323.00 in sales
Total after expenses = -$3,290.00
Here is the dismal truth...
Show one: $698.00 in sales
Show two: $2,323.00 in sales
Total after expenses = -$3,290.00
This result is extremely embarrassing to share. Sure, there are places I could have cut costs. I could have slept in the cheapest (worst) hotels available. I could have driven through the night (dangerous and stressful). I could have done the second show without my husband's help (no lunch or bathroom breaks and no support) and saved on his airfare. But regardless of expenses, the amount I made in sales wasn't worth it.
Art festivals are great for public interaction, feedback on my art, and it's always wonderful to hear compliments about my art.
Sadly, compliments can't pay the bills.
Sadly, compliments can't pay the bills.
Conclusion
Where do I go from here? I don't know. I have more questions than answers.
Is it me? Does my art suck? Should I get a "real" job? If so, what makes something a "real" job? Maybe it's not me, maybe it's the economy? Perhaps people are too worried about inflation? Do people ever spend money on art? Do any artists make money at art fairs? Maybe it's my medium? Perhaps people aren't interested in purchasing textile art? And around again: Is it me?
Who knows. All I know is that I can't NOT make art. (I've tried to stop.) So despite the huge emotional toll all of this puts on me, I'm already planning for my next art festival.
Is it me? Does my art suck? Should I get a "real" job? If so, what makes something a "real" job? Maybe it's not me, maybe it's the economy? Perhaps people are too worried about inflation? Do people ever spend money on art? Do any artists make money at art fairs? Maybe it's my medium? Perhaps people aren't interested in purchasing textile art? And around again: Is it me?
Who knows. All I know is that I can't NOT make art. (I've tried to stop.) So despite the huge emotional toll all of this puts on me, I'm already planning for my next art festival.
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It's been my long-time dream to have a studio in the historic Northrup King Building. I didn't think it would ever happen. But, when the quarantine drastically prohibited me from working in my own crowded home, I realized the time had come to move...
The Northrup King Building once housed a seed company. Now it's the largest art complex in Minneapolis! Over 300 artists have spaces in the building.
You can visit my new studio and gallery!
I will be open to the public for Open Studio Saturdays every Saturday from 12-4pm, starting July 11th.
I'll have original art for sale (both textiles and pastel paintings), as well as note cards, prints, handbags, and more.
I'll have original art for sale (both textiles and pastel paintings), as well as note cards, prints, handbags, and more.
Map & Directions to the Northrup King Building
Studio 195 has an exterior door located at Dock 7. It's easily accessed from the main parking lot. Look for the big red 7.
Covid-19 safety precautions are in place. Please wear a mask. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door.
Studio 195 has an exterior door located at Dock 7. It's easily accessed from the main parking lot. Look for the big red 7.
Covid-19 safety precautions are in place. Please wear a mask. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door.
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As I continue growing and expanding in my art career, I find that I'm ready to take the next step with my pastel painting. And that would be selling them, of course.
So, I've decided it's time for: outdoor art festivals!
I always used to say that I didn't want to do outdoor fairs. Unpredictable weather was a big drawback, as well as the fact that they use up valuable summer weekends.
But, my kids are growing and my life is changing, and I'm ready to tackle taking my art to the great outdoors.
So, I've decided it's time for: outdoor art festivals!
I always used to say that I didn't want to do outdoor fairs. Unpredictable weather was a big drawback, as well as the fact that they use up valuable summer weekends.
But, my kids are growing and my life is changing, and I'm ready to tackle taking my art to the great outdoors.
Getting Ready
I'm currently in preparation mode for this new endeavor. And, what do you know, I think I really like the preparation part of the process. I have enough experience at doing shows that it's not too challenging, but it's still new and fun.
Step one, I've had about a dozen of my pastel paintings framed. I think they turned out wonderfully. I'll have a few more done soon, I think.
Step two, I've been working on some marketing materials so I can offer portrait commission information at the show. I do love painting portraits, so hopefully this will be a good way to encourage commissions!
Step one, I've had about a dozen of my pastel paintings framed. I think they turned out wonderfully. I'll have a few more done soon, I think.
Step two, I've been working on some marketing materials so I can offer portrait commission information at the show. I do love painting portraits, so hopefully this will be a good way to encourage commissions!
Step three - and very importantly! - I've got to purchase a tent. It'll happen soon. I'm doing research.
Edina Fall Into the Arts
And so! This September, I'll be at the Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival. This will be my first ever outdoor art fair! I'll have a tent full of my new work in pastels, both originals and prints, along with a nice selection of my textile art work. I'm very excited. I'm hoping for nice weather and a great crowd!
Examples of the work I'll have at the festival
Pastels on sanded paper • "Black Swallowtail Visits the Garden" • 9" x 12"
Pastels on sanded paper • "Royal Candles" • 9" x 9"
Pastels on paper • "June, Again" • 12" x 15"
Textiles, cotton and linen • "Two Views" • 40" x 30"
Textiles, cotton and linen • "Reflection: Sometimes They Get Along" • 30" x 62"
I hope to see you at the Edina Fall into the Arts Festival this September!
Find more of my upcoming events here.
Find more of my upcoming events here.
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My Biggest Show Yet
Two weeks ago I was in Chicago, at the One of a Kind Show + Sale. This show had been on my art show wish list for a while, and I'm really proud that I accomplished it this year! About 70,000 people shopped this holiday show and over 600 artists exhibited.
Applying
I hadn't felt ready to apply for this large, well-known show until this past spring, when I figured, why not just apply and see if I get in? And, what do you know? I got accepted! Which was thrilling! Even so, I had a hard time deciding whether to go for it or not. It has a very expensive booth fee, and I was still waiting to hear if I received the grant for which I had applied. In the end, my "nothing venture, nothing gained" attitude pushed me to do it.
Preparation
There were many times over the past six months when I felt that I wouldn't have enough time to make all the items I wanted to bring with me. And I certainly didn't make everything on my to-do list. (In fact, I spent quite a bit of unplanned time learning to draw and paint with pastels. Whoops!) But, it turns out, knowing I was going to do this show so far in advance gave me plenty of time to prepare. I had more than enough inventory with me.
One Week Pre-Show
The best decision I made was to take an entire week before the show to do prep work. Hesitantly, I set aside the remaining partially-completed purses on my work table. Instead, I spent that final week packing and prepping my products, preparing for my booth set up, and accomplishing tasks for my time away from home. It was wonderful; I arrived feeling calm and stress-free. And I didn't encounter any of those "Oh no, I forgot to do/bring " moments.
The Show
Hello, booth #5117!
Setting up
All ready for the show
Guppy and Goldfish Pouches
Minne Pouches
View Shoulder Bags
A handy 'key' on the wall allowed everyone to see the four types of Cross Body Purses I have at a quick glance.
Windowpane Coin Pouches
My textile art piece "Reflection: Sometimes They Get Along" was displayed in the show's Fine Art Gallery. (It was this photo that made me notice the panels were out of order. Yes, we fixed it before the show opened!)
Top 3 Things I Will Do Again
1. Bring my husband along!
It was so much fun to have a travel partner. Also, he's such an incredibly helpful guy. Not only that, but having an assistant meant I could take a break for lunch (actually sitting down for a meal outside of your booth is priceless!) and walk around the show to meet other artists and shop.
It was so much fun to have a travel partner. Also, he's such an incredibly helpful guy. Not only that, but having an assistant meant I could take a break for lunch (actually sitting down for a meal outside of your booth is priceless!) and walk around the show to meet other artists and shop.
Our reflection in "The Bean"
Hanging wall art
2. Create an area with all my information in one place.
This worked so well and I'm really glad I did it. A large sign allowed shoppers to easily find out who I am and what I do. Then, if they wished, they could read my bio, as well as pick up a business card to take along with them.
This worked so well and I'm really glad I did it. A large sign allowed shoppers to easily find out who I am and what I do. Then, if they wished, they could read my bio, as well as pick up a business card to take along with them.
3. Have a final day sale.
Personally, I do not like sales for handmade products and art. It doesn't make sense to me to have sales, because I try my best to give a quality product at the best price I can, always. And honestly. it can be hard to turn a profit as an artist.
Even so, I felt that a final day sale at a 4-day long show made sense. I wanted to reduce my inventory to take home and I wanted to turn last day lookers into buyers. Since it was just a one-day thing, and only for in-person sales, I felt okay about doing it.
Personally, I do not like sales for handmade products and art. It doesn't make sense to me to have sales, because I try my best to give a quality product at the best price I can, always. And honestly. it can be hard to turn a profit as an artist.
Even so, I felt that a final day sale at a 4-day long show made sense. I wanted to reduce my inventory to take home and I wanted to turn last day lookers into buyers. Since it was just a one-day thing, and only for in-person sales, I felt okay about doing it.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly enjoyed the show. Yes, it is expensive. But it's also very well run. The workers at The Mart are enormously helpful. The show staff work hard to ensure the artists have everything they need. It's not too far of a drive, about 6-7 hours from Minneapolis. While I didn't sell near as much as I had hoped, I still signed up for next year. I have confidence this particular show will get better for me as I build upon my first year.
Thank You
Thank you to my wonderful, supportive husband. Thank you to my parents who babysat our three kids and two cats while we were away for 6 days. Thank you to my amazingly friendly booth neighbors. I love meeting other artists!
And last, but not least... Thank you to all the kind and friendly people who visited my booth. I am exceptionally grateful for my wonderful customers, new and returning! Your support allows me to keep doing what I love. Thank you!
See you next year, Chicago!
And last, but not least... Thank you to all the kind and friendly people who visited my booth. I am exceptionally grateful for my wonderful customers, new and returning! Your support allows me to keep doing what I love. Thank you!
See you next year, Chicago!
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It's been two weeks since the ACC show in St. Paul wrapped up. I thought I'd have some down time after the show to write a recap (and take a rest!) but things have been busy.
Now, don't get me wrong, being busy is good news. But having down time is also important. I can get crabby when my mind and body haven't had a chance to recover from a big event or an intensive period of work.
This past weekend I was finally able to take some restful time off. Spending time outdoors in the sunshine, and also reconnecting with my family, has rejuvenated me a bit. I actually got antsy at the end of the weekend; inspiration for another piece of art has been nagging me. It is a challenge to put off a creative urge until there is time to devote to it!
So, here I am, two weeks late, taking a moment to write..
Now, don't get me wrong, being busy is good news. But having down time is also important. I can get crabby when my mind and body haven't had a chance to recover from a big event or an intensive period of work.
This past weekend I was finally able to take some restful time off. Spending time outdoors in the sunshine, and also reconnecting with my family, has rejuvenated me a bit. I actually got antsy at the end of the weekend; inspiration for another piece of art has been nagging me. It is a challenge to put off a creative urge until there is time to devote to it!
So, here I am, two weeks late, taking a moment to write..
A Quick Recap of the Show
Booth Set Up
Apart from my belt rack crashing down pre-show (and quickly being fixed with a safety pin for the day), set up for the show went smoothly. I actually completed the entire set up by myself. Thank goodness for the effort I put into making my booth set up manageable by one person!
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about my booth this year. I had to make some changes with the addition of my new wall art. Mere weeks before show-time, my husband and I devised a way to hang the art from my existing pipe and drape. It worked pretty well. I'm not sure I would recommend the scheme we came up with, but at least it was inexpensive and worked with my existing booth. I may revise it for the future, though.
The Award
As for the show itself, I had an amazing weekend. I was blown away again this year by the show-goers. The appreciation for art and craft from those who visited the show was amazing.
And if the thoughtful reception by the public wasn't enough, I was thoroughly astounded on Friday afternoon when the American Craft Council presented me with the Award of Excellence in Booth Design.
And if the thoughtful reception by the public wasn't enough, I was thoroughly astounded on Friday afternoon when the American Craft Council presented me with the Award of Excellence in Booth Design.
Photo by Bailey Aaland
Here I am being presented with the award by ACC director of education Michael Radyk (left) and ACC executive director Chris Amundsen (right).
Photo still from Instagram video @craftcouncil
From the American Craft Council:
"A tradition established at the start of the American Craft Shows, the Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate show artists ... From a pool of more than 200 incredibly talented makers, five were chosen to be honored with awards at our 2017 American Craft Show in St. Paul.
Taking home the award for booth design, which honors both quality of work and booth presentation, was textile artist Mary Pow, whose display highlights the clean lines of her striking, color-block work."
The Sale
After floating through the rest of Friday with stars in my eyes, I didn't think the show could get any better. But Saturday proved me wrong.
We were anticipating a slow day due to the beautiful weather outside. And while Saturday may have been quieter; for me, it is a day I will never forget! I made my first-ever sale of wall art.
We were anticipating a slow day due to the beautiful weather outside. And while Saturday may have been quieter; for me, it is a day I will never forget! I made my first-ever sale of wall art.
The Artists
Of course, after I sold a piece of wall art, I had to scramble to figure out how to wrap it. I was not prepared for a sale! Luckily, my very kind booth neighbor, artist Amber Harrison, helped me out by bringing me cling wrap and felt. (She is the same person who, after I received the award for booth design said to me, "And you were so worried about your booth!" True. I was.)
That's another thing about the American Craft Show: the artists are simply incredible!
I think maybe the best part of the show is meeting the artists. Since artists tend to work in solitude, gathering for a craft show is a rare opportunity. It forces us to get out of our studios and interact with each other. I think, although we enjoy spending time alone, we also like to find out how other artists work. I know one of my favorite things is to hear about the process behind the craft.
I think maybe the best part of the show is meeting the artists. Since artists tend to work in solitude, gathering for a craft show is a rare opportunity. It forces us to get out of our studios and interact with each other. I think, although we enjoy spending time alone, we also like to find out how other artists work. I know one of my favorite things is to hear about the process behind the craft.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone for making my second year at ACC St. Paul a memorable experience!
Thank you to the American Craft Council for honoring me with such a prestigious award. Thank you to my husband for his encouragement and assistance. Thank you to the show-goers and patrons who support fine craft. And thank you to the artists who inspire us all!
Thank you to the American Craft Council for honoring me with such a prestigious award. Thank you to my husband for his encouragement and assistance. Thank you to the show-goers and patrons who support fine craft. And thank you to the artists who inspire us all!
P.S. Take a look at Amber Harrison's work. Her miniature sculptures. art jewelry, and metalsmithing are wonderful.
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Well, it's over!
Months of prep, hours and hours of research, lots of designing, tons of sewing, hours of over-time, and yes, even a few emotional melt-downs... Plus, two days of show set up, one evening at the preview party, three days of the retail show, and a couple quick hours taking it all down...
I did it!
Months of prep, hours and hours of research, lots of designing, tons of sewing, hours of over-time, and yes, even a few emotional melt-downs... Plus, two days of show set up, one evening at the preview party, three days of the retail show, and a couple quick hours taking it all down...
I did it!
Setting Up
After a long wait in our car to get into the loading dock, my husband and I arrived at my booth space #1113, mid-day on Wednesday. We set up my pipe and drape, and prepped my space. Everything went smoothly; it made me so pleased of the work I put into designing a simple booth that sets up quickly and easily!
On Thursday afternoon, I leisurely put the finishing touches on my booth, got all my products displayed, and made sure everything was ready for the evening's preview party.
On Thursday afternoon, I leisurely put the finishing touches on my booth, got all my products displayed, and made sure everything was ready for the evening's preview party.
The Show
The retail show started on Friday morning. It was nice to arrive at the show knowing everything in my booth was already set up and waiting for me. What a stress free way to start the show.
I was very pleased to see that women loved my handbags. They raved about the unique colors and designs, and the lightweight quality of the fabrics. Actually, men also loved the purses; several told me that if they were women, they would be buying from me!
It was surprising to find out what colors most people were drawn to. The pink sunset with a touch of gray was very popular, as was the gray ombré with a pop of red.
I was thrilled on Saturday morning when, first thing, a well-dressed man wearing a dashing hat and a long red coat purchased a pouch that matched his outfit (center photo, above). He immediately transferred his phone and credit cards from the case he was using to the new pouch!
My wrap belts were very well received! Several woman who thought they couldn't wear a decorative belt tried them on, loved them, and purchased one! Many people told me how great they would be when traveling: just add a beautiful belt and an outfit will look completely different from one day to the next. Great idea!
I was very pleased to see that women loved my handbags. They raved about the unique colors and designs, and the lightweight quality of the fabrics. Actually, men also loved the purses; several told me that if they were women, they would be buying from me!
It was surprising to find out what colors most people were drawn to. The pink sunset with a touch of gray was very popular, as was the gray ombré with a pop of red.
I was thrilled on Saturday morning when, first thing, a well-dressed man wearing a dashing hat and a long red coat purchased a pouch that matched his outfit (center photo, above). He immediately transferred his phone and credit cards from the case he was using to the new pouch!
My wrap belts were very well received! Several woman who thought they couldn't wear a decorative belt tried them on, loved them, and purchased one! Many people told me how great they would be when traveling: just add a beautiful belt and an outfit will look completely different from one day to the next. Great idea!
Wonderful show-goers!
I met so many wonderful people at the show. I couldn't believe how many people pulled me aside to tell me how amazing they thought my work was.
One woman exclaimed to me, "You haven't been here before. I would remember if I had seen your work here before. I know you weren't here last year. Such great work!"
At two separate times, men came up to me and said, "Your work is the best at the show."
A woman wrote, "Best new artist at the show! Fresh & fun & beautiful."
Other written comments included, "Beautiful!!" and "Lovely!"
At two separate times, men came up to me and said, "Your work is the best at the show."
A woman wrote, "Best new artist at the show! Fresh & fun & beautiful."
Other written comments included, "Beautiful!!" and "Lovely!"
What a show!
This was the largest show I've ever done. It was so well-organized, too. My booth neighbors were great! I met the most wonderful couple from Colorado: artist Lynda Ladwig and her husband. (Check out her ceramics. I loved her work.) I pretty much talked myself out after three and a half days at the show. But yet, I sort of miss my home-away-from-home: booth 1113.
Thank you!
I want to give enormous amounts of thanks to my dear, wonderful husband. Chris, you are the greatest!
To my many friends and family members who came to the show to give support: Thank you! I appreciated seeing your friendly faces so much!
Many thanks to my parents for their support and babysitting efforts!
Thank you to all the fantastic people I met at the show: I had a great time! Keep in touch!
To my many friends and family members who came to the show to give support: Thank you! I appreciated seeing your friendly faces so much!
Many thanks to my parents for their support and babysitting efforts!
Thank you to all the fantastic people I met at the show: I had a great time! Keep in touch!
And thank you so much to all of you who support me and my work online. You are wonderful!
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I'm down to the wire now. There is only one week to go until the St. Paul American Craft Show.
How am I feeling?
I'm excited.
I'm nervous.
I'm proud of myself.
I'm worried.
I'm scouring artists' blogs and Instagram to get an idea of what to expect.
I still don't know what to expect!
How am I feeling?
I'm excited.
I'm nervous.
I'm proud of myself.
I'm worried.
I'm scouring artists' blogs and Instagram to get an idea of what to expect.
I still don't know what to expect!
What's Happening This Week
This week I'm finishing up work on my final design: a coin purse I'll have available in eight different color ways.
I also got a chance to set up my booth!
My husband took our kids to visit their grandparents for spring break, and I took advantage of the empty house to do a trial run in our living room. Yes, I set up my entire 10 foot by 10 foot booth in our living room! It just fits!
I'm excited that I got a chance to set up my booth this week because now I'm not as nervous about the show. I even got to try out the lights, something I was very concerned about. I'm keeping it set up all week so I can add the finishing touches to it slowly.
Having an art show booth set up in my living room has transformed part of my house into a show room. (It also means I have to walk through a maze to get to the front door! What a strange experience!) I'm surprised how happy I am with how it looks. Perhaps you remember when I was so worried about figuring out how to create this booth in the first place? I have learned so much in these past few months!
I'm excited that I got a chance to set up my booth this week because now I'm not as nervous about the show. I even got to try out the lights, something I was very concerned about. I'm keeping it set up all week so I can add the finishing touches to it slowly.
Having an art show booth set up in my living room has transformed part of my house into a show room. (It also means I have to walk through a maze to get to the front door! What a strange experience!) I'm surprised how happy I am with how it looks. Perhaps you remember when I was so worried about figuring out how to create this booth in the first place? I have learned so much in these past few months!
Back from the Printer
I've received my promotional postcards, business cards, and hang tags from the printer. They printed a bit darker than I would have liked, but all in all, I'm pleased with how they turned out. I think the design I came up with reflects my style rather well.
One disappointment: I did not get the domain name I was anticipating for so long (www.marypow.com) in time to have it printed on these cards. But maybe that's good; it gives me plenty of time to figure out how to switch everything over to the new domain later, without feeling rushed.
One disappointment: I did not get the domain name I was anticipating for so long (www.marypow.com) in time to have it printed on these cards. But maybe that's good; it gives me plenty of time to figure out how to switch everything over to the new domain later, without feeling rushed.
Yet To Do
Next, I need to work on pricing, tagging, and packing. Tagging can be fun, and packing isn't so bad, but pricing? That I could do without. It can be very difficult to price one's work. Sometimes it's even an emotional process. Of course there are loads and loads of pricing calculators out there. Calculators that help an artist factor in the materials used, the time involved, the overhead, and the profit margin needed to sustain a business. But yet, these don't consider the "why": as in why does someone feel compelled to buy art or craft?
Pricing. Maybe that's a topic for a future blog post. But for now, I have a stack of half-finished purses calling my name!
Pricing. Maybe that's a topic for a future blog post. But for now, I have a stack of half-finished purses calling my name!
The 2016 St. Paul ACC Show is April 8-10. I'm in booth #1113. I hope to see you there!
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There is less than a month to go until the American Craft Council Show in St. Paul. Things are coming together! When I stop to think about it, I'm very impressed with how much I've accomplished so far this year.
The Show
If you've never been to one of the American Craft Council shows, they are impressive! And big! There are four American Craft Council Shows every year (Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Paul, and San Francisco). The show in St. Paul is actually on the smaller size, and it is the only one in the Midwest. This year marks the 30th annual show in St. Paul, where there will be over 225 top contemporary artists from all over the country. Categories of art you'll find at the show include ceramics, clothing, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, stone, and wood. I've been accepted under the Fashion Accessories category.
- You can find out more about the St. Paul American Craft Council Show here.
- Purchase advance tickets to the St. Paul show here.
- If you are a member of the American Craft Council, your entry is free. I highly recommend becoming a member. The magazine alone is worth it!
New Designs
If you follow me on Facebook, you probably know by now that I'm debuting all new work at the ACC show. In the past year I've sold a few small prototypes under my MinneBites label (in fact, you can still find a few of them for sale in my Etsy shop), but the work I'm debuting at the Craft Council Show is all new. This is the first time these designs will be available for purchase!
In my new line of handbags and accessories I've been contemplating my education in architecture. Working as an artist for the past few years, I've realized that my creative style may be different from artists with other education backgrounds. I like straight lines. I like crisp, clean edges. I like structure. I like things to be tidy. So, my repetitive use of parallel lines and crisp edges in this work takes me back to my days at the drafting board.
In my new line of handbags and accessories I've been contemplating my education in architecture. Working as an artist for the past few years, I've realized that my creative style may be different from artists with other education backgrounds. I like straight lines. I like crisp, clean edges. I like structure. I like things to be tidy. So, my repetitive use of parallel lines and crisp edges in this work takes me back to my days at the drafting board.
I also love to work with color. And I like to consider architecture, as well, when I choose colors to use in my art. For instance, I imagine how a surrounding landscape might reflect off the facade of a building at different times of the year, and in different light. Then, I create color ways that bring this idea to mind.
Hello, my name is Mary. And I'm a DIYer.
As a solopreneur and an artist, I guess I'm used to DIY, because I continue to do it all. I'm always short on time and I never get a chance to do all the research I need to do to hire people to help me. Also, perhaps, I like the variety of work that DIYing requires.
Eventually I would love to hire a photographer, and a model, and a day in a photography studio. But, since the ACC show is just a month away, I really needed to get some photos taken quickly so I could send my promotional postcards and business cards to the printer!
So, I became photographer for a day (again), used myself as a model (again), and did all the editing as well (again). You do what you have to do when you're in a pinch. My printed postcards haven't arrived yet, but you can get a sneak peak of them below. (Did I mention that I'm also my own graphic designer?)
Eventually I would love to hire a photographer, and a model, and a day in a photography studio. But, since the ACC show is just a month away, I really needed to get some photos taken quickly so I could send my promotional postcards and business cards to the printer!
So, I became photographer for a day (again), used myself as a model (again), and did all the editing as well (again). You do what you have to do when you're in a pinch. My printed postcards haven't arrived yet, but you can get a sneak peak of them below. (Did I mention that I'm also my own graphic designer?)
Let me know your thoughts! And if you are planning to come to the show, please let me know. Not only do I look forward to meeting you, but I can also offer guests a promotional code to get 50% off a one-day pass!
- Published on
New work, new booth...
Here's what my MinneBites display looked like this past December at the No Coast Craft-o-Rama. It's fun and cute and I love it, but it's not quite what is expected for a show like the American Craft Council Show.
What I need this year is an actual BOOTH. Walls, lights, signage, display -- everything!
There is so much that goes into these big capital-A Art show booths, as I'm learning. I can't believe how much time I've already spent researching booth options. It makes me nervous that I'm not spending enough time making the items that will actually go into the booth! But, without a booth I will have no way to display my new work. It must be done.
What I need this year is an actual BOOTH. Walls, lights, signage, display -- everything!
There is so much that goes into these big capital-A Art show booths, as I'm learning. I can't believe how much time I've already spent researching booth options. It makes me nervous that I'm not spending enough time making the items that will actually go into the booth! But, without a booth I will have no way to display my new work. It must be done.
My Booth Design Requirements
- easy to assemble and disassemble on my own
- needs to fit in my car
- display my work in the best way possible
- needs to be cost effective
- must be flexible, so I can use it at different sorts of shows in the future
An initial sketch of what my booth might look like and a list of all the components.
Decisions, decisions...
So, do I spend loads of time scouring the internet and local fixture stores to find the best deals for used display options? Or do I drop some money and just get new? It's tempting to buy new and be done with it and focus on the creating of my work. But, how much money do I want to sink into a booth? There is already the booth fee to attend the show in the first place. And part of the equation must also include the question: what if I decide I don't like doing this kind of show after all? I don't want to waste money on a display I'll never use again!
Ahh, so this is a journey, isn't it? Putting myself out there, trying something new; it can be a balancing act! Of course, for all the difficult decisions I need to make for my business, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I really do enjoy being a working artist. I'm even enjoying designing this booth ... though I wouldn't mind having a little more time. April's never seemed so close to January before!
