31 episodes

Art fairs are our business. If they are your business, too, tune in for all the news and insider tips about the nation's top juried art fairs and craft shows.

The Art Fair Success Show is hosted by Connie Mettler, publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com and ArtFairInsiders.com.

Art Fair Artists Success Show Art Fairs

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 15 Ratings

Art fairs are our business. If they are your business, too, tune in for all the news and insider tips about the nation's top juried art fairs and craft shows.

The Art Fair Success Show is hosted by Connie Mettler, publisher of ArtFairCalendar.com and ArtFairInsiders.com.

    Can Facebook Really Help You Sell Your Work?

    Can Facebook Really Help You Sell Your Work?

    The high overhead of doing 30 shows a year exhausting you? What if you only did 20? or 10? When I first started my websites I thought if I only I could earn an extra $500 a month that would be great. Now nearly 15 years later I'm no longer putting up a tent and traveling to events. Social media, learning its ins and outs, made the difference for me.

    Dave Emmons shares some of the same background I do. He has participated in art fairs for 27 years. A whle back he thought there "might be a better way" to sell his work, he was starting to hate what he was doing. Whether you are new to this business of art fairs and are intrigued with having more freedom in your life or you are a long time veteran and just want to slow down, Dave's and my premise is "let's get online."

    Your customers ARE online, an international audience, online 24/7. You have (or should have) mailing lists. You probably have a website. You're probably on Facebook, maybe even a FB business page. Can you put it to work to improve your life? Dave is an artist who also coaches other artists on the skills needed to sell their work online. If you're saying, "I've tried that"; "I'm too busy", "It's too complicated" or a myriad other reasons, give a listen to this podcast. I think it might help you.

    Get started with Dav's free online masterclass. To register visit www.ArtistMarketingFormula.com.

    Learn more about Dave Emmons and his ideas: https://www.daveemmons.com/p/step-by-step-success-with-facebook-marketing-for-the-artist-and-craftsperson

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • 49 min
    Is Anyone Here Earning a Living?

    Is Anyone Here Earning a Living?

    The premise: As a "new" artist attempting to earn a living at the nation's art fairs I often think about the business side of things. People are suprised that I even attempt the notion of doing it full time... without a pension! 

    We speak with art fair artists who actually pay the bills and make a living, BUT they do so without a pension or some other significant source of income. In other words, these are people who figured out how to be profitable at art fairs! Are there people like that? This is a very practical nuts and bolts discussion of entrepreneurship. Creating art and earning a living with it are two separate endeavors.

    Our guests are long timers and new people just starting to hit the road, they include Joe Zinn, a photographer, Loc Tran who is a t-shirt designer and owner of Dog N Frog, painter Margaret Luttrell, http://margeluttrell.com and painter Jill McGannon, www.jillmcgannon.com. We'll also be taking calls from you.

     

     

    • 1 hr
    Should I Open an Art Gallery?

    Should I Open an Art Gallery?

    The fastest way to earn money with your art is to participate in art fairs. The buyer enters your booth, loves the work, hands you the payment and your work has found a new home. It's not always that easy of course, but it has worked for years for thousands of artists.    

    Many artists have multiple streams of income including gallery representation, selling work online, image licensing, hosting studio tours, participating in small boutique events and being in gallery shows. How about your own gallery? The nearby empty storefront beckens you.

    Today's show includes digital artist John Leben, supporting himself for over 40 years in the arts who is contemplating opening a gallery. This will be a 365 day commitment. John wants to know: should he do it?

    Joining the discussion is artist Sandhi Schimmel Gold, the "Queen of Junk Mail Art." About a year ago she posted Towel ... Throwing ... in on ArtFairInsiders.com where she announced she was opening a gallery. Sandhi will share her adventures in moving from the streets to her own art gallery.

    Terri Belford is a business consultant. She started her first business in her 20's and has developed numerous others since then.  Her last business was a gallery of fine art and contemporary craft that continues to thrive under the direction of a new owner. She blogs at craftbizblog.com.

    Should John open a gallery? Sandhi and Terri give him some answers.

    • 59 min
    Selling Art Face to Face

    Selling Art Face to Face

    (If this show does not play, please click this link: http://mygoldenwords.com/interview-with-connie-mettler-of-art-fair-insiders/)

    Mckenna Hallett, a professional trainer and consultant for small business, shares strategic tips from her 25 year career that has covers the entire spectrum of earning a living as an artist: developing a jewelry line, selling one-of-a-kind work to fine art and craft galleries, servicing wholesale accounts (including Neiman Marcus) and selling at a weekly retail show near her home in Maui. 

    During this time she has always mentored other artists including teaching seminars on how to sell art. Mckenna has developed a selling system, the E's of Sellling. We talk about what she has learned and share her very solid selling advice. This is not about selling online, but rather how to make more sales in your face-to-face engagements at your shows.

    Ever hear, "I'll think about it? " Gain confidence and learn what to DO and SAY when they say they need to think about it! Did you know you are a already a perfect "salesperson" when you are recommending a good book or a restaurant?  You share good things naturally, until it's YOUR art you are recommending. We're not talking about being salesy or “closing deals”. Listen to find out what to do next including solid tips to take to your next show.

    • 1 hr 2 min
    10 Tips to Use Now for Artists & Show Organizers

    10 Tips to Use Now for Artists & Show Organizers

    The guests:

    Scott Fox, author and e-biz strategist who focuses on online marketing, e- commerce, using the Internet to build businesses and finally doing the work you were born to do. His popular books include Click Millionaires, Work Less, Live More with an Internet Business You Love.

    Larry Berman is the recognized authority on "all things photography" involved with the art fair business. Larry's extensive technical knowledge makes him the answer man for creating digital images that get you into the shows. He consults with art fairs and blogs about the business at BermanGraphics.com.

    Connie Mettler is the host at ArtFairInsiders.com and creator of ArtFairCalendar.com, ArtShowReviews.com, CallsforArtists.com and ArtFairRadio.com. She has worked in all facets of the art fair business for over 30 years, as an artist's partner (participating in over 400 shows), show director, juror and consultant to events.


    Do you have questions about using the Internet to further your career or better position your art fair online? Anything Internet, Scott can answer and point you in the right direction.


    Concerned about your jury imaging, booth design, visual appeal, digital help? Larry is the expert.


    All things art fair: marketing your show, connecting with customers, making the sale, travel tips, organizing your schedule, Connie can help.

     

     

     

    • 59 min
    10 Reasons "You Didn't Get In" (the Art Fair)

    10 Reasons "You Didn't Get In" (the Art Fair)

     

    It is application season! Anyone active in the art fair business is deep into preparing applications for jurying into the nation's art fairs. What are the odds you'll make the cut and get into your most desired festival? Our guests are long time professionals from the business including Cindy Lerick, executive director of the Saint Louis Art Fair, Christine Berthiaume, Crafts Manager for the New Orleans Jazz Festival and Marguerite Esrock, executive director of the St. James Court Art Show.


    We'll talk about:
    As an intro we'll hear how each show prepares their jurors for jurying and the process of showing the jurors the applications10 worst things you can do to sabotage your chances of "getting in"
    Have paper and pencil ready. This one is sure to bring you useful information applicable to your finding success exhibiting at art fairs large and small.

     

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

WandaKT ,

Relevant topics

Podcasts are helpful and relevant from art fairs to selling online websites, social media and more.

jewelry sue ,

I learn something every time I listen!

I need to listen to these podcasts more often, I learn pertinent information every time. Thanks, Connie!

LH760 ,

What is SEO? Everything you ever wanted to know

This was a very informative and interesting podcast. Thank you Scott and Connie for keeping it moving along while maintaining so much good information coming. Scott thanks for being so clear and Connie thanks for your cheerful engaged manner.

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