One for the Money, two for the show.

August 17, 2009 2q2btrue
Tags: antique shows, arts shows, craft shows, craft shows Ottawa, jewelry shows Ottawa, Ottawa art, outdoor shows, show set up, shows

As I get ready for another show this summer, it occurs to me that most people think of a craft show, or art fair as something done in a room or series of rooms, in a community centre, school, or hall.  These are certainly the optimum environment, with a stable temperature, lighting, traffic flow and so on.  But what about the other shows, the ones done in parks, or under a large tent.  I’ve learned this summer that preparation for these is very different, and thought I’d share what I’ve learned here. 

Outdoor Shows

I’ve done two of these shows so far, and thank the stars above, I’ve had good conditions – the worst thing that happened to me was a strong wind blew over my earring rack. Aside from that, the days were sunny, warm, and put people in a great mood, which is always good for not just sales, but enjoying being there.  These are things I’ve learned about outdoor shows.

Bring plastic sheeting – painters drop cloths, old shower curtains, anything you can fling over your product and pin down in case of a sudden shower.  It doesn’t have to be pretty – most folks are running for shelter.

Provide yourself with shade, and your customers too.  If you’re lucky, you’ll have a sunny day.  Unfortunately, you will also want to escape the heat and the sun after you’re outside for a couple of hours, and a tent or canopy for you and your product (and clients) can be a real haven.  If you don’t have, or can’t afford a tent, or if you have no way to haul it around, go for a large umbrella or two, and jury rig them to your chair.

On a side note, if you DO have a tent or canopy, make sure you have some way to anchor it, last year my friend and I spent a large part of one show playing Mary Poppins to her tent. It provided a lot of amusement to a lot of people, but didn’t really do a lot for our professionalism or our energy at the end of the day. Sandbags or cinder blocks work well, or if you didn’t bring something, plop your chair on one of the edges in the corner supports of the tent and plop down on the chair.

Liquid.  Bring water, bring water, bring water!  It’s hot in the summer, and you’re going to be outdoors for several hours.  I toss a couple of plastic containers in the freezer the night before, and it stays frozen long enough to give me nice cool water all day.  If you bring along a washcloth too, you can use it to cool your face and arms.  Bring the usual outdoor stuff too – sunscreen, a longsleeved shirt, and so on.  Sunstroke is not the way to end a great show.

Try not to use lightweight displays for an outdoor show, as mentioned before – the silly things blow over in the wind.  In the case of earring and other jewelry display racks, if you have to use them, weight them down.  I have some lovely chunks of amethyst,  jade, and crystal, and use them to anchor things.  It adds to the display, and keeps all my things intact. Other options could be a tall clear glass filled with pebbles or beads, a chunk of lead wrapped in cloth,etc.

Speaking of cloth – don’t use white at an outdoor show.  If the sun is shining (I found this out last year, and switched to a pale lavender color) it will blind your customers and they will RUN away from your exhibit.  Pastels like lavender, grey, green, and so on look good outdoors, and are much easier on the eyes.

Dress for the show.  A hat, long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved one, pants that can roll up into capris, and shoes are my bets.  The hat can come on or off, the long sleeves can be rolled up, as can pant legs, the long sleeve shirt can be removed or put on, and shoes keep you from stubbing toes or worse when you’re setting up.  And unless you are a foot model with a gorgeous new pedicure, no one really wants to see your feet.

Shows in Tents

This year will be the first year I have a show in a covered tent.  It’s sort of a mix of the two worlds, and here are a few things to check out.

Does the tented area have power?  Keep in mind, the tent will keep off the elements, but it also keeps out the sun and the breeze, making a booth potentially shady and warm – not the optimum way to display your wares.  Ask the organizer about the possibility of  power, and if they will provide it, bring along extension cords and lights.  Those foldover student desk lamps are great, because you can move them all over to get maximum lighting.  Think about a small fan as well, if the show is more than one day.  Even on the ground, if it is blowing on your ankles it will cool you and your clients.

What about security?  Tented shows seem to happen over a couple of days to weeks.  So, unless there is security on site, you either have to tear down each night, sleep in the booth (that sounds like fun, doesn’t it?!) or run the risk of loosing stock to midnight marauders.  Something to think about.

Aside from that, little things like a rug or mat in front of your booth (for clients to stand on), a comfortable chair (most places will tell you to bring one, but just in case they don’t) and the considerations from the outdoor shows ought to see you through.

Like always, I hope this helps someone who is starting out, or lends new ideas to an ‘old hand’.  And like always, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.

Happy creating til next time!

Sheri

Wyvern’s Whims

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