7 reasons to do Art fairs.

Its been a few weeks since I showed at The Other Art Fair in Victoria House London, an event that I look forward to every year. Exhibiting at fairs is not cheap, takes a lot of preparation, is exhausting and not always a financial success. So why do I look forward to them so much? Here’s why;

1. Knowledge over money

What I gain from these experiences is not always financial. I meet many experienced Artists so I take a notepad and record every little wisdom I learn from them. This year I learnt, amongst other things, how to stretch my own canvases, the importance of authenticity, and in what format to save my photoshopped images.

2. Growth is not always linear.

What you don’t gain in sales you often receive in feedback, new contacts, follow up, experience and above all fun. Every fair won’t always be a massive financial success so look for the gains elsewhere.

3. Be patient

Some people are very quick to arrive at the decision to take a painting home but in my experience most people need time to sit on the idea, especially if it is a large and expensive piece. Visitors some revisit a stand, come back on the final day of the fair or contact you months after the fair. Some customers have bought work a year after seeing me at a fair.

4. Relationships

Some Artists and customers I have met at Art fairs have gone on to become friends. There’s no better feeling than that of connection.

5. Review your work

Its not often that we get to see our current body of work together and so I relish the opportunity that a fair gives me to display and reflect upon my work. How does it work together? How is changing? What does this say about me? What am I currently exploring? Where do I want to take it next?

6. Authenticity

We all have a different selling approach. Some Artists are very enthusiastic and approach every person that comes within a metre of their stand. I prefer to take a more gentle, less intrusive approach. I was recently given a pep talk about sales technique from a professional dealer, whose job it was was to flog as much artwork as possible on behalf of the Artist. I listening, processed her advice and then walked away with a sureness that her approach was not right for me. Find your own way.

7. What’s the story?

I’m still learning to sum up what my work is about in a few short sentences. It’s not easy. The more I have to talk about my work the more I ask myself why I make the type of Art I do. I also love bringing sketchbooks to fair so viewers can see the journey of how my minimalist work unfolds.

If you’re thinking about exhibiting at your first fair, maybe these words will make it seem less daunting and if if you’ve ever bought from me, talked to me or stopped to look at my work at a fair; Thank you x