Splendid video Carl, you not only learnt a lot but have been good enough to share your experience for others to benefit. It is great when people buy your work, when my fellow artists sell for the first time I always tell them that they will never forget that and will always remember the painting that was their first sale,. I know I remember my first (many, many years ago) but it is still a thrill when someone wants to purchase your work. Much respect from an old artist, and don't forget, paint, paint, paint!
Carl, Thank you for this video and all the content you produce. Your communication style and the way you interview other artists has been incredible helpful to me. I really appreciate you and your efforts.
Carl, I can see you're a kind and humble guy, Thanks for this valuable advice, it gave me some pointers to start my own pop up art exhibit. God bless you and your family 🙏🏼
Thank you kindly for posting this! I was just selected to participate in my first show ~ as fate would have it, I found this video. So many questions were answered! I'm encouraged to take my work on it's first "Field Trip!"
Thank you for making this video Carl! It couldn't have been viewed by me at a better time. I am also an older painter (51 years old) who will be participating in my very first art festival. I had a lot of concerns that you addressed in this video. The overall message I'll take away from it is just get out there, have fun, and SHOW PEOPLE MY ART!!!
THANK YOU CARL FOR DOING THIS VIDEO. I am getting ready to do my first art show and boy did you help me out! In fact, before I saw this video, I bought the same tent you did after looking at so many. The awning was a significant factor. Wish me luck!
Other artists saying not to try and sell your work till your art is "ready" are either elitists or fools. How exactly do you know when your art is good enough to sell?... when someone is willing to buy it!! Far too many gatekeepers in the art world. Props to you sir, and thanks for the encouraging video!
You’re videos make me so happy! I really love them, they’re so informative and thorough! I’ve found them so helpful. I’m glad you had a successful show keep going 👏🏽😄
Thank you so much for all the information! Very very helpful very interesting you seem to be such a pleasant person I'm drawn to what you have to say. I would like to see your artwork, and maybe even in a close-up. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I haven't ever gone to a art show, but I plan to go just to browse around I see what other people are doing. Hope to see you there! That would be awesome. I paint as well and hope one day soon to show at an art fast. I find that your information would be very helpful. Thank you and great success! Watching from Southwest Louisiana.
Good for you, brother. I, too, am an artist, was in a gallery, sold originals and prints, but now I'm stagnant. :( - that said, I am trying to find a good deal on an art show package so I can travel a bit and show/sell my art. Best to you in all you do. I think you have very interesting and attractive art from what I could see in the video....
This is exactly what I needed to see. I'm debating about showing in a local fair. I am so in tune with your motives of experiencing people seeing my work, but not doing this all the time. Since your video is four years old, have you since done more fairs?
Note: Weights are important but we found WATER easier to manage and we can dump out afterward so we dont have to load it back up into the car, like sand.
I am so glad I found this video. Thank you for your advice! I am setting up in my first market next weekend with my pyrography. I was discouraged by there being other artists who may be better than me or what if nobody wants to buy anything. My nerves have been put to ease after watching this video and I'm excited!!!
First attempt to publicly show my art other than Facebook.I went to an outdoor Market venue- crafts, etc. It was their first time holding it. I invested in a Walmart white tent canopy and was able to run a line around 3 sides to clothespin up paintings which I had in clear bags. I also had a plastic tablecloth on the ground on 1 side with framed items. I had a card table with small framed pieces and my business cards....sounds tacky but actually looked nice. All my prices were $15- $50 . All work was plein air oil and watercolor, mostly 9x12" of local scenery in FL. I loved talking with people and had many look at paintings for 5 minutes and received many compliments [ you are so talented; these are beautiful; I love this building/view/; know where this is, etc.].. .almost everyone who was passing entered the "booth" for a closer look. People at this event were not prepared to buy art. I had the Square charge card reader and used it once. I sold 3 small pieces, 1 to a friend. So, I was exhausted at the end of the day. I stood at my easel and painted the last 4 hours while talking to viewers. I required help setting up and breaking down the canopy . It was also a lot of work loading and unloading. I think I could develop a presence by attending these once a month events but couldn't make it without help to set up, breakdown, and take a 5 minute bathroom break- never took that break. The event was 8-4; set up at 7. I would have done better at an art fair, but then I would have to pay $300 to have a space- charge much more and offer prints /giclees. My goal was to be able to have others enjoy the art and spend the money I earned on more art supplies. Maybe I should hold a garage sale art event next winter...FL is so hot.
My motive in doing this was to meet people. Sales were a plus but not expected for a community show. It’s great that you took the time to paint at your show. I’d say your show was a success in brand-building. Nice!
Thankyou this has to be one of the most informative and pleasant videos i have watched on this subject. I'm pleased it went well for you and wish you continued success. Looking at your art it's not hard to see why it went well for you. Best wishes and thankyou.
I really enjoyed your video. I am getting ready to do my first outdoor show in October. My daughter is joining me. She makes wooden signs and I paint, mostly watercolor but have been doing some acrylic. I am really nervous about setting up my booth. I did get a canopy but I'm still looking for a way to hang pictures. Thank you for putting this video out there it really helped.
This was delightful and informative. Of course given the state of the world no art fairs to signup for. But I’m encouraged to find a way to show my art. Thank you.💗
You are giving me the courage to get out there and just do it! Thanks for your channel, and would love to see you, bloopers and all, set up outdoors on video. I am trying to figure out how to manage pochade box, tripod, and backpack on uneven ground. I am a watercolorist, and just purchased a sienna smallest sized box. Going to try it in my yard today! Got to just get over the shyness factor. Perseverance! Thank you!
Thank you, Lisa! I think the Sienna box will lay flat for watercolors. I understand being shy doing outdoor painting. Don't think I'll ever get over it :) I am going to do a video outdoors soon.
Thank you for the very thoughtful and well delivered experience video. I have a house full of paintings and I've been really struggling with the idea of operating a booth/stand at a fair. You've made some really good points, and you are correct, to sell, you must show. Nicely done!
Great video, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm plannin to setup a booth for first time and have been very nervous. I really loved the way you explained everything in the process including your tips. I'm very happy that you had a good sale. Your artwork is great and you seem to be a really great person! Thanks again and all the best
Carl I came across this video as I am looking to do my first art show. You mentioned that if you had more "beach scenes" you probably could have sold more. I have a couple questions. I am a photographer (landscape, wildlife, fine art). I do a variety of work within each one of these genres. I'm currently in North Carolina and may be relocating to Florida. If I start doing shows, I want to display a variety of work - landscape, wildlife, fine art - and as I say variations within each area. Is this a bad idea?
All I can say is test it. I’ve seen folks do it both ways - variety of subjects or focus on one. If you start with variety I think you will learn what people prefer in the area you live. Wish you success!
Nice video. Thanks! Have a question...Did you wire your small paintings before hanging them on the flat hooks on your grid walls? Or did you hang the artwork directly onto the grid wall hook? Thanks.
Thanks for a great video and helpful hints. I have been painting for years but never did an art show. Why, I don't know but the time has come to get out there. I just opened my own art gallery and studio at my little puppet theater. I also teach art for Grades K -2 What great insperation. Thanks for the outdoor tips. How do you price your art? Do I really need a cube for payment or can I just use cash or checks? Thanks
Nice to hear about your gallery! As for pricing I’ll have to do another video. As for payment most people use a credit card so despite the hassle rather than missing out on sales may as well be able to accept CC
Very helpful Carl . Two questions1 u say smaller art sold best. What size do U consider small 2 framed and unframed. This is my biggest dilemma how many of the same pic should I bring to a show
I had several 8x10 to 9x12 original oils so I had not duplicates or prints. Probably would have been a good idea to have prints, but it was my first show and I had no idea. There’s a podcast and a forum that I’ve discovered since then that have a lot good episodes and forum posts discussing outdoor shows. It’s called Art Fair Artists Success Show. Google it - it appears to be a great resource. It’s associated with Art Fair Calendar - another great resource.
Man bro - you’ve stepped up the game on the TH-cam presentation, but that’s not surprising because you are the one in the one that actually knows how to make videos - lol! Wish I could have made it down there. Are you going to set up an Amazon influencer Page? The show set up looked great!
Well Carl I did two shows in the month of October one week apart. My first experience was I have to brag was very successful and almost didn't do the second mainly because of inventory. The second show I really didn't expect to do that much but while booth setup was fresh in my mind and the changes I made to my displays I just wanted to set it all up again for the experience. I did about a third of what I did in my first show. I do have another question, I was looking at a couple of festivals this winter but I am reluctant to signup because I not sure how to stay warm. Have you had any experience in winter festivals and heating your booth? If so what did you use for a heat source? Thanks in advance or your time.
That’s awesome! Me, personally, I’m just not into winter outdoor shows. I don’t think they draw as many people and I don’t like the hassle of being cold. Guess I’m a fair weather artist 😎
It depends... most of my prices are set to sell. I use a combination of square inches and also factor in the frame-if it’s framed. It’s not very scientific at this point. And if someone wants to haggle I think that’s fine... a sale with some dollars is better than no dollars 😎 But you definitely want price tags on each painting.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Carl. I found this video so informative and INSPIRING as I'm flirting with the idea of doing my first art fair next year. Your vid answered so many questions I had, and also stimulated more questions! May I ask...did you offer any prints or were there only original paintings for sale? I ask because the print option would be a nice low price alternative to buying an original for those that aren't ready to drop a lot on a painting. Speaking of pricing, I like your square inch + frame ballpark approach. Did you find there was a price ceiling that people balked at? For instance, is anyone at a fair willing to spend 4 figures on a painting? What did you find was reasonable for smaller paintings - are art fair buyers okay with mid 3 figures? How much would be good to charge for a nice 12x16 art print?
I’m glad you found the video inspiring. I did not offer prints. I think it’s a good idea but for this show I decided to keep things simple and offer my existing inventory. Prints would certainly open the door to more affordable sales. People do not typically spend 4 figures at an outdoor show - at least not in my area. I think $200 is about the max anyone will spend. Lower priced, smaller paintings do much better.
You have a great channel.. Its hard to keep up when you don't produce any videos... Hard for me to stay a sub. I missed your last two videos because I forgot who you were... Well I'll hang in there a little longer
I'm a plein air painter but any art videos are good... I was hooked when you received your pochade box and then that was it....never to be seen again... Lol. I know it's a lot of work to produce videos so don't mind me
A goal of mine this year is to have my first art festival booth. You're the first video in my research! After watching your video, I have one question. If it's a two day show, do you leave your artwork overnight? Or take them home and redo the next day? I've been wondering about that. lol I'd be worried of vandalism or theft.
Most reputable multi-day shows have on-site security. There is certainly a risk to doing them... especially weather related. Keep an eye on that. I wish you success for your first show!
"its a young persons job" im 18 and im thinking baout doing this... i ofc need more art first but im just wondering if it makes good money. i heard sme people say they make hundred and even 5k in two days...
Thanks for sharing your experience. Just one thought, personally I found the hanging red tags distracting to your presentation. On the other hand, maybe those spots of red attracted viewers!
Thank you for watching the video. In consulting with others who have far more experience than I doing art fairs, noticeable price tags are a must. Shoppers do not like asking for prices. And the price tags did invite browsing - and more importantly - sales 😎
What a blessing nothing better.😊
Good to know you’re in Georgia I’ve yet to build the courage to do my art show. You info is a great reference for me! Maybe I’ll get the push to do it
Thanks. I'm showing for the first time this weekend. I don't have a tent, electronic payment system, racks....I'm just going to do it anyway.
Same here... how was your experience?
i was just about to say the same thing- cheers to 'just doing it" :D
How'd it go?
Same here
Splendid video Carl, you not only learnt a lot but have been good enough to share your experience for others to benefit. It is great when people buy your work, when my fellow artists sell for the first time I always tell them that they will never forget that and will always remember the painting that was their first sale,. I know I remember my first (many, many years ago) but it is still a thrill when someone wants to purchase your work. Much respect from an old artist, and don't forget, paint, paint, paint!
Carl, Thank you for this video and all the content you produce. Your communication style and the way you interview other artists has been incredible helpful to me. I really appreciate you and your efforts.
Thank you, Thomas! I’m glad you find value in the podcast and these videos.
Carl, I can see you're a kind and humble guy, Thanks for this valuable advice, it gave me some pointers to start my own pop up art exhibit.
God bless you and your family 🙏🏼
Thank you! I’m glad it helped.
Thank you for the great advice.
It would have been great to see in this video what you sold and your price points since you talked about it.
This was great. Your mom is cute. And yes it does count. Thank you so much.
Thank you 😁🎨
Thank you for this, Carl ... I'm in the same boat; I was accepted for an art show in the fall and have ZERO experience at it ... this was so helpful!
plus they feel like they are helpin you.
Hi Carl - thanks for sharing! As someone contemplating showing my artwork, I found this very encouraging!
I wish you success in showing your work.
Very informative! Thank you
Great content!Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for sharing your invaluable experiences.
This was very helpful, thank you for sharing!
Thanx Carl, perfect timing. I was shopping just that booth & glad to know how good it was. 😍😎
This is the most informative video. Thank you very much!
Great video 👍👍
Carl, you’re a good man doing good work. Thanks for the video.
Thank you kindly for posting this! I was just selected to participate in my first show ~ as fate would have it, I found this video. So many questions were answered! I'm encouraged to take my work on it's first "Field Trip!"
Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful. I hope you have good success at your first show.
Great information! Great vid!
Great video, good job👍
Thank you for sharing your experience! 😇
Thank you sir! Great information.
Thank you, much appreciated!
thank you for sharing your art fair experience, Carl. Where is douglasville.?
Thank you for making this video Carl! It couldn't have been viewed by me at a better time. I am also an older painter (51 years old) who will be participating in my very first art festival. I had a lot of concerns that you addressed in this video. The overall message I'll take away from it is just get out there, have fun, and SHOW PEOPLE MY ART!!!
Thanks for the good advice!
Great video!
Thank you so much!
Thank you. For advise and sharing your experiences.
THANK YOU CARL FOR DOING THIS VIDEO. I am getting ready to do my first art show and boy did you help me out! In fact, before I saw this video, I bought the same tent you did after looking at so many. The awning was a significant factor. Wish me luck!
Thanks for sharing. You did such an amazing job talking us through your experience. And congrats on your first show. You have given us courage .
Great tips! Thanks!!
Other artists saying not to try and sell your work till your art is "ready" are either elitists or fools.
How exactly do you know when your art is good enough to sell?... when someone is willing to buy it!!
Far too many gatekeepers in the art world. Props to you sir, and thanks for the encouraging video!
Exactly!
Very Awesome Video. Thank you!
Very helpful. Thank you!
Great information ! Thank you!
I love this video! Thank you sooooo much! It's really encouraging and I agree with your opinions.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Damn! Very encouraging and helpful, thank you.
Glad you found it helpful!
Very inspiring
Thank you so much for your video! I am having my first art show two weeks from today and I appreciate your helpful information and encouragement!
You’re videos make me so happy! I really love them, they’re so informative and thorough! I’ve found them so helpful. I’m glad you had a successful show keep going 👏🏽😄
Ah, thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them.
Thank you so much for all the information! Very very helpful very interesting you seem to be such a pleasant person I'm drawn to what you have to say. I would like to see your artwork, and maybe even in a close-up. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I haven't ever gone to a art show, but I plan to go just to browse around I see what other people are doing. Hope to see you there! That would be awesome. I paint as well and hope one day soon to show at an art fast. I find that your information would be very helpful. Thank you and great success! Watching from Southwest Louisiana.
This is exactly the tips I was looking for since I am planning on setting up at a local art market and needed some tips. Thank you!!
Hi Carl. fantastic presentation it help me lots since I am doing my first art exhibition soon. Thank you for sharing your experience
Good for you, brother. I, too, am an artist, was in a gallery, sold originals and prints, but now I'm stagnant. :( - that said, I am trying to find a good deal on an art show package so I can travel a bit and show/sell my art. Best to you in all you do. I think you have very interesting and attractive art from what I could see in the video....
Thank you for explaining in detail of a craft show, found the information helpful.
Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching.
Well done.. lots of good tips...especially your expectations was good and encouraging!!! all the best!
Thanks for the freeway video! :) I have my first show this Saturday and I'm trying to figure out how to display my canvases when not having easels
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Wish you the best on your show. I used zip ties to hang my canvases. I also had 50 lb test fishing line.
@@CarlOlsonArt How did you put the zip ties through the canvases? 😊
I put D-rings on the back of the canvas.
Loved your video, so much great information! Oh and your granddaughter definitely made me tear up with her awesome marketing idea ❤️😊.
This is exactly what I needed to see. I'm debating about showing in a local fair. I am so in tune with your motives of experiencing people seeing my work, but not doing this all the time. Since your video is four years old, have you since done more fairs?
That all came to a stop for me when the pandemic hit. I may try it again later this fall.
This is so helpful!! Thank you! Much love and blessings to you 💓
Thank you, Cherry. I’m glad you found this useful.
Note: Weights are important but we found WATER easier to manage and we can dump out afterward so we dont have to load it back up into the car, like sand.
Definitely easier to use water!
I am so glad I found this video. Thank you for your advice! I am setting up in my first market next weekend with my pyrography. I was discouraged by there being other artists who may be better than me or what if nobody wants to buy anything. My nerves have been put to ease after watching this video and I'm excited!!!
I’m glad the video helped. Enjoy your experience!
How'd it go?
First attempt to publicly show my art other than Facebook.I went to an outdoor Market venue- crafts, etc. It was their first time holding it. I invested in a Walmart white tent canopy and was able to run a line around 3 sides to clothespin up paintings which I had in clear bags. I also had a plastic tablecloth on the ground on 1 side with framed items. I had a card table with small framed pieces and my business cards....sounds tacky but actually looked nice. All my prices were $15- $50 . All work was plein air oil and watercolor, mostly 9x12" of local scenery in FL. I loved talking with people and had many look at paintings for 5 minutes and received many compliments [ you are so talented; these are beautiful; I love this building/view/; know where this is, etc.].. .almost everyone who was passing entered the "booth" for a closer look. People at this event were not prepared to buy art. I had the Square charge card reader and used it once. I sold 3 small pieces, 1 to a friend. So, I was exhausted at the end of the day. I stood at my easel and painted the last 4 hours while talking to viewers. I required help setting up and breaking down the canopy . It was also a lot of work loading and unloading. I think I could develop a presence by attending these once a month events but couldn't make it without help to set up, breakdown, and take a 5 minute bathroom break- never took that break. The event was 8-4; set up at 7. I would have done better at an art fair, but then I would have to pay $300 to have a space- charge much more and offer prints /giclees. My goal was to be able to have others enjoy the art and spend the money I earned on more art supplies. Maybe I should hold a garage sale art event next winter...FL is so hot.
My motive in doing this was to meet people. Sales were a plus but not expected for a community show. It’s great that you took the time to paint at your show. I’d say your show was a success in brand-building. Nice!
Really helpful video!
Thankyou this has to be one of the most informative and pleasant videos i have watched on this subject. I'm pleased it went well for you and wish you continued success. Looking at your art it's not hard to see why it went well for you. Best wishes and thankyou.
I really enjoyed your video. I am getting ready to do my first outdoor show in October. My daughter is joining me. She makes wooden signs and I paint, mostly watercolor but have been doing some acrylic. I am really nervous about setting up my booth. I did get a canopy but I'm still looking for a way to hang pictures. Thank you for putting this video out there it really helped.
Sounds exciting! I wish you the best on your first outdoor show. They are hard work, but can be a lot of fun meeting people.
This was delightful and informative. Of course given the state of the world no art fairs to signup for. But I’m encouraged to find a way to show my art. Thank you.💗
So true. It’s sad! But one day this will pass. I’m glad you found this helpful and I wish you success!
I will have my first show in March. This was very helpful. Thank you!
That’s great news! I wish you success at your first show.
Thank you for sharing you insight. I have a show coming up in September so I am getting helpful hints from artist that have done a show before.
I wish you the best on your show!
Fantastic information and so well delivered. Thank you 🌸
Thank you! Glad you find it informative.
Thank you so much for taking your time to share!!✨🌀 this is very helpful 👌🏾
Great video, and lovely art too. Very inspiring. Thank You.
Thank you. I’m glad you found it inspiring. I wish you success in your art making.
You are giving me the courage to get out there and just do it! Thanks for your channel, and would love to see you, bloopers and all, set up outdoors on video. I am trying to figure out how to manage pochade box, tripod, and backpack on uneven ground. I am a watercolorist, and just purchased a sienna smallest sized box. Going to try it in my yard today! Got to just get over the shyness factor. Perseverance! Thank you!
Thank you, Lisa! I think the Sienna box will lay flat for watercolors. I understand being shy doing outdoor painting. Don't think I'll ever get over it :) I am going to do a video outdoors soon.
Thank you for the very thoughtful and well delivered experience video. I have a house full of paintings and I've been really struggling with the idea of operating a booth/stand at a fair. You've made some really good points, and you are correct, to sell, you must show. Nicely done!
Thank you, David!
Thank you for this! I am doing my very first art booth next month and find this video very helpful!
I’m glad you found it useful. I wish you success for your first art Booth!
Sounds like an awesome gig! This was quite an encouraging video!
Thanks! It was fun - and hard work 😎
@@CarlOlsonArt I can imagine! Was worth it! 😁
Great video, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm plannin to setup a booth for first time and have been very nervous. I really loved the way you explained everything in the process including your tips. I'm very happy that you had a good sale. Your artwork is great and you seem to be a really great person! Thanks again and all the best
Thank you, Monika. I wish you success in setting up a booth!
Carl I came across this video as I am looking to do my first art show. You mentioned that if you had more "beach scenes" you probably could have sold more. I have a couple questions. I am a photographer (landscape, wildlife, fine art). I do a variety of work within each one of these genres. I'm currently in North Carolina and may be relocating to Florida. If I start doing shows, I want to display a variety of work - landscape, wildlife, fine art - and as I say variations within each area. Is this a bad idea?
All I can say is test it. I’ve seen folks do it both ways - variety of subjects or focus on one. If you start with variety I think you will learn what people prefer in the area you live. Wish you success!
Nice video. Thanks! Have a question...Did you wire your small paintings before hanging them on the flat hooks on your grid walls? Or did you hang the artwork directly onto the grid wall hook? Thanks.
I used both depending on the frame.
@@CarlOlsonArt Thank you. Did you use the sawtooth hanger on top of the canvas back?
@@ushalax77 yes… for the small paintings
@@CarlOlsonArt Thanks.
You are the next Bob ross! I subscribed
Ha! I don't have enough hair to grow a fro, but thank you for subscribing!
Carl Olson TV you don't need hair! Just paint it on haha
This is helpful, thank you. 🤔
Is this Douglasville GA? When is the show? Who do I contact?
Contact the City of Douglasville (GA) Cultural Arts Council at artsdouglas.org.
Be backs, is what my family called them back 30 years ago.
Yep, and the reality is we’ve all probably done it, too. 😎
Thanks for a great video and helpful hints. I have been painting for years but never did an art show. Why, I don't know but the time has come to get out there. I just opened my own art gallery and studio at my little puppet theater. I also teach art for Grades K -2 What great insperation. Thanks for the outdoor tips. How do you price your art? Do I really need a cube for payment or can I just use cash or checks?
Thanks
Nice to hear about your gallery! As for pricing I’ll have to do another video. As for payment most people use a credit card so despite the hassle rather than missing out on sales may as well be able to accept CC
Very helpful Carl . Two questions1 u say smaller art sold best. What size do U consider small
2 framed and unframed. This is my biggest dilemma how many of the same pic should I bring to a show
I had several 8x10 to 9x12 original oils so I had not duplicates or prints. Probably would have been a good idea to have prints, but it was my first show and I had no idea. There’s a podcast and a forum that I’ve discovered since then that have a lot good episodes and forum posts discussing outdoor shows. It’s called Art Fair Artists Success Show. Google it - it appears to be a great resource. It’s associated with Art Fair Calendar - another great resource.
Carl Olson TV awesome thank you Have you done others shows since your first one
Man bro - you’ve stepped up the game on the TH-cam presentation, but that’s not surprising because you are the one in the one that actually knows how to make videos - lol! Wish I could have made it down there. Are you going to set up an Amazon influencer Page?
The show set up looked great!
Thanks! I haven't looked into the Amazon Influencer program yet. I need to amp up this channel for sure!
Amazon says I don't qualify for their influencer program. Ah well.
Well Carl I did two shows in the month of October one week apart. My first experience was I have to brag was very successful and almost didn't do the second mainly because of inventory. The second show I really didn't expect to do that much but while booth setup was fresh in my mind and the changes I made to my displays I just wanted to set it all up again for the experience. I did about a third of what I did in my first show. I do have another question, I was looking at a couple of festivals this winter but I am reluctant to signup because I not sure how to stay warm. Have you had any experience in winter festivals and heating your booth? If so what did you use for a heat source? Thanks in advance or your time.
That’s awesome! Me, personally, I’m just not into winter outdoor shows. I don’t think they draw as many people and I don’t like the hassle of being cold. Guess I’m a fair weather artist 😎
How do you set your pricing? Do you have a system or do you just pick numbers? Lol
It depends... most of my prices are set to sell. I use a combination of square inches and also factor in the frame-if it’s framed. It’s not very scientific at this point. And if someone wants to haggle I think that’s fine... a sale with some dollars is better than no dollars 😎 But you definitely want price tags on each painting.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Carl. I found this video so informative and INSPIRING as I'm flirting with the idea of doing my first art fair next year. Your vid answered so many questions I had, and also stimulated more questions!
May I ask...did you offer any prints or were there only original paintings for sale? I ask because the print option would be a nice low price alternative to buying an original for those that aren't ready to drop a lot on a painting.
Speaking of pricing, I like your square inch + frame ballpark approach. Did you find there was a price ceiling that people balked at? For instance, is anyone at a fair willing to spend 4 figures on a painting? What did you find was reasonable for smaller paintings - are art fair buyers okay with mid 3 figures? How much would be good to charge for a nice 12x16 art print?
I’m glad you found the video inspiring. I did not offer prints. I think it’s a good idea but for this show I decided to keep things simple and offer my existing inventory. Prints would certainly open the door to more affordable sales. People do not typically spend 4 figures at an outdoor show - at least not in my area. I think $200 is about the max anyone will spend. Lower priced, smaller paintings do much better.
Thank you, Carl! Very helpful. Love your vids and I"m really enjoying your new Artist interview podcasts. Good luck going forward.
You have a great channel.. Its hard to keep up when you don't produce any videos... Hard for me to stay a sub. I missed your last two videos because I forgot who you were... Well I'll hang in there a little longer
I hear you! It's tough finding the time to produce the videos, but I'll keep on trying. Thanks for hanging in there.
A favor please... what topics are you interested seeing covered in future videos?
I'm a plein air painter but any art videos are good... I was hooked when you received your pochade box and then that was it....never to be seen again... Lol. I know it's a lot of work to produce videos so don't mind me
Actually, Carl did a follow-up video on his Pochade Box. Check his videos, you'll find it.
A goal of mine this year is to have my first art festival booth. You're the first video in my research! After watching your video, I have one question. If it's a two day show, do you leave your artwork overnight? Or take them home and redo the next day? I've been wondering about that. lol I'd be worried of vandalism or theft.
Most reputable multi-day shows have on-site security. There is certainly a risk to doing them... especially weather related. Keep an eye on that. I wish you success for your first show!
Carl Olson TV thank you so much for responding ☺️ I'm gonna try my hardest to accomplish my goal
"its a young persons job" im 18 and im thinking baout doing this... i ofc need more art first but im just wondering if it makes good money. i heard sme people say they make hundred and even 5k in two days...
How has this tent held up?
It’s a solid tent. It’s held up well.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Just one thought, personally I found the hanging red tags distracting to your presentation. On the other hand, maybe those spots of red attracted viewers!
Thank you for watching the video. In consulting with others who have far more experience than I doing art fairs, noticeable price tags are a must. Shoppers do not like asking for prices. And the price tags did invite browsing - and more importantly - sales 😎
Did you feel like you got a fair price for your paintings? Or did you feel like you had to lower prices because of the audience?
Fairs are rarely going to be the place for high priced art. I went in knowing that and priced accordingly.
@@CarlOlsonArt Appreciate the feedback. Thanks.
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