How to Survive Art Fairs as an Artist or Art Lover
It’s the Christmas gifting season!
There’s a flurry of activity as we approach the holiday season, and in Singapore we are seeing a lot of art fairs and exhibitions. I’ve been going there as both as a visitor and as an artist.
Participating in Fairs
As an artist, I tell myself not to be overzealous when it comes to participating in fairs. There is only one of me, and I don't want to be spread thin.
And I also had to keep in mind my golden rules of exhibiting at fairs or exhibitions:
Be organised and create a system / inventory of your work. Sometimes you will have work online and at the fair. Make sure to remove work once it’s sold. You don’t want to leave a customer disappointed if an item has sold at a fair and you didn’t update the website. And of course, you’ll have the stripe / paypal fees if you need to return the money!
Label all work that you are displaying at your booth / table. This must include, title, price and don’t forget your name. It can also include a QR code, a few details about the work. If you’re busy with another visitor, this information will be very useful.
Have information about you at your booth. A mini poster with a photo of you and your art helps people recognise you! Name cards, small cards or postcards with your website are handy too.
Get a newsletter sign up form going so that you can follow-up with interested parties.
Keep the booth simple! Overcrowded means overwhelmed and messy. You don’t have to display all your work, but also don’t make it too minimalist that you end up being unapproachable.
Double check if the organiser is providing the table cloth, tables and chairs.
Stay positive - I like to go in with no expectations, and I’m happy to use the event to build connections and bring awareness to my brand.
Stay hydrated and have snacks on hand.
Bring out your chatty self - I can be very quiet, but if you approach me, I will answer your questions with a smile :)
Visiting Art Fairs as an Art Lover
I also love to visit art fairs. Here’s what I do to make the trip a lot more pleasant, and not overwhelming.
This was the fair guide for Affordable Art Fair 2022. So many booths!!
Plan out your visit the day before - do your homework! I was recently at the Affordable Art Fair Singapore 2022, and there were so many artists. Fortunately, I visited their website and I marked out the ones I was most keen on visiting, and targeted those on arrival. Once I had seen those, I then used the rest of my time to browse the others. I didn’t do this the last time and ended up regretfully missing out on those I had been meaning to visit.
Have a picture of the room that you would like to have a piece of artwork in. Make choices about the artwork with a reference picture of the room that you intend to have it in rather than trying to draw upon your memory. This way, you will be able to make the right choice in terms of colour and style.
Don’t forget to have the measurements of the empty space you want to place the art so that you purchase the right sized artwork.
Bring a measuring tape with you! The tape can give you a visual of how slightly bigger or smaller an art piece is compared with your desired size.
Buying artwork for a new home / room that’s under renovation? Bring a floor plan and colour swatches of the room. If you’re unsure, take photos of the artwork you’re keen on. Don’t forget to take down the details of the artist so that you can get in touch with them once you’re ready!
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing - you’re going to be walking and standing for at least an hour, so make sure you are comfortable.
Remember to have fun! Take a break too. Most art fairs have food and drink pop-ups. Otherwise, bring your own refreshments.
Don’t forget to join me for the Sustainable Christmas Market
My artwork will be available for purchase, and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Red Cross to help the children of climate change refugees.
27 November 2022, Copthorne Waterfront
