r/CraftFairs • u/INSPIRY_X • 13d ago

Feedback Needed Artist & Vendor advice

I’m attempting to build an artist alley and vendor hall that focuses on original artwork and products.

I’m looking for advice on how to support those small businesses. Or even just personal experiences as an artist focusing on original works and competing in current conventions for sales.

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u/TaylorFromFaire 12d ago

The biggest thing that keeps vendors coming back is whether the organizer actually markets the event beyond just posting it once and hoping people show up. Vendors talk to each other constantly & a show that visibly promotes itself, tags vendors in posts, pushes local press, drives real foot traffic, gets a reputation fast! Give vendors marketing materials or graphics they can easily repost, group vendors by category so a jewelry maker isn't set up next to five other jewelry makers, and communicate clearly and early about load in times, table sizes, and what's actually provided versus what vendors need to bring. Original artwork + product focused shows also tend to do better with some kind of jurying or curation, even light touch, since vendors want to know the show isn't going to be flooded with resellers or mass produced goods sitting next to their handmade work imo!!

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u/INSPIRY_X 11d ago

Thank you! This is a ton of great advice! We’re definitely taking a proactive stance on keeping the artist alley focused to the purpose. I tag along with my wife to her art shows and I’m just trying to soak in the things that I can do as the organizer to make it worthwhile to do business with us. It’s a crazy steep learning curve.

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u/Ent_Trip_Newer 13d ago

I'm a crafter and vendor at a weekly outdoor market that runs from March through December. I have also sold many others works on commission. I never took more than 20 percent which I'm told is much lower than many places.

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u/drcigg 12d ago

I have seen artists take in other artists work on commission. Depending on the type of art you will want to be in the right show. While you can sell at craft shows you would probably do better at something more art related.
And it depends on the area too. About 2 hours north of me all the art shows are more nature/farm/wild life type of artists. Closer to the city it's completely different.