What Should You Do Next? Advice After Acceptance Into a Show
After being accepted, confirm if you are participating. Check the deadline for booth payments and get the payment in before that date.
Once you know you are participating, share the news with your followers and clients via social media, your website, or your newsletter. The best way to get new buyers is word of mouth from other satisfied customers!
Think about what your show schedule looks like for that period — is it your only show that month, or do you have a packed schedule with multiple shows back-to-back? Consider your inventory based on that question.
If you have multiple shows in a row, you need to prepare a higher amount of inventory. I have had a few artists cancel participation in 4 Bridges last-minute because they sold more than they thought they might at a show a week or two before.
Plan your booth. How do you want your display area to look? What is your vibe? Do you have a setup that matches the look and feel of your work?
If you just have the basics — walls and a tent — what can you do to personalize things and make yourself stand out? Think about the unseen necessities — extension cords, surge protectors, extra battery packs for your phone, zip ties, snacks, a chair, etc. Make a checklist, or find one online, to help you remember everything.
Think about your travel plans. Does the show have a recommended or discounted hotel nearby? Do you know other artists in the show with whom you could share a hotel or Airbnb to save funds?
If traveling via RV or van, figure out where you can park and have access to hookups if needed. If you are going to another show immediately before or after, think about the extra inventory you need to pack and make sure you have room.
Festival Is Approaching
Whether you have a website, email newsletter, or rely on social media, advertise your show schedule for each month or season regularly. If the show makes a post or story that features you, SHARE IT!
If you do shows regularly, like at least once a month, you are intimately knowledgeable about the state of your tent, weights, and setup, and keep up with necessary regular maintenance on things as needed. If you have not done a show in a while, do a mock setup in your yard or garage to make sure your tent, tent weights, and display setup are clean and in good shape.
If you have recently added items to your inventory, particularly items that are a different size or shape than you usually make, think about if you need to adjust your setup with additional furniture or pedestals.
What To Bring
The items we get asked for most often are a dolly, an extension cord, a broom, and a dustpan. You should have a plan to set up your booth. It is not the show’s responsibility to help you set up or provide people to help you.
I know several artists who hire a day helper for setup/teardown. You can certainly ask if the show provides volunteers, but do not count on that.
Invest in a dolly or wagon to help you move large things. Pay attention to parking/load-in/load-out instructions, so you know how far things need to be moved, and plan accordingly.
I think every festival artist should have a tent (check each show’s requirements); tent weights (at least 40 lb. on each leg); full display setup; chair; payment terminal/card reader; charge cords and/or battery packs for tablet/phone; business cards; email sign-up list or guest book; zip ties; hand-held broom/dustpan, extension cords and a surge protector; blanket; water bottle and/or coffee thermos; and snacks (lots of shows provide things, but pack stuff, particularly if you are picky or have dietary restrictions).
Our event space has a roof that protects us from harsh sun and most rain, so I do not often have to think about these things, but since most shows do not have that luxury, an umbrella, sunglasses, and sunscreen are things you should have in your show kit. A personal roll of toilet paper for porta-potties is not a bad idea.
More Advice
If new to doing festivals, make friends with neighbors at your next shows. I think you should do this at every show, but it is especially important for newbies.
Ask questions and pay attention to what they come equipped with. Ask for feedback about your booth setup and which shows they like/do not like, and why. The festival artist grapevine is active. It pays to listen.
Be sure to get a great booth shot at each show as you set up. This means leave your name/business banner to the end, because we do not want identifying information in those images.