Let’s Talk About Show Lulls Artists Share How They Handle Them
The threat of rain or extreme heat, as well as competing events and a lack of promotion, can result in slow periods during an art festival. See how some artists deal with this when it happens.
Anne Gaines
Printmaking & Mixed Media
How long have you been participating in shows?
More than 20 years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
During a slow time in a show, I like to rearrange the art in my booth. If I’m at work in the booth, customers that might be too shy to enter will often feel more comfortable and come on in. If the show has slower spells, I will make sketches of new work that I’d like to create. In addition, slow times are the perfect opportunity to get to know my neighbors at the show and perhaps purchase or trade art with them.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I’ve seen other artists look at their phones or read a book, which I don’t think is a great idea. And rarely, I’ve seen artists get angry and start packing up their booth early, which I think is a terrible idea. Show promoters can do all the right things to market a show, but they cannot control the weather or make people attend their events. I love to see artists take a slow time and set up their easels and paint. It’s such a great idea to use their time to make more inventory! As a printmaker, I’m not able to do that!
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
It wasn’t advice, but one year during lulls in a show, I watched a wonderful glass artist give a piece of his art to a child, a veteran, or someone who loved his work but could not afford to buy it. That really made a positive impression on me.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Other events (sporting, etc.) that occur at the same time; a downturn in the economy; bad weather; poor marketing; difficulty in getting to/from show and/or limited parking; no places to buy food; not enough space to navigate crowds and see into booths; no place to sit and rest/cool down.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
It is hard if there are a lot of slow times in a show. I try to make the best of those times and not get too stressed about not selling. It is a challenge for sure, but I’m much happier if I keep a positive attitude. And I try not to overwhelm people when they finally do come into the booth!
Carolyn Jones
Jewelry
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twelve years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
If a show is having a slow time, I take advantage of that time to eat a quick snack to recharge or ask my neighbor artist to keep an eye on my booth while I run to the bathroom. I also might rearrange my display, clean the glass cases, and tidy up. If the slow time drags on, I get out my notebook and sketch out ideas, think about what I might want to do for setup at future shows, etc. Chatting with neighbor artists is also a way to pass the time — until either the show picks up or it's the end of the day.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
It never helps when other artists start venting and being negative about the slow time. A quick, "Is it slow, or is it me?" is OK, but going on and on about how awful it is can drive away any potential customers that might be nearby and just adds a negative feeling to the situation.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
An artist told me she uses the time to sketch (she's a fantastic painter), and it inspired me to work on my own ideas and keep the time I'm at the show productive, rather than just a waste.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather is a huge factor. If it's a beastly hot day, most shoppers will come in the morning and just stay home after lunch. Rain also keeps a lot of shoppers home, but I've also had some amazing sales days during rain because only the really determined shoppers come out.
Richard Lang
Oil
How long have you been participating in shows?
Eighteen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I keep a notebook with me and make notes on setup, improvements, inventory, and all the little things to make prepping and working the next show great. By the end of the year, it's a smooth operation.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
The only consistent lulls have been when shows encroach on dinnertime. People are on the way to eat.
Jenifer Martinez
Jewelry
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twenty-plus years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I talk to other vendors about alternate shows, work on online orders, and prep more inventory for future shows.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Read, nap, play on their phones, or socialize with each other.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
Never fall into the trap of snacking when bored. Stay motivated by using show hours as work hours — you can always be tweaking your online store or working on social media if there are no people shopping in person. Get the online sales working for you!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Bad weather, poor marketing by the show runners.
Rhea Northington
Fused Glass & Mosaics
How long have you been participating in shows?
Fourteen-plus years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
Rearrange items, exchange what's out for other items still in totes. It helps pique customers’ curiosity.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Phone surfing and napping — not good for attracting customers.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Poor advertising, disorganized or difficult parking for customers, heavy rain, or too hot and humid.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Stay friendly and approachable; be positive and have fun.
Jason Wallace
Photography
How long have you been participating in shows?
Seventeen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I try to find something to do and make the booth look busy. I'm either cleaning, rearranging some pieces, and might even take a piece down and set it on my podium to adjust something about it. If there’s nothing in the booth to do, I’ll chat with one of my booth neighbors to make light of the situation. Last option: ask for a booth sitter so I can take a break and still have someone to watch the booth.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Positive things: chat with each other and try to make the show look more alive than it is! Negative things: disappear! It’s not helping you or the show to have an empty booth. Even if a small handful of people are there, they still want to see the show!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
The day and the weather are big factors. If it’s a Friday, we must remember it’s a workday for many visitors, and most people won’t be out to walk an outdoor event until after 5 p.m. Assess how the community deals with temperature. If I'm doing a show in the South (I'm predominately in Oklahoma), we can deal with temperatures up to the low 90s. On the other hand, If I'm doing an event in the mountains of Colorado, 75 might be too hot for them.
Brande Arno
Oil
How long have you been participating in shows?
Thirty years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
It depends on how close to the end it is. If it’s two hours to closing or less, I’ll discreetly begin to break down my booth. This means packing away decor, lights, fabrics or curtains, signage. All these items are taken behind the booth to be packed — not in anyone’s viewing distance. I then move to packing away some of my prints — taking my time and leaving several out. I’ll also neaten up the back end of my booth by packing away extra shopping bags and putting away any tools, extra pens, extra hanging hardware that I don’t see myself needing. Hopefully, I’m being interrupted by some folks coming in. I might also use the bathroom. About 30 minutes before closing, I start packing away my pet commission section … but only if I’m not busy. By the 15-minute mark, I start wrapping up the biggest to smallest paintings. If this is a poorly attended show, I always bring a pencil sketching kit, so I can sketch outside of the booth. Sometimes I try to do memory sketches of people and their poses. I also will do crossword puzzles, check emails, and walk around my area to visit neighbor’s booths. In between, I’m posting on my socials, as well as the Facebook page of the show itself. I don’t have the guts to go live … yet. Maybe this will be the year!
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I have seen booths disappear overnight on slow two-day shows to artists who just pass the time, sitting under an umbrella on their phones. I’ve also seen artists wipe down every painting to look busy … or study their own work mimicking a shopper. Some (including me) bring cleaning cloths and sprays to clean their fixtures and framed art. I always bring a small hand broom and dustpan to sweep out my rug.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
Look around to get inspired. This could be a great booth display or great art. Ask before assuming you can take pictures.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Most shows could go to just one day, in my opinion. When I say this, still have set up the day before. Limiting it to just one day puts folks in the mindset to buy right away. Promoters should pay attention to the crowd size, time of day, and consider closing by 4 p.m. on the second day. Rare is the show where 3 p.m. on the second day, it’s not a dead crowd.
Cori Meloney
Fiber
How long have you been participating in shows?
Seventeen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I tidy/organize my shelves and racks; look through my inventory and make a list of things I should make to fill the holes in my inventory; brainstorm better ways to set up my tent; make notes about design ideas, future shows, my setup, etc.; eat lunch; shop from my neighbors; run to the bathroom; play on my phone, especially if the whole day has been slow; talk to my neighbors; stand at the entrance to the tent and talk to folks walking by.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
The same — tidy, count inventory, eat, shop, chat, use phone. Sometimes people complain when a show is slow, and I try not to get too involved in that because I can only imagine how hard it is to organize an event!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather, economy, other events happening, lack of advertising.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
I would never pack up early without permission. It’s disrespectful to the organizers and rude to your neighbors. I think vendors who pack up early and leave should not be allowed to participate in that event in the future. I have packed up early when there was a weather emergency and show organizers encouraged us to do so.
Mary Jane Whitt
Acrylic Painting
How long have you been participating in shows?
Thirty years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I always take extra canvases and paint with me, and I paint. It draws onlookers and helps keep my inventory fresh.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Rearrange their inventory, talk to other artists, do paperwork, look at their phones.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
Rearrange your inventory, do paperwork, make art!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Shows that start on Friday are usually slow until after folks get off from work. Sunday shows are usually slow during church hours. Bad weather will keep people away. There's usually a lull around dinnertime on Saturdays.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Be prepared for lulls and plan a productive way to use the time.
Cody Wheelock
Oil Painting
How long have you been participating in shows?
Four years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
If a show is slow, the biggest challenge is to stay positive. If sitting behind my desk, I try to get up and move around; this gets the blood flowing and can break the monotony. I chat with neighbor artists and try to keep the conversation positive. I also like to keep a notebook handy as these are often the times when new ideas pop into my mind. This can also be a great opportunity to grab some food from a nearby food truck or the cooler. While it's tempting to be on my phone during slow times, I try to limit screen time as much as I can.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Positively, I see them walk around, tidy up their booth, engage socially with other artists. On the negative side, I've also seen artists sulk in the corner of their booth with bad body language, clearly irritated with the circumstance. We must be careful as our non-verbal communication can send strong signals to potential customers and show directors walking by.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
Simply to stay positive. There will be slow/down times at almost every show; don't get into a negative mindset as this will impact everything else.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Usually, weather is the biggest culprit. Afternoon heat and rainy weather will slow down any show. Big events happening concurrently can also be an issue, such as concerts, other festivals, or sports events.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
It helps to go into an event expecting there to be lulls. If you set your expectations accordingly, it can help avoid riding the emotional roller-coaster that is art fairs!
Denise Riley
Steel
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twenty-four years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I try to find some way to look busy. Restocking, sweeping, dusting, or rearranging supplies. Movement attracts attention, so I may have visitors in the booth because of that where other booths do not.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Some do as I do. Some read a book. Some sleep in a chair (kiss of death in my honest opinion).
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Heat, rain, mealtimes, or just a slow year for whatever reason.
Brigit Kowalczyk
Leather
How long have you been participating in shows?
Five years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
Typically, I have a small sewing machine with me, and I can use it to put together small pieces during down time. Not only does it attract people to my booth, but it also lets me get work done at the same time. I have also updated image photos for my website or have also created posts for the future on my social media. I also straighten up my booth, sweep, and reorganize because people sometimes move things around as they're looking.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Sometimes I just see the artist leave their booths and talk to other artists, and I do this occasionally, but I don't like to leave my booth because I'd like to engage with my customers. It's not positive or negative — it's just what the artist feels comfortable with.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
An artist suggested I bring things to work on, so I have. I feel it's a very solid way to get people interested in what your art is about.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
A few things that I've seen that cause traffic to be low are lack of advertising, a competing show close by, bad weather (rain or heat).
Edward Kibbee
Metal
How long have you been participating in shows?
Sixteen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
Change things around on the display. Reshuffle, reshape, revive my look. Always look busy — even when not. Never portray desperation verbally or non-verbally. Do not offer discounts or sales. It only cheapens your product.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I've seen vendors make the mistake of selling from their own wallet. In other words, a buyer’s budget may be more than yours. So don't lower prices to fit what you think someone else can afford.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
I was told many years ago to dress nicely and stand up.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Times of day. Mornings generally see older people, as afternoons generally see younger. Weather conditions — usually more younger people during inclement weather. Lack of energetic, effective advertising. Lack of food, beverages, entertainment, décor … things that help draw. Event location. Safe, clean modernized areas see better traffic.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Know your target market. Where they exist, what they want, where will they go and not go.
Kathy Peirce
Garden Art
How long have you been participating in shows?
Thirteen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
When there's a slow time, I first check my displays to make sure everything is looking good. I may need to rearrange pieces or fill holes from sold items. After that I have some busy work I can do — either cutting my copper neck pieces or cutting the wire used to make my stamens. There’s always something to do — even if it’s just straightening up my supply box.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Some read or check their emails.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
There's always a lull at the end of the day, but then you might get a last-minute customer.
Sonja Jones
Scratchboard
How long have you been participating in shows?
Nine years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
Since my scratchboard toolkit is portable, I'll often bring a small piece along to work on. It helps me keep my inventory up, as well as being a good demonstration piece to get the eventual customers in my booth interested in my artwork. I also like to get to know my fellow artists in the neighboring booths. It's always good to see what other artists are doing, and many of them have had some interesting and unusual life experiences. If I have a helper along, I'll take some time to walk the show.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
One negative thing I've noticed is artists who are always on their phones, not that I haven't been guilty of this myself on occasion. But when we get too involved in a conversation or doom scrolling, it's easy to miss an opportunity to engage with the customers who are walking by. Even worse, I think, is to complain too much about the show being slow. It just sets up a negative mindset that spreads. I try to stay positive until the very end of the show; and who hasn't had that one big sale that comes on the last day or at the last minute?
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
Stay positive — it isn’t over till it’s over!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Even in the best of shows, there are inevitable lulls due to normal traffic patterns. However, bad weather can certainly result in traffic lulls, too. And, unfortunately, poorly advertised shows or newer shows can also have large lulls in traffic. The first two causes can't be helped, but show promoters need to do their part to ensure the best turnout possible with heavy advertising in their communities. Nothing is worse than learning that no one knew about the show — they just stumbled upon it.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Lulls at shows are inevitable, but they don't necessarily result in low sales. If you and the show promoter have done your proper due diligence, you will still do all right. The most important factor is reaching your client demographic — it only takes a few of the right customers (those interested in your style of art and who fit your pricing profile) to have a great show.
Joni Marhula
Mixed
How long have you been participating in shows?
Ten years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
It depends. If I’m tired, I relax. If not, I research pictures online for new inspiration, or I reorganize my toolbox, think of pricing, or look for new shows online.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Mostly people seem to be on their phones or maybe walking the show.
What is a tip or piece of advice an artist shared that helped you get through slow periods?
It’s not over till it's over. You never know if you have a good sale at the end of the last day.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Between 1-2 p.m. People go to eat, I think. And, of course, if it starts to rain.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Don't give up ... it's part of the gig ... just like everything in life ... sometimes it doesn't go your way.
Denise Ashby
Jewelry
How long have you been participating in shows?
Fifteen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
We play a game. A current favorite is Upwords (a version of Scrabble that allows you to change the words by building on top of already played words). It packs well, requires a small space in the table behind our display space, and we can walk away from it when customers appear. It has also sparked quite a few conversations with customers, which of course can be an icebreaker in getting people engaged in your space.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Honestly, way too many people have that dreaded habit of sitting around complaining, which is one of the reasons we started doing this. It prevents the complainers from trying to engage with us and pull us in. I’m not interested in the negativity this brings to the space.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. It's just the nature of the business.
Bonnie Norton
Crochet
How long have you been participating in shows?
Ten-plus years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I always crochet while things are slower. Then I mark them and add them to the booth.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I haven’t really noticed because I am always crocheting.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Usually Sunday afternoons get a little slow. It’s the time people start getting home to get ready for the week ahead.
Candace Cobb
Watercolor Painting
How long have you been participating in shows?
Eighteen months.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I usually have my paints with me, which being watercolor, travel well. And if I'm feeling motivated, I paint some smaller pieces to work on my inventory. I sell hand-painted cards and can get a few of those done during a show. If the weather isn't cooperating with that (too hot or too humid), I will just scroll on my phone to pass the time. If there is any way to straighten up my storage area that doesn't look like I'm packing up, I do that, too. Sometimes by the end of a show, that area can be a mess, so a slow time gives me the opportunity to get it in order before packing up.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Unfortunately, I see people packing up with half an hour or sometimes 45 minutes to go in the show. I find this to be so disruptive and rude to the rest of the vendors who are sticking it out. Also, I have more than once made a sale at 4:55 p.m., or sometimes even after closing time ... I usually pack the smaller things last, like the print bin and cards, so they're still available for a straggler to flip through and have made sales that way. We all know how difficult it is to have a bad show, but packing up early isn't the answer.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather — both good and bad. When the weather is perfect, people go to the pool or do other things later in the day and it can affect traffic. Sundays are notoriously bad for me — I don't expect anyone until after the churchgoers are free. Lastly, bad advertising. During the earlier part of the day, people can just happen upon the tents set up and see what's going on. But by midday people are doing whatever they planned to do that day, so that random traffic goes away. That's a sure sign that the show was badly advertised.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
I just think it's important to keep energy up and stay put until the show ends. I wouldn't leave my day job an hour early because my boss isn't giving me work, so the idea of leaving the show makes no sense to me. You never know who is going to walk in, and your attitude when they do makes all the difference.
Deb Andrison
Paper
How long have you been participating in shows?
Ten years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
If it is the first day of the show, we check in with other artists in our neighborhood of the festival. It's always a delight to reconnect with folks we haven't seen for a year. One of us stays at the booth, however, to answer questions and make sales. Rearranging the art and creating eye-catching end caps is a fruitful activity.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Some make more art if their operation is portable. Some pass the time on their phone or tablet. I think that is a poor decision because with your head down, you cannot make friendly eye contact with a potential customer.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
People are quick to buy a piece of jewelry or clothing. Many people will not spend money on art, although it feeds your spirit.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Stay engaged as people walk past your booth. That smile or eye contact may be the encouragement to step inside the tent and look at your art more closely. A simple greeting is often enough to lure them in. I always tell the looky loos to enjoy the show as they exit. That brings a positive end to the exchange.
Laurel Astor
Acrylic
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twenty-two years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I straighten my paintings and make some movement in my booth which seems to help. Sometimes I leave my booth to talk to other artists to recharge my energy. I also notice if I acknowledge them too soon, they leave. So, I let them look around a bit and then find the right time to say something.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I have noticed that sometimes people stand right at the entrance to their booth, and sometimes they have their arms crossed. That isn’t inviting, and people don’t want to come in the booth. And, when people say anything when people come in their booth, they feel an expectation and leave. I let my paintings speak for me.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather — too hot or too cold.
Caroyln Merrifield
Jewelry
How long have you been participating in shows?
Five years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I bring a sketchbook and work on new designs. It sometimes starts some great conversations if someone finally comes by. I also ask a neighbor to booth sit while I make a run around the show to network. Then I sit for them to do the same.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I have seen others rearrange their displays. Others can paint or do beadwork.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather — almost always.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Use social media as much as possible to drive traffic to a show.
Anna Donahue
Acrylic
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twenty years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I always bring artwork to work on and have it set up on display. Customers can then see a work in progress on an easel whether I'm working on it or not. I also bring a small music option and use it if allowed but only during slow times. It helps to fill the void of silence and puts everyone at ease.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Leave their booth unattended!
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather makes a difference and mealtimes or promotions that the show pushes.
Kim Winchell
Jewelry
How long have you been participating in shows?
Eight years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I study my setup and make adjustments as needed, make sure I’ve posted to social media, and then use the time to meet fellow vendors, take note of their products and displays. If I make a great connection and potentially a supporter/collaborator, I feel like it is not a waste.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Positive: working on craft or working on display. Negative: on phone, disinterested in meeting others, super negative about show.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather: if it’s rainy or too hot or cold. Poorly advertised shows result in few shoppers. Competition — if there are several large shows on the same day, it can result in poor attendance. Others are too close to a holiday, either already shopped or busy and not attending the show. On Sunday mornings, people are in church.
Kathy Garrett
Fiber
How long have you been participating in shows?
Fifteen years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I make sure I always have something with me to work on. There is always another show. I carefully pick my shows for my fiber art, so it is probably only going to be slow for a short amount of time. I work while I can on small items that I can put down, if a customer walks in or by. I also choose work that I do not have to look at while I am working. You would be surprised at the comments I get when people see me crocheting without looking at my work. This is also a good time to meet your neighbors and fellow artists and crafters. We made good friends this way.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I have seen some artists and crafters move their workspace to right outside the front of their tent, so people can see them working as they walk by. Many times, people will strike up a conversation with the artist and hopefully will look at the other items they have to offer. I cannot stand it when other vendors call out to show visitors — trying to get them into their booth or to try their items. We have had vendors walk out of their booth and talk to people who are shopping at another vendor's booth. That is a bad vendor edict.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather — we get afternoon thundershowers in the South. Football — we get Saturday football games in the South. Church — we don't get many people at shows before church lets out in the Bible Belt. In the summer when it is really hot, people will come out in the morning up until lunchtime, and then if the show is a music festival and goes on into the evening, they will return later once the sun starts going down.
S. Brian Berkun
Photography
How long have you been participating in shows?
Forty-plus years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I usually tidy up the print bins, check weather, or visit with other nearby artists I may know or meet new ones! It’s not great when you see a lot of artists out of their booths or visiting; usually it means a slow show or the crowds have left, especially during football season on a Sunday!
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Some artists have filled in their inventory from raw stock they have on hand, such as putting pieces in bags, etc. Sometimes they are reading or checking their phones and checking out other artists’ booths.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Poorly advertised or promoted show, football season as noted above, too hot/cold, lunchtime/dinnertime for late shows. When there is a perceived economic downturn, fewer people show up to buy or are there for cheap/free entertainment. Mixed venue shows with music — the crowd is more interested in the music and not the art and disappears.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
I personally believe that if you sign up for a show, you need to fulfill your time obligation there. It’s just poor form to leave early and reflects badly on you and often on the show. I participated in one of a series of very poorly promoted shows years ago near Palm Springs. It was like an art show ghost town as tents were sparse as were the attendees, but I stuck it out despite poor sales and attendance.
Joni Kauhane
Fiber
How long have you been participating in shows?
Four years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I have set myself up to sew while in my booth. I bring my work in progress, a big battery for power, and all my supplies. Not only does it keep production up, but it makes the slow times go by so much faster, and customers love to see me in action.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
I have a painter friend who sets herself up to paint. It’s wonderful to watch her process.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Weather and mealtimes. Mornings are usually busiest on hot days — then late afternoon picks up again.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
If you are doing something, be sure you are still engageable to customers. Don’t get so engrossed in your book or activity that people miss you.
Eileen Clark
Mixed & Acrylic
How long have you been participating in shows?
Twenty years.
What do you do when a show has a slow time?
I spent 18 years doing shows with my sea glass gifts and jewelry and then made a radical switch to mixed media art. Over the years, I have always packed a project to work on at a show. Having a project will help you look busy while also demonstrating your art/craft techniques. Work on something that you can put down as they enter. It will help engage potential customers and help you not go crazy in your 10 x 10 cage. Whatever you do — look busy. Do not sit there staring pathetically into space.
What have you seen other artists do during show lulls?
Reading a book is not wise. As much as I want to do it, I never do it. I might bring some paperwork or do inventory but always keep aware of people as they come in.
From your experience, what have been the top causes of lulls in traffic and sales?
Bad weather — heat, cold, rain, storms, etc. can affect crowds. Shows that last beyond 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. can be frustrating. Most people start leaving about 4 p.m., but we have to stay until 6 p.m.
Do you have additional thoughts or advice on this topic?
Ideas for projects: I have prints of my photos or art reproduced on canvas. I use paint pens to embellish the pieces. This gives me something to do and gives buyers an opportunity to own an original in a small size and at a lower price. While making sea glass jewelry, I would set up little kits of simple designs and assemble them at the show — i.e., my earrings or memory wire bracelets. I packed all needed supplies in cells of a bead box. When someone arrived, I could close the box and engage.