Considerations for Applying to Any Art Event

I've heard many artists and crafters mention that they need every opportunity they can get to show their work. With that said, not all events are going to be a good fit for your talent. It's important that you weigh the options and consider the possible outcomes before applying. No one wants to invest the time and money in a show that doesn't yield a profit. While you can predict everything (like the weather), you should ask yourself  a number of questions to gauge how this event suits you.

• How much does is cost to apply and participate?
• What is the likely size and makeup of the audience?
• Where is the event held? Indoor, outdoor, amenities? 
• How many vendors will be there? What type of arts? 
• Are you likely to make a profit or at least break even? 

The goal is to help you prepare for success and know when to seek out a different show. Yes, there are going to be some you should avoid. Consider the following every time you're applying to a new event so you focus on only those that are best for your handmade business!

Pricing Your Art for True Value

Pricing may be one of the greatest challenges when it comes to running an art business. While there are objective and easy to quantify elements of making, what buyers are willing to pay is often subjective. Does your work speak to them? What value do they perceive? Do they understand the potential investment? You have to consider your market as well as the time you invest, the cost of materials and more. Is there one pricing method that works best? Honestly, I would say no. It depends on your medium and style as well as the customers you are trying to reach and how well you communicate why they should buy from you. So how do you determine your ideal approach to pricing? Research and testing. The going rate for your work much like your style will evolve over time. Whether you're just getting started or evaluating mid career, here are some considerations to help guide you in making a living off your creative talents.

To Sell or Not to Sell Your Art?

We all need a creative outlet, and many of us find that in the Arts - Drawing, Painting, Beading, Crafting. Does that mean you have to sell your work? No, not necessarily. Plenty of happy, talented creatives make Art for themselves and only share it with just their closest circle, brightening their little corner of the world. And yet, the more common question I find people asking is whether or not they could sell their work and eventually make a career out of it. While it took me a while to make this decision myself, I'm a big proponent of finding out what you love to do and determining how you can do that every day. With that said, there are a handful of considerations that can help you decide if Art as a profession is the right route.