Are You Making This Newbie Mistake at Shows?

I walked into my first craft show on a fine Saturday morning in 2013 feeling nervous and excited for my first show.

I had spent some time making earrings, the only thing I knew how to make at the time and thought they looked pretty good.

My excitement quickly fled as I passed by all the lovely displays being set up. People were assembling beautiful booths that drew my attention.

Booths with color, character and quirky charm.

All I had was a table, a cloth to toss over it, a few stacking boxes and a burning knowledge of my mistake.

Although my jewelry was of a similar quality with others at the show, my display very obviously was not.

It was lacking any hallmarks of a quality, well planned design.

I had spent some time thinking about table coverings and elevating some items with boxes, but I had never set up a booth before I arrived that day.

I made paper signs on my computer with prices that looked super cheesy.

I had weird business cards that I attached my earrings to the bottom of.

I didn’t realize until that day that HOW you display your work is JUST as important as what you make.

It’s a reflection of what your work and it is the first impression people have of your brand.

People decide whether to approach your booth based on the mood and feel you create.

It should draw your ideal customer in and include elements that appeal to them.

I learned this lesson the embarrassing way.

I have since spent time curating my display and incorporating elements that appeal to my ideal jewelry customer.

My ideal customer loves nature, gardening and animals (among other things…)

So now, I include elements of these items in both the jewelry I make and how I display it.

I use nature inspired colors in my jewelry designs.

I include plants or flowers as space fillers.

You wouldn’t believe how many people have tried to buy my dachshund displays for rings!

The colors I use express my aesthetic of simple, clean, classic designs.

If you’re getting ready to do your first show or you’d like to sell more at each show, be sure to focus on building the best booth you can.

Then re-evaluate after every show and improve at least one thing for the next time.

I always set up my booth before the show and make sure it looks cohesive and abundant.

Then I photograph where everything goes so that I don’t have to think about it during set up at the show.

Also, if I have people helping me, I just send them the pictures and they can work independently on set-up.

Since that early mortifying experience, I’ve come a long way and I’ve helped several of my students confidently begin selling their work as well.

I encourage you to put some thought into planning a solid booth and be prepared.

Visit shows and notice what draws you in. Research booth design-there are Facebook Groups devoted to the topic and Pinterest inspiration gallore.

It’s all a learning process and you will continue to improve and evolve as you go.