Year Two Lessons: Choosing the Right Shows
A Real Look at Recent Events
“In this economy” shows up at the booth. People love the work, then worry about price. I understand that feeling. My job is to match the right audience with the right price tiers without losing what makes my linocut and block print artwork special.
Art Show ROI Snapshot – 4 most recent events
- American Artisan at Artville: Booth fee of $650 for three days. Travel and lodging about $700. Sales totaled $1,055. A very unhealthy conclusion. I was so hyped up for this event on the front end. My first BIG show. Think foot traffic would be incredible to my eyes. It wasn’t. I learned that this event had been SO Good in previous years (said by other vendors), and I learned that this is the first year doing the event at a new location.
- Ketner’s Mill: Booth fee of $175 + travel lodging, and meals. A long drive, a rough stay, and low sales. Next year I’ll sign up for Loblolly in Laurel, as that booth fee is similar and won’t include any extra charges.
- Hattiesburg Pride hosted by The Spectrum Center: Spot fee $45. I covered fuel and brought in $620. I do make more money at Pride events. A full day of some of the most friendly, art loving people I’ve ever met.
- Social on Short 7th by Southern Sisters: Paid $40 and only drove 10 minutes into town. I made $52 after 5 hours. This hurt. Traffic at this event was low. Advertising and outreach were also lower than other times I’d participated (in my opinion). It was a bummer overall. I signed up for this event after realizing it was too late to sign up for a bigger event but probably should’ve spent the day in the studio.
What These Numbers Tell Me About Linocut Sales
I am closing in on the end of my second year of selling in person. A pattern is clear. Printmaking is niche. My subject matter is even niche-er. Linocut prints invite people to slow down, ask questions, and wonder if it is a drawing or a painting. Large juried festivals often lean toward high-price collectors and gallery work. That is not always my best fit. Very small festivals can lean into quick buys and familiar mediums. I experience this time and time again with attending small events, such as farmers markets and local craft fairs. That is not my best fit either.
My sweet spot is a themed crowd that already loves the subjects I carve. Food lovers. Toy and pop culture fans. Gulf South folks who enjoy New Orleans, the Mississippi Coast, and Southern kitchen art. When the theme matches the work, conversations turn into sales and repeat customers.
How I Am Adjusting My Display and Pricing
I have decided to place prices for framed artwork on the front of each frame, in the bottom corner. This removes guesswork and reduces the back-and-forth about pricing. With many people who love my art and come with different budgets, clear pricing helps everyone shop with confidence.
I am building halo spots and focus points on my grid walls. From either direction, people meet a bold piece that signals the theme for that event. This sets the tone fast and helps people understand what the rest of the booth offers.
I have started bringing my keychains and stickers to every event. They are consistent favorites and give people an easy way to take home my work. For shoppers who want a small, quick buy or a gift, these items make the decision simple.
My Simple Show Checklist (Year Two Lessons)
- Check theme and audience fit my subjects (Southern food, pop culture, Gulf South).
- Do the ROI math: booth + travel + lodging + supplies. Set a minimum sales target.
- Have a clear plan for pricing.
- Include quick-grab items like stickers and keychains.
- Set halo pieces at the front of your both to face each direction
What I Am Carrying Forward
I am not chasing “easy and profitable” or making art I do not love. That has never been me. I am a Laurel, Mississippi artist who cares deeply about block printing and the stories on my paper. I am learning where to show up, how to sell with clarity, and who my people are.
Thank you for being here while I refine the path. I will share the next rounds of dates soon, along with new work that reflects everything I have learned.