I've been absent for a few days, yes, I know. I was so busy getting ready for that BIG show I did over the weekend, and then I took a couple well-deserved days off. (To learn what I did yesterday, check out
this blog.)
Today I thought I would share with you what it takes to set up a display at an art and craft show. It takes a lot of time and effort to create a compelling display. I think how you display your work at a show is VITAL. I don't believe in just setting things out on a table and calling it good. I think you need to create an environment that suits your particular art or craft. Something that will draw a shopper INTO your booth. Believe me, you only have SECONDS to make an impression on a shopper before they move on to the next booth, and every advantage you can give yourself is worth the time it takes.
My displays have gone through many transformations throughout the years, evolving with my work. This summer I spent countless hours sketching out plans, choosing fabric, cutting it to size, painting crates. I spent A WEEK piddling with how it would be set up---working out the kinks on how to light it, how to create the backdrop, how to stack the crates in the best way. All of that in my living room. What a mess! But oh, so worth it!
So here is a bit of a 'time-lapse' on setting up a show. Some of the pictures are not the best, but you'll get the idea. Much thanks to my husband, David, for helping out at this one.
We'll start here. In the garage. This is my trusted Chevy Tahoe, loaded almost to the gills. This is actually a 'lite' load compared to what it has seen in the past.
Arriving at the venue I am greeted with this....a blank block of space on the floor with a heavy duty extension cord. I had a little bump out in my wall, with some 'bonus' space I didn't expect to have and in the end I was unable to utilize because of how my display sets up. Oh, well. It all worked out fine.
Tables and backdrop panels, and supports for the panels.
Crates and boxes and tubs, OH MY!
All the stuff it takes to make a show.
We're getting there....tables set up (with risers under the legs to lift them to 33 inches), fabric skirting to the floor so you can't see all the ugliness beneath them, backdrops in place, lights hooked up (lighting is KEY to a great display!), crates stacked and ready to be filled.
Another angle of the empty crates. I love how they look---I'm so glad I chose to paint them white. And the dotted fabric is fun and whimsical, just like my work! Now the fun can begin....setting out all the pieces and choosing just the right spot for each one!
It's hard to get a good panoramic angle.
A view of the long display, eight feet, across the back. Looking great!!
The limited edition ornaments displayed on a screen on the front table.
Another overall view. I'm really happy with how it turned out, although there are a few things that will need tweaking for upcoming shows. One thing missing is a sign. I need a sign announcing my business. I couldn't come up with a good one in time. It's always a learning process.
Some of you have probably done a craft show or two in your day. Many of you probably have not. I thought I would just give you a peak at what goes on to create a successful show display. It's not all fun and games and easy. It takes a lot of thought and planning, careful packing and loading, and a great deal of time.
We arrived at the venue at 3:40pm and began unloading nearly right away. It took 5 trips back and forth, through the parking lot, across a loading driveway, through one large room and into the lobby where my space was located. At 7:30pm, we left the building. Nearly 4 hours to set up a show. But it was worth it. The booth looked GREAT and the show was a success!
Now, it's time to get back to work! Another show this Saturday!
Thanks for dropping by!
Please leave your comments below. I LOVE getting comments!!
Lisa
