ART FAIR AFTERTHOUGHTS...

Well, its been a week since The Other Art Fair at the Truman Brewery in London and I think I’ve just about recovered!

It was an incredibly early start on the day of set up but I was very grateful to a lovely chap called Jeremy who works as a set designer but did a sterling job helping me (safely) hang all my artwork. Jeremy is now on speed dial for all future art fairs in London! Given the size of my new work I definitely needed another pair of hands and it really took the pressure off.

The PV was exactly what you want a PV to be…noisy, bustling, a chance to let your hair down a little and meet some very interesting characters…oh, and sell some work too! Very grateful to those lovely people who purchased on the night.

The remaining three days were a little slow at times, not helped by the fact my stand wasn’t in the main hall so footfall was much quieter. Unfortunately this definitely affected sales for everyone in the smaller room. I didn’t realise that the smaller room is known as ‘the dungeon’ by past exhibitors …with lower ceilings, much less light and visitors in general are unaware that there is another room off the main hall. Lesson learned for the future!

However, on the brightside, I did make more sales and the feedback was very, very positive. Several people said it was the best stand at the show (and these weren’t friends, honest!) so that helped boost my confidence no end. One gorgeous couple even came especially to see me and purchased 3 prints, so that was pretty special and another lovely lady bought a print as a gift for her sister saying that it was literally her ‘in art form’.

I also made some great connections with my fellow neighbouring artists which is always such a bonus and these friendships always continue long after the art fair has finished.

All-in-all it was a great experience and it’s made me realise how important it is to do art fairs and get such valuable feedback. When you sell through a gallery you never get to meet the buyer so it’s something I will continue to do. It’s definitely given me food for thought for next year and I’m currently in planning mode. I may even venture outside of London ….just hope Jeremy is happy to travel!!