Learn from My Mistakes

I've been a faux artsit and decorative painter in the Atlanta area for years, so I was thrilled whn I heard about the "First Friday Art Walk". This is an event that combines, art, music, good food, and fun times. Artists show their work around Marietta Square along with street musicians, and demonstrations. It's a great way for the public to see new artists, and a great way for new artists to show their work.

I tried to get a spot in this show before, but i was told it was full. Luckily, last week I was told there was a cancellation, and I could be a part of this great event. However, I only had 5 days to get ready!!!This was my first experience with "showing" my work in a tent/fair atmosphere, so there was a lot to do! It was very fun, but also very exhausting!

There was a lot I learned from my own pictures of me and my tent set up and a lot I learned from other exhibitors.

First and foremost: Consider the weather.

95 degrees in the shade + 2 hours of hard work to set up = one smelly sweaty artist!

By the time I was finished setting up, it was time to greet people and talk with them about my business etc. I was dripping wet with sweat, and I looked worn out and red faced! I was trying to interact with people without letting them get a whiff of me!

Also, I set up to get some work done on my current painting, but it was so hot that the paints were not setting up properly. People really enjoyed watching me though, and I will probably set up my easel again even if I am not painting. People liked seeing the process, and I liked talking with them about it.

I had also painted some small portable murals for people to see and buy, but the wax that I use for adhesive was melting in the sun!

Next time: I will set up as early as possible and then bring a change of clothes and some make up. I will also dress in more color to be more attractive ( my artist friend Carlos told me dressing in red will attract people)

Secondly: Have something in the booth that will draw people into the tent.

I had things arranged on the walls of the tent, but the things I had were not "attractive" in the way that would make you notice them.

Next time: I am planning on painting a large colorful mural on canvas to hang in the back of the tent. That way, when people see it, they may see something else in the tent that they didn't notice before.

Third: Use the space that you have to the maximum

I was lucky enough to have a corner space right in front of the main table near the Visitor's Center. I didn't have anything on the outside of the tent or on the corners that people could look at. I just had things inside the tent.

Also, I had my banner for my business on the corner of the tent, and there was another artist next to me, so half of it was blocked (the other artist was lat, so I thought it would be clear).

Next time: I am planning on getting some grid panels to place in an "L" shape on the outside corner of the tent. I will hang lots of colorful things on the outside of this structure so people will have to see them when they go to the main table. That may draw them into my tent. My banner will be up top and laid out in a straight line above my work.

I am also planning to paint small portable murals to show and sell. Hopefully, it won't be so hot!

Luckily, I will get two more chances to change things as I am exhibiting Sept 4 and October 2 as well. I should be finished with the current painting and I will have a lot more to show-more cabinet finishes, more wall designs, and more techniques.

Please come by and say "hi"!

For ideas on mural designs please go to Marietta Mural & Decorative Design or contct me at (678) 463-6648