I did my first ever tabling event with an eye towards selling my work...at the 2nd annual zine fair in my town. I didnt sell any zines, but sold a hefty handful of postcards and business-card-sized mini prints of my work. I'd most hoped to sell some framed art I made in previous lifetimes that really needs to not be filling a whole closet anymore! But this was not the crowd for that. All that to say, I feel you on mixed feelings that swing between the bummer of sitting somewhere for hours while people walk past, and then the highs of talking about art and ideas with the people who stop!
I did an author visit at a library once and no one came. So instead had the best visit with the librarian & it was lovely! It was the last in a week of school visits & honestly I just needed a break. I still got paid & got to go home early so I didn’t feel too bad.
It made me wonder if you send advertising materials to the store beforehand to make a window display? Perhaps with a display and/or some window advertising passers-by would have time to tell friends and for the word to get around. We can always remember - people interested in making sketches like yours, are only a very small part of the customer base of their business.
I'd be thinking what could I send a retailer to put in their window to catch people's attention?
..or you could already be doing this and I am talking to the converted...
They do a fair bit of promotion, and there was sufficient signage. It is a big mall, with a lot of footfall! And I should add that I wasn't trying to help become artists, I was there to sell my own prints. If it was only a lack of eyeballs, I would think along the same lines of your comment. But because it was not like that, I have to think maybe this spot is not a good fit for me. :) I appreciate this comment! 🙌
The sketchbook really is healing! I am also learning to say no to opportunities that seem pretty good but don’t totally align. I feel like you have to have flops (like the mall one) sometimes in order to learn what not to do in the future.
I am so sorry more people didn't show up. I live in White Rock but was unable to attend your signing. I would definitely have come because I have your book, get your newsletter and would love to meet you and also, would love to see more of this kind of event in White Rock!
I have had those days, sitting at a table at a comic con or artists alley, greeting people who barely glance at you as they walk by, making basically zero sales. Those days are so long. Good on you for recognizing what you needed to do.
I did my first ever tabling event with an eye towards selling my work...at the 2nd annual zine fair in my town. I didnt sell any zines, but sold a hefty handful of postcards and business-card-sized mini prints of my work. I'd most hoped to sell some framed art I made in previous lifetimes that really needs to not be filling a whole closet anymore! But this was not the crowd for that. All that to say, I feel you on mixed feelings that swing between the bummer of sitting somewhere for hours while people walk past, and then the highs of talking about art and ideas with the people who stop!
It is really about the crowd sometimes. I feel like if I had had even a couple more conversations, I would have gone back the next day.
With my sample size of 1, that makes sense. Talking to people really made it feel meaningful for me.
I did an author visit at a library once and no one came. So instead had the best visit with the librarian & it was lovely! It was the last in a week of school visits & honestly I just needed a break. I still got paid & got to go home early so I didn’t feel too bad.
That’s nearly how my book event went too. I had a lovely chat with the store managers and some visitors, and enjoyed my day. ☺️
It made me wonder if you send advertising materials to the store beforehand to make a window display? Perhaps with a display and/or some window advertising passers-by would have time to tell friends and for the word to get around. We can always remember - people interested in making sketches like yours, are only a very small part of the customer base of their business.
I'd be thinking what could I send a retailer to put in their window to catch people's attention?
..or you could already be doing this and I am talking to the converted...
They do a fair bit of promotion, and there was sufficient signage. It is a big mall, with a lot of footfall! And I should add that I wasn't trying to help become artists, I was there to sell my own prints. If it was only a lack of eyeballs, I would think along the same lines of your comment. But because it was not like that, I have to think maybe this spot is not a good fit for me. :) I appreciate this comment! 🙌
Just being in a mall all day would be grumpy-making!
It is a little, yes!
The sketchbook really is healing! I am also learning to say no to opportunities that seem pretty good but don’t totally align. I feel like you have to have flops (like the mall one) sometimes in order to learn what not to do in the future.
That’s so true, Eleanor! I see how often you show up to events and push myself to do the same. 🙌
I am so sorry more people didn't show up. I live in White Rock but was unable to attend your signing. I would definitely have come because I have your book, get your newsletter and would love to meet you and also, would love to see more of this kind of event in White Rock!
Please don't get discouraged!
So nice to hear from you, Katherine! Hopefully we have more chances this summer. :)
I have had those days, sitting at a table at a comic con or artists alley, greeting people who barely glance at you as they walk by, making basically zero sales. Those days are so long. Good on you for recognizing what you needed to do.
So, so long.
YES to sketchbooks transforming these awkward anxious frustrating situations into moments of peaceful grounded attention & connexion! 📖💙
🙌