MARKET SAVVY

BY LINDSAY BREIDENTHAL

We’re heading into the busiest time of year for most artisans. Seasoned, year-round professionals and annual crafters are all hard at work, preparing to entice and delight holiday crowds. If you have ever been a vendor you know how much work it is. I reached out to a few artists with different levels of experience - two ceramic artists, a jeweler, and a stained glass artist - to ask how they choose what shows to participate in, what are some challenges, and their thoughts on supporting artists directly.

Tacoma-based ceramicist and mixed media artist, Joseph Brooks, is a salty dog and continues to participate in a few of the same shows on a monthly and annual basis saying, “Some events are put on by friends or other artists I know or have met through others doing shows over the years. Some events have a long history, like Punk Rock Flea Market in Seattle.” Across the board, the best way to share information about upcoming shows is to maintain those contacts by reaching out to like-minded artists and organizers. When sizing up a new event, Joseph says that, “…Another big factor for me is how an event presents itself on social media. When organizers start posting mostly about themselves and not the vendors this is a huge red flag for me.” It’s about all of the people who work together to put on a good event. Many factors are in the balance as an artist decides where to put their efforts.

Katelyn Mingo, owner of Gypsy Lotus Jewelry, considers what cities she wants to see among other important factors like the vendor’s fee and travel expenses. Joseph mentioned that he usually caps what he’ll pay for vending fees at around $150 per day which may seem like a lot for one who is just starting out or participating in a first time event.

Michael Caemmerer of Tall Tree Ceramics mentions that finding the right balance between sales and exposure is important. Just one year into the game, Caemmerer is enjoying success in the farmer’s market scene and finds the clientele to be very supportive of small businesses. Finding your people is key, and for most artists, connecting with community is a huge part of what you’re already doing.

Stained glass artist, Lady Luck, attracts a more niche clientele so she finds shows that suit her work, fit the vibe, and take place somewhere she actually wants to visit. Imagine seeking out the environment you would like to be a part of and letting it work for you. Beautiful!

These artists also mentioned challenges inherent in any small business, like determining how much work to make for a particular market or how the weather will influence crowds - persistent uncertainties for any vendor. Aside from the physical demands of hauling your tent, tables, chairs, and wares, Katelyn brought up the simple challenge of leaving your booth for a bathroom break or to get food - if a vendor is by themselves, they might go all day without the basics!

So whether you are interested in vending or love to attend shows, it’s a good time of year to keep an eye out for holiday markets, pop-ups and fundraisers. Reach out to other artists you admire when you’re curious about doing a show, and remember Joseph’s words, “If you want to vend, DO IT! When people tell you how to do it, you don’t have to take their advice. That’s just what worked for them and their work.”

To my open-ended request for their thoughts on supporting artists directly, these vibrant souls and joy makers had the most heartfelt responses. Not only can you find one-of-a-kind items and bypass mass produced junk, Katelyn points out that, “You are … helping someone live their dream. You make a huge difference in their life and the life of their family.”

Lady Luck matches those sentiments, and raises them, adding that, “…when you support local artists you’re also supporting your own community.” So true in so many ways.

Thanks to contributing artists:

Michael Caemmerer @talltreeceramics

Katelyn Mingo

@gypsy_lotus_jewelry

Lady Luck

@lady.luckstudio

Joseph Brooks @josephbrooksart