I’d been thinking of doing an art festival for awhile. The idea of getting my framed fine art photography out on display at a gathering of artists seemed like it would be right up my alley, because, after all, the framed print is really my greatest passion in photography.
In order to test the waters a bit before I attempted a large multi-day show, I submitted my work for the Newport Beach Art in the Park at the Newport Beach Civic Center in Orange County, CA. This would be the perfect avenue to get my sea legs on this whole art festival thing – it was only one day and it was close to my home base in Tustin, CA. So if it didn’t go well, I’d only be out a Saturday and I’d be sleeping in my own bed to cry it off.
This video chronicles my work leading up to and including the festival (and I’m happy to say there was no need to cry it off at the end of the day!). From planning to execution, I wanted to show what’s really involved in an undertaking like this. I learned a lot doing this show, but I’m sure there is still plenty more to learn.
This won’t be my last festival. Despite the immense amount of work and expense involved, it was just too damn fun and rewarding to stop here!
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Inspirational!
You've created a really special channel Nick. It is really enjoyable see you shoot on these old film cameras, see you create all the print work and build the result yourself and then see it actually here now on the festival – thanks for creating these videos, it must be a tremendous amount of work that many people probably never see. Greetings from Germany, Dirkson!
I love printing on fine art papers, especially something like Hahnemuhle William Turner. Very textured. I'm sure chromogenics are excellent, but just different, not better.
Confidence comes with sales….
Looking at an art show shortly, I've pulled out of two… sigh.
But as for inkjet prints not at the same level of quality, I beg to differ. I've never seen print quality like the prints at the Eizo showroom in Sydney, ever! But the guy who printed them has a PHD in colour theory and creates the best profiles I've ever used.
thank you so much ！love from china
that is so funny and so honest. "Trying is embarrassing to me." great reviews great vids.
I've done a bunch of craft fairs, art markets and the odd exhibition. No, you don't do it to make money. I've sold some stuff, and perhaps covered some costs. But that's about it. What I really get out of it is a reason to focus on my work. You take work a whole lot more seriously, and look at it from a new angle, when you are selling it. It's a really interesting process. And you get to meet really interesting people.
I make 1m2 stereographic projections. I've yet to sell a full-size one – it's a big ask for someone to devote that much wall space. I have sold smaller prints and cards though, and even a couple of books. If you want to get your work out there (and make money), have a range of sizes, formats and cost options available. Make it easy for people to buy into your work. I think my images work best super-large, and I'd rather people bought them that way, but you have to be pragmatic.
http://www.dankspangle.com/
You are awesome! Thanks for helping me feel better about all of those up front costs and why I am doing an art show
How do you complete your transactions at your fest tent? Do you use something like "Square"?
really like your photos!
that booth setup looked great!
Really enjoyed your video. And thank you for the tip on chromogenic photo prints. I am definitely going to look into that.
For those who needs some motivation and is currently on the fence on doing an art show, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXsQAXx_ao0
Anyway Nick, love your work and videos. You're an inspiration!
I don't do photography but I love your videos. You seem like a very honest and humble guy.
Nick, this was such a great discussion and appreciate how you shared your feelings on “trying” and in general the whole art show scene. I really think you have it right in thinking that the next logical step with your craft is showing your work. Thanks for sharing your journey! Peace.
Thank you sir for inspiring us a lot…
Great content.
Very helpful video. A couple of comments – you seem to much prefer C-prints over inkjet prints, but inkjet is better in a couple of ways. If you own a printer, you can control the process end-to-end and improve your prints as you get more accomplished at printing. With commercial printers, you only get one shot at it and if you blow it, it's pretty costly to repeat the process. Also, inkjet prints last about twice as long as C-prints. BTW: gator board is not considered archival, so mounting your prints on gator board is problematic.
well done great videos
Thanks for the video Nick it will help me when i do my first Festival and your work is very good. If someone doesn't sell a single print at least they can say they tried. Thanks my Brother
I have a hard time "trying" also, even when I'm alone, lol
Congrats on the sale Nick. I like your thematic presentation. It lends cohesiveness to the art work.
Finally watched this one. Missed a cracker! Great insight!
thank you Nick
good advice in this video to new artist etc. who are thinking of doing art shows
Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work and keep following your passion
Awesome work Nick. Thank you!
Thanks for the video! Do you have a recommendation on a company for the mesh walls?
Enjoyed your video Nick…inspiring. Only question I have is, did flourish.com go out of business? Their website doesn't offer any information at all. After some research their website is flourishdisplays.com
Boy, this is a great video, and every ten seconds there's something I want to remark on! One thing is that you want to make sure you're in a "fine art festival" and not a "craft fair" or "art and craft fair." In the latter, you are not as likely to have people wandering in with fairly fat wallets. Every festival will get a lot of "lookers," but there's a serious difference in the price expectation of a "fine art" event fs an "art and craft" event, especially if you're showing photography alongside pottery and textiles. At a fine art event, those potters will have their huge $500 pots on display, just as you'll have huge $500 prints out to sell.
You were talking about getting people into your booth, and you'll often see crafters demonstrating. You can't really do that, but I saw you had cameras on tables. Put that 6×17 on a tripod with a dark cloth and let people look through it and freak out. Nothing gets people interested like seeing what they think is an "old camera" up and being used.
Do you stay in touch with people that buy your fine art prints? And offer them your new stuff when you have it? Nothing like selling prints before you print them. 🙂
Keep up the videos.
Hi Nick – Quick Question. With the mesh walls, are they sturdy enough to hang art? In the video your art looks really good on the walls. I am just wondering how exactly you hang them from the mesh walls and isn't the art to heavy for the mesh walls? Any feedback would be great.
My 11 year old daughter and I watched this morning over breakfast; incredibly inspiring. Wonderful to see your commitment to film as it simply looks better. I’m going to look up your links to pro print labs as yes, I too was considering the $X thousand dollar Epson but the price of inks is terrifying. I didn’t think there was anyone doing optical printing anymore.
Great video and great channel, I am now a subscriber!
clear and concise Thanks Alex
Awesome video, like the others I have watched. And fantastic images. Great job
Really appreciate your honest commentary. I can relate to much of it and it's so helpful to hear. Great videos, wish you much success