Traveling with my art

Nov 28

PLanning

Planning the markets I go to is a challenge. This is where networking comes into play either online or in person. I ask my fellow small business owners all the time about what markets are coming up and what they recommend.

Even then, it is all just an educated guess. What works for me might not work for a candle maker or vintage seller and vice versa. Even a market I have done previously may be vastly different a second time around! You don’t know until you know, and even then I don’t know!

Packing

When I pack for a market out of town I have to take into account a few things:

Am I flying or driving?
Where am I staying?
How big is my set up for this market?
Will I be indoors or out? Will it be hot or cold? Rainy or windy?
Are there stairs at the venue?

If I am driving, I have the most freedom. I can bring as much as can fit in my truck- and that’s a lot. I can bring extra gear if I suddenly change my mind about my set-up. I can bring tables and my tent, as well.

When flying to another city I am more limited in scope and usually have to rent a table and chair. Here is what I pack for flying:

flying carpet -this is an overweight item and I pack it with 100lbs of prints. This is an extra $75 to fly with and cannot exceed this weight.
suitcase with the display items inside - this is right under 50lbs.
backpack with personal items such as clothing- my carryon.
purse with valuables

Preparing

I have done markets where my space was one 6ft x 18in table indoors and I have done markets outside with a 10x10ft tent and everything inbetween. Being flexible is key. I usually practice my set up at home the week prior to the event to really dial in my use of space.

Even then, I have had to adjust my booth to respond to variables unforeseen. Maybe people are walking in the opposite direction I guessed they would. Don’t be afraid to respond to the flow of the moment!

Participating

It’s showtime! Well, not quite. First I have to navigate to the event from wherever I stayed the night before, stop for coffee and snacks, unload my car and park. Then lug my art to the exact spot I paid for and set up. Usually a market will allow up to 2-3 hours for set up time. I can get it done in around an hour or less at this point depending on how large a space I need to fill.

Ok, now it’s showtime. I connect my card reader and double-check my internet access. I am friendly but not over-bearing. I tell people I am the artist and to ask if they have questions. The most popular question would be if I use Photoshop or not. I don’t. Never have. My process is entirely hand-cut and this simple fact seems to amaze.

Persisting

I have different monetary expectations depending on the event. Sometimes making $300 is a success and sometimes it’s a drag. I just try to make 3x my expenses, whatever that lands on. I don’t always hit it. I would be lying to you if I said riding this rollercoaster is easy.

I have high expectations for myself, the pressure of a mortgage, and the mentality of a perfectionist. This cocktail can cause me anxiety at times.

I have had my fair share of panic attacks, self-doubt, self-loathing topped with feelings of inadequacy and imposter- syndrome. Putting myself out there is terrifying at times. I carry lavender oil with me and it helps to calm me down when paired with breathing exercises.

Persisting is key. Letting myself feel my feelings and let them go does not come naturally. The emotional stamina needed to sustain my business and this lifestyle takes practice. Once one market is done, I must concentrate on the next. There is no time to wallow with deadlines to meet.

In short, I have no idea what I am doing, where I am going, how it all works. I just trust everything will be ok- and it has been.

Have I missed something? Comment below your thoughts about traveling as an artist.