Monday, February 23, 2009

Getting it Done at California Craft Shows

By Jacen Fanning

It's undeniable that arts and crafts is one of the most satisfying pastimes a person can do. Something that is both artistic and tactile is something distinct from other art forms like song and dance, for example. A crafted item is tangible in your hands and this artistic object will be like a treat to your senses.

It is the norm for artists and artisans to turn up in California. As people go about their various day-to-day routines here, a lot very often want to stop and smell the roses; just appreciate the finer things in life. This is second nature to craftspeople; their works have echoes of life in them.

If you are a craftsperson already living in (or thinking about moving to) California, then maybe you would want to sell your crafts at the numerous craft shows that happen annually around the state. How is it done, you ask? There are, after all, around 849 craft fairs scheduled to happen in this year alone; and my first advice is to carefully choose which fair to attend.

Well, you do have access to the Internet (you wouldn't be reading this otherwise), the leading source of information these days. A casual search will lead you to online listings of craft shows with little problems. From there, you can get the contact information of whoever is handling the event. Do, this, and you have already completed the first step.

Of course, communication is a vital skill to learn, and you must employ this skill in selling, starting with the event organizers themselves. Contact them, and ask them how they run things. Typically, these craft shows have a fee to let you use their booths, but the similarity ends there. The benefits included with the rent vary; some offer access to electrical power, for example, while most do not. It's best to know nuances like these beforehand so you wouldn't be surprised. - 15790

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