Enjoy Episode 11 of the Craft Leftovers Podcast in video form (the abridged recording of the September 14, 2022 livestream and transcript are coming soon). Pull up a project and craft along.
Over the last two decades I’ve coordinated, participated, and volunteered at over 100,000* art and craft festivals, fairs, markets, and tabling events. Having just come back from a weekend at the mdwfair (artist run art fair at Mana Contemporary in Chicago, IL) it got me thinking about the role of fairs in fest in my — and your businesses. Why do a fair at all? What is the best fit for your creative practice/business? How do you do one well? What can success at a fair look like?
*completely made up number, it’s just what it feels like.
The budget template I use to test the financial viability of markets — it’s a Google Spread Sheet
- Tea feature: Vocalize — getting over my worn out voice from the MDWfair
- Sign up for the Craft Leftovers mailing list to get a monthly update of new content and re-releases. You can also follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- Zines Mentioned: Mending on the GO!
- Festivals and Fairs Mentioned: Riverssance in the QC, Art in the Park, Octagon Art Festival, MDWfair, Art Bazel, Art Chicago, Looptopia (the performance art piece I was volunteering with did go all night, but in general I would say the article is right on, haha, geesh. It was a weird night.), Roach Motel Zine Fest (returning 2023!), ICECREAM Zine Fest (this is funny, my booth is still the promo photo, I like it!), Chicago Zine Fest, Black Market Friday, Renegade Craft Faire, Iowa State Fair, Maker Faire, Bizare Bazzar,
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Notes on the Numbers
The budget template I use to test the financial viability of markets — it’s a Google Spread Sheet
I forgot to mention Risk Mitigation! Jason and I ran the numbers for the Iowa State Fair and while we could have made a lot of money, the investment would have been equal to 30% of our revenue for the year thus far. So if it was a bust, it would have busted the company. Not worth it. That’s another side of the numbers, do the rewards outweigh the risks and can you absorb the loss if it’s a failure.
I also meant to include a note about Liability Insurance. Usually about $350/year. Most markets make you list them as an additional insured to cover damages, loss, and etc.
Coming Soon
10/1/22 | 10am – 4pm | Day 1: Ames Area Studio Tour
10/2/22 | 12pm – 4pm | Day 2: Ames Area Studio Tour
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And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach