Tag: <span>Artist Alley</span>

The last trick is the simplest, but it’s really the key to de-stressing your convention prep, and allowing you to take advantage of sudden opportunities. 5. Never unpack your con gear. It’s just that simple.  When you do your final test display at home, pack everything up (remember, reverse order, so that the last thing packed is the first thing on the table) and put it away somewhere safe, all together. If you’ve made a checklist, go through it and make sure everything is there. (This is where duplicate supplies come in handy-you won’t be pulling sharpies out of the…

Blog Tips & Tricks

4. Buy duplicates of all necessary supplies and keep them with you if possible. Organize your inventory to be accessible, easily transportable and safe. It’s easy to be stymied by losing or breaking a necessary tool at an event, where replacements may be unavailable or expensive.  The solution is pretty simple.  Have backups stored with your con gear.  You will never regret having 2 pairs of scissors. If you use markers for commissions, for example, track which colors you use the most and have duplicates ready. If you use pencils, carry a sharpener and a few extras.  Obviously, your ability to stock…

Blog Tips & Tricks

Now that creature comforts are covered, let’s move onto the nuts and bolts of exhibiting at a convention with the least amount of stress. Preparing and setting up your display is probably the most stressful part of doing conventions. Next to actually producing whatever you’re selling, it takes up the most time and money. If you work on commissions or demo at the table, that needs to be factored into your planning as well. Problems in these areas are the quickest way to derail your convention experience, turning a fun experience into a stressful one. 3. Never let your display or working conditions…

Blog Tips & Tricks