How can I avoid wasting time on in-person art shows that aren't profitable?

Before committing to in-person shows, do the math on your time investment versus potential return. Calculate all costs: booth fees, time spent preparing inventory, setup and breakdown time, and travel. If you’re spending entire weekends away from family or other priorities and only breaking even or losing money, that show format may not be worth it for your business model. Consider whether you could earn more by focusing on online sales, licensing deals, or other revenue streams that scale better. Not every sales channel works for every artist—be willing to walk away from what isn’t serving your goals.

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Asked by an artist who lost money at booth shows · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2022-06-11