What are the downsides I should know about before committing to art shows?

The downsides include: administrative paperwork to register, get approved, and ensure deposits are paid on time—it’s annoying busy work. Booth fees can range from $25 to $5,000, putting money on the line upfront with no guarantee of return. Travel requirements often mean hotels, long drives, eating poorly, and not getting proper exercise. Not every show will be profitable—they’re hit or miss by nature, and it’s normal for not all of them to be home runs. You’ll face long days on your feet, then exhaustion afterward when you have to unload and put everything away, losing a couple days you’re not spending on marketing. There’s also the cost and storage space needed for your booth and materials. Despite these challenges, the upsides far outweigh the downsides when you approach shows strategically.

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Asked by synthesized from teaching · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2022-07-28