Semi Nice

2) Preparing and running a table at Semi Nice Art Fair (1 Day)

Our small group of students made a variety of prints and zines and ran a stall together at a small local art fair. We had applied for a table a few months previous and because there were several students, the event organiser decided to give us a table to represent the University. We received an email with instructions on how to get to the location and a few tips on how to prepare. In preparation, I packaged all my prints with a card backing and cellophane protection and also bought a tablecloth and some display stands. I researched different ways of presenting work on a table by looking at videos and blogs about selling at art fairs, from which I also learned important points that I may have overlooked such as clear pricing, a good float with plenty of change, grouping items in related groups (all zines together or all items with cats together for example). When I arrived (early in order to set up the table in time ), I was shown to our table which was much smaller than I expected, given that three people would be showing work on it.

At the fair my prints did not sell which was disheartening since others' sold very well. I was very disappointed as I had tried very hard to display everything in an appealing way and spent a long time packaging items neatly. It seemed like a waste of time because we stayed there all day, eager to sell to customers but none came. Over the whole day I only sold two items and did not understand why. Looking back on it now, I know that Semi Nice is a very small art fair that is quite hidden from most shoppers meaning we did not get many customers to begin with. Hopefully at True Believers in February, where there are more customers who are expecting to spend more money and more likely to buy comic and zine related items, we will be more successful.

From this experience I learnt how to manage money for a stall, what items to buy to set up a stall and appropriate decorations, accurate pricing. Also what kind of items sell better than others. It was a valuable experience but a little disappointing after what I was expecting. Starting at a small and non-threatening event like this gave me confidence in independently running a table which was invaluable for True Believers, coming later in the year.