Timberwerks Posted December 31, 2010 Report Share Posted December 31, 2010 It's well known that I enjoy exhibiting at shows and showing my work. I feel it's the best way to get your work seen by those you need to connect with and sell your work and skills. My question is, what is holding you back from exhibiting? Is it the cost of the space and marketing material? Maybe you only have one or two pieces ready to show and a booth for yourself would be hard to fill? For the most part this is a question of curiosity and a topic I'd like to discuss in my blog: http://djofurnituremaker.wordpress.com/ For those who are in or willing to come to the Milwaukee area this Fall I may have an opportunity for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Posted December 31, 2010 Report Share Posted December 31, 2010 Dale, Mine is exactly that. Not enough product yet. I'm workin' on it, though and will be following your blog to see what kinds of smaller items seem to do well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flairwoodworks Posted January 2, 2011 Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 Dale, Mine is exactly that. Not enough product yet. I'm workin' on it, though and will be following your blog to see what kinds of smaller items seem to do well. Me too - I need to get some stuff built that I can show. Stupid commissions! Ah, I jest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwerks Posted January 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 Me too - I need to get some stuff built that I can show. Stupid commissions! Ah, I jest. Ah, commission work does take up a lot of time. I'm going to try and make it through the year without taking on commissions, this is one of my reasons for making smaller items to sell on Etsy and shows. I'll discuss further, mid week when I make my first post: http://djofurnituremaker.wordpress.com/ & http://timberwerksstudio.blogspot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kep1019 Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Dale, I have a very basic question for you, that is what kind or where do you find these shows you are presenting in, I'm outside of Chicago and have never heard of a home furnishing or furniture show here like the ones I have heard of out East. I have seen local art/craft shows all over the place but dont think those are what you are referring to. I'd like ot hear what is going on in Milwaukee in the fall please share more about that. Thanks, Keith 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timberwerks Posted February 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Dale, I have a very basic question for you, that is what kind or where do you find these shows you are presenting in, I'm outside of Chicago and have never heard of a home furnishing or furniture show here like the ones I have heard of out East. I have seen local art/craft shows all over the place but dont think those are what you are referring to. I'd like ot hear what is going on in Milwaukee in the fall please share more about that. Thanks, Keith Hi Keith You can kind more info about the Milwaukee Fine Furnishings Show here: http://www.finefurnishingsshow.com/ Also check here for shows http://www.merchandisemart.com/about/themerchandisemart/ I find local shows through guilds and groups I am a member of. Another Milwaukee show I may exhibit at in 2012 is: http://lfoa.mam.org/ It's fairly easy to find quality shows if you make contacts with other artist's in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kep1019 Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Thank you for the information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bywc Posted February 15, 2011 Report Share Posted February 15, 2011 I never seem to have anything just sitting around that isn't already being used or has not already been delivered. So it kind of kills the idea of sitting stuff out there for people to see, I guess I could just have some photos blown up and put them on A frames lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bois Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 I was fortunate enough to recent exhibit at the Wood Expo at the New England Home show. I got a chance to meet some really talented woodworkers, and over the course of four days (excuse the pun) talk a lot of shop. I got some great advice and tips on exhibiting at shows, even if you have a relatively small inventory. 1) Don't be afraid to "borrow back" commission pieces. Especially if it's your own design and it fits well in your portfolio, many customers will actually be flattered that you want to show their piece in public. 2) Build two of everything. If you get a commission (again especially if it's your own design) buy enough material to make a second item. Then you can exhibit it without borrowing back the original, and sell it on the spot. However, if your customers put a lot of value in buying a "one of a kind", refer back to item #1. 3) Exhibit things people can envision in their home. If you make 10' tall highly ornamented grandfather clocks, it might not be the best piece to show. Bring items that are small enough they could be brought home in a car, and in a style that fits the average person's decor. Save the highly specialized pieces for the private high-end buyer. 4) Bring items people can afford. I spoke to one woodworker who exhibits extensively, and he indicated that he's found there is about a $2500 ceiling on what people will buy at a show. Items priced higher than that usually cannot be "impulse" buys. 5) Show off. At the Wood Expo, I forgot my iPad the first few days, and badly regret it. The final day, I had my full gallery on slide show on my iPad, showing my full body of work. The piece I was showing attracted interest, but then I could sell my entire body of work (and have a great conversation starter). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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