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6 Sneaky Ways Art Fairs Are Disrespecting Artists

Krystle Cole Art

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Art fairs can be one of the best ways for artists to build a full-time income, but that doesn't mean the system is perfect. After selling at around 100 art fairs over the past 14 years, I've seen incredible events that truly support artists - and others that create unnecessary obstacles. In this video, I share six ways I believe art fairs are disrespecting artists and why some fine art fair rules no longer reflect how customers actually buy art today.

If you're planning to start selling your artwork at art fairs, craft fairs, or juried fine art festivals, this discussion will help you know what to expect before you apply. My goal isn't to discourage artists from doing shows - it's the opposite. I believe art fairs remain one of the best ways to make a living selling original artwork, art prints, and other creative products. But I also believe the industry gets stronger when artists and organizers have honest conversations about what works... and what needs to change.

Free Art Fair Course for Beginners → Getting Started Selling at Art Fairs (Full...
Get My FREE Art Fair Supply List → https://krystle-cole-art.kit.com/9dc0...
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20 Comments

@KrystleColeArt Creator 2 months ago Pinned

Free Art Fair Course for Beginners → https://youtu.be/L2LiWbtzVd0?si=eA3fPOIrVVGBiiqv
Art Fair Supply List (also free) → https://krystle-cole-art.kit.com/9dc07b9cff

@nathanael_in_the_desert 2 months ago

If an event is charging for an application, they should provide feedback why you did or did not get accepted. Otherwise the application fee is simply a profit stream for the organizers.

@Thekennel177 2 months ago

The entire mess has become a giant money grab scam. Artists as a group need to start boycotting these extremely high booth fees.

@NancyOMalley-y3y 2 months ago

I think a good idea would be to make a list of art fairs that you have done, (show names and locations) with their pros and cons, so you can decide which ones are worth doing, and WHICH ONES TO AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!

@mtrainlerro 2 months ago

I totally hate the application fee, and have gotten to the point that I don't do shows that ask for one. As you said, no feedback is given, and it seems like a money grab. They could at least subtract it from the booth fee if you're accepted.

@gabumongirl 2 months ago

They sell t shirts at concerts, plays, the ballet. What makes them think shirts aren't good enough to sell in a booth. Great video! Thanks for sharing ❤

@shirleymcdonald7008 2 months ago

I haven't done art fairs in a long time, but I want to mention a "disrespect for the artist" that I've noticed when showing/selling art through galleries. I don't know if this is the way it is now "in the industry" or just in my local area, but I've noticed that the contracts have been referring to the amount that I get (as the artist) as the "commission". When did this change happen?!? No, it is MY art work, and it is the gallery that is getting a commission for selling MY work. Some may think this is just a matter of linguistics, but I found it to be disrespectful.... acting like the gallery is the "main player" and the artist is simply "getting a commission" for creating the work.

@blsemetan7232 2 months ago

Between all the events I attend, some of them go overboard with the t-shirts. Pretty soon you're browsing what looks like a flea market.

@kaykrause4469 2 months ago

I think those booth fees are outrageous!!!

@waveryart 2 months ago

A show that I’ve done for a few years now recently changed their application approval process. They now “accept” more artists than spots they have available. Then they tell you you were accepted, and to pay your booth fee asap. Fastest to pay wins a spot. Kinda crazy. I know it’s probably because they have artists that they approve that wind up not paying, and then they have to start working down the wait list, but it’s not really fair to the artists to compete with who is fastest to pay.

@katievpaints 2 months ago (edited)

I've gotten screwed a bunch of times this summer by following rules. I don't want to get asked to leave, or not get accepted again, or get into bad standings with any production companies. But so many times I've missed opportunities for sales, or made things more difficult or expensive for myself, only to see other people breaking the rules and nothing happens. So do the organizers just write the rules to cover their asses, or what? 🤨

@estellwilliams7409 2 months ago

Recently I did a local art show that was specifically centered around local artists. We were kinda placed all around town so people could walk down all the streets and check stuff out. 7 hours go by and we only had 2 people stop. No purchases. Which is fine but then to find out they let people pay extra to set up in a parking lot down the road. All the traffic was there and no one was venturing out. Bad part is, it was mostly drop ship stuff and ai posters. 😞 first big show and it was crud. Sneaky business man..

@joancdesigns 2 months ago

You're absolutely right about the "limited editions only" rule - they never check. I've decided to ignore that and bring open edition prints from now on. Speaking of profits for these organizations - one thing I've noticed is the sharp decline in decent offerings in the artists' hospitality tents. Most offer junk food and overly-processed baked goods. Why bother - lower your booth fees and let artists bring their own healthy snacks.

@doctorkitty3791 2 months ago

I didn't realize that many art fairs restrict artists from selling items like shirts with their art printed on them. Many people have limited wall space, but a shirt/bag/jewelry, etc. could be a way to support artists and share their work when you wear these items in public.

@doberchic 2 months ago

#6 sounds borderline actionable with an attorney if they cross the wrong person.
What a racket.

@Jitterbuggn 2 months ago

Not really on-topic, just depressed at the weather report for the show we’re in next weekend. Rain setting up, thunder storms tearing down, rain in between. I heard a nearby vendor’s husband a few years ago remind her, as his artist-wife was complaining like this, “ Just remember honey, you are living the dream.” I used this as my mantra for a while and said it to a fellow vendor some months ago. He responded by saying, “You know, nightmares are dreams too.” Stopped me cold. It’s getting rough out here this year y’all.

@jasonstreet_art 1 month ago

I'm learning so much as I'm getting closer to getting a art show prepared within the next 6 months. Thank you.
I didn't know anything about rules for "limited edition" prints. Never even thought that could be an issue. I would get away with saying "Gold limited edition" hand signed by artist. Then change the color of my Posca marker for other shows. Idk..lol it sounds like we artist need a real representative for our own art shows. I think my shirts in person would sell, I'd keep them classy in sealed plastic wrap and only display a few of them to keep my booth looking more gallery- clean. I just started on your videos. Your art is very pretty to look at. I love your giraffe. Thank you, Krystle.

@harpercourt9633 2 months ago

The rules not being applied evenly in any situation drive me crazy. Ugh! The most expensive booth fee I ever paid was to a show that had no one helping to load or unload or find your spot ... we were totally on our own!

@AcaciaCollArt 2 months ago

Photography and digital prints should absolutely not be allowed at an "all-originals" show because there's no such thing as an original photograph or digital print. They can endlessly produce identical reproductions of the image. Photography isn't even hand made.
I own a traditional art gallery where digital and photography isn't allowed for a similar reason. Everything is one of a kind and completely hand crafted.

@radiationroom 1 month ago

It’s time the creative class bands together and does their own events. I like the idea of hosting very small shows of 8 to 12 artists at a private residence and make it invitation only. Invite gallery owners, real estate agents, interior designers, institutional art buyers, etc etc etc. Or rent out a church/fire/community hall and make it an annual event - by artists for artists. Some of these art show promoters make music executive Morris Levy seem like the Pope, so it’s time to cut them out of the mix.