Thanks to everyone who visited Urban Art 2010, for another sucessful year!

So it's time for a little post of art fair tips and tricks from me.

1. Presentation is everything! Well, okay, not everything, but it certainly matters a lot. Yes, yes, at the end of the day it's about the work - but is your display or lack of it actually detracting from your artwork? Does the display sit nice and demurely in the background so the art can say 'look at meeeee!'? Or does it become artistic itself, distracting the viewer? It doesn't matter what kind of show - outside, town hall, gallery - the art must take centre stage. This is why galleries so often recommend painters use neutral plain frames and mounts (mattes to my US friends) around the images.

2. Buddies. This was one on an old art fair list I did for my blog readers, where I called it "Partners". Have a read of "4 step plan to stress-free (or as close as you get) art events". Basically it's all about those people to help because you just can't do everything yourself, and you help back. Or they just stand behind you and make silly faces...

3. Improvise. Each event, each venue is different. Bring extras of things. (especially business cards, price tags, string, D-rings and wrap) Bring a few options. Bring a bit of spare stuff. Bring all tools.  For this year's Urban Art I decided I wanted a backdrop, though I had no idea how it would work. Then I didn't know how I'd hang over it, so I just brought plenty of string. The lesson in this one was not to get precious about the secondary materials. I just cut holes in the backdrop where they needed to be. My tags blu-takked to the railings wouldn't work either. So I used blackboard paint on some old business cards, brought chalk and pins, and wrote and pinned up price tags. (reusable too!) In fact I got a bit inspired and drew on the sidewalk too. ;) Need a sign or banner? Why not think creatively? Since most of my shows are just canvases (rarely frames) I ordered a giclee print on canvas of my name over a painting as signage. It's lasted years, is in keeping with my style, and looks professional. Often admired more than other artists' hung banners.

4. Energy! Keep it up. Don't forget food, drink, something to sit on. COFFEE. (mmmm) Know if there's things in the area, bring your own pack lunch, have pocket money. If you're hungry, cold, thirsty or tired you will be unhappy and it'll come across to visitors too.



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