I’m making it a point to get better about setting aside time to reflect on accomplishments, rather than jumping straight into the next thing.
This past weekend, I was part of the Emerging Artist tent at the TN Craft Fair (a large, three-day art show) that I was honored to be accepted into.
At first glance… I was floored. The number of people who came out to support local artists like myself, and the response to my work personally, was incredible. I went in with a high goal for what I wanted to make in profit, knowing it was possible, but unsure if I could pull it off. I exceeded that goal.
Some of the biggest highlights: I sold 12 original prints, 13 original drawings, and 50 open-edition mini prints. I also sold cards, stickers, and all the little goodies, but seeing those numbers tied to original work truly blew me away. To me, that says the pieces resonated deeply enough that people wanted to bring them into their homes and spaces. That’s an incredible honor.
I had so many meaningful conversations throughout the weekend—with fellow artists, birders, and even people who connected with the work on a spiritual level, which I found really fascinating. I loved explaining the linocut process, talking about different bird species, and people sharing their own bird photos and stories. I loved diving deeper into the meaning behind my design choices and inviting people into the intentionality behind each piece.
There were also so many small, joy-filled moments, like meeting all the cute pups, especially sweet little Circuit, who hopped into my lap while her owner browsed prints. I loved connecting with the other artists in the Emerging Artist tent, hearing about their craft, their techniques, and how they got started. I could go on and on.
I also took in a lot. I had the chance to talk with my mentor and brainstorm ways to improve my setup (like finding a way to go vertical so more of my work is visible rather than tucked into a portfolio). I also received encouraging feedback from a judge who said I’m ready for my own tent, with the caveat that she wants to see more work from me, in other words I need to keep creating. That definitely lit a fire under me as I head into show season, knowing I need to keep my inventory fresh and growing.
One of my favorite parts was seeing how the artist community rallies together. When a gust of wind came through, everyone jumped in to help each other protect their work. I loved making new artist friends, as well as reconnecting with familiar faces from past shows, cheering each other on along the way.
Two notes I made for next time: don’t nix the email list, and make my QR codes more clear and prominent. I ended up removing my email list from the table because I didn’t have much room, but I should have kept it, growing your audience as an artist is so important. I’m also kicking myself for not taking photos of the folks who bought pieces with their artwork. I love being able to look back on those moments, but I forgot every time someone made a purchase, haha.
So in summary: this was a fantastic show. I set new records, learned how I can improve my display, and felt challenged to elevate my work and keep creating.
The biggest accomplishment for me? My best-selling piece was Vortex, a piece I just released and poured so much intentionality into. That tells me people are resonating with the direction I want to take my art, which has me so energized.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It was deeply encouraging.
And… I also learned I need to pack more snacks ;)