Finding shows to apply to:
Try Google, of course, and searching through various event and festival lister websites. The value of networking at shows cannot be understated! Chat with fellow vendors and ask which shows they do and enjoy. Check the show calendars of vendors who have complementary work. Check your town’s local events calendar, and ask people to keep their ears open for you. Calls for vendors are listed all over - in your local newspaper, Craigslist, Facebook, blogs. The more shows you do and apply to, the more you will start hearing about.
Know your market:
Before you apply, check the website for last year’s vendors to see if your craft would be a good fit. This will not only be helpful for the application process, but will also create a better experience at shows. If you make quirky indie crafts, for example, it might not be the best fit for every show, so do your research! Read the FAQ section to gather as much information as possible. Visit websites and blogs of the vendors who have participated in the past for reviews and pictures.
Do a Google image, flickr, Facebook or forum search for photos of previous years events. You can also see how big the space is and the amount of people who have attended previous shows. This will also make it easier to tailor your application to that specific craft show.
General Tips:
Follow their guidelines! If they want two pictures, don't send ten. If they want 50 words, don't write a full page. Keep your photos within their file size limits and in the requested formats . Double check that you've filled out every line, checked every box, and that you've provided all the required information. Make sure your email and mailing addresses are legible or you may not receive your acceptance package. And if you don't get in this year, work on your product and photos and try again next time! There are lots of reasons you might not be accepted (crowded category, wrong market, large amount of applications received and limited spaces) so don't take it personally!
Parts of the application:
Vendor Statement
Most applications ask for a statement describing yourself and your work with a 50-300 character limit, so try to stick to your product line and anything surrounding your career as a crafter. Introduce yourself, include a clear explanation of the types of things plan to sell, how you make them, and what makes your craft unique. How you describe your work can make all the difference in being accepted. Shows will often use your statement verbatim in their promotional materials, so choose your words carefully! Keep several versions handy of different lengths so you do not have to start from scratch each time.
Examples of Your Work
You will almost always be asked for either your website link or at least 3-5 digital images of your work, and sometimes both. Be sure and include a variety of your work, and you can usually include a photo of your booth setup as well. Make sure your products are shown off at the forefront and not cluttered
with too many props – in other words, make sure the jurying committee
knows if you’re selling the soap or the soap dish! Shows will also often use your photos in their promotional materials, so flaunt a variety of your best work.
Your web link can be your own website or an online marketplace. If you don't have your own site or a storefront on a venue such as Etsy, Artfire, BigCartel, or Storeenvy, try making a Facebook page of your work or create a blog. Both of these are free options to display your work, and will also give you a link to submit with your application.
Your online store or webpage should contain, minimally, at least 5-10 good quality, clear images of your work in an easy to find location, and an artist bio, with a nice banner or logo to function as a good online portfolio of your work for show applications.
Fees
Your check will usually be included at the time of application and returned if your are not accepted to the event. Occasionally you will be asked for a credit card number that will only be charged upon your acceptance. Some juried shows include, along with your vending fee, a small non-refundable jury fee; that is, you’re paying them just to look at your application. This is generally for large shows that get a tremendous amount of entries.
If you are doing a benefit or charity show, you may be asked for a percentage of your total sales on top of your flat booth fee. Make sure you and the show promoter both understand the terms completely and ideally, have them signed and in writing before the show day to avoid any confusion later.
Resources:
Event Listers
Photo Tips
