First Vendor Experience

My first ever vendor experience was a huge success! Located in Blair, SC, the Blair Spring Fling took place on May 22, 2021, hosted by Store 34 (check 'em out on Facebook!). I had no idea what to expect, but it went better than I imagined. I've been to farmer's markets before, but being the person on the other side of the table was such an amazing feeling!

I'm still shocked that up to this point I've received multiple commission requests and people have purchased my art off of my catchallcreatives.com site (still gives me butterflies). But this vendor experience, actually getting to see people look at my art and decide which piece they like best, not being able to decide and just getting everything they liked, or having a first look around then walking away only to come back and get what they saw initially that they liked. It was surreal showcasing my art for people to see.

The day started early around 8am to set up. I was SO nervous lol It's one thing to have your art up on a site or social media for everyone to see, but to start displaying it for people to see it in person... AND get their initial reactions had my stomach in knots. I recruited Brooks to help me set up - I think he was just as excited as I was. The event didn't officially start until 10am., so after finishing setting up around 9am., I was able to get my mental ducks in a row and compose myself.

I took some time taking pictures and videos of my first vendor table set up, and it actually turned out pretty good! It'll be cool to see how I improve the overall look of the booth/table - but not too shabby for a first timer if I do say so myself haha. Ten minutes after the event started I had my first purchase and I looked at Brooks trying to keep my composure hahaha.

There were some things that I was surprised that sold, and some things that I was surprised that didn't sell. But all that to say, I went in with my goal of just selling at least one thing and I was going to count that as a successful day. At the end of the day I surpassed that goal and then some.

The biggest surprise of the day was my parents, aunt, uncle, and dogs (Harper and Bagel) all surprised me halfway through t

he event! I had no idea they were coming and they just casually walked up to my table and it took a second to hit me they they were actually there lol. Them being there made that day incredibly special.

It was so cool seeing what people gravitated towards, the compliments I got even if they didn't buy anything, the pieces people picked up to get a better look at it and then putting it back down, and the pieces that were picked up and latched onto because they liked it so much. The compliments I received were very reassuring to hear and worth just as much to me as if they had purchased something.

I met other artists at the event too and now I'm learning from people who have been doing this a long while. The art hustle is no joke and it has become very apparent how hard it can be not only to master a

n art technique and make it into your own style, but also to see if others get inspired through your art as well. And on top of that, see if they get inspired enough where they need to tangibly hold your art in their hands.

This is all still so new to me and I have a lot to learn, but I'm having fun while I'm doing it! My next goal is to tackle another vendor opportunity, so be on the lookout for future announcements!!