Hi everyone! My apologies for the sporadic blogging lately. This is usually a good sign that a show is coming up! I am knee deep in prep, but will do my best to bring you some fun bits too! :) In case you missed it last week, be sure to swing by Zero 2 Illo and have a listen to an interview with me! Thanks again to Jonathan Woodward for having me! Here's to a great week all!
Khristian A. Howell blog archive. Find all those copyrighting and art licensing posts here! Then visit our new home at www.khristianahowell.com!
Showing posts with label trade shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trade shows. Show all posts
20.2.11
zero 2 Illo interview...
Hi everyone! My apologies for the sporadic blogging lately. This is usually a good sign that a show is coming up! I am knee deep in prep, but will do my best to bring you some fun bits too! :) In case you missed it last week, be sure to swing by Zero 2 Illo and have a listen to an interview with me! Thanks again to Jonathan Woodward for having me! Here's to a great week all!
14.2.11
CHA - the view from another trade show first timer...
Alex Sanso is one of the artists who launched herself with gusto into the SHOWSTOPPER tool, and also into her first trade show! A few weeks ago she made her debut in a special section of CHA called the designer showcase. She has been kind enough to stop by and share her experience with us! BRAVO to Alex for jumping in with both feet!
Alex Sanso
After several years of dreaming of licensing my own art, I now have my first trade show exhibit experience in the history books. Now that the angst of “am I ready?” and “am I good enough?” is over, I ask myself, “what was I waiting for?”
I realized a few months ago that while reading blogs, forums, tweets and e-books about art licensing is extremely valuable (I do it constantly), there would never come a time when I’d say to myself, “I’m ready.” Despite my insecurities, I did manage to license three pieces of art to my first-ever licensee a few months ago. That was the boost I needed, so I decided this year was the year I’d exhibit in a show. The question was, which one? Surtex? Licensing Expo? Where did I fit?
This past January, I exhibited in the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Trade Show and Conference in Los Angeles...a show I’d never heard of, in an industry I had no experience in. Despite that, I realized that my art style could be a great fit for scrapbooking papers, ribbons, fabrics, stickers...all products represented at this show. But this show would take place a full four months before any show I had been considering up to that point, and I had just barely started creating my collections! Was I nuts? Could I be ready?
I found out that exhibitors at the CHA Trade Show are a mix of manufacturers and distributors of craft and hobby products and tools. Attendees are retailers, store buyers—the (mostly) women who use these products for scrapbooking, jewelry-making, quilting and other crafts for personal and professional use. There is also a “License & Design” section of booths in the show for artists who license their art to manufacturers. The price for a booth is reasonable compared to what you’ll pay for other major shows. However, deeper research revealed that there was an even more affordable option: the Designer Showcase.
This one-day event takes place in a separate room, a blistering walking distance from the main show floor. Designers get a small conference table (not a booth) on which to display their wares, then are banished from the room all day as the by-invitation-only attendees (press, art directors, exhibitors from the show floor) hopefully come, look at your art and leave a business card...or better yet, come back for the 2 hours in the evening when designers are present to meet and greet the attendees. That’s right, prepare like mad, travel to LA and set up a table in a room for two hours of face time out of a 4-day show. I signed right up, of course!
The upshot...I made the most of my small, one-day, unmanned exhibit by making the presentation the best that I could—with a full catalog to flip through, a freestanding display and a slideshow running on my laptop. I also displayed some product that had been created from my art for a client—not from my collections, but a good showing of my style. I created postcards that I left on the table (which I had also been handing out for two days prior at the show as I met people), and left a place for people to fill in their information and drop their cards. By the time the whole event was over, I had a long list of contacts that I have spent the last couple of weeks following up with!
New contacts, great! But did I leave the show with any contracts in hand? No. I know that, besides having great art, success in this business is based on exposure, making connections and building relationships that are forged over time. In that sense, this show was a smashing success for me. I walked away with the confidence that this is the right move for my business and that I do have a place in the art licensing industry. I have a first-show experience behind me and can get on with it. I’ll be walking Surtex this May and plotting my next entrance onto the licensing stage. I guess I’d better get to work on more collections.
Artist and graphic designer Alex Sanso found her passion in creating art for product during her nine years as an artist at Walt Disney World, creating art and design for theme park merchandise such as stationery, home decor, games, textiles, apparel and more. As chief artopian at artopia creative, she brings that experience to her own art licensing collections...and still loves a great thrill ride!
Alex Sanso
After several years of dreaming of licensing my own art, I now have my first trade show exhibit experience in the history books. Now that the angst of “am I ready?” and “am I good enough?” is over, I ask myself, “what was I waiting for?”
I realized a few months ago that while reading blogs, forums, tweets and e-books about art licensing is extremely valuable (I do it constantly), there would never come a time when I’d say to myself, “I’m ready.” Despite my insecurities, I did manage to license three pieces of art to my first-ever licensee a few months ago. That was the boost I needed, so I decided this year was the year I’d exhibit in a show. The question was, which one? Surtex? Licensing Expo? Where did I fit?
This past January, I exhibited in the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Trade Show and Conference in Los Angeles...a show I’d never heard of, in an industry I had no experience in. Despite that, I realized that my art style could be a great fit for scrapbooking papers, ribbons, fabrics, stickers...all products represented at this show. But this show would take place a full four months before any show I had been considering up to that point, and I had just barely started creating my collections! Was I nuts? Could I be ready?
I found out that exhibitors at the CHA Trade Show are a mix of manufacturers and distributors of craft and hobby products and tools. Attendees are retailers, store buyers—the (mostly) women who use these products for scrapbooking, jewelry-making, quilting and other crafts for personal and professional use. There is also a “License & Design” section of booths in the show for artists who license their art to manufacturers. The price for a booth is reasonable compared to what you’ll pay for other major shows. However, deeper research revealed that there was an even more affordable option: the Designer Showcase.
This one-day event takes place in a separate room, a blistering walking distance from the main show floor. Designers get a small conference table (not a booth) on which to display their wares, then are banished from the room all day as the by-invitation-only attendees (press, art directors, exhibitors from the show floor) hopefully come, look at your art and leave a business card...or better yet, come back for the 2 hours in the evening when designers are present to meet and greet the attendees. That’s right, prepare like mad, travel to LA and set up a table in a room for two hours of face time out of a 4-day show. I signed right up, of course!
The upshot...I made the most of my small, one-day, unmanned exhibit by making the presentation the best that I could—with a full catalog to flip through, a freestanding display and a slideshow running on my laptop. I also displayed some product that had been created from my art for a client—not from my collections, but a good showing of my style. I created postcards that I left on the table (which I had also been handing out for two days prior at the show as I met people), and left a place for people to fill in their information and drop their cards. By the time the whole event was over, I had a long list of contacts that I have spent the last couple of weeks following up with!
New contacts, great! But did I leave the show with any contracts in hand? No. I know that, besides having great art, success in this business is based on exposure, making connections and building relationships that are forged over time. In that sense, this show was a smashing success for me. I walked away with the confidence that this is the right move for my business and that I do have a place in the art licensing industry. I have a first-show experience behind me and can get on with it. I’ll be walking Surtex this May and plotting my next entrance onto the licensing stage. I guess I’d better get to work on more collections.
Artist and graphic designer Alex Sanso found her passion in creating art for product during her nine years as an artist at Walt Disney World, creating art and design for theme park merchandise such as stationery, home decor, games, textiles, apparel and more. As chief artopian at artopia creative, she brings that experience to her own art licensing collections...and still loves a great thrill ride!
27.9.10
What is your Biggest Trade Show Question?
Happy Monday all! I am in the final stages of putting together SHOWSTOPPER - Road Map to Rocking Your Trade Show, and I need your help. I want to know what is your biggest question regarding doing a show? I would be very thankful if you would take a moment to fill out my little survey (and click the share link too!). If you are not already on the SS mailing list, what are you waiting for?? :0) Have a great week everyone!
[polldaddy poll="3829446"]
[polldaddy poll="3829446"]
9.7.10
guest posting on Meylah...
Happy Friday everyone! Today I have a guest post up over on Meylah! I met Courtney of Meylah when she left a lovely comment on my guest post on Crafting an MBA. She really responded to the post, and suggested I do a part 2 - so I did! :) Head over to her blog to check it out! Thanks for posting Courtney!
4.6.10
friday reflections...
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Hi Everyone! I am feeling particularly grateful today. This is first moment I have slowed down a bit since Surtex, and I am realizing how fortunate I am. I am thankful for wonderful friends like the fab Jess Swift and Mary Beth Freet. I am so thankful for trusted colleagues like Tara Reed and Tara Gentile who constantly support my business goals. Most importantly I am thankful for my wonderful hubby who rides the roller coaster with me everyday. What are you thankful for this week. Sometimes it's nice just to say it aloud! Happy weekend all!
[/caption]Hi Everyone! I am feeling particularly grateful today. This is first moment I have slowed down a bit since Surtex, and I am realizing how fortunate I am. I am thankful for wonderful friends like the fab Jess Swift and Mary Beth Freet. I am so thankful for trusted colleagues like Tara Reed and Tara Gentile who constantly support my business goals. Most importantly I am thankful for my wonderful hubby who rides the roller coaster with me everyday. What are you thankful for this week. Sometimes it's nice just to say it aloud! Happy weekend all!
31.5.10
my new ebook! Confessions of a first timer...
Hi! I hope you all had a great long weekend! I am so excited to share with you my first ebook Confessions of a first timer.
The response from my Surtex recap post here and my guest post over on Crafting and MBA really inspired me to share all the things I've learned at my first show. When I was preparing for the show, I would have loved to hear the thoughts of someone who had just done it for the first time. It makes reaching the goal of getting to the show that much more attainable.
If you have read any of my recaps, you know that Surtex was a huge thrill and success for me on many levels. Most importantly, I have learned so very much that I will take into my next show. I hope this will give you the jump start you need to believing that you CAN make this happen for yourself! Here's a little snippet to start you off!
“Wow, those lights are bright. It’s like I’m on a stage.” These were the first words I uttered from inside my booth the first day of Surtex. That is when it clicked. I did it. I had arrived. This 8’ x 10’ space would indeed be my stage for the next three days. Next thought – holy crap!! Yes, that is the raw reenactment of my thought process on that unforgettable Sunday morning.
It’s true! Getting to and executing your first trade show (in my case Surtex) is like riding a super scary roller coaster. You love the thrill - you’re terrified - repeat.
At the end of all the ups and downs lies unimaginable fulfillment. In my view, trade shows are vital as independent artists and business owners. The opportunity to show your art, craft or product to key decision makers all under one roof is absolutely priceless. Clearly it does come at a cost measured in $/square foot, but it is more than worth it. As with any business, face time and building relationships are vital to be successful.
The response from my Surtex recap post here and my guest post over on Crafting and MBA really inspired me to share all the things I've learned at my first show. When I was preparing for the show, I would have loved to hear the thoughts of someone who had just done it for the first time. It makes reaching the goal of getting to the show that much more attainable.
If you have read any of my recaps, you know that Surtex was a huge thrill and success for me on many levels. Most importantly, I have learned so very much that I will take into my next show. I hope this will give you the jump start you need to believing that you CAN make this happen for yourself! Here's a little snippet to start you off!
“Wow, those lights are bright. It’s like I’m on a stage.” These were the first words I uttered from inside my booth the first day of Surtex. That is when it clicked. I did it. I had arrived. This 8’ x 10’ space would indeed be my stage for the next three days. Next thought – holy crap!! Yes, that is the raw reenactment of my thought process on that unforgettable Sunday morning.
It’s true! Getting to and executing your first trade show (in my case Surtex) is like riding a super scary roller coaster. You love the thrill - you’re terrified - repeat.
At the end of all the ups and downs lies unimaginable fulfillment. In my view, trade shows are vital as independent artists and business owners. The opportunity to show your art, craft or product to key decision makers all under one roof is absolutely priceless. Clearly it does come at a cost measured in $/square foot, but it is more than worth it. As with any business, face time and building relationships are vital to be successful.
26.5.10
icff 2010 - indi b rugs and york wallcoverings...
I only had a quick min. to bolt through icff this year since I was manning my booth alone. I had to make sure I at least caught a glimpse. This show is so innovative and exciting! It is a really feast for the eyes each year! Here are two standouts that made me pause during my mad dash.
This rug called gyraffe from INDI B made me litterally stop in my tracks. It is part of their kids line, so I guess you can call me a big kid because I would have it in a heartbeat! On top of fab design, INDI B is wonderful because they are committed to using only natural fibers and dyes. They are also members of Goodweave. An organization helping to ensure that child labor is not used in the handmade rug industry.
I've been a huge fan of york wallcoverings for quite some time now. However, seeing their display at icff put them into a whole new category of obsession for me. The prints are stunning, and modern. The papers are so luxurious. It was a real feast for the eyes.
This rug called gyraffe from INDI B made me litterally stop in my tracks. It is part of their kids line, so I guess you can call me a big kid because I would have it in a heartbeat! On top of fab design, INDI B is wonderful because they are committed to using only natural fibers and dyes. They are also members of Goodweave. An organization helping to ensure that child labor is not used in the handmade rug industry.I've been a huge fan of york wallcoverings for quite some time now. However, seeing their display at icff put them into a whole new category of obsession for me. The prints are stunning, and modern. The papers are so luxurious. It was a real feast for the eyes.
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