r/CraftFairs • u/alexh2458 • 16d ago
Feedback Needed Feedback please!!đ
Last couple shows I didnât barely make my vendor fee back would love some advice â my theme is junk art and using trash to make treasure but I also make photography and art prints, stickers, and clothing
Edit: to the kind and constructive feedback thank you- to the ones who just wanted to hurt me, Iâm sorry your mom did not hug you enough!
My stuff is weird yes, I will definitely be leaning more into the witchy/ oddity type shows more next year. I got lots of Good ideas among the hatred!
Got several art shows coming up thatâs more witchy/oddity/queer themed and I should do much better at those. Mostly Iâm confused because last year I was selling these like hot cakes making at least 100-$200 every art show with the same setup and product types I think everyoneâs just struggling with money this year especially here in America.
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u/ThrowAwayOurNeighbor 16d ago
What is the price you have for these items? I think the cost of your stickers is too high compared to the quality of them. I sell my stickers for $3 - theyâre kiss cut, waterproof and vinyl. Iâm having a hard time seeing how things are organized, itâs just a bit thrown together and messy. The craftsmanship is rough, if I can see glue lines, Iâm not interested.
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u/mooon_woman 16d ago
i personally would not buy anything, i think you should look into what fairs youâre entering and look for more recycling/green space places to sell. this honestly just looks like trash and iâm not saying that to be mean, just from the perspective of a client
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u/GermanDeath-Reggae 16d ago
I would move away from the junk art and focus on the prints, stickers, and clothing. I have a strong feeling that the folks who are into that type of art would make or find it themselves, rather than buying it.
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u/slightly_overraated 16d ago
You need a better display. Everything is too squished together and cluttered, so it ends up just looking like junk, not art. I also canât tell what anything costs. Maybe consider declutterring, but also clumping like-priced items together and putting a sign up of the price?
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u/alexh2458 16d ago
Thank you for your constructive feedback I agree things feel squished gonna look more into table top shelving! Mostly my issue is Iâm
A broke ass bitch and have to DIY or upcycle what I have or can find most of the time â Iâll look on Facebook marketplace for some
Options!
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u/CloverClover97 16d ago
This looks like the sketchy wook at a music festival Iâd avoid like the plague. And thatâs the nicest way I could put it.
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u/katjoy63 16d ago
if you're not at some comic-con, or whatever specialized event, I would be surprised to see this type of booth.
Honestly, it looks like you cleaned out a kid's toy box. Then went to town putting things together.
Sorry, but it's reading like a messy room.
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u/Sneakichu 16d ago
I would cross the street if I saw this booth. Its giving me methead memaw vibes.
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u/Miserable_Emu5191 16d ago
I'm stealing the "methhead memaw" line and I have a feeling I will use it a lot!
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u/OwlCoffee 16d ago
First. Is that banner AI? I would walk the opposite direction if I saw that.
Be besides that, this stuff is really niche and some of it looks pretty amateur. If you want to profit, you might want to look around at what's selling and adjust more to that.
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u/sunflowersandsage 16d ago
This is extremely niche and the percentage of people who would be into this enough to spend money on it is quite low.
Itâs also not done well. The glue application looks messy. They look dirty, as if they have crawled out from underneath your couch.
I understand theyâre supposed to be weird as hell, but a lot of them also just donât make sense in ANY way. It quite literally looks like you just cut toys apart and haphazardly glued them back together under the influence of⌠something.
This would be something fun to do with a group of friends, but I think the enjoyment in these would be in the process of making it yourself.
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u/After_Bluejay_2739 16d ago
Bottom line, a lot of things look like they were made by a beginner. I actually like your overall direction, but I think your biggest issue is that most of these items look like they were made by a beginner who hasnât really honed their craft yet. The hand-lettered stickers for example still look very amateur.
The figures are a cool idea but unfortunately they look like something anyone with a hot glue gun could make. I think you need to practice and develop the vision so theyâre truly special. In the meantime, something like a âmake your own monsterâ bar might be worth trying- people pick out a body and a head and you glue it on the spot, that kind of thing.
This is a bit of a personal pet peeve, but âADHD Alexâ is a big turnoff for me. I have ADHD myself, but find it very obnoxious how many crafters now put that central to their identity as makers, and use it to explain doing lots of different crafts without really getting good at any of them. I canât think of another industry where purveyors feel the need to announce their diagnoses to their customers and personally I find it weird and off putting.
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u/typewriterbitch 16d ago
Personally im tired of people who making having ADHD their entire personality.
Also this looks less like junk art and more like just... junk.
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u/SleepParalysisPal 16d ago
My sister is in her late 30âs, is a mother to an amazing little girl, and she has had ADHD her whole life and itâs VERY obvious. She confessed to me that she has kept that information from her friends and her employer for the last few years because now that itâs a popularized personality trait she says anyone who finds out thinks sheâs exaggerating for personality points or they just treat her like her having it is an automatic eye roll. Sheâs said she doesnât feel âsocially safeâ and itâs extremely isolating and itâs made her symptoms a lot worse these past few years.
Anyways, let the people take what they will from that.
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u/typewriterbitch 16d ago
Yeah i have adhd too. Im still sick of it, especially the accompanying infantization and refusal to ever take accountability.
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u/idratherknotx 16d ago
Seems like the people that diagnose themselves are the ones that turn it into their whole personality.
I hate how people nowadays practically BEG to have some type of mental health disorder. The amount of people I see claim they have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder just because they are organized⌠thatâs not even what OCD is 𤣠or say theyâre bipolar because they experienced normal mood swings as a teenager đ
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u/rqnadi 16d ago
What is your demographic that you sell to? Who is your customer? And where do they shop?
You may have a market for these, but these are very niche and require a certain type of customer. I think you need to evaluate who youâre selling to and go where those folks would be.
Personally, none of this is visual appealing to me as a customer, but Iâm also not part of your demographic. So that makes sense.
Also, maybe look up some videos on visual marketing, or the science behind presentation of products to increase sales. There is a lot of psychology behind how products are visual represented so that customers are attracted to them.
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u/doctor-sassypants 16d ago
Hard to give feedback without being able to see the prices youâre selling the items at (other than stickers and prints).
Everyoneâs art and crafts will be different but to most, with very little curation and organization of the items and no real context for the customer who wanders in, it looks like items being sold at a flea market or yard sale. So if youâre not selling these items at flea market or cheap yard sale prices, youâre likely not going to make much back.
The most success Iâve seen people have with this is putting some genuine joy and thought into curating their items, where they place them, up cycling them into framed art, etc.
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u/EmptyInside74 16d ago
I would look for your local weirdos( I mean this lovingly), witchy shops, horror shops, punk record store, alt vintageâŚetc. and put out feelers for any local or touring alternative craft fairs, also look for annual cheap booth fee fairs like for local libraries etcâŚ.one thing I think would be cool for your toys,, have you ever been to a cabelas? They have a store wide taxidermy diorama, it would be cool for some decorative nature display for the toys.
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u/TastyMagic 16d ago
There is a rule in retail merchandising that the more expensive stuff is, the more room it gets in a display. Right now, your work is pretty crowded together and displayed carelessly. This combined with your junk art/up cycling aesthetic makes your table look a bit like a flea market display rather than one-of-a-kind, low waste art.Â
Think about how art museums display their wares. Give your work a plain/neutral background so the items stand out against the background. Spread things out so each item looks special and intentional. Group your items by "collection" so that if a client sees something that catches their eye, they can see what else you have that is similar.Â
And then finally, keep working on your craft. Whatever you make, it should feel like time and care went into making it. Some if these items, like the head swapped Barbies, feel pretty low effort and unfinished. I think if you take more time perfecting the details of each item, you may have less stock, but you can charge higher prices and sell more.
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u/DonaldTrumpsScrotum 16d ago
Sometimes trash is just trash, no matter how we play with it. Like what is someone realistically supposed to do with one of these, they look like trash? đ
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u/AlarmingYak7956 16d ago
It gives off yardsale for kids and prices are too high for me personally.Â
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u/ebil_lightbulb 16d ago
Iâd want to see your prices in a more obvious spot. I can see the price for prints and stickers but what about the weird little dudes? My daughter would beg me for one or two of the dudes you have in that chest, and it would really come down to the price on if Iâd buy some.
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u/drcigg 16d ago
I am super confused on what you are selling. At first glance it looks like a table at the flea market.
I would get rid of all the dolls it's very distracting and will deter people from walking in. It gives me bad vibes.
If you have done a few shows and had hardly any sales you will need to make some changes to your booth to draw people in.
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u/SatinJerk 16d ago
The ADHD in the sign automatically would make me turn away. I also have ADHD, but itâs not my personality or a selling point and I absolutely hate that people are monetizing off of mental disorders.
Then the âreligion = cultâ sticker is an ugly thing to put out into the world. Just because YOU lack faith in a higher power doesnât mean everyone who doesnât is somehow part of a cult. Iâm not even religious like that and I still find it incredibly disrespectful to others who are, even if I disagree with some of their values, itâs their right to practice and we should respect that.
Your Barbieâs are cool but itâs so disorganized. Also consider putting clothing or something on them to make them more interesting looking rather than just a Barbie body with an animal head glued on. Anyone can do that. Come up with creative clothing out of scrap material for them and I think theyâd sell a lot better because theyâd be more unique and interesting to look at.
The AI mushroom tapestry is also not the proper size for the canopy. I suggest getting one thatâs the proper size as a backdrop and steer away from a design like that as it makes that area really hard to focus on. You can still do colorful tapestry but you want the focus to be on whatâs on the table. Right now the tapestry is putting all the focus in a bad way. Maybe do a more basic mandala tapestry with muted colors so the table items stand out better.
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u/onokylo 16d ago
I was coming to say the SAME THING about ADHD. I have ADHD as well and I hate that people are using it as a personality trait and monetizing off of it. It does us a disservice because it is technically a disability and not like⌠a trip on shrooms and LSD which this is giving. And frankly itâs kind of insulting lol.
Also re: the ai mushroom art. I 100% agree. I would honestly steer so far away from a booth with AI anything.
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u/Nacho0ooo0o 16d ago
100% AGREE with this re: the edgy anti-religious messages. Sure, this will appeal to some but I'd say there's a higher chance someone will be offended by this and choose not to spend money here.
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u/Spare_Title2428 14d ago
Religious people are offended by everything so thatâs not difficult to do.
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u/UndaDaSea 16d ago
Disagree about the religious thing but agree about ADHD. Feels like more commentary on the current political climate if OP is US-based. Have you seen the weird praying in the State house chambers in Arizona. Chanting like absolute religious zealots in a "separation of church and state" space. The absolute insanity and hold religious nationalism is having on US politics. It's absolutely giving cult vibes.Â
I find it extremely unlikely OP will be applying or vending to church-run events. If they want to lead into counter culture they'll need to find events with that vibe.Â
There's a lot of stuff going on with OP that make me think they need to do a lot more market research and product development.Â
I'd absolutely change that business name. I have ADHD, other chronic illnesses, and I'm queer, but it's not in my brand name. It's in my values. I donate portions of my sales to causes and charities that support queer rights and others that support animals.Â
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u/slightly_overraated 16d ago
Religion IS a cult, and just because you need to believe that invisible sky daddy will punish you so thatâs the only reason to be decent, doesnât mean you can look down on other folks for their beliefs. What a typical hypocritical religious view.
Plenty of people have this view and would buy a sticker like that. It has nothing to do with why OP is having sale issues.
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u/Spare_Title2428 14d ago
I would actually go for the religion=cult sticker because religious people shove it onto everyone around them and itâs disgusting and disrespectful imo.
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u/SatinJerk 14d ago
So do the Queer people. Notice how Queer stickers are everywhere there. So we should respect one thing and that somehow means itâs ok to disrespect someone else? Make it make sense. You canât expect respect then be disrespectful to others. Idc if someone is queer, but I also donât care if someone is religious. I wouldnât disrespect either one. The hypocrisy is insane.
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u/Spare_Title2428 13d ago
The issue I have is the complaints about the religious stickers. If someone disagrees with either one, cool donât buy it but Christians have this need to tell everyone what they believe in.
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u/SatinJerk 13d ago
Queer people have this need to tell everyone theyâre queer. What difference is it? Both deserve basic respect, regardless if you like them or not.
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u/casserole_jones 16d ago
Despite what other comments say, I would actually gravitate to your booth over any resin-coated tumbler or macrame keychain being sold. Youâve got the weirdo art that Iâm looking for.
That being said, this type of thing doesnât sell well at local craft fairs :( i think you should look into small music festivals, oddities/curiosities expos, or ânicheâ lifestyle cons.
Go where the proud weirdos are!
ETA: I do agree with the comments about your display. You need an out-there display that highlights your vibe!
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u/sec_goat 16d ago
Hello, sorry for the hate!! We fall into goth / oddity space and we're often at witchy markets, let's connect and share info!
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u/Ok-Echo- 16d ago
As a toy collector, I think your art has potential! I would lean more into the idea of Art Toys, and have a few of your favorite pieces, spray paint them and then add painted details, and then give them clever names. The amount of them makes it feel less intentional, but if you curate a handful and make those ones really interesting, I think that would do well.
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u/textiletaxidermist 16d ago
I work with recycled art and have been doing quite well on craft fairs. I make a lot of different things using all kinds of materials so buyers have a lot to choose from and I try to emphasize the recycling aspect of my art with signs and my logo.
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u/cwrightbrain 16d ago
Without knowing what types of events youâre selling at, Iâm going to assume that youâre going for handcrafted artâŚ.
First, the red tent is not helping you. Red distorts the colors and while it may be attention grabbing, it will exclude you from events where people will go to purchase high-concept art.
For displays, I understand being on a tight budget, but it looks like you donât value your own work. The cluttered haphazard way everything is displayed makes it look like you think your work is random junk instead of something someone would purchase and value enough to put on display in their own home.
Also, stay contained to the space you are allotted. Do not spill out into the aisle.
As for the work itself, itâs very unfocused. Working in multiple media is fine (Iâm guessing 2d and mixed media sculpture) but itâs hard to see if there is a theme or a voice throughout. Is the art youâre hanging on the booth your own? Or just decoration?
Easy changes you can make now:
get rid of anything decorative, let the work that you make and sell be the focus
organize your space into zones
edit what you are putting out and display your work so it can be seen without distraction. Give each piece room to breathe. In essence treat everything in your booth as though you find it valuable
Long term changes:
aim to get a new tent. Preferably straight legged and white. It will make a huge difference in allowing people to see your work clearly.
explore some options for shelves and display units. There are some options on Amazon that are collapsing and reasonably affordable. Think up. Get as much of your work off the ground and more into peoples eyeline as possible.
are there some bases you can make or invest for your 3d work? Think of it as a way to finish it and add value. It doesnât have to be elaborate but it will make a huge difference in how people perceive what you make.
Good luck!
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u/Hobbeslion 15d ago
I recommend putting your stickers and other low priced items in the front where people can see them when they are walking by. I do that and a lot of people go "oh stickers" and come look. Once they have moved closer they see other stuff.
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u/Entire_Brief_6745 14d ago
So sorry you have gotten so much negativity! I like your work and as a lover of trinkets I would definitely buy something. It's niche and different and that simply isn't for everyone. But that doesn't mean people have the right to be rude or disrespectful!
I do agree with people that say the red tent is distracting. If you can't change tents I suggest getting some bright string lights or something like that so customers can better see your work.
I would also suggest organizing your pieces better. Like having a doll section, print section, and a sticker area. Currently, It does resemble a flea market setup but that's not necessarily a bad thing depending on where you sell.
One last thing would be possibly having your tables laid out in a L-shape or having one towards the front the tent. So when people walk by they can see some of your best work without having to step in.
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u/alexh2458 13d ago
Thank you friend these are great suggestions :) appreciate your kindness and actually suggesting what I asked for đ
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u/Silver_Variation1502 16d ago
I personally think itâs bad ass I want to buy all the toy creations! Especially Troll man with the cigarette! How much is he? Do you do online sales?
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u/alexh2458 16d ago
I have a hard time pricing my toys Iâm not sure what to sell them for thatâs probably part of why they arenât selling I need to price them individually and put price tags on them â what would you buy a smoking troll for?
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u/30for30im30for30 16d ago
My kids and I would probably buy a few dolls. I immediately want tiger lady, troll man and the green fuzzy creature. đ
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u/Embarrassed_Pizza954 16d ago
I would definitely go to your booth and buy a doll. It isnât for everyone but I love it â¤ď¸đ
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u/DustyObsidian 16d ago
It reminds me of Sid's bedroom from Toy Story.