Events – SJ Made 2024
Yo, I’ve been going to SJ Made since 2019 as a visitor and I’ve been a vendor off and on since 2021. This is one of the most professional craft fairs in the Bay Area. Period. I plan to start posting more about shows I’ve done and sharing my set up and realized I had this one in the chamber still.
Ok, when I pull up, they have a taped off section for vendors and they’ve already sent a message containing the info about when to set up, support such as tables, portable walls, etc and where I will be. This is how I pull up with my rolling cart and a few boxes. The first boxes usually contain my kids books, stickers, postcards, bookmarks, and prints.
It takes several trips to bring all the gear from my car to my spot or number.
Next I start to pull up with the pieces I need for my display. I usually start with putting up my foldable table first which will hold my books and smaller items.
When I started out I used to have my art prints sitting flat but through experimentation, research, and advice I started displaying them larger, higher up, and at eye level so passerbys will see them. If they can’t see it, they’re not going to buy it. I built these displays by hand with wood, glue, screws, and picture frame magnets from a hardware store. Each is meant to display four 11″ x 14″ art prints.
Next up are the kids books and the displays. I have written and or illustrated over 10 kids books that are out. Mostly picture books for ages 4-8, but I’ve done some middle grade for ages 8-12 as well. At this stage I usually place the display for stickers or postcards in the middle for symmetry. I then put two levels of books. One directly on the table and one a little bit higher up. Recently I’ve experimented with having a cardboard display with a darker contrasting color behind the books.
After I’m done with that I start to put up my art prints, usually in sets of four that can be purchased for a discount as a set. The prints were a game changer in terms of revenue I make at a show. Before it was just young people who’d buy one sticker. Or a parent or auntie who’d buy 1-2 books. But once I started to display my prints more prominently they sold. I come with display copies and I bring a box of prints that have a plastic sleeve, a note about the artwork with a link to my work, and a cardboard backing to keep it from getting damaged.
Next up after prints and books is my wooden display where I put vinyl stickers, sticker packs, sticker sheets, postcards, bookmarks, and sometimes a mini comic. ALSO, i put out a form for my email newsletter. Its great to guide folks to your social media, website, and store. But having a Substack, email newsletter, or something like it is a great way to reach your supporters and future customers directly!
After that, I put up my “Art of Rob” sign, get my tea, snack, a paper to write notes about the event, cash, square reader, and I’m ready to go. One day I’ll do a post on how to talk to folks. But this is how I set up my table. Photo by Rachel Kenney aka REK inc.
Dig this? Check out this 2019 post I wrote about how to improve your merch table. How I got to 1000 sales on Etsy, or Why I still use Business cards today!
