Our mission with the Jackalope Art & Craft fair is to create an event where the attendees can interact with you and your work and touch, try on, taste, smell etc.   However, outside of the fair setting, when you are being represented online by only a picture, quality product photographs are key to your success.  

Whether selling online through sites like Etsy, Shop Envy or your own website or applying to sell at a craft fair or boutique, the product photos are often all that is seen and can make or break that sale or acceptance.  Most of us aren't professional photographers but with a little help, you can become your own awesome product photographer!

The most important part of product photography is to TELL A STORY of not only the item being photographed but the story of your shop as a whole.  Develop a photo styling back pallet with similar background and styling in each photo so the brand feels cohesive.

KEEP PERSPECTIVE when you have products of various sizes by either emphasizing the size via a close up shot or showing multiple perspectives of each item.

Each image in a product listing should show a different facet of the product.  Your can photograph VARIATIONS of the product in color and style & in USE!

There is a wealth of information on the web about how to take great product photos, even with just a smartphone!  Check out these posts from Etsy and Handmadeology:

• Etsy: https://blog.etsy.com/en/tags/etsy-success-photography/
  
  
• Handmadeology: http://www.handmadeology.com/category/product-photography-tips/

Make sure you take a lot of photos and then edit & curate them down to tell the best story.  Always put the best one first as the thumbnail!   We are excited to see your product photos when you apply for Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  

Now that a new year has officially begun that means so has another show season! Here at Jackalope we have both our Spring Fairs right around the corner. Fairs are a great way to expose your work to a wider demographic and increase shop traffic, but how do you better guarantee someone buying your product vs. just looking? 

First things first, they need to know about you.  In large part it is the responsibility of the fair organizer to advertise and ensure people come out to shop. However do not solely rely on the fair. It is also your responsibility to share your upcoming events with your current fan base. Not only will that help retain your current shoppers, but having 100+ people promote an event is better then a handful.   

Now that you got them through the door (or tent!) the trick is to intrigue the customer. Making sure you put your best foot forward in terms of booth display is important to first bring the shoppers in, especially when placed in a sea of booths. You can read more about our booth display tips and tricks on our blog post The Perfect Booth Display. 

Silver Spoon at Jackalope Pasadena, great use of space in creating her own brick & mortar store. 

So how do you intrigue the customer? People are more willing to branch out if they can try your product first. There are several ways to go about this. 

1. The first is by providing samples or allowing the customer to try on your product. Let them test your lotion, taste your chocolate, smell your candle etc. Having testers and products that are already open and accessible is helpful.  If you are a clothing designer, fitting rooms are a great option, even makeshift ones. For accessories include a mirror so the shopper can see themselves wearing your product! 

2. The next is by creating a price point that is comfortable with your newfound followers. That doesn’t mean lowering all of your inventory prices, but perhaps creating a product that will fall in a less risky price range. This could be a travel size lotion, a snack pack etc. Chances are they will run out and crave more! Varying price points will attract a magnitude of shoppers.

3. If you can’t create a smaller sampler, maybe offer a new customer discount or a special rate for Jackalope shoppers? Make sure to advertise this as well because your current followers may be more enticed to come and stock up.  As a thank you, you could include a code or coupon for returning customers. It doesn’t have to be huge, but make them feel special and want to hear more. 

Now that you have them hooked, make sure you stay in touch and keep them well informed of your whereabouts! Keeping a newsletter is a great way to remain active with your followers. To help obtain newsletter signups, we love an incentive! Get a piece of candy for signing up, be entered to win a free piece, this is a great way to introduce them to you. 

And most importantly, make sure to have a continuous smile on your face. You want to be approachable and available to help with each person that may come into your booth. Be attentive but not obsessive and anticipate questions. If you are having a bad day, it will show (even if you think you are hiding it) and the customer will feel that energy. At the end of the day we can get people to come out, but it is up to you to sell your product, no one knows you better then you! 

We want take a moment and go more in depth to what exactly we are looking for at Jackalope Arts and how you can increase your chances on jury acceptance.  

Your application is your resume for us to view, so it's best to really put some thought into it. Please note our jury often changes so go into this with the expectation that they have not seen your work before. 

While the specific types of art and craft work that we are accepting is quite broad, there are definite quality features that our jury will keep in mind during review.  

Some of the key factors to keep in mind:

•  We're looking for trendsetting, indie goods - not just your run of the mill craft fair feature.  We want to see new and innovative ideas brought to the table that will captivate our patrons and provide a dynamic experience at the fair.  Use the space provided in your application and really describe what makes your work unique.

• Photos that show off your booth display (if you have participated in fairs before).   If our jurors can see an idea of your booth set up - it really helps give a concept of the professionalism that you put into your display.

• If you haven't participated in a fair before, it can be a good idea to create a mock set up.  This can not only help us, but help give you an idea of how you might be able to display your work in an attractive way to fair-goers.

• Photos detailing your strongest work.  Professional photos of your work and photos that are obviously well-crafted, show the jury that you put thought and time into your branding -- and will in turn be a great vendor for our fair.  We want to see close-up images of your best signatures item(s).  Our applications allow for 6 total images included - it's best to include as many as possible to really show the jury what you're all about.

• Web presence.  In addition to your application and images submitted, we will likely be poking around on your provided weblinks.  Make sure that the links you provide work, and that your website is current.  We love to see if you have work for sale online - and how you have that set up.  If you have a blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - make sure they are updated so we can see current information and work when reviewing your application.  We love to see artisans who are active on their social media channels. 
   

• Really emphasize your brand.  Some artisans create items that aren't necessarily unique by trade - but everyone has a certain something that makes their work unique.  Highlight that for the jury.  We want to know what little sparkle you've added to really make your jewelry line -- your bath and body products -- stand out from the rest.  Some categories are very competitive - so it's really important that you show the jury why to choose YOU.  Think about your packaging, logo, product ingredients, presentation etc. these all reflect your brand. 

• We can't stress this enough: double check your application before you send it in.  
  • Make sure your email address is correct! 
  • Double check your website links.  
  • A link to generic sites like Etsy.com won't help us find YOU.  We need your unique URLs

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What we are NOT looking for:  

• Vintage resale items… or any resale items for that matter.  We are a handmade only fair and want the maker behind the one of a kind goods there.
   
• This event is all about the community getting a chance to meet local creators, so it's important that you're not selling someone else's work in your booth. 
   
• Artisans with no images of their work to be found.  Our jury can't make a decision on your work if they can't see it.  Please take the time to curate images that you want our jury to pay special attention to.  While they will likely spend time viewing your website, they can't go hunting for your best work - you need to make it obvious.  
   
• Commercial resellers and product consultants.  

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We are really looking forward to reviewing your application and giving our local community of artisans an opportunity to sell their wares at Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair.

We look forward to seeing your application soon!

Haven't gotten to it yet?  

Have specific questions about your application?  Email us: vendors@jackalopeartfair.com 

Not quite ready to apply yet but want to stay in the loop?!  Sign up for our Newsletter!

In the maze of craft fairs and vendors, having an alluring booth that makes a “wow” first impression and draws shoppers in is key to standing out!

The first rule that craft show exhibitors want to remember is that the eye likes to roam and take in the entire display first. A person gets a feel for the booth and the products available through the presentation, often swaying their decision to shop. 

 Fuel your creativity with these tips for creating the most awesome booth ever!

1.  Branding:  Today, more than ever, branding is important, as competition is intense. Well thought out craft show booth display themes can give you an edge on your competition. You always want the effect of the presentation to further your goal—selling your product and establishing a following. You can do this even with a simple table setup, there is no excuse to slack on branding and signage!

 2.  Give it a personal touch!  Think of your booth as a blank canvas and let your creativity loose!  Imagine that your space is an actual brick and mortar shop and decorate it with the same care.  Create a nice, cohesive shop using furniture, displays, accessories, props, backdrops, decorations and more. 

3.  Product Info & Interaction: Everything in your booth should be tagged, labeled and identified for the customer. Information is important to help make the customer feel comfortable, they may be too shy to ask. Also, show your work in action! Think about props and put your product on display, testers are also a great option. 

4.  Avoid Clutter: Abundance versus clutter provides the customer with a good feeling—the feeling that the exhibitor is a professional. Clutter does not develop a sense of quality or tastefulness.

5.  Think outside the 10x10 box. While your booth space is typically a square 10’x10′ spot, you don’t necessarily have to make a perfect square footprint. You can create an environment where you have your own free-standing structure, or non-traditional piece of equipment as to really wow the crowds.

6.  Maximized space:  Utilize walls to give yourself even more space to display work and the ability to hang work in a gallery style.  You can use plywood, painted cardboard, trellis, chipboard, foam core, grid panels and other materials for building walls.  Think about using both the inside AND outside of your walls and incorporate shelving to provide a variety of display options and areas.

7.  Make it Work:  It is always important to take photos of your booth and practice putting it together and taking it apart. You do not want to leave the final outcome for the day of the show. You want to understand what you need and how long it will take to pack your materials, transport the materials, set up and break down the booth. This translates into understanding if you need additional manpower and that includes managing the booth during the show.

8.  Prepare for the weather!   Most fairs go on wind, rain or shine so have a plan for any condition and always use a tent.  Tents and tent walls should be heavily weighted to avoid being knocked over in heavy wind or allowing debris to blow in.  Utilize additional tarps to seal your tent from potential rain. And even consider the heat!  On a hot day, you’ll need sunscreen, water to avoid dehydration, and maybe even a few battery powered fans to keep your tent shoppable! 

Keep track of some of our favorite booth display ideas on our Jackalope Pinterest board, "Artisan Display & Branding Inspirations!" 

Now that you have the greatest booth in the fair, follow that up with an outgoing, approachable, and fun attitude and the shoppers will be mesmerized into your shop!  ENJOY!

The holidays are right around the corner and for me that means it is now socially acceptable to watch Elf on DVD! For most other Jackalopes, the holidays also signify the start of the busy season. It is not unheard of to sell in one month, the same amount of inventory you sold over the course of that entire year.  As a DIYer and crafter there are certain things that you can do to better ensure your holiday success. Here we have generated a few tips on how to keep up with the holiday season and take full advantage of this prime-shopping time.

1.    Have Great Product Photography:

This is especially important if you tend to do most of your selling online (you Etsy users!). Now this doesn’t mean you have to hire a professional photographer, but it is important to have a clear visual of your product. Make sure the backdrop is not too cluttered, and possibly show different angles. If you are a designer, it is also a good idea to show a model wearing you accessory or garment.

2.     Have a Current and Updated Website:

You don’t want someone to reach out about a certain product, come to find out that it has been discontinued.

3.    Know your Competitors:

This gives you a better idea on how to price your items realistically-not just how much you think they are worth, but what they will sell for.

4.    Offer Varying Price Points:

You are more inclined to spend more money for your best friend then you are your son’s teacher. Make sure you address both!

5.    Practice Great Customer Service:

Be quick to respond.  Especially with the holiday rush, people need to know how to plan accordingly.

6.    Have Packaging Available:

Ask if it is for a gift or not. This will add a personal touch. Make sure to include your business card in there as well :)

7.    Have Enough Inventory:

You don’t want to make a customer mad by not having what they want.  This also goes along with keeping your website up to date.

Remember you can always keep the leftovers in your inventory for next year. Possibly at our Spring 2015 Fair?! Or, if you made way too much of one thing, run a holiday special! If you do a lot of fairs, this point is especially important. You do not want your booth to look empty!

8.    Embrace the Holidays:

Just as a certain song can trigger your memory about a past event- there can be visual reminders as well. Maybe play some holiday music or use some holiday coloring in your signage!

Denver Artist Jana Hope embraced the holiday spirit in her display! You can see more of Jana Here

The holidays can be overwhelming, but just keep your head in the game and remember soon enough it will be April 25th and we will be in Central Park Pasadena kicking off our Jackalope Arts and Craft Fair :)

As we gain momentum I am sure the question has come up of what exactly is Jackalope Arts?  The Jackalope is a mysterious and mythical creature, but lets take a second and shed some light on our Jackalope.

Let us be the first to tell you that the mission of Jackalope Arts is to create a 2 day shopping destination bringing the community together and featuring 200+ local artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts, with an emphasis on quality artistry.  

Our tagline? A Community meets Artisan Event

The Jackalope Arts Experience: We want you to meet the maker behind the one of a kind indie goods that you will find at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair. Our first round of Jackalopes will feature at our inaugural event on April 25th and 26th at Central Park within Old Town Pasadena

Who are the Jackalope Artists? They are the artisans and crafters who think out of the box and provide trendsetting handmade quality goods that you can’t find anywhere else. Things you will find at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair may include:

• Clothing- for adults, kids and maybe even your dog!

• Accessories-Jewelry, handbags and backpacks, leather goods, wallets, shoes, aprons, hair accessories, eyewear, scarf’s and other cozy accents, neckties, cuff links and more

• Art-Ceramics and Pottery, Woodworking, Illustration, Mixed Media, Photography, Fiber Art, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and other Paper Goods including bookmarks, calendars, cards, gift wrap, journals, stationary and beyond

• Home Goods- Home décor and house wares such as unique furniture, lighting, terrariums, candles, blankets, vases, clocks, coasters, frames, & rugs

• Bath and Beauty-Bath and Shower products, Lip Balm, Lotion, Skin Care etc.

Please bear in mind that this is not a comprehensive list and we are open to other handmade creations!

Does this intrigue you? There are several different options for booth rentals at our fairs, please visit the Vendor Info Page for details. We encourage everyone to submit and we look forward to hearing from you!

XOXO The Jackalope Team :)