Posts in Vendor Tips
What Shoppers Should Expect From You

Surely you've heard the expression to treat your booth as a pop up brick and mortar when preparing and creating a successful booth display. If you haven't, we invite you to read The Perfect Booth Display up on our blog.  In a sea of booths, it is important to find a way to stand out.  

Your booth display is your first impression to shoppers. However, your impression doesn't stop building there.  Just as you would expect from walking into a retail store, shoppers expect certain behaviors and experiences.   You would not want to find trash laying around, or to not be greeted or offered help. For reference, we have put together a list of some common mistakes that can be made and things that you should keep in mind when selling at events. 

1. Keep your booth tidy.  As we mentioned above, it is not attractive to have trash or clutter while shoppers are trying to get a feel for your product. Your booth should reflect your brand in both how it looks and feels.  Make sure you take pride in your work. Have a cohesive display and signage, price tags marked, sufficient product on hand etc. 

Amanda, owner of Mindfulnest and Jackalope Pasadena juror notes; "For me, having a vision with a complete story, your shop will evolve, but your passion needs to tell a story, retail is sight, smell and sound. People remember experiences more than things."

Great booth display by League of Crafty Canines at Jackalope Pasadena. 

Great booth display by League of Crafty Canines at Jackalope Pasadena. 

2. Acknowledge your customer.  No ones likes to be ignored. In fact, in a survey by Sunshine Artist, when asked if the artist talks to you, does that make you more likely to buy something?  83% answered that they like to be talked to...so speak up! It does not mean you have to be obsessive about it but be attentive and anticipate questions. 

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3. Put your phone down! it is not professional nor polite to be on your phone when someone is shopping at your booth. 

Yes Cocktail Co serving up great customer service at Jackalope Summer Nights

Yes Cocktail Co serving up great customer service at Jackalope Summer Nights

4. Don't Whine. Having a horrible day, or did your significant other do something to really make you angry? Keep it to yourself.  Shoppers do not want to hear your complaining while shopping. Especially if you are having a bad sales day, do not let that affect your ability to sell your product. There is nothing worse than hearing someone complain how slow it is, while there are customers shopping your booth and being ignored. 

5. Have business cards.  This helps to build up your client base post show. It's also super helpful when someone likes your work but can't commit to purchasing it right away.  This way they have a way to get in touch with you and hopefully buy later. Or, if the purchase was a gift, the receiver should have a way of knowing who made their gift. Furthermore, make sure your contact information is correct and current.  Shoppers shouldn't go home to a website that isn't working if they want to browse your site at home.

Sweets Indeed rocking it at Jackalope Pasadena

Sweets Indeed rocking it at Jackalope Pasadena

6. Take Credit Cards and have Change. In today's age, it is best to have a way to accept credit cards since many shoppers do not carry a lot of cash. On the other hand, If you have someone that wants to pay with cash, make sure you have change so you don't have to turn them away. 

7. Do not pack up early!!  This not only effects your ability to make sales but also your booth neighbors. Having you pack up early (even a half hour early) gives the impression that the fair is over and shoppers will begin to leave. Some of the best sales have happened with 5 minutes left. Target or Nordstroms don't close early, so why should you? 

We hope these tips help as you prepare for your next fair. And if you want to read more vendor tips we have more tips and tricks up on our blog!

Is Wholesale For You? What you Need to Know

Thinking about taking the plunge into wholesale but do not know where to start? We did some research and we hope what we found will help guide you to see if wholesale is a good fit for you.

To begin, let's establish what wholesale means. Wholesale is the selling of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others. One of the awesome benefits in doing wholesale is that you gain broader exposure than you would by just selling on your own. Does a storefront want to sell your soaps, or jewelry?  Just think of that extra foot traffic and exposure that will generate. It can also mean more consistent paychecks. If the store is a great fit, they will want to come back and reorder from you again and again.

Jojo's Sriracha for sale at Period Six Studio in Golden, Colorado 

Jojo's Sriracha for sale at Period Six Studio in Golden, Colorado 

However, offering wholesale can take a lot of time and effort, so there are some things you should look into before taking the plunge. When you think of wholesale pricing, you think of producing more product and offering it at a lower price. Stores will want to buy your product at a lower cost then you would directly sell it to a consumer, because they also need to make a profit in return. Helen Rice, owner of “Willow; an artisan's boutique” in Littleton, Colorado offers the following piece of advice:

"The first and foremost issue artists should think about is pricing.  Depending on your product, there is a tricky balance between getting paid adequately for your time and materials, and calculating the potential retail price that the market will bear.  Most retailers will look to double their wholesale cost (or more if they are trying to cover their freight expense to get the product). If they feel the market in their area cannot support the calculated retail price, they will not take the chance.  If you are looking for that 'pricing' sweet spot, you might consider starting a little lower on your wholesale pricing, and pushing it up until you reach that optimum price point. You'll quickly know if you've pushed it too far. If your creation is too labor intensive, you might want to considers ways to reduce the labor without compromising the end result."

Helen Rice, owner of "Willow, an artisans boutique" in Littleton Colorado

Helen Rice, owner of "Willow, an artisans boutique" in Littleton Colorado

To see if a lower price point is doable, you can start by making a list of all of your expenses. Some things you can look into to possibly cut costs in addition to reducing your labor, is to see if you can source better priced materials or decide if there is a different way you can be packaging your product to save time and energy.

When looking into pricing you will want to consider your minimum quantities. You will need to set a minimum opening order and then your minimum reorder when working with your buyers. Your minimum reorder is usually lower than your opening order.  Is there a certain amount you need to make in order to turn profit or for it to be worth your time? Also consider how your items will be displayed. How many pieces would you prefer to have on display at a given time to create an impression? Consider doing a mock setup to get an idea of a potential product display.

Once you have set your pricing, you will need to create a line sheet. This is a document that provides buyers all the information needed to make a purchase. You should include the name of your product, item number, wholesale price, maybe a suggested retail price, and any order minimums or size/color limitations. To go along with your line sheet, think about your product photography and product catalog. Clear product photos on a white background is industry standard. Your catalog can be more in depth then your line sheet with product descriptions. This is a great first impression on your products and your brand. See below for some line sheet examples.

Finally, you will want to establish policies. Take into account how these products will get to the store. Are you mailing them?  Who pays for shipping? Think about your turnaround time. You want to be reasonable but also respect your buyer. What happens if something breaks? Create policies to support your product and make sure they are clear on your line sheet. Ideally you want to create a lasting relationship to help make ordering, billing, and shipping an easy process with all involved parties.

Offering wholesale is a great way to increase revenue if done right and if all of this appeals to you, then wholesale could be for you! If you think you are there, start by reaching out to stores that you think appeal to your customer base. Remember, you want your potential buyer to be happy and to successfully sell your product, so make sure they are a fit for yourself and your brand.

Preparing For A Successful Photoshoot

On today's blog, we'd like to introduce you to local photographer, Keith Berson.  Keith has been kind enough to share his expertise in product photography to help us with a little "to-do" list for planning your own shoot and has extended an exclusive offer to our Jackalope Community!

Keith Berson

Keith Berson

Hey there Jackalope community! I'm honored to be here as a guest blogger. I will tell you though, I am not a blogger or writer at all. I am a professional photographer who loves working with artisans, crafters, and designers. When an entrepreneur approaches me about photography for their product, I often find myself playing the role of a creative guide through the process. When it comes to creating imagery that represents your brand, you probably want various images for different uses. The more you plan your shoot in advance, the more successful it will be! If you have no idea where to start, then hopefully you will find this helpful.

WHAT KIND OF SHOOT ARE YOU PLANNING?

A great way to get started is by making a "shot list" of all the photos you want to create. This will help you figure out the size or scope of your shoot. Highly stylized images might be used for marketing via social media, on a booth sign, or on your website banners. It may be a still life of your product with other props, or an actual person interacting with the product.  These types of images are meant to be narrative, and will help you connect with your demographic. You may also need basic product photos to be used for online stores, etsy shops, or to apply to sell in craft fairs. These shots are meant to show what the product looks like up close, without other objects to distract from your product. Often each product will need several angles, or extra detail shots to fully describe it.

If this seems like too much to take on all at once, the best thing to do is to figure out what your top priority is.  Once you have that first shoot day under your belt, you will be able to easily plan your next steps. Each shoot comes with its own set of preparations and decisions that need to be made, and after each shoot experience, you'll be more ready for the next one!


PLANNING THE SHOOT

Let's dive right in and say you have a group of products that you sell online and at craft fairs, and you need a group of images that show each of your individual products in a way that cleanly and consistently represents your brand. You might also need some group shots to show multiple items together, which would help convey your aesthetic. The simple and traditional way to handle this would be to shoot everything on a white backdrop. However, that doesn't mean you can't be a bit creative with simple product photography. It's perfectly fine to choose a colored or textured background that compliments your product or branding. Some examples of this could be a table top, patterned fabric backdrop, or organic elements. This shoot should be done in controlled lighting to be sure it will remain consistent, and can be repeated should you add more products.

If you already have basic product photos, maybe what you really need is more stylized images for your website and social media. Grabbing people's attention online is often half the battle! If you're planning a still life or flatlay shoot, you will need to think about location, sourcing props and styling each set up. If you want to reach a specific demographic, you may decide that you need to have people interact with your product in the photos. Now you have to think about casting, wardrobe, hair & makeup, location, and possibly permits to shoot. Every product comes with its own unique challenges, but there are plenty of ways to make your product look desirable to potential shoppers.
 

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Photos are an essential part of your business, and the more preparation you do beforehand, the easier your shoot will be! Plan a prep day before the shoot to get everything organized. Double check you have all the products ready and safely packed for shoot day. Look very carefully at all your product to make sure it is photo ready, meaning it's the best example of what you have to offer. No crooked labels, scuffs, or scratches. Go though all your props and organize them as well by shot so nothing gets forgotten. Most importantly, find experienced team members that can be an extension of your creativity, and help actualize your vision. 

  • Communicate with your photographer (and stylist if you hired one) so your goals are clear. 
  • Give photo examples of other brands that are doing something similar to what you want to create. 
  • Don't try to take on more than you can handle in one day. You don't want to be distracted by missing products or props, cleaning or prepping product, giving directions to lost team members, figuring out lunch or coffee, or any other unforeseen occurrence. 

If you think through your needs ahead of time, then on shoot day, you and your photographer can be focused on the creative side of things. Remember that photos are the #1 way to show people your brand!

More About Keith Berson Photography

Keith is always available to give free consultations to anyone planning a photoshoot. Sometimes you just need someone to ask you the right questions to get you going in the right direction.

In addition, Keith will be offering special pricing to the Jackalope community! Anyone who books and completes a shoot before the Spring Pasadena 2018 Jackalope Artisan Fair (coming up on April 28th & 29th) will receive a 25% price reduction on photography services, just mention Jackalope when booking!

Contact Keith for more info:
805.698.6707 | studio@keithberson.com

www.KeithBerson.com
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How to Use Snapchat as a Business

In light of the New Year, we want to take a look at what we can do to continue to grow and improve, and how to help our artisans do the same. We took notice in how popular Snapchat has become and wondered what we could do as a business to hop on the fastest growing social media platform. We're not going to lie, it was a little intimidating. We've seen snapchat used on a more personal level, posting stories for family and friends, but as a business how do you make that connection? 

We are no Snapchat pros.  However, as we begin our journey we thought we would share what we have learned so far in case you would like take the plunge as well.

First, make sure Snapchat is for you. According to Hootsuite, the largest Snapchat age demographic is 18-24 year olds, making up 37 percent of users. Followed by 25-34 year olds, with about 26 percent of Snapchatters, and about 12 percent of users are aged 35 to 54. Each company has a target demographic so look into whether or not yours is on Snapchat. 

What makes Snapchat stand out between other social media platforms is that you can utilize individual snaps (photos/videos) to create an overall snapchat story, or in other words, a video narrative. Each snap only lasts 24 hours which creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity which is always good when trying to engage your audience.  Instead of demonstrating product photography, you have the chance to be more immediate and personal. 

Here are some ways in which you can better engage your Snapchat audience:

1. Use it in real-time! This can include doing product launches, or snapping live events. Creating something new? Make it a story! Your first snap can be a mysterious "Stay Tuned" post or an incomplete snap teasing what is to come. Building excitement for your audience so that they keep coming back. Doing any live events/fairs, snap your day! 

2. Deliver private content, exclusive for your snapchat audience. This creates a sort of VIP status. This can be a sneak peak, a look behind the scenes, and/or contest. You can even post on your other social media pages that you will be doing a first look via Snapchat, to encourage your fans to join Snapchat and follow you in order to achieve VIP status ;) (make sure to include your Snapchat username so they can find you!). 

3. Offer a contest, perk, or promotion.  Offer promo codes or discounts to the fans who watch your entire Snapchat story. Tease them to watch it until the end. This would especially be good for a product reveal, or perhaps promoting an event you will be at. Snap how you are preparing for the fair, or a new product that is coming. At the end of the story, maybe they get a discount code they can use at the fair or for that product?!  

4. Feature your followers. Snapchat is more personal then other outlets so help engage your followers by enticing them. A great way to do this is to ask them to take a snap while utilizing your product! You could even create a contest utilizing this method. Post a photo with "______" and be entered to win "_________"

5. Demo your product. Use it as a guide for your followers, create a tutorial with your story. Have fun with it, since it is so personal, don't be afraid to be goofy. 

6. Reward new followers with exclusive previews! "The next 25 new followers will get an exclusive peak at a new product or giveaway." Again post on your other social networks to entice them to join you on Snapchat.

Snapchat can be tricky and we are still figuring it out ourselves.  So far, these are the things we found to be most relevant. We hope this helps, and if you do join Snapchat make sure to follow jackalopearts!

Show Tips From Our Jackalope Artisan Community

With holiday season prep underway, and shows upon shows all just around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to share some tips on how to make the best at any event.

And who better to hear tips from than artisans who have been in your shoes?  Our Jackalope community has a wide array of knowledge and show experience to be shared.  Here are some of the top tips for show day:

1) "Great advice given to me: "Sitters don't sell" I keep a high stool in my booth so I can get off my feet if there's a slow moment, but makes it easy to get up and talk to people." - Wendy Osmundson: Granola Mama's Handmade

The Vintage Grooming Company @ The Jackalope Denver Summer 2016 Fair

The Vintage Grooming Company @ The Jackalope Denver Summer 2016 Fair

2) "Really think about your display! Customers will be drawn into your booth when they can visualize how your product will look in their home. People will notice all of the hard work you put into your product!" - Laura Rodriguez, Beyond and Back Vintage

The Happy Pantry @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

The Happy Pantry @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

3) "Make sure to bring proper weights - there are great DIY videos on YouTube to make your own. Just the right gust or monsoon can be devastating but with weights... Sooo much less so. 😃 " - Heather DeSimone, Leetie Lovendale

Tumeric and Old Lace Healing Essentials @ Jackalope Denver Summer 2016

Tumeric and Old Lace Healing Essentials @ Jackalope Denver Summer 2016

4) "Smile big and welcome everyone the same way. Don't prequalify your customers. You never know which ones will buy and how much they will spend." - Jennifer Enck, Drinks and Crafts

5) "Bring your craft or something to work on during the show. Customers love to see the work that goes into the products they're shopping for. And you'd be surprised at how many people ask if you make the product!" - Ashley Rutstein, Apparently Ashley

6) "Do a practice set up of your booth ahead of the show. Makes the best use of your space, and saves so much time at setup." 
- Amy Godinez, SnickyB Handmade

7) "1. Do not eat at your booth, it looks unprofessional and people don't want to interrupt your meal so they keep walking. 2. No cell phones, again it's unprofessional and people feel you are too busy to engage with them. You aren't present when on your phone. 3. Don't sit, if you can, stay standing and available during the event. Be ready to engage with a vibe of positivity. 4. If applicable, have dog treats in your booth. We met so many cute furry friends and dog treats were very appreciated by owners and a great way to start a conversation. 5. Price your goods. People really liked our little price tags and table signs. Easy to read information is key" - Jamie Lynn, PrinEle Designs

8) "If you have the option, create a walk-up display vs a walk-in display. For example, vendors who use a table to showcase their products, like a single 6 or 8 foot table, move that table to the front of the booth and stand behind it. People are more likely to stop and browse the items on the table at the front of a booth than they are to walk in to a tent. There's a level of commitment in entering a canopy that not everyone is prepared to make, but taking a look at a table as one walks past or approaches, that's low pressure on the customer."  - Mark Brunner, HumanTreeRobot

Lutume @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

Lutume @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

9) "It can really be worth it to leave your stuff out, and not start packing up until the show is officially over. Some of my biggest sales have happened at the last minute." - Jennifer Wedgle, WillowSwitch Designs

Laura Ann's Jams @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015

Laura Ann's Jams @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015

10) "Keep energy high! Remember good healthy snacks & water. It will keep your mind clear and a smile on your face. A beautiful booth wont help if you are crabby or sluggish.

Also, CARDS. I can't tell you how many booths I go to that dont have biz cards. You might not close a sale that day but with your card and a good memory of you, they may order online or pass it onto a friend later!" - Laura Ann Masura, Laura Ann's Jams

11) "I have a checklist of essentials that I keep and print it off before each show. It has saved my butt many times. I also keep an "emergency" backpack full of supplies - from paper clips to pens to a hammer and screwdriver." - Cari Ann: Wuve

12) "Utilize vertical space.  Using varying heights is more interesting to the eye and makes it easier to scan your products.  Also try raising your tables up by placing them on bed risers.  This makes it so customers don't have to lean over uncomfortably to shop." - Carmen McNiel Voelpel: Jewelry by McV

13)  "I found it really helpful to have pieces at a lot of different price points.  Sometimes there will be a customer who really likes your work but doesn't have a huge budget.  Likewise, if you have all lower priced items, you're going to have to sell so much more to profit." - Laura Jones Martinez: Line & Dot by Laura Jones Martinez

14) "Be thoughtful of your shoppers and offer small or medium paper bags with handles for their purchases from your booth. Put your name and logo on the bag and it's free advertising as well!" - Rondo Mieczkowski: Coldwater Canyon Provisions

15) "Be kind and courteous to your fellow artists attending the show with you and the organizers, everyone is there at the same place for the same reason, to share our passion with the world!  When you remember that, everything runs smoothly and you will have a good show!" - Jenilyn Bailard: The Painted Ladies

Dotting the I's and Crossing those T's when it comes to Selling at a Craft Fair Legally

Craft Fairs are a blast, a great way to reach a wider demographic and network network network. However, the not so much fun side is making sure everything is legal. Dotting all the I's and crossing those T's when it comes to your licensing, taxes, permits, and insurance needed and required for selling to the public.

1. Licensing: You must register your business as a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation etc. in order to sell your products to the public legally. This process will provide you with your Employer Identification Number, or EIN, which you will need to file tax returns. The U.S Small Business Administration website is a great resource for more specific information.

2. Taxes: In addition to federal taxes, in most states you will have to file your state taxes as well, which can be done by getting a state sales tax license using your EIN. Some cities have county or municipal sales taxes or require a temporary sales license or permit (next step!) so make sure you know what is required! 

Before going into a show, make sure you know the proper sales tax to charge. To make it easier to sell, a lot of vendors round up to the nearest whole number and tack it onto their product price! Make sure you keep proper records of everything, any expenses, sales info etc. so that you can efficiently report and pay your taxes (typically you can do this monthly, quarterly or annually). 

3. Permits: In addition to the proper licensing, some areas may require a permit in order to sell in that local area or municipality. For instance in Pasadena, they require a Special Event permit. A lot of times the show promotor will provide you with this information. Especially if you are selling food you will most likely have additional permitting and health regulations to abide by. 

4. Insurance:  Although insurance is sometimes not required it is definitely recommended. Just as you would get car insurance or home insurance, it helps protect you and your products if something were to happen. At one of our Jackalope Phoenix events, we had terrible wind, right out of the movie Twister! Unfortunately even though all the tents were weighted, some did not hold and flipped over- either breaking themselves or breaking someone else's tent or products. In this instance, insurance can help you out! We recommend ACT Insurance who has a lot of experience insuring artisans and crafters and you can even do a short term policy.  Some fairs require that you list themselves under "additionally insured" so look out for that! 

As discussed each city and state is different when it comes to their licensing, permits and taxes required. When participating in Jackalope Art & Craft Fair we make sure that you are in the loop with what is required per show. Please visit our Vendor FAQ page for more specific information! 

It is very important that you conduct your business legally. Not only can you get in trouble, but the event can be shut down-which is not good for yourself, the promoter, and your fellow vendors.

Thank you to the following sources for putting this legal jargon into proper words: http://www.fairsandfestivals.net/articles/view/licensing-permits-and-taxes-for-festival-craft-show-and-art-fair-vendors/14504 AND https://www.sba.gov/

How to Plan Your Craft Fair Inventory!

One of the most popular questions we get asked is "how much product should I bring to the fair?" Unfortunately there is no calculation that will spit out an exact number, but there are certain tips that will help gauge how much you should bring along for the ride. 

1. Bring more than what you think will sell. Even though selling out sounds like a good idea, just make sure it is at the end of the fair and not in the middle! 

2. Take a look at what your online sales are or sales from past events, is there an item that seems to be your best seller? Make sure you have plenty in stock! 

3. Think about your booth display and how you are setting up. Knowing how you want to market yourself and the feeling you want to exude to your customers will also help in determining how much of each product you need on display. For example, do you have a minimalist approach? The below are great booth examples of a minimalist display for both People's Choice Beef Jerky and Votive Jewelry from our Jackalope Pasadena Spring Show. Notice how they have only one of each item physically out on display.

4. If you offer products in various colors and styles, do not feel the need to have one of each out. Just let the customer know that that is available. You can even have a sign up that says you take custom orders, or to ask you about other color options!

5. Offer products in varying price points, this will help attract a wider customer base! 

6. We have mentioned this before, but make sure to do a mock set up before the show itself.  This will help you figure out numbers and remember to take a picture!

Booth Display of Robert Kramer Woodworking

Booth Display of Robert Kramer Woodworking

If you end up being "stuck" with extra inventory, it is okay, just take a look at what product you have most of and keep notes for next time! 

Craft Fair To Do's
We love this To Do List on Etsy by BoyGirlParty! 

We love this To Do List on Etsy by BoyGirlParty

Preparation:
Make sure you know your booth number and pertinent load-in instructions.  Arriving on-site with an idea of where and when you need to be somewhere will help your stress levels during the event.

Permits: 
Make sure you're all set to sell with the city and state you're selling in.  

Production: 
We think Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids said it best, "Get your S*** together Carol!" Although your name may not be Carol, we feel this still applies. You want to make sure you have enough inventory ready (more the merrier), signage and business cards, and a sound display (tables, table cloths etc). Your display is your first impression so you want to make it solid.  You can read more tips and ideas on our Looking vs. Buying Blog

Promote Promote Promote: 
Just think about it, having 200 people talk about an event is more powerful than just a handful. Follow Jackalope Arts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest that way you can remain in the loop and share any exciting news!

if you have a website where you post upcoming events, make sure to include your next event so your followers can know where to find you.  You can even launch a new product at the fair or offer an exclusive discount to help drum up support!

Payment Methods:
Make sure you get change if you are accepting cash and store it someplace safe. Also look into setting up a credit payment system, Paypal or Square card readers are great. 

Fair Time:
Load up the night before and do a mock set up, that way you can pack smart and get straight to business upon arrival. We will include load in/out information as we get closer, but think about including a rolling cart or dolly to help. Also include scissors, string, pens, tape, anything "random" that may come in handy for display. Its important to remain hydrated so make sure to bring water, and don't skip lunch! You want to remain friendly and approachable so don't let a hungry stomach hold you down.

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What it Means to be a Juried Art & Craft Fair

It is becoming increasingly frequent for art fairs to be juried. Especially with the handmade community on an uprise and more and more artisans and DIY enthusiasts entering into the fair realm. With Jackalope, we believe in our Jury to help guarantee a high quality shopping experience. 

What does it mean to be Juried?

Jackalope has a selection committee review each and every application. The appointed Jury will be seeking artisans who display a high skill set in their respective fields to help keep the content of the fair vibrant and interesting for attendees. Our Jackalope Jury is comprised of local community leaders and not just the fair organizers.  This makes it important to thoroughly fill out your application and include the best possible product and display photos.  Your application is your first and only impression on the Jury, unless they have seen your work in person. 

What exactly does the Jackalope Jury look for in applicants?

The Jury will be using three key factors in reviewing each application.

1. Quality and Aesthetic:
Jurors look at the quality and appearance of the work presented. This is where having good product photography comes into play.  Did you select your BEST work to include with your application? Did you show enough variety?

2. Uniqueness and Originality:
Is the work presented innovative and original? What sets you apart from the rest? Your artist statement can also help relay why you do what you do. Do not be afraid to really sell yourself!

Make sure to detail your handmade process.  Giving our jurors a view into your process can make the difference between them selecting you or a similar artisan in your place.

3. Branding and Sellability:
How well is the work represented? Do you have a logo or innovative packaging?

If you have done a fair before, make sure to include booth images or possibly do a mock setup.

Make sure your website and social media are up to date, as that is also a good example of how you represent your work.  

It is always important to put your best foot forward and we hope this inside scoop helps shed some light on the Jury process!

Submit your best application!
For additional tips on submitting the best application to Jackalope, see our APPLICATIONS blog!

Meet our Jurors:

Pasadena Jurors

Denver Jurors

 

Crafting a Vision Statement!

Crafting a vision statement is great way to kick off the new year for your handmade business. 

A vision statement is a photograph in words of your company's future, it provides the inspiration for both your daily operations and your strategic decisions.

The first step in creating this is to examine your mission statement which answers "Why do we exist?" Then for the vision statement, expand on that base and answer the question "What will we have accomplished in the future; what will we be recognized for?"

Dare to dream when writing this statement!  It should be one sentence that inspires and that you can commit to.  Once you've crafted the perfect vision statement, share it with your partners, your customers, your community and keep it alive!

We hope you will join Jackalope Arts as we embark on our vision to...

Support local artisans who devote their lives to their creations and to bring a community together to celebrate local artistry and promote high quality, handmade creations of all kinds in our weekend events!