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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Compulsive organization and preparing for a show...


Organizing is my super power.

Some may say I am a bit compulsive about getting things organized, keeping things organized.... but its just me. Virgo, former teacher me. As many of you know I do maybe a dozen shows a year. Indoors, outdoors, hot and cold, dry and wet... There are a few fantasy/faerie themed shows I do, and love... one of them was last weekend in Baltimore, MD: FaerieCon. In prepping for this show I do get a little compulsive in my planning and organizing...

My FaerieCon display from 2014. Post is here! 
Crowded, isn't it? For the three day show I have a space that measures 6' x 3', and it is a very, very expensive square footage. How to make the most of that and showcase tiles AND jewelry? How to make a visually appealing display that doesn't overwhelm the viewer? I plan it out. Every square inch. I review pictures of last years display ( seen at beginning of post) and do a mock set up in the basement.
2015 FC mock up in the basement. 
There are some years ( especially for Beadfest) that I will use the printed photo like a map. Number the spaces, create a map key... Other times I just refer to the photo and do a layout sketch on my journal/ Could I just skip the pix and sketch in my journal? Yes, but I like to make sure I have the proportion of the boxes/trays/display correct as that will influence what I place there.

Version 1. Jewelry grouped by style, tiles hanging in the back. Large dryad sculpture anchoring table. 
There are a few advantages of this mildly compulsive planning in my opinion. When I am setting up and may be stressed/late/distracted/tired.... I don't have to think. The decision are made. Thats really comfortable to me when there was SO much frantic preparation finishing work and packing for a Con like FaerieCon. So I arrive and I can settle into it. Im less stressed and more ready to enjoy the event when it begins. Its also faster. No try it/ change it/ rearrange issues. 
Thursday night - stage one complete. 
Once the show started Friday, I completely forgot to take pictures. Very happy Jessica snapped this one! My display worked well - and was actually a lot less crowded than other years. Things sold, and I restocked my Mythic Nature Tiles inventory for "Creative Procrastinations and Whimsical Necessities" shop in Shepherdstown WV! Now I need to head back to the studio and make. more. stuff.... 

Friday - all set up... 
We had a wonderful weekend, filled with amazing art, creativity, music, and costumes. The Good Faeries were good, and the Bad were oh so bad! Until next year.... 
A few faces from FaerieCon


3 comments:

  1. I go through a similar process. I set up in my garage and then take photos on my cell phone to remind me of how to set up when I get to the event. This weekend though, the table at the show was completely different than I originally thought I was using. Very stressful! I thought my display looked professional and it looked a lot like what you did. I didn't make what I usually do there. The lady next to me sat the entire time and had all of her bracelets on a flat table in boxes and did better than I did. Go figure!

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    Replies
    1. Ugh. I hate the flat table/boxes look. Its so manufactured and not arty.

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  2. You made excellent use of your small display space. Your booth doesn't look cluttered and has just the right amount to draw people in. One day I may bump into you at a show, if I ever get brave enough to drive the Beltway so I can buy from you in person. Until then, thank goodness for online shopping.

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