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Sometimes it's easy for artists to read a prospectus for an art or craft show and determine if it's appropriate for their type of work. Sometimes it takes a little more research to determine which shows to choose to enter. Here are some of the ways to go about it:

1. Assess your work and match it to where it'll have the best chance to sell. Ensure that what you have created is appropriate for the audience and location. For example, you wouldn't try to see hand-knitted wool scarves at an arts and crafts fair in Florida. Likewise, it might be counter-productive to attempt to sell paintings of tropical scenes in New England. Therefore, do an assessment to find out what sells in the location of the arts or crafts show you're thinking of entering.

2. Assessing the art/craft show. It's important to assess the art or craft show to ensure it will be a positive and enjoyable experience for you. If you only like small shows, then it wouldn't be wise to sign up for a big one. If you want a show where you can network with other artists, it's good to investigate these possibilities as well. You could do this by visiting the website of the art or craft show and reading about it. Another way is to search for newspaper articles from the previous year about the event. One of the articles may mention artists in the show. By searching for the artists, you may find their websites and be able to communicate within them about the event.

3. Location. In choosing an art show or craft show, convenience is important. If you are going to travel from one art/craft show to another, you'll wear yourself out if you don't plan the shows in logical proximity to each other. So assess the feasibility of your travel when choosing art/craft shows.

4. Finances. When entering art/craft shows it's wise to draw up a budget to ensure you monitor your finances. Your goal is to make money. So allot enough money to prepare your artwork; to finance your entry fees, travel, lodging and food; and to return home. Your ultimate goal is to return home with more money than when you left. This will take careful planning.

Although it slows down the process, one of the best ways to choose art shows or craft shows is by visiting each show one year and participating the next year in the ones that appear to be right for you.

Learn more about this author, Lou Belcher.
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