How do you handle failure in an art show and what do you expect from an art show?

Two questions #3

How Do You Handle Failure in an Art Show?

Failure at an art show is something every artist faces, no matter how long we’ve been on the circuit. The truth is, there are so many variables we can’t control—weather, crowd quality, location, local buying habits, even what else is happening in the city that weekend. And because we apply to these shows almost a year in advance, there’s no way to predict how things will unfold.

The simple answer is this: you move on to the next show.

One thing I’m grateful for is that photography allows me to work shows almost every weekend if I choose to. But even with that flexibility, I still try to understand why a show didn’t work for me. I look at the event’s history, the community’s past support, and whether I brought the right inventory. If all those pieces were in place and the show still fell flat, then the truth is simple: it wasn’t my market. That should be the only acceptable reason for failure.

Notice I’m not mentioning weather. If it rains or the winds are bad, the crowds stay home. That isn’t failure—that’s just part of the job.

What Do You Expect From an Art Show?

In simple terms: sales.
But sales only happen when the show creates an environment that allows us to do what we do.

Here’s what I expect:

• A layout that makes sense—something close to a “supermarket layout,” but for art. Easy flow, equal visibility, equal opportunity.

• No loud noises, no strange smells, no distractions that make people rush past the booths.

• A fair setup where my chances are the same as the artist 100 booths away.

• A space where I’m not worried about wind tunnels, theft, or vandalism.

• A buying audience—actual art collectors walking the show.

At the end of the day, I want to feel that I did everything in my power to be successful. If I fail, I want to know it came from something I can analyze and learn from—not because of poor layout, bad logistics, or avoidable issues. I want the show to give me the chance to compete fairly—and the rest is on me.