My First Day

I managed to keep a journal during my first art show. Have a read and enjoy my oh-so witty commentary.

10:07
I wrote a lovely Haiku:
Sittin' here.
Waiting.
Am I going to make a sale?
What am I going to do if I don't?
10:55
Opened at 10:00 and it is already crowded.  I have NO idea what to do with myself.  I currently have my nose in a book.  Talked to a few people who have come into my booth. Definitely need to work on my sales technique. Booths around me are making sales (and accepting checks!?).
11:00
Moved chair to front of tent. See if that works better.
11:02
Moved chair back and stopped reading my book. Don't know why I read to begin with. I know better than that! (After the show, Steve told me how awkward I looked when I was sitting in front of my booth.  We both had a good laugh about it.)
11:32
No sales, but trying harder to say hi to people visiting my booth. I'm getting more and more people in my booth. Good sign, right?
11:42
Need to stop checking clock--and mulling over my failure as an artist. :)
11:56
Stop it, Nikki! 8 more hours.
12:09
Two customers in my booth!
12:11
No bites, but interested!
12:16
My mom and Linda arrive. They love the booth! Nice affirmation.  Steve and I worked really hard on it.
12:49
Pee break. Still no sale.
1:02
Ran and got something to eat. Very cool store in walking distance. It's called Fresh Market. Would love to have one at home! Got some fruit, peanut pretzels, and oatmeal raisin cookies.
1:15
Steve just left to eat lunch with mom and Linda. I'm getting TONS of compliments on my work, but still no bites.  I'm glad people are responding so positively to my work.  Makes me feel good.
1:55
Still no sale. God, I sound like an echo. Still have lots of people coming in and saying, "I love this!" and "I love that!" I'm learning about my audience, that's for sure.
3:33
Mom, Linda, and I go the Fresh Market for some AC and bathroom break. We say our good byes. I'm so happy they came!
4:10
Got someone in my booth asking if I'm going to do the show in Ann Arbor. Big compliment
since it is a good show. Lots of positive feedback.
4:47
well, I've come to the conclusion that it is not me or my artwork. Most patrons are dropping between $5-$40 on items at this show. My stuff does not fall in that category. Not a show to sell "fine art" I guess. Not feeling sad. Just hot and tired.
5:40
2 hours and 20 minutes left. God, I'm tired. Didn't sleep well last night. The beds at the Super 8 Motel in Beachwood, Ohio are terrible.  My recommendation is to NOT go there if you are ever in the area.
6:20
Did I mention I have peed about 10x already today? Might be because I drank a gallon and
a half of water. Still no sale.
7:14
Much cooler. I'm loving all of my neighbors! All really nice and helpful.
7:27
"33 minutes left!!!" Apparently someone else is counting down the time, too. I heard a women yelling it out from another booth.
7:45
Most vendors getting organized to close for the evening. Me? I'm going to go pee... Again!
8:03
Stick a fork in me, I'm done. No sales on my first day and I'm exhausted from lack of sleep. Time to pack it in for the evening.

Sunday morning, around 11:09
It's another day and Steve and I are here until 5:00pm today. It will be time to pack up at the end of the day. I'm staying positive. I was a little down on myself last night, but being tired didn't help my attitude at all. I still have another day, and this festival has been a hands on learning experience for me. I will definitely post about my overall experience tomorrow. Posting this blog on Steve's Ipad has been a challenge. :)  I will definitely need to edit it upon my return to home.
Happy Father's Day!
Nikki