Top 5 Things to Never Say to an Artist

After participating in five official art shows, I'm by no means an art show expert.  I have, however, learned a few things about that part of the art world this year.  I've learned that the appearance of your booth is everything.  I've learned that just because you make something, no matter how beautiful or creative it is, it may not sell.  And I've learned that art show audience members can say some interesting things to you. 

During my long, torturous art show hours in Harrisburg (Kipona), I encountered many statements and opinions from potential customers that inspired this posting.  I wanted to share this information with you because I feel it is important to a) recognize that artists are hyper-aware during art shows and hear/see everything you do and b) understand that most people talk without thinking. 

Here are the top 5 things you should not utter when viewing an artist's work with the artist nearby:

1. "I'll be back."

During the Kipona Artfest, a woman came into my booth, claimed she loved my work, asked me a ton of questions, wished me well, and said, "I'll definitely be back."  A half an hour later I saw her walking by my booth with another artist's painting in hand. 
The only thing I could think of at that point was why in the hell did she even tell me she would come back?!?!  I realized when she said she'd be back she hadn't even gone through the whole show yet.  But still, it gave me some glimmer of hope that she might return to my booth and buy something because she loved my work so much.  A piece of advice?  Even if you are 99% sure you will be coming back and buying something from someones booth, keep that information to yourself. 

2. "If I was rich, I'd buy everything!"

This statement is the equivalent of sprinkling salt all over someones ice cream sundae.  It sucks to eat & it sucks to hear.  We know the economy is in a slump, but we don't need sad verbal reminders that most of the audience isn't filthy rich and willing to spend their money on fabulous artwork.  Artists are putting on their brave, happy faces despite the economic recession and don't need to hear fluffy, unnecessary comments like this one.  It doesn't make us feel better knowing that if you had the money you would spend it all on our work.  At the end of the day, it doesn't help us pay our bills.

3. "How are you doing at this show?"

Basically, a person asking you this is wondering if you are selling anything at the show and if you are, are you doing well (i.e. making lots of cash-money).  I don't like this question for a number of reasons.  The first reason is because I have not done well at a show yet, and it sucks to have to answer "no, not doing so hot" to some stranger standing in my booth.  The second reason I hate this question is because it is basically rude.  I understand some people are hoping artists are doing well at shows because they want to see the arts thrive.  But really, it's inappropriate to ask because there is a 50% chance you might get a "sad" answer.  Plus, we don't come to your work and ask you, "Hey, did you finally get that 3% raise you've been hoping for?" 
If you really care if the artist is doing well or not, don't ask them-- buy something from them.  If you truly want them to do well and to return to that particular show, support their work and keep the nosey questions to yourself.

4. "That is so cute!"

This is the number one phrase I hear from women coming in my booth, usually in response to my painting Good Dog.  But to hear the word cute is like the kiss of death.  It reminds me of what my mom used to say about my outfits when I was 14 years old.  I always wanted her to say beautiful or stunning, but what I usually got was cute.  That was the worst!
And the thing is I know some of my artwork is cute.  I accept that.  But that doesn't mean I don't want to be taken seriously.  Too often people come into my booth, have a good hardy chuckle at Good Dog, saying how cute it is, and then quickly exit through their cloud of laughter.  I kind of feel like a side show.  I appreciate my work is getting a response, but it feels like a double edged sword.  Not too many people buy cute.  They buy beautiful and stunning. 

5. "Enjoy!"
Someone actually said this to me at Kipona as he was leaving my booth.  He came into my booth, chit-chatted with me, asked me about my paintings, then asked me how well I was doing at the show (double whammy!!!), and then finally left with an "Enjoy!" escaping from his mouth. 
I wanted to respond with Enjoy what, exactly?  Enjoy sitting here for hours, struggling to sell something?  Enjoy watching you leave my booth after purchasing NOTHING?!?!? 

So there you have it.  Five easy statements to remember to NEVER say when you are at an art show.  But a quick reminder: artists do appreciate feedback.  We love to hear compliments and appreciate constructive criticism and questions.  It gives us something to do and it helps us grow.  You don't have to be mute; just be aware of what you say. 

Thanks for reading my venting session! :)

Peacing out,
Nikki