This Saturday is the first day of the August Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC). I love this show--and I'm a little biased since I used to work for the Rosen Group--and I think it offers a lot of opportunities for artists who earn a living by wholesaling (and retailing, in many cases) their handmade craft.
I was thinking about what to write regarding the show: highlighting fantastic artists, noting what workshops to attend, discussing tips for buyers and sellers alike. I'm at a bit of a stand-still because let's face it, this show is pretty big and there is always a lot going on.
To begin, the summer show is a great way to cut your teeth on the Buyers Market in general. It's a little more intimate and offers participants a wealth of information so that they can continue to improve their businesses.
Some of the on-site educational opportunities are the breakfast seminars for artists and retailers, and recently the Rosen staff have added bus tours to the pre-show schedule. I highly recommend any seminar that is led by Rick Segel, by the way. He is a great retail marketing guru.
The best part of the show for me was bonding with people I only saw twice a year because of my job. I still visit the BMAC at lease once a year. This weekend I am photographing a dear friend's wedding in West Virginia, so I don't think it's in the cards for me. I'm really disappointed, because going to the BMAC always inspires me in my own life to pursue my goals as a future gallery owner.
To get on to the nitty-gritty, here are some artists I think you should definitely check out. These super-talented, really cool people are just an introduction to what you can find there--grab a buyer's guide, study the floor map, and plan your strategy. You can't afford not to!
Baltimore's own Imogene, booth 1419. I really like her Black and Gold Beetle necklace.
Chris Mosey of Ignis Glass, booth 3806. The Archeology Series is especially beautiful in Mediterranean.
And finally, my dear friend Nina, whose work I adore:
Nina Bernardi, booth 3104. Sad Queen ceramic box (detail). Clay and fused glass. Copyright Nina Bernardi 2008.
This post won't be complete without some insider tips:
- Wear comfy shoes! Everyone, and I mean EVERYone, will be dressed to the nines, wearing all their finest craft but don't be fooled. They wear Danskos and Clarks to work the floor. Save your dressy shoes for the BMAC party.
- Bring water to drink because that convention center is dry to the max. My sinuses were always like the Sahara by the end of the week.
- Retailers: make sure you have the basics on hand: plenty of business cards, a notepad and pen, a calculator, credentials, a floor map or buyer's guide, and a reusable tote bag to lug everything around in.
- Artists: the single most important thing I can recommend to you is that you make a friend nearby or hire a booth assistant (if you're planning to man the booth solo) to watch your booth so that you can eat on a regular basis during show hours. I'm sure there is other business advice I can dole out, but if you're not properly fueled up, you can't properly sell your fabulous work.
- Use the BMAC party to network. It's a guerrilla marketing opportunity that has been all set up for you. Be sincere of course, and have a great time while making new contacts. You never know who you will meet that will be your next biggest fan or promoter.
Have fun, be safe, and make lots of moolah! I wish I could be there...
