My first event also did not go well. From the experience, I learned that my stuff is really niche, and the small crowd at that convention just wasn’t connecting with it. Audience is SO IMPORTANT when it comes to events and I’m definitely still in the process of finding what’ll work for me!
I'm pretty small potatoes, but my second event ever I made a crisp 100$ over four hours. There was a big event happening downtown, and it sucked up all the traffic. The upside was the organizer gave all vendors a free spot at another event of their choice as an apology, and I did MUCH better the second time around. Sorry to hear this was not your gig, but I'm glad you're not beating yourself up about it!!!
Please don't be miserable (I'm sure you don't mean it anyway, but just making sure)! Every BRAVE vendor has at least one terrible market, so props for being brave and trying all these markets that a lot of us aren't brave enough to try! And thank you for not being like others that say "it was worth it because I learned so much" because experience, sadly, doesn't pay the bills. Lessons learned are important though, so thank you for teaching that finding your demographic is SO important. My worst show was actually my first, it was a popular street fair in San Diego, but I didn't know people treat it more like a flea market and they don't vet vendors so there were resellers, MLM, you name it. I had the worst comments said to my face about my handmade goods, from 'not for that price' to 'I could get this at Walmart.' By the end, my husband stopped talking to people out of anger and never wanted me to do another show again. But, I have thick skin and continued. My next show was Anime Expo and it was really night and day. Finding your audience is key, and sometimes you don't know if they're there unless you do the show, like you did. You teach the people without thick skin that it's not their art and they shouldn't give up. Shout out to table assistant husbands, and good luck on your next shows!!!
I just sold at a big 80s/90s nostalgia type of event. They had so so many guests that I think most the attendees prioritized the VA and celebs then what they did vendors. So many people told me I love your work but I m broke. 💔💔 which sucks because it was a fun event. But I didn't even make table. Not even close. All my sales were mostly small things. 😢
My worst event was my very first event. It was in a warehouse in Florida in June. Yeah. They put giant industrial fans in so it wasn't the WORST but it was still a long, miserable weekend. I was all the way in the back with a terrible set-up and no idea what I was doing. I made probably $40 total. Unfortunately the organizers for that con are notorious in this area for running horrible shows where they treat the artists like dirt and there's only one that's actually worth vending at. it's fucking ROUGH in florida, man
I just found your channel and am so happy I did! ♥ I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said about the demographic topic. I attended a very very small local market a few weeks ago and found that wasn't my audience (it was a very small and free event so I was still super grateful for the experience). But 100% yes, don't beat yourself up about it. I think you have a really good mindset and that is half the battle to not feeling like total crap. I'm sorry the event didn't go well. :'( I'm also happy you addressed the "evaluating your business" segment. This is something that I think is so important for us.🙏 I too am easy to say "I suck, I'm a POS, da da da" but I think taking a step back and really evaluating is what is going to be most helpful to us as creators. Thank you for making space and talking about this. I'm going to an event this weekend and am mentally preparing myself for the worst, lol. Also, I'm super new to vending at markets, and channels like yours really inspire and motivate me to work hard. Sending much positive juju your way! 🥰
My worst event this (first) year, was touted as a festival. It was in the next town over from me so I traveled, and was not familiar with the town or its events. Turns out, the town was having a festival that day, however, the event I signed up for was not affiliated with the festival, it was a tack on. It was near it, sure, inside a dance studio at one end of the long, outdoor, street festival. They said, "We'll catch the traffic coming and going!" I made one sale. But moreover, I was VERY embarrassed. Doing research after the fact, vendors paid top dollar to get into that street festival, to get that high traffic, and there was a LOT of traffic. I basically felt scammed because it wasn't a cheap table. I know better now.
I do vending full time for a living and something I've learned from doing local events, is people who attend these just don't value artwork the same way people do at events like conventions. It's really unfortunate but sadly has been the case for me every time, despite bringing items you'd think these kinds of crowds would like :(
I just started vending a year ago so I know a lot of factors why I am not doing as well as I hope is because I'm still in the learning process and trying to find my right crowd. I've also come to the conclusion thanks to your videos that SJMade is a hit or miss for me because I don't really have exactly the cute thing going on with my ocs haha I get pressured to apply for lots of events but I also am becoming jaded enough to stop and think, "Is that my crowd?"
Just speaking from personal experience, but you don't know how you'll do until you try! For example this year I've started selling at Filipino Festivals and was pretty unsure about how I'd be received, considering I had mostly Japanese art and only a little bit of Filipino themed art, but I ended up doing great! They're some of my best selling single day events. But I didn't know until I was willing to take the gamble. When you're starting out and still figuring it out, it's okay to try new things. No risk no reward! Wishing you the best and good luck!
There's one organizer I’ve done multiple (3-4) holiday markets with that I would never recommend. She never promoted the events, only on the actual day, and even then she’d just stand outside telling people to come in and check it out. I think the most I ever made was $12, which didn’t even cover my transportation costs. One time, she canceled the market on the same day AFTER everyone had already set up, saying that she had a family issue. She offered to let us come on another market day for free and I went but I shouldn’t have because I didn’t make any sales anyway... 😅
Thanks for the encouragement! Unfortunately, I can’t always do that, especially with this event since this was their first time in SF and they mostly do events in LA and NY. Additionally I do out of state events and visiting them is not practical. Also, I did do lots of research on this event by watching YT vlogs, checking them out on social media, and everything possible. Sometimes you just have to take the gamble, especially since I do this full time and need to book events regularly. Thanks for watching and being here!
Research is great, but I’ve learned it will never compare to real life experience. Hope your future events are much more successful and thanks for sharing your story!
@ thank you it means a lot to hear that from you because you are an inspiration to me. I hope to meet you one day in the future. As I started to entering the artist alley scene.. i have already started vending at a couple of anime conventions.
I’m not a vendor (yet), and I also haven’t gone to That many conventions. But what I can say is the handful of anime conventions I have gone to ive gone alone LOL mostly bc my friends just couldn’t make it, buuut people always say it’s super easy to make friends at cons and tbh I don’t think so? It could just me bc I’m not a loud or funny person, definitely on the shyer side. Sometimes I enjoy being alone at cons and other times I do wish I had a friend with me, but I try not to let that bring down my mood. Rambling so much to say I try to make the best out of any situation HVHFGFG
I've also done MAUM Market in LA. It is definitely not catered to anime artists, and I've been very sad with my experience. MAUM Market is more geared towards jewelers, cute stuff like baby clothes, and etc. I definitely felt you in this video. My first ever event was MAUM Market and I was so bummed considering I started my tabling experience like that. Other than that, I hope I get to table in a con with you one day! 🥲🫶✨️
So sorry your first experience went that way. If your experience was like mine, the good news is that everything is just up from here at least lol. Thanks for sharing your story!
it’s always the hardest to analyze the crowd for markets until the risk is taken to vend there 😭 you’re honesty is sooo appreciated!!!
Agreed, research only goes so far, we really don’t know until we get there!
My first event also did not go well. From the experience, I learned that my stuff is really niche, and the small crowd at that convention just wasn’t connecting with it. Audience is SO IMPORTANT when it comes to events and I’m definitely still in the process of finding what’ll work for me!
Very smart and wise analysis on your part! I’m sure with that mentality you’ll find success sooner than later. Wishing the best for you!
I'm pretty small potatoes, but my second event ever I made a crisp 100$ over four hours. There was a big event happening downtown, and it sucked up all the traffic. The upside was the organizer gave all vendors a free spot at another event of their choice as an apology, and I did MUCH better the second time around. Sorry to hear this was not your gig, but I'm glad you're not beating yourself up about it!!!
I’m glad to hear it was much better the second time! Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
Please don't be miserable (I'm sure you don't mean it anyway, but just making sure)! Every BRAVE vendor has at least one terrible market, so props for being brave and trying all these markets that a lot of us aren't brave enough to try! And thank you for not being like others that say "it was worth it because I learned so much" because experience, sadly, doesn't pay the bills. Lessons learned are important though, so thank you for teaching that finding your demographic is SO important. My worst show was actually my first, it was a popular street fair in San Diego, but I didn't know people treat it more like a flea market and they don't vet vendors so there were resellers, MLM, you name it. I had the worst comments said to my face about my handmade goods, from 'not for that price' to 'I could get this at Walmart.' By the end, my husband stopped talking to people out of anger and never wanted me to do another show again. But, I have thick skin and continued. My next show was Anime Expo and it was really night and day. Finding your audience is key, and sometimes you don't know if they're there unless you do the show, like you did. You teach the people without thick skin that it's not their art and they shouldn't give up. Shout out to table assistant husbands, and good luck on your next shows!!!
I love this comment and your story. This is amazing! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing this.
I just sold at a big 80s/90s nostalgia type of event. They had so so many guests that I think most the attendees prioritized the VA and celebs then what they did vendors. So many people told me I love your work but I m broke. 💔💔 which sucks because it was a fun event. But I didn't even make table. Not even close. All my sales were mostly small things. 😢
That’s such a bummer I’m so sorry. I hope your next events are much better!
@kelsiekishidraws thank youuuu next time I know maybe to try tailering it more to what VA will be there
My worst event was my very first event. It was in a warehouse in Florida in June. Yeah. They put giant industrial fans in so it wasn't the WORST but it was still a long, miserable weekend. I was all the way in the back with a terrible set-up and no idea what I was doing. I made probably $40 total.
Unfortunately the organizers for that con are notorious in this area for running horrible shows where they treat the artists like dirt and there's only one that's actually worth vending at. it's fucking ROUGH in florida, man
Oh I think I heard about that con! That’s crazy. I hope those organizers are kept accountable.
I just found your channel and am so happy I did! ♥
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said about the demographic topic. I attended a very very small local market a few weeks ago and found that wasn't my audience (it was a very small and free event so I was still super grateful for the experience). But 100% yes, don't beat yourself up about it. I think you have a really good mindset and that is half the battle to not feeling like total crap. I'm sorry the event didn't go well. :'( I'm also happy you addressed the "evaluating your business" segment. This is something that I think is so important for us.🙏 I too am easy to say "I suck, I'm a POS, da da da" but I think taking a step back and really evaluating is what is going to be most helpful to us as creators. Thank you for making space and talking about this.
I'm going to an event this weekend and am mentally preparing myself for the worst, lol. Also, I'm super new to vending at markets, and channels like yours really inspire and motivate me to work hard.
Sending much positive juju your way! 🥰
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, sometimes things suck and that's okay. lol just gotta keep trucking cuz better things are ahead!
My worst event this (first) year, was touted as a festival. It was in the next town over from me so I traveled, and was not familiar with the town or its events. Turns out, the town was having a festival that day, however, the event I signed up for was not affiliated with the festival, it was a tack on. It was near it, sure, inside a dance studio at one end of the long, outdoor, street festival. They said, "We'll catch the traffic coming and going!" I made one sale. But moreover, I was VERY embarrassed. Doing research after the fact, vendors paid top dollar to get into that street festival, to get that high traffic, and there was a LOT of traffic. I basically felt scammed because it wasn't a cheap table. I know better now.
I know that feeling of not being in the right crowd Kelsie! Sorry you had a not so great experience 😢 ❤ Onward and upward from here!
Yeah it kinda sucks HAHA but not gonna let it get me down, just keep moving forward 🙏🏽
I do vending full time for a living and something I've learned from doing local events, is people who attend these just don't value artwork the same way people do at events like conventions. It's really unfortunate but sadly has been the case for me every time, despite bringing items you'd think these kinds of crowds would like :(
Possibly, or maybe they just prefer a different style or genre. Just makes it more rewarding when you do find your people though!
this is the video i needed!! T^T
Thanks so much for being here! I’m glad you were encouraged and I wish you luck!
Such a smart way to evaluate the event!
I try to be as smart as I can lol. Also hi friend thanks for watching and commenting 😬
hope your next event have more people interested in your work 🤗
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽
A good learning experience. As your business grows, your time will become your largest expense
Yes definitely definitely learning!
I just started vending a year ago so I know a lot of factors why I am not doing as well as I hope is because I'm still in the learning process and trying to find my right crowd. I've also come to the conclusion thanks to your videos that SJMade is a hit or miss for me because I don't really have exactly the cute thing going on with my ocs haha I get pressured to apply for lots of events but I also am becoming jaded enough to stop and think, "Is that my crowd?"
Just speaking from personal experience, but you don't know how you'll do until you try! For example this year I've started selling at Filipino Festivals and was pretty unsure about how I'd be received, considering I had mostly Japanese art and only a little bit of Filipino themed art, but I ended up doing great! They're some of my best selling single day events. But I didn't know until I was willing to take the gamble. When you're starting out and still figuring it out, it's okay to try new things. No risk no reward! Wishing you the best and good luck!
thank u for this video 🫶🏼
Thank you for watching and being here!
it looks so crowded, yet i know the feeling. crowds doesn’t mean sales. yet we can’t win them all. hopefully you end this year with a bang 🎉
and …. i have several poor events - you already know tho 😂
Let’s suffer together 🤝
There's one organizer I’ve done multiple (3-4) holiday markets with that I would never recommend. She never promoted the events, only on the actual day, and even then she’d just stand outside telling people to come in and check it out. I think the most I ever made was $12, which didn’t even cover my transportation costs.
One time, she canceled the market on the same day AFTER everyone had already set up, saying that she had a family issue. She offered to let us come on another market day for free and I went but I shouldn’t have because I didn’t make any sales anyway... 😅
oh no...that's such a bummer. Maybe she should start exploring other hobbies/jobs besides organizing events...lol
don't get discourage! Try to visit before apply to the market and paying for the fee. Study study study =) Love from Picklemimi
Thanks for the encouragement!
Unfortunately, I can’t always do that, especially with this event since this was their first time in SF and they mostly do events in LA and NY. Additionally I do out of state events and visiting them is not practical. Also, I did do lots of research on this event by watching YT vlogs, checking them out on social media, and everything possible. Sometimes you just have to take the gamble, especially since I do this full time and need to book events regularly. Thanks for watching and being here!
My first non anime market as a vendor I did bad because the foot traffic wasn’t there, I did not do my research, it wasn’t in my demography.
Research is great, but I’ve learned it will never compare to real life experience. Hope your future events are much more successful and thanks for sharing your story!
@ thank you it means a lot to hear that from you because you are an inspiration to me. I hope to meet you one day in the future. As I started to entering the artist alley scene.. i have already started vending at a couple of anime conventions.
My events this year have gotten slower in terms of sales. But i always try my best.
You’re not alone! It’s been a rougher year for everyone. Wishing you success in the near future!
bad market survivor, welcome.
LOL UNITE ✊🏽
I’m not a vendor (yet), and I also haven’t gone to That many conventions. But what I can say is the handful of anime conventions I have gone to ive gone alone LOL mostly bc my friends just couldn’t make it, buuut people always say it’s super easy to make friends at cons and tbh I don’t think so? It could just me bc I’m not a loud or funny person, definitely on the shyer side. Sometimes I enjoy being alone at cons and other times I do wish I had a friend with me, but I try not to let that bring down my mood. Rambling so much to say I try to make the best out of any situation HVHFGFG
Haha that's great! Thanks for sharing
There is no assignment of fault to be had. People buy what they want to buy when or if they want to buy it.
Thanks for sharing!
I've been there.
yes
Ive learned that craft fairs are not my crowd 😅
Yeah, it’s definitely a much different demographic from conventions for sure. I don’t think they’re much for me either other than some SJMade shows
Oh no 😭😭 I’m sorry this event didn’t go well for you
Haha it’s okay it makes for great clickbait and content 💀🤣
How was your parking skills at the event? Something to think about 🤔
GET OUTTA HERE LOL
you’re telling me this was worse than comic verse?
Sshhh we don’t talk about comic verse….
I've also done MAUM Market in LA. It is definitely not catered to anime artists, and I've been very sad with my experience. MAUM Market is more geared towards jewelers, cute stuff like baby clothes, and etc.
I definitely felt you in this video. My first ever event was MAUM Market and I was so bummed considering I started my tabling experience like that.
Other than that, I hope I get to table in a con with you one day! 🥲🫶✨️
So sorry your first experience went that way. If your experience was like mine, the good news is that everything is just up from here at least lol. Thanks for sharing your story!