The adventures as an illustrator at creative markets: A story that starts with a stall, a dose of humor and a touch of artistic chaos!
Have you ever entered a creative market and felt like a fish out of water? Well, I do! As a budding illustrator, I entered this wonderful world of stalls, art and chatter with the determination of a penguin on a tropical beach.
What I discovered was an ocean of experiences, full of lessons disguised as funny anecdotes.
Here are a few highlights of my adventures:
1. Preparation
The saying goes, “Good preparation is half the battle,” and oh boy, is that true in creative markets. I quickly learned that it's not just about having enough stock and preparing my stall, but also about anticipating unexpected situations. From spare pencils to duct tape (yes, duct tape is a real superhero at markets), good preparation can make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful situation. So, before you enter the creative market, make sure you have everything you need to rock the day.
2. Setting up my stall
Step one : The life lessons of Tetris can be applied when organizing all the items you want to take with you in the car. Step two : Realize that it all looked much easier on Pinterest. Step three : Improvise and turn your stall into an artistic chaos that will make people smile spontaneously.
3. Interaction with customers
I thought I was good at selling something, but then I started talking to people about my own work and realized I was as charming as a cactus. Fortunately, I quickly discovered that humor is the best icebreaker. I started making jokes about my own drawings and voilà, suddenly I was the Picasso of punchlines
4. Balancing creativity and commerce
It's a constant dance between following my artistic vision and listening to what people want to buy. Should I swallow my artistic pride and draw a cat in an astronaut suit because people just love that?
Above all, listen to your own voice, that will make you the happiest, and people will appreciate you for your individuality. Creativity meets commerce, and sometimes a unicorn comes out.
5. Surviving the weather
Rain, sun, wind - you get it all at a creative market. My stall is a temporary fortress against the elements, and I sometimes feel like a captain on a ship battling the elements. And yes, sometimes I felt just as seasick. In the summer of 2023, I was at a market in the heart of Rotterdam on a stormy day. A few empty market stalls flew in my direction where a young little helper was also standing. After my soul had returned to my body, I cleared the stall at the same speed as Usain Bolt in the 100 meters. Sometimes it is better to leave in time if the weather turns against you.
6. The importance of networking
In addition to selling my art, I discovered that creative markets are a hotbed of like-minded souls. I made friends with other artists, shared tips and tricks, and discovered new opportunities. Creative markets are not just places to sell, but also to grow.
That's it, my adventures as an aspiring illustrator in creative markets. It's a bumpy ride full of laugh-out-loud moments, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Because every sale, every laugh and every new connection has helped me grow, both as an artist and a person. And who knows, maybe you'll be the next to enter the creative market with penguin-like determination. Good luck and don't forget to laugh along the way!
Curious where my next market adventure will take me?
Go to the calendar at the bottom of my homepage
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