Workshops

A number of Art Trail artists will be hosting workshops throughout October – before, during and after the Art Trail weekend.

If you are hosting a workshop, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Where are you having your workshop? Will it be at your own studio or do you need to book a space at Square Edge.
  • What is your maximum number? This may be determined by space, supplies or the number of people you are able to manage as a group.
  • Do you have promotional material for your workshop? Share with Square Edge so we can promote yoour workshops. Email a poster or tag us on Facebook and Instagram.
  • Will it be a structured lesson or more of a drop in where atendees can create in their own time with the help of the artist.

Promotional Materials

Square Edge undertakes the following public promotional material for trail artists:

  • Individual online artists’ profiles. Your online art trail profile may include images that you supply to us of you and your work, images that our photographer takes, a written blurb and contact information. Please ensure any images you supply are high resolution. If you do not provide us with written information on your art trail application this cannot be added to your profile. If you need support please contact us – we are happy to help.
  • The Art Trail Guide. A shorter written profile, image/s, studio location, and contact information will be published both online and in print. This profile will also use the information that you supply on your application form.
  • The Trail Mix exhibition. This exhibition showcases the work of each of our artists involved in the art trail. This is your chance to really capture the interest of the public. Many people start their art trail here at Square Edge. They will collect a trail guide and wander through the exhibition to decide which artists they will visit. This is an opportunity to show your strongest work. Works can be for sale.

Marketing your work effectively

Square Edge have a marketing and communication plan for each art trail; however, each artist also has a great opportunity to add their own marketing to this build up. In previous years those who have invested into their own marketing have seen increased visitor numbers.

Self-marketing does not have to be costly, and it can be undertaken using a regional approach. Talk to other artists in your area and come up with a plan together – that way you get maximum impact and can share the workload.

Tag Square Edge on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! If you don’t tag Square Edge we can not guarantee we will see your promotional material so it may not be shared.

Facebook: @Square Edge Community Arts

Instagram @squareedgecommunityarts

 

Displaying your works in your studio or hub space 

  • Displaying works in a harmonious way will encourage your visitors to engage.
  • Think of your space (either in your own studio or in one of the hubs) as a mini exhibition:
  • Arrange works on the wall, on tables, or on easels
  • Group by colour, frame style, theme, or the style of the artwork
  • Think about height – use boxes or easels to add to your display
  • For safety please ensure that items can’t be knocked off tables or stands
  • Provide clear labels or a price list with numbered items

Finishing your work professionally

  • Frame works on paper or present them with a cardboard back plate to prevent bending if they will remain unframed.
  • Add title, year, and artist name or signature to the backs of all works, or on labels/swing tags.
  • Install hanging hardware if needed.
  • Finish canvas edges, sand back rough surfaces, varnish or otherwise protect the artwork.

Managing your art trail stall

Art Trail weekend is busy, exciting, and often really stimulating and rewarding to participate in. It can also be tiring and a bit overwhelming – especially if you are used to working alone in your studio. You are required to transport, set up, sell, and pack down all of your work. Please ensure you have the support you need to manage these processes and your Art Trail stall.

The following are stall management suggestions made by previous participants:

In the hubs

  • Request help from friends or family to pack up, transport, set up, and pack down your work. Other stall holders will be busy doing their own thing and probably won’t be able to help you. This is a big job which needs to be completed within a limited timeframe. Generally artists only have access to the hub spaces on the Friday night and Saturday morning before the trail opens.
  • Get to know the stall holders around you. They may be happy to watch your stall for half an hour while you go for a wander or eat your lunch.
  • If you need to take a longer break, have other commitments, or want to tour around some of the other studio spaces think about asking a family member or friend to supervise your stall. Provide information so that they can still chat knowledgably to visitors about you and your work.

In your own studio

  • Start setting up the week before – allow plenty of time to refine your studio and work layout, to price and clean up.
  • It always helps to have another person there with you. If you are busy talking your support person can assist other visitors with sales and information.
  • As above – if you need to leave for an extended period of time please arrange cover.

 

Visitors 

If a visitor makes the time to come and see you and your work then they are interested in what you do. Please provide a warm welcome before letting them peruse your work. Many Art Trail visitors love the opportunity to learn about you and what you do.

A few things to consider

  • Can visitors find your studio easily from the road? If you have a long drive you may need more than one sign, balloons or arrows directing people.
  • Where should visitors park? You may need to sign this area.
  • How will you manage large groups? How many people can you fit at one time in your studio? You may like to:
  • Provide written information about you, your concepts, and your process for making work so that people can connect with you and how you work even if you are busy with other visitors. These could be wall posters or laminated A4 pages that visitors can read.
  • Provide a business card or flyer that can be taken away. Not everyone buys work on the day, but visitors may get in touch down the track.
  • Think about the way that visitors will move through your space. Do you need to move furniture, cords, easels etc to ensure there us adequate space and any trip hazards are avoided?
  • Is your space wheelchair accessible? If you have identified that your studio is wheelchair accessible please think about:
  • Providing designated parking
  • How people will get in and out of your building, across driveways, through gates etc
  • The additional space required to maneuver around your studio.

     

     

    Managing sales  

    Using eftpos

    Hiring an eftpos machine is not cost effective for many artists; however one option may be to hire a shared machine between a group sharing a studio, or who are sharing a room in one of the hubs.

    Internet banking

    Print your bank account number out – most visitors will have their phone with them, and internet banking can be completed at the time of sale. A payment receipt can also be messaged to you directly.

    Cash sales

    You will need a float of coins and notes to ensure change can be given. Think about pricing things in rounded numbers to make giving change quicker (ie: make the item $60 rather than $62.50). Where will you keep your cash safe? Will you bring a lockbox or wear a bag that you will keep this in?

    Pricing and labelling your work

    Ensure your works have clear prices on them. If works are not priced people might think that they are out of their reach and may not want to ask for a price. Pricing is always tricky. Consider the cost of your materials, the hours invested, and the expertise you bring to your work. Look online at similar works and artists to get some ideas on what pricing might work. It is always good to have a wide range of items at different prices. You may only sell one higher priced item, but several lower priced items. Give your visitors some options and yourself the best chance to make sales.

    Packaging sold items

    Many of your visitors will be travelling – some from out of town. If your works are fragile or easily damaged you will need to provide robust packaging materials (bubble wrap, tissue, or boxing). In addition to making works safe, packaging demonstrates the value you place on your work. Wrapping in a piece of tissue does not cost a lot but makes the item feel precious.