Here are some of the items I purchased at this show, as well as links for the artists.
First, the new-to-me discoveries from this year...
Tworgis https://tworgis.com/
The very smart merchandising at this booth caught my eye.
Charming prints. Practical merchandise well displayed to showcase and sample. Cohesive booth branding. Very smart use of their endcap/aisle exposure.
The hard-to-find features on these crossbody bags -- sturdy, smooth action zippers and multiple practical pockets literally stopped me in my tracks to look further.
The customer service was also exceptional. Knowledge about the products, brought out additional patterns, referred to website for more options.
Artists hate to sell --- but it's an essential skill. Customer service at a con provides vital interaction with your clients. Building a brand and customer base that wants to support you is the best way to fight back against Art Theft, unauthorized use of your designs by fly-by-night online 3rd party vendors who you'll never whack-a-mole away even with legal help, and now, pervasive use of AI generated images. Yikes! Don't get discouraged. Get in touch with your clients. Feedback at a show helps you connect with your audience and produce items you are proud of and they want to purchase.
Another great example of successful brand building is this table that caught my eye...
Flora Makes Me Smile https://www.floramakesmesmile.com/
We all need more joy in our lives right now. This little table in Artist's Alley was exploding with it. The more I chatted with artist Giada Conte, the more I was intrigued by the history of her brand and the mission she's on. You can read more here: https://www.floramakesmesmile.com/origin-story
She's an art teacher too... so there's lots to explore on her website. And she has books: https://www.floramakesmesmile.com/books
Here are some of the charming items from her table that I'll be sending to friends soon.
And of course, WonderCon is a chance for me to shop longtime favorites..
Karen Hallion https://www.karenhallion.com/
This table photo is from Karen's Facebook page:
I'm a fan of her art ... and her passion for educating artists and her fans. She is art in action -- raising awareness for human rights issues. Her book is awesome! https://www.karenhallion.com/thesheseriesbook
I purchased several of her "Support Human Artists" pins. I wore mine and gave the others to artist friends at the show. You can see this pin and many more by her on her Etsy page
The Little Red House https://www.thelittleredhouse.co/
My pen pals love these adorable cards and stickers. Please note how the website is on the back of the card. Blank greeting cards.. with artist info on the back.. are a great way to share a small art gift. And introduce others to artists whose work sustains you.
Help Your Local Library
Did you know Local Libraries exhibit at conventions?? I picked up these from the tables for the Anaheim Public Library https://www.instagram.com/anaheimlibrary/?hl=en
and the Orange County Library. https://www.ocpl.org/
I always check the exhibitor listings for libraries. It's good to stop by and chat with the staff. Let them know they are appreciated. I asked what we can all do to help libraries. Go to local city government meetings and speak in support of your local library. I've been to many City Council meetings in Torrance. There is always an open forum time at the beginning of the meeting for the public to address the City Council regarding items that are NOT on the agenda for that particular meeting. That's the perfect time to speak up with praise and support for city services. These meetings are always important.. but they can be tedious, and often cantankerous. Being there to address your local city government as a voice with gratitude will be welcome, and important for the city services (library or whatever) that you find essential.
You can also connect with the "Friends of the Library" for your local branch. They host fundraisers, and can assist with donations of cash and/or books.
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