Pivoting
Advice comes from many sources when one ventures in a new direction. A standout for me, when discussing the development of my website, was “don’t wait for perfection.” The idea behind that advice was that the website, and my business direction, would morph many times. It was just what I needed to hear and follow - which I did. Over four years later, I’m pivoting the main category into which I apply for art shows. I now apply in the glass, not jewelry(!), category. While I will continue to create and love glass jewelry, that category was a barrier to advancing into some of the higher-level shows. Jewelry, as a category, is simply overflowing. Last year I experimented with my display and artwork by adding glass oil candles to my repertoire. They proved to be not only popular but they have become my niche. I am not aware of other vendors at the shows in which I participate that sell glass candles. Finding a unique offering is essential to stand out - and I found mine.
While changing direction and finding my niche is essential, they are meaningless unless their special sauce leads to acceptance in the shows to which I aspire. To that end, I participated in a ‘mock jury’ where 150 participants were privy to live feedback from real jurors. We sent an application with our statements, product, and booth images as though applying to an art show and were critiqued in a live webinar. It was a great learning experience. The most powerful information was the importance of the booth image. I had given little attention to that seemingly lesser photo. The moment the webinar concluded, I began my research to revitalize my booth interior. No longer selling jewelry at shows (but still online), I needed to turn my booth vibe from a living room to a mock gallery. I replaced everything in my tent except for the tent itself - no more tables. The jurors were clear that shelving units with varying display heights were a must. I spent weeks researching what I needed, the options in each category, and how they would work together. I recently took a series of new booth shots that I hope will generate invitations to some of the events that have eluded me.
Time is the next ingredient that will demonstrate whether my updated booth design results in greater show acceptance and higher sales figures. Until then, I’ll be percolating on the element that started all of this - glass, glorious and infinitely malleable glass.
My bottom line is: don’t get mired in the idea of perfection. The time you gain will allow you to grow and pivot more readily as you won’t feel so chained to your overly time-invested, product.
You. Imperfectly perfect as you are.
