Being an Artist Marshall Hansen

I work hard on my art and marketing and I try to be as prepared and professional as I can be. So, I have no
sympathy for goofballs - other artists or customers. I control, as much as I can, what goes on in my business.
These are situations and rules from observation and experience. You may disagree with my methods - that's fine.

The Borrowers
You will set up next to/near artists who show up without the things they need. If you are disorganized by nature
you'll learn quicker if you have to fix it yourself. It's like the scene in the movie The Deerhunter - "No" means "No",
you cannot borrow my stuff. If you are organized they swarm like flies. I have been asked for tools, money, use my
credit card processor, pens, paper, display materials, cleaning supplies, jewelry boxes, sales slips, watch a
neighbor's booth for half a day (I didn't do it and they were gone all day), two wheel dolly, four wheel carts, plastic
- just about everything I bring someone has tried to borrow. They borrow and don't bring back, they use materials
you may need later when it gets super busy, etc. When they ask for something I smile a sincere smile and say "No
thank you - but I appreciate you asking!" and then I say NOTHING. They are confused by you thanking them for
an imposition. If they continue with the plea I say "No, thanks" every time and offer no explanation. They have
asked a simple request so I give them a simple answer and I'm not obligated in any way to explain why I declined
their request. There are some who return for more when you let them "borrow" stuff - give them an inch and they
take a mile. I don't need the distraction.

Exceptions are selling supplies and breaks. I will sell things with a "stupid fee" included. If a velvet bracelet box
cost me $1.25 I sell it for $5.00, if I have an extra. If I brought one $300 bracelet and one bracelet box I don't sell
it. Then there are breaks for necessities. If no volunteers are available I will watch my neighbors' booths without
handling art nor money. I will tell the customers that the artist will return in the amount of time they said. I also tell
the artist my primary responsibility is my art , if I get busy I will not be responsible for anything in their booth. Most
festivals have booth sitters anyway - a group of volunteers who sit for the artist's break. Find out - actually read
your check-in packet and use them. There will be a cell number to the HQ tent. If I use a volunteer I smile and say
"Politely tell the customer I'll be back in 7 minutes. NO ONE can touch my stuff, not even you. Do not take money.
Period. Do you understand?" Before I made this rule I lost two $100+ items on a short break - it won't happen
again.

and Booth Helper
Better yet bring a friend, spouse, relative or employee - pay for ALL of their expenses, pay them per diem (even
friends - this enforces the concepts of your authority and professionalism. This is not a weekend vacation. When
I'm paying they do as I say) and train them if they want to help you sell. If they sell then they get a commission on
top of the per diem. And, buy them a little present from another artist for helping you on a weekend - it's time, long
days and work. If they whine when it starts raining or the days are too long, politely fire them. Set them free.
08APR07