When I visited art fairs before I entered the “circuit”, I never considered how much time it takes an artist to set up and tear down for the show.

Anyone who has ever applied for something, or submitted something for review, has probably received a rejection letter at one time or another. No one enjoys rejection! They are, however, a fact of life.

As a Wisconsin-based landscape photographer selling prints at art fairs, I knew early on that I would need some type of container in which to display various sizes of prints. Research indicated there are many ways to accomplish this task.

Imagine your first art fair. You’ve planned for this day for some time. In the car you’ve packed your tent and poles, chair and panels. Your product is in containers. You’ve made a list, and double-checked it. Nothing is missing.

At a recent art fair this past season (2015), a visitor stopped in my booth and admired my photography. This visitor mentioned that they, too, were an artist, though did not mention the medium.

Are you covered? Is your photography equipment covered for theft? I your art fair inventory, and/or your neighbor’s booth covered in the event your tent collapses and damages the adjacent booth?

Occasionally, I get asked how I transport my prints, bins, tent, chair and everything I take to an art fair.

That’s a very important question especially for those considering entering art fairs.

There are a few schools of thought as it pertains how to display pricing at art fairs. One view is to price everything, placing the pricing prominently next to (or on) the print. The thought that drives this approach is people want to know the pricing.

When I first considered displaying my photography in art fairs, I had no idea what a “panel” was or why I would need one.