Tips for a Flatstock Newb

[weaponsofmassdesign]

So after 5 years of working at designing/printing posters, I am finally going to get a booth at Flatstock this Summer. Any tips? Feel free to haze, I can take it.

-DG

[Iron Canvas Studios]

we will mostly likely be in the same boat, so I too will take any pointers.

[mikeage]

Be nice to people.

[perkins]

Bring stuff that people will buy.

[crosshair]

Don't get discouraged if you don't make mad bank at your first flatstock.

Don't be shy or standoffish. Say hi to everyone. Start conversations.

If by 'this summer' you mean Chicago, and it's your first FS, seriously consider sharing a single (10x10') with another artist.

[Brad]

join the api.

[andydiesel]

dont sit at your booth with your arms crossed looking pissed off.

bring a bunch of change, especially if you have stuff that is $10 or less.

drink beer and smoke weed all day long.

[danieldanger]

if its your first few times, dont view it as a money making venture where its success is based on "if you cut a profit" and/or "make back your booth fee and travel expenses", because its entirely possible you wont. view it as a promotional event to promote yourself as designers and your work where its success is based on "how many people see your work". get yourself out there in peoples minds and meet others in the biz, be able to keep in contact with them all, all as part of getting that ball rolling... if you sell some posters while youre there, then AWESOME. but if i sold 2 posters but got 300 names on a mailing list, then AWESOME.

spend the money for promotional materials, cards stickers buttons, whatever, and give that shit away. i like post cards that are mostly art and minimal 'contact' text and non-logo stickers because i hear constantly that people put them up in their offices or on the wall by their desks or on their car or whatever like they would any other pretty picture. business cards dissapear in wallets, a 4x6 postcard of your best poster gets tacked to a wall somewhere.

other than that, $1 items. $5 items. $10 items. shit adds up.

[RichieGoodtimes]

Bring three times as much lube as you think you're gonna need.

[miklay]

andy pretty much nailed it. he left out have a sense of humor. and don't be shy.

and most importantly, have fun instead of thinking about it as a business decision.