After the Show: Highlights and Future Plans

This past weekend I vended at the Sensational Spring Arts & Craft Show at The Fred Heutte Center in Norfolk, VA. I shared a booth with two talented ladies: Michelle of Gymbohannah and Jesse of anykind. We all enjoyed the absolutely beautiful, sunny weather and companionship of our fellow Handmade Hampton Roads members! There were HHR booths on both sides of us, featuring intricate handmade jewelry and lovely fragranced soaps by Mirrors. Reflections of Your Soul, Backwater Beauty, and Yoonique Designs. Meeting all of these talented, friendly artisans was definitely a highlight of the weekend for me. I also got to meet Bryan of Tidewater Comicon who bought a Merpug doll for his adorable daughter! She loved it so much!!Photo album of the show: >> Facebook.com/shlii.kawaiiWhile I did have a wonderful time at the show, something I've had an inkling of was definitely solidified by the amount I sold. I always try to keep my expectations low, but I can't help thinking I should have done better. So, this will be the last craft show I do. I remember one of my graphic design professors saying that when you're producing for "normal" people, the grass has to be green and the sky has to be blue. At craft shows, the majority of attendees seem to be those normal, everyday individuals who aren't into fandoms and crazyweird imaginative things. THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS, but I feel that my items would work better at cons. Anime cons, scifi cons, multi-genre, or comic, it doesn't matter. Cons are filled with people who appreciate creativity, originality, and quality. I've only ever vended at small, one-day cons, but every single time I've sold out of 90% of my items. IN ONE DAY. That's amazing!!May 1st, Nekocon will be opening Artist Alley applications. I'm going for it. I really hope I get in. I've been attending Nekocon for years and have always wanted to vend there. I've been holding myself back, because I didn't think I was ready for a three day convention. I'm not holding back any longer; I want to move forward with my business. Onward and upward! I'm also planning on applying for ROFcon and Tidewater Comicon next year.