Convention Setup Progress
It’s been about five years in the making, but our booth set up and table space are finally coming together in a quick and smoother way, with more visible surface, and easier interaction with visitors. What was once anxiety inducing is become a comfortable practice of packing and transporting, unloading and organizing. Doesn’t mean we don’t still forget things, get stressed or make a whoopsie now and then with numbers (who knew 150 business cards were not enough for MomoCon). Some of my favorite new additions follow.
I found the folding wings for prints idea on youtube I think, I wish I could remember from whom, and if I do I’ll update this. They are panel from a puppy crate that fold to make an L which hold the prints beautifully. From the fantastically helpful and creative Lynne Hansen, we learned about the sticky tabs for hanging merch that can loop over the wires and hold prints in place.
Amanda Makepeace, Rachel Rieckenberg Becker, and Madolyn Locke all shared so generously from their wells of knowledge as exhibitors, and probably my favorite addition to the booth has been the ProPanel knock-down panels in the back. I definitely prefer upholstery hooks to the wee painting hangers, even though they are tougher to hang.
Charles Urbach (thanks to Madolyn’s connecting very time sensitive dots) recently offered us the most amazing opportunity to test the mettle of our booth setup against a convention of around 20,000 visitors. I’m still giddy and exhausted from the experience, and am SO grateful.
JordanCon this year was a big leap in setup. Not only was it our first try with the ProPanels, which went amazingly well, but I tried a new technique I picked up from Where The Gnomes Live on YouTube for making a tree/bark texture to make a new 5x7” print bin- the night before the show sweats in artist. But I think it turned out nice and it fits the vibe of the booth better than a medical blue plastic bin, I think. Next I’m going to try making some business card holders and Journal stands with the same technique. I may try using it to shore up the wooden bracelet stand, which may not have been designed for moving all over the place.
Next step is a little sign or banner for the top of the ProPanels, or possibly a table runner!
I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support, including art life advice, pointers for conventions, dog sitting, moral support, purchases and collectors, and of course, my permanent plus one, Andrew. See you all soon I hope!
