'Potty breaks:' An important consideration when applying for art shows

Artist rendering of my booth

There's an art to deciding which art show to consider for our short show season. I am finishing up the application process now, and I'd like to share with you what goes through my mind as I consider what shows I'd like to see fill my calendar.
When I first started out as a artist/vendor, my bar was pretty low. I was unsure whether anyone would buy my creations. I thought for sure I could get in to flea markets, but was very nervous whether my talent was worthy of an actual art fair. I decided - JUST APPLY and see what happens.
Five years later, I'm not afraid to JUST APPLY, but, I've become more selective.

Photo of my booth 2016

• As I consider the list of potential art shows, I think: "If I am selected, is this really where I want to spend the weekend and will this audience be receptive to my creations?" With most quality art shows there is a jury process, and it usually costs around $25 to $40 just to submit your application. (This money is non-refundable). 
• How are vendors treated by the event organizers? Yup, there are some art shows that are so much fun to participate, that even if it isn't the top sales generator, well, it is a great experience and you look forward to returning. Do they have helpers to assist in set up, if needed? Do they respect your efforts as an artist and participant? It's the little things that make a difference... people to watch your tent when you need a potty break.
• Cost. Besides the jury fee, many shows ask a participation fee of anywhere between $175 and $300 for a two-day event. So with a premium show (such as the Uptown Art Fair), you have to ask yourself can I afford to lose the fee if the show is rained out, for instance. Will my sales justify the expense?
• Inventory. Will I have enough inventory to ensure an adequate showing? For me, that means I'd better not schedule more than two shows a month. If I have a lot of sales at one show, and have another sale the following weekend, I may find I'm at the sewing machine 24 hours a day to replenish my inventory.
• Schedule and location.Two shows a month is about all I can handle - three is a stretch. So I look for shows that are likely to be the -most fun and most profitable. I try to stay within a 50-mile radius of my home in the Twin Cities so that I don't have the additional lodging and food costs. However, I now like to have at least one out-of-the-area show to start building a new audience.

So, here's my show application list for this year:

May

Alexandria Spring Arts and Crafts Show- May 5  - accepted

MInneapolis Art a Whirl-May 18-20-accepted.

June

New Richmond Park Art Fair- June 2 -accepted

Eagan Art Fair - June 23-24 - Applied 2/3/2018 (waiting to hear)

July

Anoka Rivertown Days- July 14th -- accepted

Cannon Falls wine and art festival July 21 and 22 accepted

Loring Park Art Festival- July 28-29 WAIT LISTED

August

Powderhorn- Aug. 4-5 - (waiting to hear)

Lake Superior Art Festival Aug. 11 - (waiting to hear)

Under The Spreading Walnut Tree Aug. 12 - (waiting to hear)

September

Northfield Arts Festival -Sept 8-9th (waiting to hear)

Afton Art in the Park 2017 (need to apply)