Farmer's Markets

Happy Friday everyone!

Just wondering, has anyone had much success at Farmer's Markets? I have a couple on the horizon in different towns, just wondering what your experience is? At this point I need to just get out there, get my name out, practice, etc. So I am excited about any prospect, but I also want to be realistic about what to expect, don't want to get my hopes up too much

Yes, I did a farmer's market for a year, at the beginning I didn't make that much, but my market had special days like flan fest, or halloween, or a pet day, I did really good on that days (more kids than I can paint) by the end of the year before I got to the market I already had a line waiting for me, got a few gigs from there. I loved the experience, and It worths.

It depends the market. I made about $75 for 5 hrs work on July 4th weekend. To me it was a lot of standing around & under charging. Most Farmers Market People want deals & are not out to spend a lot of money. They used to be better 5 yrs ago, but in this economy, not so much.
It takes work to build a client base, but also fills your weekend when you'd have most parties. I'll still go to the market on an off weekend when I have no work.

I have done one for 3 years now. It depends on what you are looking to get from it. I admit that I don't make a LOT of money, however, it is totally worth it for me for several reasons:

1. I now have a following of regular customers
2. I have been mentioned in the newspaper and on local tv many times through my involvement with the market
3. I have made important connections with the BIA for that area
4. who else is going to book me on a Saturday morning? Our market only goes from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and most parties are later in the day. I simply tell people that I am not available until at least 3pm (I need to tear down my tent and pack up my car with all my stuff, get some lunch and cool off before I go work anywhere else).

Also, every single vendor at the market knows exactly who they would book if they were looking for children's entertainment. Would they have even thought to look for a clown before? Maybe not, but if they are having a party with kids now, HEY! Let's hire Perry! I have gotten several bookings from other vendors as well as my regular customers who were sure that their child already loved me from their weekly visits to the market.