Harley Show Update!

Well, I got an email today asking me if I'd be interested in doing a Harley motorcycle show 3 blocks from my house! They want to hire me from 11AM - 6PM on Sept 17th. Of course I want to... but being a newbie I have no idea what to charge for a 7 hour gig. I've only done PPF at a couple of festivals. I'm thinking there might be some other things to think about as well....drunk people...can I be inside if the weather is really hot....etc. What things should I ask for?...my mind has gone blank with excitement!

I CAN do this and it will be a MAJOR advertising bonanza for me. I've attended the bike show in the past and on a good day there are maybe 2 to 3 thousand people. I kind of know the owner of the venue so this could turn into more gigs there in the future if I do a good job.

Thanks for any advice you care to offer.

Congratulations on your first big gig!
I have no advice, being new at this, myself, but good luck!

Congrats on your big gig! Drunk people like to tip so added bonus for you Just make sure they don't set their beer down on your table - they have a tendancy to knock thinks over and you don't want beer all over your paint.

Are they paying you by the hour, or are you doing things on a PPF basis? For a six hour gig, if your doing it by the hour, that usually qualifies for a discount for me, but that is up to you.

Best of luck!

HappyVickery wrote:Drunk people like to tip so added bonus for you Just make sure they don't set their beer down on your table - they have a tendancy to knock thinks over and you don't want beer all over your paint.

Too funny, never thought of that, LOL.

Thanks for your thoughts ladies, I appreciate them. I'm thinking of giving them the option of paying per hour or having the customer PPF. PPF would be more beneficial to both of us I think.

If they wanted to PPH, I would need to come up with a few quick designs so I could paint as many people as possible in the time alotted. If they go with PPF, then I could give the customer as detailed a design as they are willing to pay for. A better deal for everyone I think.....?

I would do the PPH. (Our market here ranges from 75-150) but Harley is big, so shoot high, and let them dicker you lower. (If you go lower, add in a tip jar).
I am not good at PPP, but support my kids and I on paid gigs. You can still have designs---but are not as pressured.

JUst an FYI - I've worked for Harley Davidson's of Milwalkee when they did the cross Canada run....professional company and VERY generous. Charge them what you are worth and they are unlikely to quibble. Great people too...but yup...drunk biker chicks can be a handful! FUN! SWEET! but a handful. Like coming back 8 times wanting your attentions and 'fixers'! LOL Good luck!

Wow!!! congrats!!!!, thats a full day venue, so you don't charge by hour, you charge by event, depending of how much you may charge in your area, you should charge by a full day event, just remember to bring somebody to help you with the line, good luck!!!!

PPH clarification...I would not be paid by Harley...I would be paid by the owner of the venue. They get little to nothing from HD corporate. This is a show they do every year to bring people in and make money for themselves and neighboring merchants. For some reason, it is biker central around here, and they are cashing in....sort of a mini Sturgis...in a podunk Kansas town...

I meet with them tomorrow afternoon to work out the details.

Congrats on the big gig and good luck!!

Well, yesterday I painted a full sleeve of Flames, Roses, Bullet Holes etc. I was stoked and ready for my presentation...then they called and said they had to reschedule...Bummer. So I'm sleeping this afternoon and guess what, they call and want me to come down Right NOW. Crap...

To make a long story short, I slapped on some flames and bullet holes, took my album and got the gig! I will have a FREE booth inside in the AC, and will be paid by the customer. I can work as little or as much as I like. If I go early the Staff all want to be painted PPP. Could this get any better??

way to go...good luck...where are you located..i hope you have a great day

Thanks, I'm in NE KS

Maybe you could work out a press release and maybe get some more advertising out of it if the paper/tv news picks up on it!

That's a good idea, thank you. I did invite 2 photographer friends of mine. Hopefully they'll get some good pix for advertising.

Congratulations! It sounds like a really fun event and great publicity!

Have fun