Arranging tables inside my tent

I have my first big event coming up this weekend (whoopie!) and I need to figure out the best way to situate myself and my stuff. It's a busy street fair, so I can't have a line extending far from my tent, though I thought it would be a good idea for people to be able to see what I'm doing, to attract customers. I have a 20x30" table and a 3' square card table. I also have a tall chair so I'll be standing, which I'm so excited about. I also have a friend helping with line management,so she'll he there too.

Thanks!
Julie

Did you have a question or were you just sharing?

Oh gosh...was it not implied? No wonder I didn't get responses lol. It was a question. Basically, I'm wondering what the most effective way to arrange everything (including me) in my tent. Like, is it best to stand in the front of the tent so people can see people being painted? But then where would the line go? If we get a line, it could be a problem because it's a street fair and it could block foot traffic. Also, I know I've read some setups are more effective than others at preventing people from getting to your stuff. I'm not expecting a detailed layout or anything, just some tips from those who have done street fairs or festivals where there isn't any wiggle room beyond the tent itself.

That said, I guess food vendors alwas have long lines and they just figure it out, right? Hmmm...

Any input welcome, and thanks Debra for clarifying

The line starts at the front of my tent and extends out into the street. I arange my tables into an "L" shape that works kind of like a baracade. The next person lines up at the table (where they get to look at all my promo stuff and grab a buisness card.) When it is their turn they come around the table into the work space.

If you duck tape a line on the ground for people to stand on or even "T" it at the end for behind, it helps with line control as well....& there are so many pretty colors and designs now....it can be co-ordinated with your set up!

Terra Fender has a great book about festival setups. She's great with questions too if you email her.

Best of luck with it!

JUST SET UP THE WAY THAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU. MAKE EVERYTHING EASY ACCESS, MAKE SURE NOTHING IS OUT OF REACH. DONT PUT NOTHING ON YOUR TABLE THAT YOU DONT FEEL LIKE DOING OR USING.
IE. GLITTER, BLING, STONES

You need to set up how it best works for you. I tend to set everything up to the back of the tent & then create a barrier at the front of the tent to minimize how many can come in. My barrier consists of my easel w/ pics & prices & a small TV table w/ a book of photos & my promo material. This creates a nice "entrance" for just child & 1 parent needing painting(it's too small for strollers & keeps them out of my tent(they can knock everything over).

Here is an old picture of my setup. I have started pulling the table a little bit more forward, but you can see how the customer needs to come around into my space. I invite the child to come around and sit in my seat. The parent stays at the table to watch.

Thank you for the photos and detailed descriptions! Now I just hope it will stay dry on Sunday and the forecast says high of 60! Crazy!

I am left handed, I prefer my tent open so I don;t have to escort people in or out. I set my 6 foot table along the side wall (if you are face the tent, it is on the right hand side) and I stand at the end of the table with my paints on the left and the line to my right extending behind me. This does two things...people can see me and the work I am doing to draw the crowd, AND although I CAN interact with the crowd if I want to, the line itself extends behind me so I don't get pulled into the 'my kids next' arguments. The one in my chair is my focus. I didn't want to lose the impact of people watching a design unfold, but also didn't want my back to the crowd. I am not one who minds having one person in my booth...the parent of the child in my chair. Barracading is not an issue for me. If people crowd me, I ask them nicely to step back and they do. Worked for me for 3 years so far and I mainly do PPF.