Braiding in Festivals: Setting Up an Attention Getting Stand

You want to be visible, yet classy.

Your obvious professionalism will usually close the deal, but first you have to get their attention. You should make use of the area and available equipment and props to catch people's eye from a distance.

If you are fortunate to have a wall, a fence, or some room dividers behind you, definitely use them as a backdrop.

Here is an example of how we used the room dividers we were given to draw attention to ourselves at the children's festival at Grand Canyon, Haifa in 2005.

The word you see repeated over and over again is "tzamot" which means "braids" in Hebrew. There should be no mistake about what you're there for, and folks should be able to see it big, bright, and fun.

Also, post some photos of your work and your price list there.

You should also have a sign that can stand on an easle. I use a table easle because it's easier to secure on windy days when working outside.

Your sign should be designed something like this. Braids in big bold or fun but readable letters, your name, a couple of photos, and your price list.
This is what people will stop to look at closely after they've been drawn in by your overall setup and backdrop.

If you don't have a backdrop you can use, you can take advantage of good placement. Try to get a spot next to someone who is doing a children's activity where there will be lots of kids and parents hanging around.

Next to me, there is a nice young lady doing art projects and temporary tattoos for kids. We split the cost of a large area so I could use the shade and she could use my giant beanbag sofa.

Notice that I have extra chairs around so that those who are waiting can do so comfortably.

Other ways to get positive attention:

Most festivals have some kind of entertainment. See if you can get them or the announcers to mention your stand.
Wear traditional or at least interesting clothing.
Do your own and your partners' hair so that people can see the styles on an actual person. You can even do some friends' in the area's hair the week before, in exchange for their handing out your flyers and cards.
Give discount coupons to local cafe's, schools, youth centers, or at surrounding events.
Smile ALOT.
Try to answer questions so long as folks aren't disturbing you, and learn to politely tune out those who are.
Put a big tub of a variety of pony beads that aren't so rare that you would mind kids lifting some of them, on your table out in front.
Bring your portfolio and business cards, and place them on the table for people to browse.

Basically, be a people person, and leave the shyness at home. When you put on your braider hat, you are a bright, outgoing, bohemian artist...maybe even a bit of a rebel. ;-)

Lesson 1: Local Braiding Laws
Lesson 2: Agents: The Pros and the Cons

Self Promotion

Lesson 3: Sanitation On the Go
Lesson 4: Festival Styles

Lesson 5: Setting Up an Attention Getting Stand
Lesson 6: Peripheral Sales
Lesson 7: When Things Go Wrong

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