Welcome back!
I decided at the beginning of the year that 2025 was going to be the year of new experiences. When opportunities arised I wouldn’t run scared, I wouldn’t wait until things were perfect I would jump in. Life is too short to overthink everything, I told myself.
So when the Cincinnati Art Book Fair was looking for Vendors, I applied. Did I have anything made? No. Back in 2023, I had difficulty purchasing stickers and bookmarks for the mystery and horror novels I was reading. I remember mentioning in a Youtube Video how I would just make it myself. I had been creating different designs every day since, but hadn’t turned anything into something physical.
I told myself it would give me the kick in the pants I needed to make things that I could sell, if I was chosen. For a few months, I didn’t hear anything and was like “Welp, I tried and that’s all I can do.”
Then, I got an email from them. I’d been waitlisted. No merch and I was waitlisted. So So Cool, I’ll be ready next time I tell myself. Two days later, they email me again, there’s a full booth available if I want it. I took a full day to think about it and then held my nose and dived in.
I paid my booth fee and got to work trying to decide what I would sell, what I wanted to make and how I would take payment. I decided on a pos from square, which I am obsessed with, it made everything so so easy and I’m so glad I decided to bite the bullet for it.
I made stickers, bookmarks, kindle Inserts, T-shirts and Tote bags. I packed up snacks, soda and my cousin and we headed to the Carnegie. I was a little stressed out because I was worried we were going to be late for the first day. I wasn’t able to set up with everyone else because of work, so I had to come early on Saturday, and I was still waiting for the okay to pick up my totes and t-shirts.
Since this was my first event in practically a decade, I was worried doing it DIY there wouldn’t be time to fix anything wrong by the time the event happened, so I decided to use a professional, but my items were literally at zero hour, I had to send Boy Wonder to pick them up because we were already there and getting set up by the time it was ready. While I like the way they came out, I think next event I’ll make them myself.
I was pretty nervous both days, but my cousin Bri, did a great job of not only making me more comfortable but also selling my vision to the visitors whenever I got tongue- tied. Being surrounded by artists selling their dreams was so flipping inspiring, and made me want to do WAY MORE VENDING in the future.
I’m the pink spot in the middle of this photo. Thought it was so cool, so I had to share. I had so much fun meeting new people, networking, and chatting about horror and mysteries. It was honestly a blast!
Here’s a few of the items I sold, and I made a cute reel to go on the shop IG, so make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next event or upcoming merch drops!
I had so much fun that when we heard from another table that there was going to be an event similar in Dayton I signed up immediately! I haven’t heard anything yet so I’m not sure if we’ll be there but we’d love to go! I’ve been keeping my eye out for any future events that I can vend at because I literally had that much fun.
My mind is already in a tizzy thinking about all the new designs and products I can have for the next event I’ll be at. I’ve been going back through my photography from trips and already have some rough drafts for zines I want to make.
Have you ever vended before? What would you want to sell if you were?
Until Next Time,
Gabs
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