Behind the Scenes at Calgary Expo 2021

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Booth
3. Displaying the Products
4. Exploring the Expo
5. Day Two of the Expo
6. Behind the Scenes of the Booth
7. Day Three of the Expo
8. Reflecting on the Experience
9. Catching up and Making More Dolls
10. Conclusion

Article

Setting up the Booth

Setting up the booth is always an exciting but challenging task. As an artist, creating a visually appealing and inviting booth is crucial to attract customers and showcase your work effectively. My booth for the Calgary Expo was extended, providing me with more space to display my products and create an enticing atmosphere.

Extending the booth

Upon arriving at the center, I noticed that my booth was extended, giving me the opportunity to make the best use of the additional space. It felt great to have the extra room, as it allowed me to set up my booth in a way that made it look more spacious and visually appealing.

Making the most of the space

With the extended booth, I had more room to arrange my products and create an attractive display. I carefully organized my dolls, plushies, and artwork, ensuring that they were easily visible and accessible to the visitors. The goal was to make the booth look full without overwhelming the space.

Challenges with limited space

Despite the extended booth, I realized that I still needed a bigger table to accommodate all the products I had brought. The containers I had were completely full, and there were additional dolls that I couldn't fit on the display. This made me realize the importance of proper planning and considering the amount of inventory I can effectively showcase.

The behind-the-scenes setup

Setting up the booth took time and effort, and there were moments of uncertainty when I had to figure out the best way to arrange my table. It required trial and error to create a visually appealing and practical setup. I also had to consider the working space behind the booth, where I intended to sit and attend to customers. It was important to have everything I needed nearby, including doll packages for multiple purchases and personal essentials such as food and drinks.

Displaying the Products

The day had finally arrived, and my booth was ready for the Calgary Expo. I was excited to showcase my artwork and interact with potential customers. The display played a significant role in attracting visitors and generating interest in my creations.

Adjustments and additions

To make the booth look even more appealing, I made a few adjustments to the display on the second day of the expo. I added more dolls on top of the shelf, filling in the empty spaces to create a fuller and more vibrant look. It was all about making the booth visually appealing and highlighting the diversity of my creations.

Fan art and original designs

My booth catered to a variety of interests, mainly focusing on fan art. However, I also included some of my original designs, such as my dinosaur series and Patreon creations. This allowed me to showcase my versatility as an artist and cater to a broader audience. From popular characters like Pokémon to unique creations like Gojo Sensei, my booth featured a wide range of designs that appealed to different tastes.

Positive reception

The changes made to the booth display were well-received by the visitors. People were genuinely interested in the artwork and the effort put into creating each piece. It was gratifying to see the positive reactions and engage in conversations with potential customers. The popularity of certain items, such as the baby version of my Toothless plushie, indicated the success of the booth display in capturing attention and generating sales.

Future considerations

Reflecting on the experience, I realized the need for certain amendments in the booth setup. The demand for the time-consuming Toothless plushie made me consider raising the price or altering the design to ensure a more efficient production process. I also acknowledged the importance of creating more anime-themed products to cater to a specific niche within the fan art market.

Exploring the Expo

While vending at the Calgary Expo, I had the chance to explore the event and visit other booths. Taking breaks from my own booth allowed me to appreciate the creativity and talent of fellow artists and discover exciting products.

Morning artist rounds

In the mornings, before the expo opened to the public, I took the opportunity to walk around and check out other booths. It was inspiring to see the diverse range of artwork and merchandise on display. From stunning illustrations to unique handcrafted items, the expo was a hub of creativity and artistic expression.

Notable discoveries

There were some booths that particularly stood out to me during my explorations. One booth had incredibly cute crocheted items that caught my attention. Their attention to detail and intricate designs were truly impressive. Another booth showcased the cutest Pokémon art I had ever seen, demonstrating the creativity and passion of the artist. These unique and captivating displays added to the overall experience of the expo.

Limited time for exploration

Despite my curiosity and desire to explore further, I could only allocate limited time to venture beyond my booth. Being the only person in charge of my own booth meant that I had to prioritize attending to customers and ensuring the smooth operation of my business. Nevertheless, the brief moments I spent mingling with other artists and seeing their incredible work left a lasting impression on me.

Day Two of the Expo

The second day of the Calgary Expo brought an unexpected turn of events that worked in my favor. The booth next to mine remained unoccupied as the vendor canceled their participation. This provided me with an opportunity to extend my own booth and make further additions to my display.

Embracing the extended space

The extended booth allowed me to add more items to my display and create a visually stunning arrangement. I took advantage of this opportunity by showcasing some of my larger plushies on top of the shelf. This not only made the booth look fuller but also attracted the attention of passersby.

Fan art and original designs

The variety in my booth was one of its selling points. Fan art dominated the collection, with popular characters from anime, video games, and movies. However, my original designs also had their dedicated space. I took pride in showcasing my dinosaur series and Patreon creations, demonstrating my commitment to diversity as an artist.

Gratitude towards the expo organizers

The flexibility and support offered by the Calgary Expo organizers were commendable. Allowing me to extend the booth and fill in the unoccupied space enhanced the overall look and feel of the expo. The collaborative approach of adapting to unforeseen circumstances reflected their commitment to creating an enjoyable experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

Behind-the-scenes glimpse

While the booth extension was visible to the visitors, there were also intriguing aspects behind the scenes. The additional space provided me with a more comfortable working area. It allowed me to keep supplies and essentials within reach, ensuring a seamless vending experience. Having everything I needed in one place minimized disruptions and maintained a professional appearance.

Behind the Scenes of the Booth

Running a booth at an expo entails more than just displaying and selling artwork. There are various behind-the-scenes aspects that contribute to the success of the booth and the overall customer experience.

Personal space and comfort

As an artist, having a designated working space behind the booth is essential. It not only provides a comfortable area to sit but also allows for quick access to necessary items and smooth interactions with customers. Strategic placement of doll packages and personal essentials ensures convenience while attending to multiple customer requests.

Dreaming of an empty booth

Despite the hustle and bustle of the expo, artists sometimes yearn for a moment of solitude. Imagining an empty booth with no visitors provides a glimpse of the peace and tranquility that can be appreciated during breaks. It's a brief escape from the constant activity and an opportunity to recharge before engaging with customers again.

Unexpected opportunities

The cancellation of the neighboring booth presented an unexpected opportunity to enjoy the extended space. Moments like these highlight the importance of adaptability and embracing unforeseen circumstances. The extended booth not only added visual appeal but also provided an enhanced experience for the artist and attendees alike.

Day Three of the Expo

As the Calgary Expo entered its third day, the booth underwent yet another transformation. Some products sold out, while others were rearranged to present a fresh look. Each day at the expo brought new challenges and opportunities for sales and artistic expression.

Adjustments and rearrangements

The changing dynamics of customer preferences and sales dictated the need for adjustments in the booth display. Sold-out items were replaced with other dolls, ensuring that the booth always appeared well-stocked. The goal was to maintain an attractive display that showcased the diversity of my creations while also maximizing sales potential.

Reflecting on the creative journey

Designing and creating dolls is a rewarding yet intricate process. Some dolls, such as the baby version of the Toothless plushie, require considerable time and attention to detail. Reflecting on the production process, I contemplated raising the price or reevaluating the design to streamline the manufacturing process without compromising quality. Balancing artistic vision and practicality is an ongoing journey for every artist.

Cautionary tale about succulents

Even amidst the excitement of the expo, personal interests and preferences find a way to surface. While browsing through the expo, I found myself drawn to the plants section. However, I learned from a personal experience that buying succulents from IKEA might not be ideal due to the packaging. Everyone's preferences and experiences may differ, but it's important to find what works best for oneself.

Reflecting on the Experience

With the Calgary Expo coming to an end, I took some time to reflect on the overall experience and the lessons learned throughout the event.

Gratitude for support and success

The success of the booth and the positive response from visitors filled me with gratitude. It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and interest people showed towards my artwork. The support from the Calgary Expo organizers and the opportunity to connect with fellow artists further added to the sense of accomplishment.

Looking ahead

As the expo concluded, I realized that it was not the end but a stepping stone towards future ventures. The exposure gained, feedback received, and lessons learned would contribute to my growth as an artist. The next expo awaited with new possibilities, fresh ideas, and the determination to improve and excel.

Catching up and making more dolls

Post-expo, there was a need to catch up and replenish the stock of dolls. The demand generated during the event meant that it was time to focus on production and fulfill orders. This entailed putting in the necessary effort to design, create, and present new dolls that would capture the interest of potential customers.

Conclusion

Participating in the Calgary Expo was a memorable experience that allowed me to showcase my creativity as an artist. From setting up the booth and adjusting the display to exploring the expo and interacting with fellow artists, each moment contributed to the success and personal growth achieved during the event. The lessons learned and the connections made will undoubtedly serve as valuable resources for future endeavors in the vibrant world of art and expression.

Highlights

• Setting up the booth with an extended space provided a visually appealing display opportunity.
• Challenges with limited space highlighted the importance of planning and considering inventory limitations.
• Making adjustments to the display and adding more dolls attracted visitor attention.
• Exploring other booths allowed the discovery of unique and inspiring artwork.
• The flexibility and support of the expo organizers enhanced the overall experience.
• Behind-the-scenes aspects, such as personal comfort and dreaming of an empty booth, played a role in booth management.
• The extended booth space offered new opportunities for artistic expression and improved customer experience.
• Adjustments and rearrangements kept the display fresh and sales potential high.
• Reflecting on the experience brought gratitude for support and motivation for future growth.
• Catching up and making more dolls became a priority post-expo to meet the demand generated.