Here we GO...in a year like no other, I have two (virtual) shows scheduled for June. For the time being, this is my new normal; all shows I regularly attend have been cancelled through at least August, and several through the end of year! (Please note that June Junkstock IS happening, but as I do not normally do that show, I opted not to try to squeeze in. JS is planning to offer some other options for those of us who were to be in the May event...I'll keep you updated!)
I have looked at ways to provide the best online experience for virtual shows...I know my studio friends will be patient with me as I bumble along! I'm certainly open to your sweet suggestions.
First up! Vintage and Made Fair's Virtual Summer Edition June 12-15. I have participated in this Des Moines area show several times in the past. It is one of the home-iest shows I have ever done...an amazing combination of artists, vintage dealers, crafters, live music and food trucks. The virtual show's platform is on the VAMF Facebook page. You will be able to get a taste of a normal VAMF event with live music performances which will take place on the FB page...each vendor will have a photo with links provided to take you to his or her shopping page (I don't have my photo link yet, I will be adding it soon). Please note that all sales will be through individual vendors...VAMF is not having a live event to sell vendors' wares.
Here's a run-down of how to interact/shop with Brown Dog Studio (ME) during the virtual event.
- On the VAMF Facebook event page This page is GREAT if you want to take advantage of more of the virtual event beyond just my studio. You will have to scroll through 70+ participating artists and vendors to find the photo/link for Brown Dog Studio. The Brown Dog Studio section on the VAMF FB page allows you to comment/ask questions...and that link takes you to...
- Brown Dog Studio's website...I have two main things set up for you here...FIRST, an evolving "how-to" page that explains my participation in the virtual event, including a schedule JUST FOR THE STUDIO, (including my Facebook Live schedule). SECOND...SHOPPING!!!, I have created a special collection for the studio, especially with this weekend's virtual event in mind. THE COLLECTION IS CURRENTLY BEING LOADED AND EDITED...IT WILL GO LIVE AT 9AM FRIDAY JUNE 12! You are more than welcome to shop the entire website, but this collection will include several brand new items, studio favorites and some discontinued sale items. Like my previous virtual shows I will offer a free local pick up option for paid website purchases, as well as single shipping payment, in case you decide to shop throughout the weekend...you only pay shipping once!
- Brown Dog Studio's FB page...This will be the most interactive part of the virtual show. I will have Facebook Live sessions each day (see schedule here) in order to show and model jewelry, take questions and help with custom orders.
I'll be very available throughout the weekend, as if I were set up in person. I bounce around to all of the studio's social media accounts and the VAMF page, but I highly recommend that if you posed a question and you haven't heard back from me...message me on Brown Dog Studio's FB page in case your comment or question got hidden or overlooked.
This format worked very well for last month's virtual Junkstock show in which I participated. Hopefully I have worked out a few kinks!
June 25-28 Brown Dog Studio Virtual Trunk Show...This show will be very similar to the Mother's Day edition I hosted online last month, but I'm kicking it up a few notches as I figure out what works best! Watch for a "how-to page" on the website, a special collection for the event (several items JUST in time for this show!), give-aways and FB lives (including our preview party Thursday evening...get ready for a whole-lotta Sarah lol). NEW!!! Barring any new virus constraints (pooh...I said the V word!), I will be adding RESERVED IN-PERSON SHOPPING. More details will come after this week, but I will be offering reservations on the website for 30-minute shopping sessions during the show (on the hour so there is no overlap) for you and a friend. I'm very excited to add this dimension to shows. If it works out well, I may offer a few sessions periodically between events.
Other studio news...use of drop box is working out well for order pick ups. Don't be offended if I remind you a few times to find the box next to studio and NOT at our front door. My family (some of whom are currently working from home and are often on conference calls) have been instructed NOT to come to the door to direct you. PLEASE give the same instructions to husbands who come to pick up orders lol.
