2025 Markets Recap: Lessons Learned with Risks & Rewards

As a working artist, I'm in the business of selling my work. Markets are a natural entry point into a retail opportunity, but my list of reasons and fears not to was long. In truth, I think I wasn't ready to commit, unsure if the investment was "worth" it.

However, things shifted in the spring of 2025 after another artist at my studio invited me to participate in the Madison Park artisan markets. It takes a village! The booth fee was a generously low barrier to entry, and she was so encouraging that she lent me a folding table. I could no longer say no, and it was time to take the plunge. I'm glad I said yes, and in 2025 I did two summer markets and one Christmas market all in Madison Park.

Markets are an investment of time, energy, and resources, and you can't do them all. As I start picking out opportunities for 2026, I'm going to be considering the following:

Location, Location, Location

I knew the Madison Park neighborhood was primarily homeowners who have a disposable income so that a market was economically viable. It had a pop-up vibe, and it had an opportunity to be something special to this tucked away neighborhood.

What's the Draw?

It takes a lot to get people out of their homes, and foot traffic is better when there's more to see and do. I loved that the market happened alongside the weekly farmers market. I had a built-in audience prepared to shop and often delighted with a richer weekend experience. My success was not based on mobilizing my friends and followers or the marketing powers of the event organizer.

I was able to focus my efforts on creating an attractive booth, offering cool products, and getting them excited to learn more and purchase.

Expanding on "Success"

After a market, I'll get asked, "How'd it go?" I haven't found a simple answer for that question yet because sales cannot be my only metric of success. It takes work and vision to prepare products and booth to share your business. It takes confidence to put your work out there and witness people's reactions to it. It's not easy, but I think it's part of the deal of being a working artist.

To buoy my spirits and keep me going, I find my success in the following ways:

• The number of business cards I pass out

• My ability to plant seeds and create positive interactions

• An opportunity to receive positive and interesting feedback to inform my work

• The work of showing up and doing my best proudly

• Breaking even - I will always want more sales, but I'm still starting out and making money is a win

Thank you to everyone who came out to visit me at my booth and those who supported me with a purchase or an Instagram follow. The biggest thank you to Anne for your invitation and support in selling along side of you.

At the end of the day, I believe my time at the Madison Park markets was a worth-while time preparing me for more markets and stronger experiences in 2026!