Art Market Lessons: Faith Over Sales

Last October, I had the opportunity to sell my original artwork at a large, seasonal art market. That was the goal, at least. At this point, I'm much more seasoned with art markets, but up until last fall, I had never been alone at a booth. I almost always have my amazingly gorgeous and spectacularly encouraging emotional support husband with me, but the first day of the market happened to coincide with someone's dental surgery. I should probably be much more compassionate, but all is well in the husband-tooth department now.

So, obstacle number one: I'm by myself.

Obstacle number two: no one was making sales.

Many blamed it on the election year, others on the event for scheduling it during homecoming for the state school that was a city over, and others on their own goods. I fell into the third category. After the first eight-hour day of no sales, I began to grow disheartened, but I focused on the two and a half full days ahead with some hope.

My journal from that weekend

Friday passed - nothing.

Saturday dragged by more slowly than the last two days, but with a more encouraging yield. A friend of mine stopped by to see me and bought a few things, and a couple got a bandana for their dog. Sunday, a half day, capped the art market with no sales. In total, I finished in the red by $235. It was not a cheap event.

During my time alone, as the days dragged on and the few guests whizzed past, I spent my time praying. At first, I prayed for sales, but then I began praying for whatever God's will would be. I cannot force anyone into my booth or make them buy my things, but God could bring the right audience. He could also keep them away for my benefit.

If I had sold out, my heart could easily become prideful. "I make art that sells well, and I'm so good at markets." What I needed in that season was a tangible understanding of Proverbs 16:9:

A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

I can buy spots at a booth and spend a month working on art I think people will buy, but the truth is: it's all God's will. My small art business is His, and His to do with as He will for His glory. So sometimes that looks like a lesson in humility. Sometimes it's a bountiful harvest, but in all seasons, He is good.