The psychological state of an artisan at a fair (the honest version)
There are fairs and then there are fairs. I rarely find an explanation for the discrepancy in sales figures: sometimes it goes very well, sometimes it's a nightmare... Here are some honest observations about what I sometimes experience at fairs 🥲
Before the fair"It's better to take a few more pieces. It'll be worth carrying all 387kg. This time I'll sell a lot."
( I clearly learned nothing from the last 7 weeks )
Setting up the stall
This is Pinterest-worthy.
If this doesn't sell, I don't know what will.
( The universe: hold on a minute )
First contact with humans
They pick it up. They look at it. They ask the price even though the prices are all visible.
- "Do you have an online store? I'll check it out at home later" ( doesn't check it out )
– “I’m going for another walk and I’ll be right back” ( classic lie )
– “I’m going to withdraw some money and I’ll be right back” ( doesn’t return )
( And there I was, processing it .)
The denial phase
"It's weak... but it'll make up for it later."
( not worth it )
The acceptance phase
You no longer sell. You merely exist.
Yes, I did that 🥹
( on autopilot )
The body gives up before the soul.
Feet: nonexistent
Costas: in court
But you're still there because you've already paid 🫠
The moment you do the math (critical error)
"If you sell 3 more things..."
( you don't sell )
The invisible hierarchy of the fair.
You think you're independent, but then you realize: there are greater forces at play.
And these forces say: "you only fall apart at the right time" 🫡
Rain, wind, apocalypse… it doesn't matter. You can't leave before your time.
Dismantle the stall
Preserve everything with as much dignity as possible.
The same things. All of them. Maybe minus one or two that left during the live show called 'It's me carrying all this alone'."
Conclusion on the way home
"I won't do that again."
( I'm signing up for another fair )
Being a craftsman is:
To live with a smile on your face and say "thank you" 😌
And please… DON'T SAY YOU'RE GOING TO RAISE MONEY.