Art Show Booth Concept Design

..

I recently had the joy of assisting Leah Nadeau, a contemporary artist based in Portland, Oregon, in making a huge leap forward in her career by helping her to design and set up her booth display at the renowned Palm Springs Modernism Show. 

(Yes, I AM still retired! The fact that I am not publicly marketing my services any longer doesn't keep me from stepping up occasionally to assist creatives and small business owners by using the skills that I have honed over more than half a century.)  When this talented artist posted on Instagram that she was in need of help at this show in my area, I volunteered. She graciously accepted - enthusiastically! And together, we created a concept and a plan, then put that plan into action as we met at the Palm Springs Convention Center on setup day before the show opened.

Let me share the design-to-installation process with you, along with some 'adventures' that were had along the way...

Design always begins with a goal.
While any activity involving the purchase of goods has an obvious goal (sales), in this case the main goal was to present the artist's artwork in the best way possible - in a way that reflected not just the style of her art, but what inspires her, what she communicates via her art, and how she wants the viewer to experience her art.  

In addition, this artist did this show to expand the exposure of her art, reaching new clients for the art on display in the booth and to reach more clients who desire custom commissioned work. This meant that her art displayed in her booth had to communicate in various ways to various groups of people... and this show attracts more than 15 thousand people over three days every February, and her efforts would be seen by all of them!

For those who came to purchase art during the show, there needed to be a variety of sizes, color palettes, and types of art available - from canvas & framing options to pricing levels, there had to be choices that would appeal to a span of potential buyers.

For those who came to the show to discover new artists with the goal of having custom commissioned work done later, her display needed to show some variety to grab their interest - and she prepared a GORGEOUS catalog with imagery and information about her commission process. It was one of the best pieces of marketing material that I have EVER seen. One of her friends helped her create it - and that's why we say 'It takes a tribe' to succeed. 

Another aspect of her presence at the show was to gather new contacts for her mailing list and to lead people to her website - where she sells more than just original paintings. She offers glassware, textiles, home & gift goods, and seasonal decor elements featuring her art online, but those weren't allowed to be sold at this show. She brought a few of those items and we used them as 'props' on the table in her booth.

You can see how multi-faceted the design for the booth needed to be to meet these criteria. With those parameters and goals in place, the design process began...

Trade Show Booth Concept Design

here's a look at something you haven't seen much of on my design blog: the design concepts i create for NON-retail spaces.

i've shared a few trade show booth shots before, including the display setups i've created for wholesale gift shows in the USA. i've also shared the redesign i undertook with my daughter in her 'Heeling Sole' barefoot massage studio in Texas several years ago. (i'll link all of those posts at the end of this one)

when you combine those two things, you see Deb designing a trade show booth concept for her daughter to set up at the national convention of her industry...

i'd like to share the project with you with the goal of helping you prepare for any trade show, convention, even pop-up space that your business might have as you promote what you do.

continue reading for my narrative and Jeni's input on our process and how those goals were met...

before & after: retail display solutions

A successful retail display doesn't just happen.

it is the result of a combination of knowing the science of retail principles

and the art of composition and placement. 

Both combine to create a 3D work of art that invites customers in - 

and results in sales of product.

There are some retail display design principles that are oh-so-perfectly illustrated

by the following 'before and after shots',

and to discuss them means that I have to critique the 'befores'.

So while I point out all of the flaws in the design below,

know that I realize someone worked hard putting it together...

they just didn't know the most effective way to do so.

continue reading as i describe what was wrong -
and how easily those challenges were addressed...

Containing Community & Commerce

I love watching the changing face of retail...

over my 45 years of involvement with the industry, 

I've seen many 're-inventions' and new concepts rolled out.

Some fail, some succeed.
But I am always wondering 'What's NEXT?' for retail.

I recently had the chance to see a concept that has every reason

to become a successful way to create shopping experiences all over the globe...

The Las Vegas Downtown Container Park 

is probably one of the most unique retail spaces I've seen.
Located on Fremont Street, just a few blocks away from a neon-lit tourist mecca of casinos,

 it's an open-air shopping center and entertainment venue  

that was built in 2013 from 43 re-purposed shipping containers

and 41 locally manufactured Xtreme cubes to create individual retail spaces. 

Situated on three levels,

the center offers wide open spaces along with retail and food service space:

The shops range from boutiques offering a variety of apparel, jewelry and accessories 

to art galleries, home décor and fixtures, 

and a barbershop housed in a retired boxcar and caboose. 

The park also includes restaurants and bars with indoor and outdoor seating, 

a park and raised stage for entertainment, and spots for a quick treat - 

including cupcakes, an old-fashioned candy shop, a gourmet popcorn store, and more.

In all, there are 39 retailers located within the complex.

At first glance, it's a cool industrial vibe.
On second thought, it's a brilliant way to re-purpose shipping containers - 

which too often simply rust away to nothing in salvage yards.

I wonder how many of these centers of commerce and community

could be created in areas around the globe, in virtually any economic setting,

to offer cost-effective venues for merchants, artisans, growers and makers? 

Include service providers - hair, nails, tanning, massage, urgent care, pet grooming - 

and you've another group of small businesses to serve.

We're in the midst of National Small Business Week, 

and I can imagine that this creative and economical kind of structure

could have a far-reaching effect on small businesses in communities everywhere.
What are your thoughts?
Would YOU embrace this in your community? Would YOU rent space like this?

information for this post was gathered from this source

Sharyn's Artful Makeover

Over the summer I worked with professional artist Sharyn Sowell

to completely re-design her art studio.

It was a fun (and exhausting!) whirlwind week of work,

where I was able to teach Sharyn some tricks of space design

and organizational concepts that really freed up her space and time in the long run.

we started by emptying her studio and leaving only furniture & fixtures...

 we evaluated what worked, what didn't, and what was needed
for her studio to express her brand image and work more efficiently for her.
then we painted the walls new vibrant colors to warm up the space.

and then we went SHOPPING!

 we hit the local thrift shops, a friend's house, a local salvage yard, 
and even found a pile of old drawers on the side of the road! 

we went to a local vintage market and found the red paper rack, 
and found a galvanized metal cart at a local shop.

 after some painting and cleaning, the new furniture went into the studio
- along with some of the old furniture in new locations! -
and we created 'zones' for the different activities that Sharyn undertakes in her studio.

supplies were loaded into each zone -
some stored in an old locker, some in the drawers we found, some in crates, 
and then there's that killer stack of suitcases hiding all kinds of creative goodies!

THEN the really fun part started: the decorating!

my goal for Sharyn was to get her art OUT of those flat files and onto the walls!
she had years and years worth of beautiful work hidden away, 
so I pulled it out and put it all over the studio...

from little vignettes on windowsills and shelves

  to small wall collages above the flat files (featuring her art plus 3-D objects)

 to the HUGE collage mural that I created near her beloved printing press:

the background is made up of huge posters of Sharyn's art,
formerly used at gift & stationery trade shows.
over that, I layered some original pieces from her files,
along with cutouts and 3-D objects  like tissue paper flowers, vintage millinery & jewelry.

it's a visual reference of all of the many styles that Sharyn loves
and has brought to life over the many years of her professional career.

{ i did the large collage while she was in the house, and when she came back out, 
she literally gasped. i've never been so thrilled by a client's reaction! }

this 'phase one' of the project set into motion a creative flood of ideas

and Sharyn continued refining the space more and more after I left.
she's happy with the changes and the way her creative space functions now,

and I'm thrilled that I was able to help her see the possibilities!

Sharyn is sharing the process and her own photos over on her studio blog:
artful makeover part 1 and artful makeover part 2

photos by Debi Ward Kennedy + Sharyn Sowell

UPDATE:
Sharyn's studio makeover appeared in a story in the Winter issue of Where Women Create Magazine, in November, 2017!

click on this sentence to learn more about how I can help YOU re-create your space - 

from retail stores and show booths to art studios and classrooms! 

On Creativity...

This is so true, no matter what it is that you do as creative work.

And it is also true that many people never hear this information... 

they just toil away in silence, hoping and wishing for 'a break' to come. 

Scribbling and drawing, doodling and writing, scratching out sentences and paragraphs.
First drafts become fiftieth drafts... 

and the struggle to reach their lofty visions goes on.

This is how it IS, and how it is SUPPOSED to be. 

Those stories of 'overnight successes' are bunk.
Celebrity can come in an instant - and the instant is often quickly over. 

The phrase 'Fifteen minutes of fame' doesn't lie. 

[Though, admittedly, many celebs outlive that fifteen minutes somehow].

Creativity is a commitment to a pursuit.

You have a dream, a goal, a vision.

You work toward it every day. 

Maybe you can only squeeze in five minutes a day to be creative.

Great!

Snap a photo. Write a sentence. Sketch a scene. Flesh out an idea.

It builds your skills, your ability, your 'eye', your vision - exponentially.

Much like accrued interest on a savings account, 

this kind of devotion to the practice of a craft, an art, a creative work,

is what compounds daily and increases the value.

You just keep getting better at it the more you do it.

[Have you heard about the principle of Ten Thousand Hours?]

Just keep working.

[paraphrasing Dory there...]

Keep writing, or drawing, or snapping photos.

Whatever it is that you create, keep creating it.

And forget the 'published' or 'exhibited' credits...

Even if no one ever sees the work, it's building your vision.

It doesn't matter how long it takes.

One day, you will look at your own work

and smile 

and say out loud to yourself,

"Hey, I'm GOOD at this!"

(now get ready for your moment and cue the paparazzi)
________________________________________

art·ful

ˈärtfəl/

adjective

1. 1.

   (of a person or action) clever or skillful, typically in a crafty or cunning way.

   "her artful wiles"

   synonyms:

   sly, crafty, cunning, wily, scheming, devious, Machiavellian, sneaky, tricky,conniving, designing, calculating; More
2. 2.

   showing creative skill or taste.

   "an artful photograph of a striking woman"

   synonyms:

   skillful, clever, adept, adroit, skilled, expert "artful precision"

.

credits: original quote by Ira Glass . graphic image (top of post) by Sawyer Hollenshead

Artful Studio/Office Design Project

I'm getting a GREAT response to my new offering of 'Artful Makeover' services!

 

As I tell each of the clients that I work with:

You really don’t have to spend money to create an efficient, inspiring office or studio - 

start with what you have!

When designing an office space, think about the function needed for your specific work processes. 

Move around as if you were working, and decide what storage & work surfaces are necessary - and where.  

Remember that the ‘work triangle’ concept of kitchen design applies to offices & studios, too!

* Starting with the largest furnishings, assign each a place and use - considering light sources, access, and traffic flow. 

* 'Shop your house' and garage for pieces that can be used in fresh new ways to add style - think outside the box!
* Get creative with the colors, furnishings and details you select to express YOUR style and brand with every choice. 

You can have an inspiring work space that works almost as hard as you do ;)

_________________________________________
 Want more Top Tips for your home office/studio space?  
FitSmallBusiness.com asked me to contribute to a new blog post about office setup,
and it's FILLED with pro tips to consider when setting up your home office -
great advice from small business owners and design professionals!

Whether you work in a home office, art studio, craft room, or classroom,
my new 'Artful Makeover' services will help you to work happily, efficiently, and creatively.

I design beautiful, efficient, inspiring spaces where your creativity will thrive!
Read about my Artful Makeover Services

Keep reading to see how I approach the design process...

Published: A Pro Tip from Deb!

*NOTE: please read 'UPDATE 2020' below this post for important info about links *

I was contacted this week (June 2016) by Allan from Fit Small Business.com - 

an online resource for small businesses.

I'd never heard of them (Sorry!) but after he proposed a collaboration, 

I went to the site to check them out.

TWO HOURS LATER.....

Seriously, they have an abundance of resources and materials

featuring educational information for the many varied facets of owning a small business!
I am very impressed - including with the comprehensive coverage of topics.
The articles & posts (this encompasses a website AND blog) are well-written
on a plethora of subjects that apply to many kinds of businesses - including retail.

...and there's SO much more...

Allan had come across my past blog posts on cash wraps (find them here and here)
and wanted to ask if I would consider adding the Fit Small Biz post about cash wraps to mine.
After reading their article, I was already leaning to 'YES!'...

Then Allan offered to insert content from me into one of their top-ranking articles!

Excellently written by Jason Rueger, their post is on the subject of store planning & design - 

and my recently published article in Gift Shop Magazine also focuses on retail space planning, 

so the concept of Zone Design was a perfect fit.
I pulled some information together, sent it off to Allan, 

and just a few hours later he emailed to tell me it's live. ALREADY!
I'm even MORE impressed now...

After reading his email, I went to their site to check out the article (and grab a few screen shots)...

They've chosen to add me in as a 'Pro Tip', with a link to my website.

I immediately clicked over here and added the Fit Small Business link 

to both of my own cash wrap blog posts, 

as well as their blog link in the 'Resources' sidebar section.
And I'm giving them a shout-out in a dedicated post because honestly,
anyone who can do business in a manner that is beneficial to both parties

and that benefits a LOT of readers deserves a spotlight.

I highly recommend them - so head over to Fit Small Business.com right now,

and plan to spend a couple of hours perusing their content.
Including the store planning post that features my Pro Tip!
You're going to learn a LOT.

the article appears at http://fitsmallbusiness.com/planning-your-store-layout/
see update 2020 below.

Thank you again, Allan, for the opportunity to collaborate with you on this.
I look forward to working with you again!

UPDATE 2020
Fit Small Business contacted me in a flurry of emails last week
to 'ask' me to remove ALL of my links to their site.
on January 2, 2020, the original article penned by Jason Rueger was edited (AND re-attributed),
with the content of MANY small business contributors deleted. Mine included.
So all of us who provided our expertise and insight in content to FSB,
with no pay and with agreement in good faith for a live link to our own sites, were erased.
Even my COMMENT on the article was erased.

I have deleted the live links to the FSB site from every location on my blog.
The link to the article that this post refers to has been changed to a typed reference rather than live link.
The photo above shows how my content appeared originally.
If you visit that article on their site now, you will see it is missing.

It doesn't escape my attention that the re-write of the article contains NEW 'tips' with live links 
that lead to very large corporations selling products and services. 
FSB claims they support small biz, but they only promote giant corporations instead of the small business owners who have given of their time & talent to support THEM.

I can no longer support or recommend FitSmallBusiness as a resource for small business owners.

Published: Gift Shop Magazine Spring 2016

The new Spring issue of Gift Shop Magazine arrived in my mailbox today, 

with my most recent article running on pages 120 - 124.
The subject this time is the efficient and effective use of space in a small store...

something I hear about ALL the time when I speak at trade shows and conferences.

It's a great read, with some inspiring images, 

and I hope you will visit the Gift Shop Magazine website + social media pages 

to see more of the content I provided for this issue!

In the article, I present my Top 5 Tips for Small Store Success:

* Utilize the principle of zone design for overall layout

* Learn how fixtures can help or hinder your capacity

* See how to use vertical space for displays + stock storage 

* Understand the effective use of color

*Find ideas for presenting merchandise in ways that maximize selection and sales.

  

Focusing on those five areas will get you on the path toward success...  

one step at a time! 

This issue of Gift Shop Magazine is available online in digital format!

Slatwall Gets an Upgrade!

Walking through my local Whole Foods, I came upon a new(ish) display -
backed by faux white subway tile slatwall.
Not only is the main effect light, bright, and clean,
which serves to bounce light right onto the merchandise,

but the rails have been minimized by this design and virtually disappear.

Why is that important?
because it makes your merchandise the STAR: eyes go to product, not fixture.

(well, except in MY case, where the first thing I notice in any store is the fixturing!)

Honestly, I despise the old slatwall systems...
the very nearly unpaintable-formica-bonded-to-particle-board slats, 

the scratchy metal grooves that refuse to let brackets slide,

the rigid linear appearance (that screams 1980's to me).

Retail fixturing companies now offer this ubiquitous retail background in more finishes than you can imagine:

Along with urban subway tile, 

you can also find slatwall panels with artistic stylized textures like

barnwood, corrugated metal,  brushed aluminum, mirrored panel, 

brick, slate, diamond plate metal, tire tread, and more!

No matter what your store style statement is, you'll be able to find slatwall
in a pattern/texture/colorway that coordinates and looks like part of the design
instead of leftovers from the last tenant in the building......

It's spring, and a great time to freshen up your store with a new look!
Searching for new retail slatwall and fixtures? Check Here:

AAA Displays
Stamps Store Fixtures

 US Slatwall

 Allen Display 
(non-compensated recommendation -  happy to share the good stuff)

Deb Does Disney!

The best 'job' I have ever had
was being on the retail visual team with the Walt Disney Company,
creating visuals in the stores in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.*
In the fall of 2014, we undertook a project to 'FLIP' a store:

We turned the existing 'Studio Disney 365' 'teen scene' store into the new 'Anna & Elsa Boutique'.

With a change of paint, wallpaper, graphics, logo, and re-defining the product line, 

the store was re-branded and re-decorated in the space of just over a month. 

The fixtures remained the same, even in nearly the same placement... 

it was the overall environment that was changed into something new - using simple means.

Even Disney, with their big plans and huge budgets,

doesn't always spend a lot to get a big result...

Take a look at the process in my newest slideshow,

and I'm sure you'll find ideas to help you give YOUR store a fresh look!

I've recently added two new albums to my portfolio,

featuring some of the visuals that I created for the Walt Disney Company:

click titles to view slideshows

Retail Store Remodel at Disneyland

Retail Displays at Disneyland

* I left my position with the company when my Dad was battling cancer,

in order to be available to help my parents with their business and his care.
Someday, I just might head back to the House of Mouse...
but I'll always be a Disney Kid!

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