Gender Bender Art Carnage

Tonight, or technically last night (since it's 2am now), I was a vendor at Art Carnage at The Soundry in Vienna, VA... It was fantastical, and yes that's a word! :) Usually, I perform improv with the Improper Imps of Improv and just casually stroll through the vendor area looking at this and that. Tonight, I decided not to perform, but to be a vendor and I was little apprehensive in the beginning. I've never been a vendor anywhere, and I haven't been selling much, actually anything via etsy, so I was feeling a little bummed and discouraged. I went there hoping I would sale at least one thing.. That was my goal.

When I arrived there, the place was not nearly as crowded as I thought. There were hardly any vendors, at least not as many as usual, so I really wasn't expecting too much, which I am ecstatic to say I made 5 sales and a had a lot of positive response to my items. It also gave me a chance to see what items people respond to most and what things I need to change/alter/arrange/discard, etc... Many people seemed to truly like the googly eyed owl pendants, decoupage bracelets and the zipper jewelry. It was soooo much fun talking to people and meeting the other vendors and just being immersed in such creativity. I met soap makers, jewelry artists, animation comic book artists, photographers... such fantastic talent all in one place.

I also learned some things about myself tonight... Although I sometimes get anxiety when I have to talk to people and just the thought of being a vendor was somewhat scary to me (I sometimes have a tendency to be quiet and introverted), I did an awesome job and felt I really connected with a lot of people. I had long conversations with potential costumers and I truly enjoy learning about people. I can definitely hold a conversation and I can also be very engaging.

I had a blast and it made me feel good about my products. Art Carnage is such an awesomely fun event with Poets, Artists, Comedians, Burlesque, Bellydancers and random, chaotic singers roaming about. I'm so happy I went... think I'm gonna do it again next month!