Spring is around the corner, and it is shaping to be an exciting month of May for Veni Etiam Photography, as it begins to spread its wings and make a name for itself in the local Montreal community. During the month of March, I worked hard to meet with a handful of local shop- and gallery-owners, with the hope of beginning collaborations with them in order to sell some smaller-sized fine-art prints and metal prints in their venues. |
The month of May also brings a huge and exciting life event for Veni Etiam Photography -- its participation in its FIRST artisan fair! About a month after I launched my official website and blog, I also opened up an Etsy shop where I sell some smaller-sized or limited edition pieces. Etsy is a really interesting platform on which artists of all kinds of handmade goods sell their work independently. Etsy helps them showcase their pieces like they would in a store, and users can bookmark favorite items, purchase them or even (sometimes) contact the sellers to request custom orders. You could browse the categories and let your mind wander, or you can search for specific types of items (e.g., ceramic plates). The sheer amount of beautiful stuff on Etsy can make you dream. The best thing about Etsy is its community-feel -- not only must artisans comply with Etsy's ethical standards and spirit of craftsmanship, but Etsy also supports its artisans by offering insightful and user-friendly tips on branding and marketing so that you learn how to best present yourself and your creations to the world. Although I could have simply maintained my Veni Etiam website and blog, I additionally opened an Etsy shop to be part of this league or community, and I have enjoyed it very much so far!
A couple of weeks after I opened my Etsy shop, I applied to participate in the Etsy Handmade (Fait-Main) Creative Market, which is being organized by the Montreal Etsy Team -- a non-profit team run by other enthusiastic Etsy shop owners in the Montreal area. I tried to keep my expectations for acceptance low, as I knew it was a bit of a long shot as a first-time seller, especially given the competition involved to be selected for these events. I am extremely excited to share with you that I was selected to take part in the event and will be standing alongside other inspiring local artisans on May 3rd, introducing Veni Etiam to the Montreal community for the first official time!
Although, as a first-time seller, I did not make the shortlist to have a whole kiosk to myself, I am almost happier to be part of the Etsy collective table, where several of us will showcase and sell our pieces on a shared table. Not only does this lessen the daunting task of "starting big" and producing tons of pieces for my first-ever show, but it also gives me a chance to really feel part of the team in a different way. I am also volunteering with the Montreal Etsy Team to ensure the success of the event, which enhances the sense of community even further. I feel blessed for this start and for this fun opportunity, and cannot wait to see whether the 6,750+ people who have RSVPed for the event will actually show up (and how we will squeeze them into the venue between 10 am and 4 pm!).
If you're in the Montreal area, come join the fun on May 3rd. There'll be so many beautiful things to admire (and take home) in all sorts of categories, and lunch and drinks will be served. Best of all, you'll get to support artisans who are keen to share their inspiring creations with the community, and you'll get to be part of this milestone event at the early beginnings of Veni Etiam.
For more on the event, follow the Event page on Facebook, and don't forget to Like the Veni Etiam Photography Facebook page for updates and pictures!