Summer Fair
'The worst-tempered people I've ever met were the people who knew they were wrong.'
Wilson Mizner
I went to the Summer Fair yesterday and was extremely disappointed about the whole thing. I thought it would be some really interesting design show but I didn't see anything new or innovative just a repeat of what has already been out there. And this fair claims to be about the latest trends, well sorry... but it was all waaaaay to contemporary and just plain boring. I can't believe people would actually be willing to pay an entrance fee for this [25 pounds I think]. I've seen far more interesting stuff on the internet design-wise by independent artists and/or designers and for free.
Perhaps I've got it all wrong, perhaps I have different standards and I dare to admit that these might be slightly high but I do recognise when hot air is being sold. I got this 'Disneyland' feeling *being sarcastic* while I was there so I guess my expectations were too high. Also an incident with a trader from Isleworth who seemed to have some personality issue on the edge of paranoia/aggression, made me want to leave. The other people at the stand had to make up for his behaviour by apologising about five times... I'm sure his attitude and his so not-worth-mentioning-products won't bring him much business.
There were a few really nice stands though, there was one that showed amazing furniture and accessories handmade from natural reclaimed and recycled materials. And another that had funny metallic wind spinners, unfortunately the links to their websites don't work so I can't show them here. Still I was in and out in about 45 minutes and spent the rest of the day enjoying the unexpected sun and the wonderful company of my friend Karin and her partner. It was quite windy though, 28mph according to the BBC weather forecast, but it was nice to have a stroll around the area.
Back to work today... I'm gonna be sketching for a few hours for the online glove shop and will work on my own project which happens to be an online shop as well.
Sorry that the fair didn't live up to your expecations :( Must have been really frustrating, especially with the entrance fee being 25 pounds :(
I would have liked to have a look at the hand made furniture that you mentioned. Pity that their website is not working. BTW, that is really bad, that a company is trying to sell its products and the website is down! This is the Internet era :) You can barely do business without a website ;)
Good luck with your project :) and have a lovely day amiga,
Wen: hi Wen, the fair was terrible and yes it was frustrating but not because of the fee... I preregistered so I got a free ticket but I had set my mind on finding business here and had been preparing the day before. Organised my business cards: I added stickers on the back with extra text and a discount code etc. So I was ready to get work in and talk the talk... That's why I was disappointed since I had been looking forward to this for months!
That furniture was amazing and yes a true shame that their website doesn't work, I was thinking about writing them and ask if they're interested in having it designed by me :-O
The website is not down, it's basically just an image with a phone number *hehe* but yes, bad for business! Thank you for all your wishes, have a lovely day too!!!