I've been thinking about the upcoming show and reflecting on my first few shows and think a thread on how to enjoy, behave, and benefit from the show may be helpful. So all who have attended are invited to throw out a few thoughts.
-The best time for critique and help is Monday. Some are not able to stay over so here are some other possibilities. For those displaying this is an important opportunity to network, get work, and find a way to make it pay. We gladly welcome questions and try to help new and progressing engravers when we can. The key is to recognize that during show hours a priority should be given to the walk-by traffic, aka potential new clients, and visit with the exhibitors during slow times. If you can get in early before public show hours that is a good time, after hours at the local gathering place, watering hole or whatever you want to call it-why don't they serve something good like a milkshake or chocolate milk-is also good. Some of us are long-time friends but we welcome newbies at gatherings and it is not an elite clique that requires anything beyond regular decent behavior and courtesy-hmmmm I may have to rethink that so I'm not shown the door. Just listening in can provide valuable information just ignore Marty's stories.
-About the third year of displaying I came home and realized that I had benefited more from that show any other regarding acquiring useful information. I was far enough into engraving and my understanding to be more specific and focus on just a couple of things. Before there had been a wealth of information and my small intellect was overwhelmed and too many things mushed-technical term used by Idaho farm boys-together and very little learned well enough to be fully useful.
-When you introduce yourself also reveal your cafe name if applicable. I am sequestered, exiled, quarantined, relegated, etc.. to the garage and do not get out much so I may know you only as so-and-so on this forum.
-I couldn't care less what equipment you use and don't apologize or explain to me why you use a particular system. I have very close friends using every tool imaginable. The basic concepts of engraving, drawing, and design remain the same regardless of tools. If I want to know I will ask and I sometimes do because I am always trying to learn.
-I am not interested in Amway. If you buy me a meal don't couple it with a sales presentation.
OK someone else's turn.
-The best time for critique and help is Monday. Some are not able to stay over so here are some other possibilities. For those displaying this is an important opportunity to network, get work, and find a way to make it pay. We gladly welcome questions and try to help new and progressing engravers when we can. The key is to recognize that during show hours a priority should be given to the walk-by traffic, aka potential new clients, and visit with the exhibitors during slow times. If you can get in early before public show hours that is a good time, after hours at the local gathering place, watering hole or whatever you want to call it-why don't they serve something good like a milkshake or chocolate milk-is also good. Some of us are long-time friends but we welcome newbies at gatherings and it is not an elite clique that requires anything beyond regular decent behavior and courtesy-hmmmm I may have to rethink that so I'm not shown the door. Just listening in can provide valuable information just ignore Marty's stories.
-About the third year of displaying I came home and realized that I had benefited more from that show any other regarding acquiring useful information. I was far enough into engraving and my understanding to be more specific and focus on just a couple of things. Before there had been a wealth of information and my small intellect was overwhelmed and too many things mushed-technical term used by Idaho farm boys-together and very little learned well enough to be fully useful.
-When you introduce yourself also reveal your cafe name if applicable. I am sequestered, exiled, quarantined, relegated, etc.. to the garage and do not get out much so I may know you only as so-and-so on this forum.
-I couldn't care less what equipment you use and don't apologize or explain to me why you use a particular system. I have very close friends using every tool imaginable. The basic concepts of engraving, drawing, and design remain the same regardless of tools. If I want to know I will ask and I sometimes do because I am always trying to learn.
-I am not interested in Amway. If you buy me a meal don't couple it with a sales presentation.
OK someone else's turn.
