Manchester Catstravaganza - What a blast!

Last weekend I had the time of my life attending my very first in-person event selling my own art! The event took place at the Bowler's Exhibition Centre in the Trafford Park (greater Manchester) and was organised by Loving Cats Worldwide (LCWW).

I didn't really know what to expect going in even though I had been preparing for it the whole year. I was equal parts nervous and excited! I brought lots of stock (prints, bookmarks, clay cats, keychains, doorhangers, notepads, rosettes, stickers...etc.) and spent a long time putting up my display; I was really happy with the result!

It was very fun meeting fellow cat-enthusiasts, both the visitors, fellow artists, exhibitors, and even judges! I was also able to meet my idol Craig Dryden in person again! He is my favourite cat judge, I first met him during my first visit to a cat event (as a visitor) and his friendly and calming presence while judging was one of the many things that encouraged me to join an event as a vendor myself! I was also very lucky with the location of my stall because it overlooked the "Catwalk", which is were a lot of the informative talks took place. This meant that I was able to look at adorable kitties without having to leave my booth!

I think the event went well, but some of my artist friends had mixed feelings about it. The footfall was much lower than we had expected. This was because of a mix of different reasons; the dates and venue had changed three times, the venue was quite far from the city centre and difficult to access, and the venue itself was not the most inviting of places. Even then, however, I was determined to have a good time and I believe I did! I kept thinking "well, if this is a bad event then I can't wait for a good one!".

Before going to this event, I was prepared for the possibility of it flopping. I kept thinking "hey, if it goes badly, and least it won't be because you didn't try". I was hesitant to book any future events because I first wanted to see how this one would go. However... I have now booked Liverpool! And I can't wait!

The Liverpool Catstravaganza will take place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool (a more central location) on November 2nd and 3rd. I will be just after Halloween (of more significantly for me, right on Dia de Los Muertos) and before Christmas, so I might be able to make some seasonal products for it! Do you have anything in mind?